Brighton Ski Resort is the mountain equivalent of that long-haired friend who shows up to the party in ripped jeans and a faded band tee, immediately makes everyone feel welcome, and then somehow convinces the whole group to stay way later than planned. While other resorts roll up the welcome mat before sunset, here you can ride six nights a week under a dreamy canopy of twinkling lights.

After a scenic 30-ish-mile drive from downtown Salt Lake through Big Cottonwood Canyon, you’ll find Brighton sitting cozy on the ridge at 8,755 feet. That base elevation — and a 10,500-foot summit — makes it a total snow magnet for powder hounds chasing cliffs, chutes, bowls, big airs, and tree runs. But since opening in 1936, Utah’s oldest resort has also been the kind of spot where you don’t need to be an expert to feel at home. As one snowboarder wrote on Reddit, Brighton “has plenty of relatively mellow terrain” — and lots of “approachable gnar.”

Between the night riding, chill vibe, and deep snowboard culture, it’s the ideal pick for visitors who want fun and creative features over formality. Whether you’re planning your first or your fiftieth Brighton trip, here’s everything you need to know.

Brighton is all about beginner- and intermediate-friendly terrain, natural gathering points, and a laid-back energy that feels more like a grassroots hangout than a polished resort. As one reviewer put it, "The vibe is friendly, helpful, fun, and welcoming" That spirit runs deep. What began as a family-run lodge in the 1800s grew into Utah’s first ski area — built by locals who loved the sport. Today, you’ll find kids learning their first turns (those under six ski free with a paying adult) riding the same lifts as seasoned skiers, and wide, unintimidating green and dedicated learning zones that make it an especially welcoming choice for families and first-timers. 

Since Brighton became one of the first Utah resorts to open its doors to snowboarders in the ’80s, it’s been especially loved by riders. The mountain "is snowboard heaven" according to Slope Magazine. With "endless powder days, there is not a bad day to be had at Brighton" Its reputation as playful and free-spirited still shows up in the parking lot tailgates: boards propped against bumpers, burgers sizzling, and heavy stoke in the air. 

Some mountains are just born with it, and Brighton Ski Resort is one of them. Tucked deep into Big Cottonwood Canyon, its high perch and position along a north-south mountain spine means it intercepts plenty of westerly storm flow. The Wasatch Range acts like a giant snow trap: as moist air is forced upward, it cools, condenses, and dumps powder on the windward slopes. Even drier storms get wrung out by these peaks, delivering both high frequency and high quality snowfall. Brighton typically records 500-plus inches annually — and in exceptional seasons, that number can push past 700 inches.

Brighton packs about 1,050 acres of skiable terrain into a compact, social-friendly layout where all trails funnel to a central base area. The mountain is easy to navigate, and its lift system branches around a half-moon into distinct zones that cater to every level — from top-to-bottom greens for beginners to flowing blue cruisers and advanced glades. Mixed-ability skiers and riders can take different routes and still meet up with ease.

The joy factor runs high here. Brighton features six terrain parks, from beginner zones like Pee-Wee to advanced jump lines like My-Oh-My. Tree lovers rave about the gullies and trees — some mellow enough for novices, others packed with natural hits for more seasoned senders. “Brighton is like backcountry riding,” wrote one snowboarder. “Don’t be afraid to explore off the groomers.” Another wrote that "It boggles the mind how so much awesome terrain is squeezed into the footprint of Brighton Resort."

Brighton Skiing and Snowboarding at Night

The atmosphere shifts completely once the lights flick on. The crowds thin out, the temperature drops, and the mountain takes on this serene, cinematic quiet — just the hum of the lift and the whir of snow under you. “Night skiing at Brighton was everything I hoped it would be: thrilling, serene, and uniquely beautiful,” wrote one blogger. “It made the environment, and elements feel grander and more expansive.” The parks stay open too, meaning freestyle skiers and snowboarders can lap features well into the evening.

For locals, it’s a post-work ritual; for visitors, it’s the best way to extend a powder day. Full-day tickets include night access, or you can snag a cheaper night-only pass — perfect for anyone chasing a few after-dinner laps or looking to avoid weekend crowds.

A few quick tips: temperatures drop fast after sunset, so layer strategically and swap your mirrored goggles for clear or low-light lenses. And since parking can fill during the day, the UTA Ski Bus (free with a Salt Lake Ski Super Pass) makes for an easy, traffic-free ride straight to the lifts.

• Molly Green’s: A slopeside A-frame bar and grill (21+) serving pub classics and local beers in a warm, firelit setting. Expect rowdy après.
• Alpine Rose: The main base-lodge cafeteria with straightforward ski-day staples (burgers, chili, pizza) and grab-and-go options for quick refueling.
• Milly Chalet: A laid-back lodge at the base of Milly Express known for barbecue plates, burgers, and big mountain views.
• The Blind Miner Café: A morning stop for espresso, hot cocoa, pastries, and breakfast burritos open before the first chair.
• Sidewinder Grill: A mid-mountain spot turning out smash burgers and cheese curds for quick breaks between Snake Creek and Great Western laps.
• Doyle’s Dawgs: A renovated ticket office near the Milly Express lift serving creatively topped hot dogs and brats.

When You Need a Reservation:

• Required Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday periods between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Main weekend reservations open the Monday prior at 12:00 p.m. (noon MST)
• Rolling releases: New slots often open at 8:00 a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. daily

How to Reserve:

• Visit parkbrightonresort.com to book
• Enter your vehicle license plate (your reservation is plate-based, so update it before arrival if you plan to switch cars)
• Free for qualifying carpoolers (3+ people) but still must be reserved; $20 otherwise

Manage your reservation ahead or skip the hassle by hopping on the Ski Bus, free with a Salt Lake Ski Super Pass. With approachable terrain, welcoming vibes, and world-class snow, Brighton is the kind of mountain that’ll keep you coming back year after year.

With your transportation questions answered and your plane ticket booked, you are ready to come enjoy Salt Lake’s city-to-slope access and focus more on your powder turns and less on your turn signals. Pick up your luggage and within an hour you can be hopping on a lift at one of the best resorts in the country.

Add in the Ski Super Pass, which bundles lift tickets, ski and snowboard gear rental discounts and free bus fare, and you’re ready for an unforgettable trip to The Greatest Snow on Earth®!