Skiers Only
It Utah is known to have the Greatest Snow on the Earth. With over 500 inches of snow each year, it’s easy to see why skiers and snowboarders flock to this winter wonderland to experience the deepest and fluffiest powder with some of the steepest skiable terrain. Only 2 ski resorts in Utah cater exclusively to skiers only: Alta and Deer Valley. The reason for banning snowboarders is to increase the safety of everyone on the slopes. A blind spot is created when snowboarders turn heel side. This creates a dangerous situation for everyone on the slopes; therefore, to create a safe environment on the slopes for everyone, snowboarders have been banded from these 2 ski resorts.
Alta Ski Resort: 10010 Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta, Utah (801) 359-1078
Located 30 miles from Salt Lake City at the head of Little Cottonwood Canyon, in the Albion basin, is Alta Ski Resort: home to skiers. The town of Alta was established in 1871 from the silver mining that occurred in that canyon and Alta Ski Resort opened in 1939. Alta is one of the oldest ski resorts in the country and the second oldest ski resort in Utah (second to Brighton in Big Cottonwood Canyon). It maintains a family friendly environment with a down home, traditional feel permeating throughout the resort.
Vertical 2,538 ft (774 m) Runs 116+ total
Top elevation 11,068 ft (3,374 m) 15% easiest
Base elevation 8,530 ft (2,600 m) 30% more difficult
Skiable area 2,614 acres (10.58 km2) 55% most difficult Terrain Parks 0 Lift system 6 chairlifts: 1 high speed 6 pack
Snowfall 545 in ( 45.4 ft: 13.8 m) 3 high speed quads
Snowmaking Yes 1 fixed grip quad
Night skiing None 1 triple and 1 double
1 surface tow
Alta Season Passes and Lift Tickets
Prices vary depending upon the weekend, weekend, or holiday. Alta is part of the Mountain Collective and IKON passes.
As a way to reduce traffic up and down Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta now requires parking reservations, especially on weekends.
Shuttle buses are also available with multiple locations in Salt Lake City. Click here to see the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) bus schedule to Alta.
Needing help routing your adventure to Alta, click here for assistance.
Deer Valley Ski Resort: 2250 Deer Valley Drive, Park City, Utah (435) 649-1000
Located 36 miles east of Salt Lake City, and playground to skiers only, is Deer Valley ski resort. Deer Valley is known for its upscale amenities, and consistently ranks as one of the top ski resorts in North America. It hosted the freestyle moguls, aerial, and alpine slalom events and regularly hosts competitions for the International Ski Federation. Even with all of this high profile attention, Deer Valley continues to remain a family friendly resort with a small town vibe.
Vertical 3,000 ft (910 m) Runs 103: 27% easiest, 41% more difficult, 32% most difficult
Top elevation 9,570 ft (2,920 m) Longest run 2.8 mi (4.5 km)
Base elevation 6,570 ft (2,000 m) Lift system: 24 with 1 Gondola
Skiable area 2,026 acres (820 ha) 12 high speed quad chairlifts
Terrain parks No 5 triple chairlifts
Snowfall 300 inches (760 cm) 2 double chairlifts
Snowmaking over 660 acres (270 ha) 4 Magic carpets
Nigh skiing No Lift capacity 50,470 skiers/hour
Deer Valley season passes and lift tickets.
Prices vary depending upon the weekend, weekend, or holiday. Deer Valley is part of the IKON passes.
Shuttle buses are also available with multiple locations in Salt Lake City. Click here to see the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) bus schedule to Deer Valley.
Needing help routing your adventure to Deer Valley, click here for assistance.
Best Ski Resorts in the Salt Lake City Area.
Ikon vs. Epic Pass for Utah Skiers
Find the best Ski and Snowboard Lessons.
Ski Weekend in the Cottonwoods.
Needing help routing your adventure to Deer Valley, click here for assistance.
Looking for some good eats before or after your ski trip? Check these places out!
Want something warmer? Check out our guide to Southern Utah State parks.
