Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort

Snowbird has the longest season in Utah, hands-down. Two seasons ago, closing day was in July and last season’s was in May. The Snowbird Tram is well known for its early morning lines filled with anxious, powder-hungry patrons who await the first tracks down the Cirque, Road to Provo or Chip’s Run. The Peruvian Express and Tunnel make Mineral Basin access quick and painless. Although Snowbird’s terrain is some of the steepest and most challenging around, it’s too bad they’re getting rid of Baby Thunder and only keeping the small Big Emma terrain park.

JD

Alta

Alta’s 10,550-foot altitude perches it high in the Wasatch Mountains, keeping it white early in October and deep into May most years (fingers crossed). Alta also contains some of the state’s best inbound cliff shots. The variety of the terrain and usually deep snow make Alta a favorite for the state’s tele crowd. Snowboarding is not allowed, but if you ask me we should all be multi-faceted snow riders, and we could all use a break from the 14-year-old, Fallout-Boy-blasting, text-messaging, boarder mobs.

EW

Brighton Resort

Brighton Resort has claims as the locals’ mountain. It’s not about the fancy stuff, but it’s all about the riding. Brighton is popular with the high school and college snowboarder park rats, but skiers and families also find their place among the great snow, abundant tree runs and a top-of-the-line terrain park. The backcountry is easily accessible from the top of the lifts, and this year Brighton will offer high-speed access to the whole mountain with the opening of the new Milly Quad.

JD

Solitude Mountain Resort

As the Cottonwoods’ forgotten child, Solitude has managed to provide the terrain and snow conditions the area is famous for while avoiding over-the-top mountain development and overcrowding. Honeycomb Canyon on the backside of the resort hides some of the best tree skiing in the state, as well as seemingly eternal powder pockets.

EW

Park City Mountain Resort

Park City is all about the best of the best. You can eat at a five-star restaurant or ride the No. 1 terrain park in the country or ski with Hollywood celebrities and pro riders, including Shaun White, Aaron Bittner and Stevie Bell. Park City’s parks are well taken care of and maintained by their crews. The overall terrain is not as steep as the resorts in the Cottonwood canyons, nor does it get as much snow. But who cares about natural terrain in Park City anyway — you go there to slide the rails and fly off the giant kickers.

JD

The Canyons Resort

Although the resort has had more names than Puff Daddy, the mountain has stayed largely the same. The open spaces of the resort make it boring for those seeking more technical features. The resort’s competitive ticket prices, especially for students, keep it among the state’s most frequented resorts, especially on the weekends.

EW

Powder Mountain

The name doesn’t lie. Powder Mountain prides itself on not making artificial snow — and it shouldn’t need to with the 500 inches per year the resort averages. It’s never crowded and you can still find fresh powder a week after a storm. Powder Mountain also boasts the most skiable acres of any resort in the United States and it doesn’t have high-speed quads, gondolas, fancy lodges or gourmet food. Is that a positive or a negative, you ask? It’s all in the eye of the beholder. Just be warned about the steep, narrow, twisty road up and don’t forget the chains or 4×4 on snowy days.

JD

Wolf Mountain

Wolf Mountain used to be called Nordic Valley Wolf Creek Resort, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve never heard of either of them. Wolf is a tiny resort with three lifts and a few runs. It’s great for beginners because it’s usually not too steep or too crowded. Most patrons are families and learners. Wolf doesn’t get as much snow as other resorts because of its lower elevation, and it can get a little icy at night. But the lift tickets are cheap if you’re looking to learn without paying an arm or a leg.

JD

Snowbasin Ski Resort

One of Utah’s best-kept secrets is hiding up north. Snowbasin Ski Resort is like the Park City of Ogden with its fancy lodges and gondolas, but you won’t pay for it at the ticket office. You can go test your bravery on the runs used for the men’s and women’s downhill, Super G and combined races for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Or you can just take a ride up to check out the view and remind yourself that Super G racers are truly insane. You can also get a stunning view of the Ogden Valley from the top of the Strawberry Gondola while you traverse into the bowl. Don’t fall over the edge, though.

JD

Sundance Mountain Resort

Although it’s located near cougar town, Sundance Mountain Resort in the North Fork of Provo Canyon is one of Utah’s best-kept ski secrets. Even though it shares a name with the world-famous film festival, the artsy types stay in Park City, leaving the resort line-free on most days. The geography of Sundance makes it a dumping ground for northbound storms, attracting loyalists of other resorts when their home mountains get skipped.

EW

Deer Valley Resort

Strap on your Fischer carver skis and fur-lined parkas for Deer Valley Resort’s award-winning groomer runs and don’t forget your wallet. Deer Valley is Utah’s most expensive resort, but the marble and gold plated bathrooms try to make up for the resort’s lack of interesting terrain. On a non-sarcastic note, Deer Valley can make for a good groomed cruiser day when the powder has been chopped out and you can get your hands on a discounted pass.

EW