Red rocks, white snow, and a sky full of stars underneath an inky sky. Utah is the winter wonderland that brings unforgettable adventures, coupled with the kind of scenery you won’t see anywhere else to the world.
The bonus is that this American state boasts some of the best ski and snowboard destinations, from the world-renowned slopes of Park City to the pristine powder of Deer Valley and the steeps and deeps of old school Alta and Snowbird.
Here are five picks for the best ski and snowboard adventures you can only find in Utah, plus some deals from our friends at Mogul Ski World to get you there.
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Ski into a whiskey distillery in Park City
There’s nowhere like Park City. A silver mining town that’s since become a ski mecca, it’s a living piece of history combined with all kinds of adventures. And it’s right at the base of Park City Mountain, which is the largest ski resort in the United States, with a massive 7,300 acres of skiable terrain.
This is a town where you can ski into the world’s only ski-in, ski-out distillery, High West Distillery, for the smoothest whiskey this side of Scotland.
It’s also where you can race down the 2002 Winter Olympics bobsled track, and where you can keep an eye out for celebrities as you shop for vintage cowboy boots during the Sundance Film Festival, which calls Park City home every January.
2. Luxe it up at skier’s only Deer Valley resort
Snowboarders, look away – Deer Valley Ski Resort is skier’s only and continuously ranked the Number #1 Ski Resort in the United States. Perfectly groomed runs, attentive ski valets to carry your skis for you, heated sidewalks, and ultra-luxury accommodation make all the difference (hello St Regis, Montage and Stein Eriksen Lodge).
Over the next three seasons, Deer Valley is also seeking one of the largest resort expansions to be seen anywhere in the world. The resort is gaining an additional 3,700 acres of skiable terrain, doubling its existing size and making Deer Valley one of the largest ski resorts in North America.
When completed, Deer Valley will have over 5,700 acres of skiable terrain, accessed by 37 chairlifts – and a whole new village to boot!
3. Record breaking snow fall at Snowbird and Alta
Utah has been scientifically proven to have The Greatest Snow on Earth® – a claim they’re so confident about, they trademarked it. AND they have a lot of it.
So where to go to experience the best of the steep and deep? The answer is Snowbird and the skier’s only resort of Alta, neighbouring ski resorts in Little Cottonwood Canyon, forty five minutes from Salt Lake City. In the 2022/2023 season Alta recorded over 22 metres of snow, and this season just gone, over 15 metres.
If you’re on skis, you can start at Alta and head over to Snowbird all in the same day. You’ll have a choice of some of the best steeps and deeps in the USA with epic tree runs, gullies and open bowls.
4. Ice Castles in Heber Valley or SUP yoga in a cave
Right on the doorstep of the new Deer Valley East resort expansion, you’ll find Heber Valley, a winter wonderland of outdoor adventures. The opportunities are endless here for the whole family – you can take a snowmobile tour, go winter horseback riding, explore the snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails in the tracks of Olympians at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, go ice fishing on the waters of the Strawberry Reservoir, or fly down Utah’s longest tubing lanes at Soldier Hollow.
Our favourites? Visit the famous ice castles after dark—ice formations created every winter and lit with multi-coloured lights—or try a SUP yoga class in the geothermal hot springs in the Utah Crater.
5. Red desert canyons filled with snow
Only in Utah can you combine the slopes with the most spectacular national park visits. After hitting the slopes in Northern Utah, it’s worth extending your fun to the incredible red rock landscapes of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Park.
By day, take amazing hikes along the arches, red rocks and canyons. By night, admire the designated dark sky parks, where you can marvel at the brilliance of the Milky Way stretching across the night sky. Click here to check out some downloadable PDF winter road trip itineraries for inspiration.
Ready to Plan Your Utah Snow Holiday? Chat with the Snow Travel Experts at Mogul Ski World who can help you create a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests and preferences – click here to get in touch.
Their early bird offers include savings on luxury accommodations like the St. Regis Deer Valley (save 15% on bookings of four nights or more*) and Apex Residences (save 25% on bookings of five nights or more*). Click here to discover more.
*Terms and conditions apply, see mogulski.com.au for details
