Skiing & Snowboarding Near Salt Lake City

The best time to visit Salt Lake City for skiing typically falls between December and March when the snowpack is at its peak. Salt Lake City is renowned for "The Greatest Snow on Earth," with the Cottonwood Canyons—home to popular resorts like Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude—receiving an average of over 500 inches of snow annually. January and February are prime months, offering the deepest powder and optimal conditions. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and slightly warmer temperatures, March can be an excellent choice. 

Salt Lake City (SLC) is incredibly close to some of the world's best ski resorts, making it a top destination for skiers. From downtown Salt Lake City, the distances to the major resorts are as follows: 

• Alta Ski Area: 32 miles (~45 minutes)
• Snowbird: 29 miles (~40 minutes)

• Brighton: 33 miles (~45 minutes)
• Solitude: 31 miles (~40 minutes)

These short distances mean you can hit the slopes within an hour of leaving the city, making Salt Lake City one of the most convenient ski destinations in the world. 

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is a major gateway to Utah’s ski resorts, providing unparalleled access to the mountains. The driving distances from the airport to the nearby ski resorts are: 

• Alta Ski Area: 34 miles (~45 minutes)
• Snowbird: 32 miles (~40 minutes)
• Brighton: 35 miles (~50 minutes)
• Solitude: 33 miles (~45 minutes)

Thanks to Salt Lake City's unique geography, you can land at SLC in the morning and be on the slopes by noon, making it a favorite for ski enthusiasts seeking maximum time on the mountain. 

Choosing between an on-mountain stay and staying downtown in Salt Lake City depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for.

On-mountain stays offer ski-in/ski-out convenience, allowing you to maximize your time on the slopes and enjoy the après-ski atmosphere right at the resort. It’s ideal for those who want a fully immersive ski experience. 

On the other hand, staying downtown offers a blend of urban and alpine adventures. With vibrant nightlife, diverse dining options, and cultural attractions, you can enjoy the city’s amenities in the evening after a day on the slopes. Plus, downtown hotels often provide shuttle services to nearby resorts, giving you the flexibility to explore different mountains each day. This option is perfect if you want to experience more of what Salt Lake City has to offer beyond skiing. 

Salt Lake City is just a short drive from Park City, one of the most famous ski towns in the United States. The distance from downtown Salt Lake City to Park City is approximately 32 miles, which takes about 35-40 minutes by car via I-80 East. This proximity makes it easy to explore Park City’s world-class resorts, like Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley, while staying in Salt Lake City. Whether you’re heading up for a day trip or staying longer, the quick commute means you can enjoy the best of both worlds—urban and alpine. 

Lift tickets for Salt Lake City’s ski resorts can be purchased directly through each resort’s website or at the ticket windows on-site. For convenience, you can also buy tickets in advance online to secure your spot, especially during peak season. The Salt Lake Super Ski Pass is a good option for those that want to spend a day at each of our resorts. It can be used at Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude. Multi-resort passes like the Ikon Pass or the Mountain Collective Pass also provide access to many of the resorts in the area and offer flexibility and savings if you plan to ski at more than one location. 

If you’re staying in Salt Lake City, you have a few options for getting to the ski resorts. Renting a car offers the most flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace and visit multiple resorts. However, you will need a snow-ready rental car, parking can be limited and may require advance reservations, especially on busy days.  Alternatively, the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) offers ski buses that serve the Cottonwood Canyons, providing a convenient and eco-friendly option without the hassle of driving in snowy conditions. 

Yes, you can drink in Salt Lake City! Despite outdated perceptions, Salt Lake City has a vibrant bar and restaurant scene. The city’s liquor laws have evolved, and you can enjoy a wide variety of craft cocktails, local beers, and fine wines at bars, restaurants, and distilleries throughout the area. Just remember that Utah has a lower legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% for drivers, so plan accordingly if you’re heading out after a day on the slopes.