Ready to hit the slopes, but confused what we mean when we say “pizza” and “french fry”? Look no further than Salt Lake County and the four resorts that sit within it—Alta, Brighton, Solitude and Snowbird. Salt Lake is a lucky recipient of Utah’s legendary snow and every winter offers the ultimate playground for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Don’t be intimidated by our four world-class resorts, get your boots on and get ready to learn and improve your downhill skills!  

Top-notch Ski Schools with Deep Histories  

Brighton: The Brighton Ski and Snowboard School offers personalized lessons with a focus on building confidence and skills in a fun, supportive environment. They have a variety of programs for all ages, including special beginner packages. Brighton Ski Resort, established in 1936, is Utah's first ski resort. The ski school has evolved significantly since its early days when the Alpine Ski Club built a rope tow from wire and an old elevator motor. Today, Brighton's ski school is known for its personalized lessons and supportive environment, making it a great place for beginners to learn. 

Solitude: Solitude's Snowsports Academy is known for its small class sizes and attentive instructors. Solitude Mountain Resorts was founded in 1957 by uranium miner Robert Barrett. The Snowsports Academy has a long-standing reputation for excellence, offering small class sizes and personalized instruction. The resort was the first in Utah to introduce high-speed quads and hands-free, ticketless lift access. They offer tailored lessons for beginners, ensuring a more personalized learning experience. 

Alta: Alta's Alf Engen Ski School has a rich history and a reputation for excellence. The Alf Engen Ski School at Alta was named after Alf Engen, a legendary skier who helped develop the resort in the 1930s. Engen, a world champion ski jumper and pioneer of powder skiing, took over the ski school from his brother in 1948 and directed it until 1989. The school is renowned for its high-quality instruction and rich history. Alta provides beginner-specific lessons with experienced instructors who use proven techniques to help new skiers progress quickly. 

Snowbird: Snowbird's Mountain School offers comprehensive beginner programs with a focus on safety and skill development. Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort was established in 1971 by Ted Johnson. The Mountain School was developed with the help of Junior Bounous, a pioneer of skiing in Utah. The school offers comprehensive programs for all skill levels, focusing on safety and skill development in Snowbird's famous powder snow. Their instructors are highly trained and use a step-by-step approach to make learning to ski or snowboard enjoyable and effective.