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Northern Utah has plenty to be proud of when it comes to taking the ultimate ski vacation there. The dry, light powder that blankets the region's resorts is famous for drawing not just ski enthusiasts, but also Olympic hopefuls, and even movie stars from around the globe to its slopes. While the snow is plentiful (up to an astounding 500 inches per season!) and the scenery spectacular, it's not just the pristine glorious mountains that have the crowds flocking to the region. Northern Utah skiing has a culture and ambiance of its own, one that takes special care to embrace its stunning natural environment and the creative arts. Apropos, every January the resorts literally roll out the red carpets as Park City becomes host to the world-famous Sundance Film Festival, boosting a town already brimming with culture and nightlife. In addition, those who consider partying an art will find that Northern Utah's base cities have embraced their responsibility to the creative community. Indeed, Park City was recently voted a top party-resort destination and Salt Lake City is a happening town with plenty of nighttime options for revelry.
Other resorts in the region simply let the mountains speak for themselves, ensuring slopes free from crowds and absolute tranquility both on and off the mountains. Nearby Salt Lake City is the perfect cosmopolitan base town, with more than 11 of the region's top resorts located just a short drive away, making them both world-class and accessible (a rare combination). It's part and parcel of what makes a northern Utah winter vacation the unique and extraordinary experience it is naturally designed to be.
Skiing near Bear Lake
In the northernmost part of the region, near Bear Lake, which straddles the Utah-Idaho border, sits the family-focused Beaver Mountain Resort. Nestled in the beautiful Wasatch-Cache National Forest at the top of Logan Canyon, Beaver Mountain attracts locals from both states with its warm family feel and personal service. A more rural area, the slopes are usually less crowded than further south in the region. In the area you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. The moderately-priced ski resort features three lifts and 23 runs.
Skiing north of Ogden
Just northeast of Ogden, the Upper Ogden Valley extends around the Pineview Reservoir and is bordered by enormous skiing and snowboarding areas that promise world-class slopes and powder. Perhaps even more impressive is that these resorts guarantee absolutely amazing views. For instance, on a clear day, from the peaks of ski resorts like Snowbasin or Powder Mountain, you can see all the way across the Great Salt Lake and into the neighboring states of Wyoming, Idaho, and Nevada.
Perhaps you're familiar with Snowbasin from the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, when the ski resort gained notoriety for hosting events like the men's and women's downhill, Super G, and combined races. In particular, the area is known for its excellent powder, and while nearby Powder Mountain resort boasts 100% natural snow, Snowbasin claims the largest and most modern automatic snowmaking system in the U.S.
The town of Ogden serves as base for ski resorts in this area. An additional bonus, it is also considered a center for arts with theater, galleries, opera, and other cultural performances throughout the winter season. Other area activities include heli-skiing powder tours, snowmobiling, night skiing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Just make sure you bring a fill wallet if you intend to ski at either of these expensive resorts. Powder Mountain has seven lifts, while Snowbasin features nine.
Skiing near Salt Lake City
The cluster of ski resorts near the Utah state capital of Salt Lake City offers world-class skiing and snowboarding. One of the best features of the skiing in this area is its fantastic accessibility - with Salt Lake City's international airport just a short drive away, practically anyone can fly into the region, and then find themselves careening down its slopes within a couple hours.
All nestled in Little and Big Cottonwood Canyon in the heart of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, each of the area's four primary resorts has a little something for everyone. Alta Ski Area embraces an old-fashioned ambiance and reserves its slopes for skiers only - one of just four places in the U.S. to enforce such a rule. With an AltaSnowbird lift ticket, you can gain access to Alta and sister resort Snowbird, which welcomes snowboarders and features some of the steepest and most thrilling runs in Utah. Brighton is a local family favorite and has some of the best terrain parks in the region. Finally, just adjacent to Brighton, Solitude ski resort doesn't hide its appeal - in fact, it spells it right out. Peace, tranquility, escape, and - solitude. With the Ski Salt Lake Super Pass, visitors can get access to all four resorts. The pass also includes round-trip transportation from downtown and suburban Salt Lake City directly to the slopes. Other winter activities in the area include cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
Among all these ski resorts, you'll be treated to a bevy of runs (over 200 of them!) and a few dozen ski lifts. You'll have to pay a lot, however, to have this impressive variety of options available to you, as these are some of the most expensive ski resorts in the country - but not without good reason, as you surely get the top quality for which you're paying.
Skiing in and around Park City
A bit further east of the ski resorts near Salt Lake City, sits the incomparable Park City and its adjacent ski resorts. Park City was once one of the nation's largest silver mining towns. Today, it is a hub of culture and nightlife, providing an extraordinary base town for some truly spectacular skiing. The town features upscale shopping, gourmet dinning, and plush lodging, plus the bonus of potentially bumping into a plethora of celebrities as you sip your hot cocoa and stroll down the picturesque streets. In addition to its unsurpassed skiing opportunities, Park City is also world-famous for hosting the Sundance Film Festival. Whatever brings you to the area, the Park City experience is bound to border unreal in its splendor. You can opt for the coziness of The Canyons or the absolute elegance and luxury of the famous Deer Valley Resort - where the slopes are just as well-groomed as the service. Be advised though - Deer Valley is for skiers only. Then there is the home of the U.S. National Ski team, Park City Mountain Resort, which is also a favorite for cruisers and those looking to take advantage of Park City's excellent nightlife. You can find practically every imaginable winter sports activity in the area, including sleigh rides, track and skate skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, tubing, snowshoeing, and even Nordic and cross-country skiing. At the Utah Olympic Park, you can try out some thrilling luge, bobsled, or ski jumping (but only if you're incredibly experienced).
Among these three ski resorts, you'll be treated to a host of runs (over 200 of them, and 100 in Park City alone!) and a few dozen ski lifts. But, as these are some of the most expensive ski resorts in the country, not without good reason mind you, you'll have to pay a lot for the privilege of having such an impressive variety of options available at you beckon call.
Sundance Resort Skiing
The arts and recreational community that is Sundance Resort was created by actor/director Robert Redford, and is a truly unique ski vacation experience. Located underneath the towering Mt. Timpanogos in the Wasatch Range, the resort provides a secluded arts-themed getaway, hidden among an environmentally-friendly community of artists, skiers, and artist-skiers. The resort has diverse terrain and a cozy feel, and, with wind-powered ski lifts, you will simply feel closer to nature. In addition to skiing, other winter activities you can take part in in the area include snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. This moderately-priced ski resort features four lifts, 48 runs, and 24 kilometers (15 miles) of cross-country trails.
Ski Resorts in Salt Lake City, Park City, Northern Utah
Skiing
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