Ski Utah

words by Evan Thayer Twelve years ago, a much younger version of me wrote a similar Ski Utah blog about the potential for an impending El Niño event for the then-upcoming 2014–15 ski season. Ironically, the blog ended up being a season premature. While we did technically see an El Niño in 2014–15, it was the next winter (2015–16) that developed into a much stronger “super” El Niño event.

Explore Utah's signature runs one resort at a time with local athletes and ambassadors. Snowbird Tommy Flitton feels strongly that Silver Fox is arguably the best run at Snowbird. With wind buff, moguls, jumps, airs, and endless ways to ski it, do you agree? Woodward Park City X Games Gold Medalist and World Champion, Alex Schlopy, laps Main Line under the lights at Woodward Park City. What's your favorite line at Woodward?

The good news? Utah’s ski resorts are extremely family-friendly and built for this exact rhythm. Whether you’re managing nap schedules, easing kids into snow life, or just not quite ready for full-day ski school, there are plenty of places where you can set up camp, stay warm, and still have an amazing mountain experience. Here’s where the “ski day swap” really works. Alta Ski Area Alta feels like stepping into a simpler era of skiing, and that works in your favor with kids.

In Utah, luxury tends to be quieter and more connected to our mountain roots. It shows up in how easily the day unfolds, from stepping onto the lift in the morning to settling into a well-earned dinner, or trading ski boots for hiking shoes come summer. In short, it's about experience. The best properties offer more than just proximity. They give you space to reset, thoughtful service, and a setting that works just as well for winter ski days as it does for summer hiking and mountain biking.

Long before he was helping shape the voice and vision of Brighton, Jared Winkler was a young snowboarder in Big Cottonwood Canyon building park features with his friends. What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into an opportunity. Brighton noticed the energy, the innovation and the love for the mountains, and invited Jared to help build terrain park features for the resort. That one opportunity snowballed into a lifelong career at Brighton.

Skiers and snowboarders everywhere must face the grim reality of months without making turns. But all is not lost, there are many beer and beverage festivals to lure you slopeside this summer. Winter will be here before we know it, and in the meantime, we can all raise a glass to celebrate the mountain life. Ski Utah encourages responsible alcohol consumption and the use of a designated driver or a car or shuttle service when imbibing alcohol. Please drink responsibly.

Abby grew up on the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort where she discovered the interconnectedness of health, wellness, and resilience. While recovering from a broken leg, the consequence of a ski racing crash, she set her sights on returning to snow in time for that precious late April corn. Her time rehabilitating taught her the synergy of physical endurance and mental determination, which piqued her interest in physical therapy.

words by Felicia Wong Ski trips have become our family’s favorite way to spend winter together. Between work and kids juggling school, sports, and extracurriculars, our days are full, and free time feels rare and precious. When we do manage a few days off, we try to make every moment count. We’ve embraced the “weekend warrior” lifestyle, sneaking away whenever we can.

Let’s travel back in time. To a time before high-speed quads, or perfectly curated apres parties at Chute Eleven, and a time before The Greatest Snow on Earth® was synonymous with skiing in Utah. The ski culture in the 1970's was a time of transition from traditional ski techniques to a new era in which skiing was seen as a medium of self-expression for those open to experimentation. Skis were long, hair was longer, and the only thing tighter than your din was your pants.

A Perfect Winter Weekend: Family Adventures in Sundance and Heber Valley Winter in Utah is pure magic — bluebird skies, champagne snow, cozy mountain lodges, and that unbeatable mix of adventure and relaxation. Our family (a Southern California crew of four who loves exploring different Utah resorts) spent a long weekend last season skiing Sundance Mountain Resort and adventuring around Heber Valley — and it turned out to be one of our favorite winter trips yet.