You'll find more locals on these slopes than anywhere else, and at just 35 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, it's not hard to see why. It's not just convenience though that attracts locals to Brighton: the resort's ski and snowboard school has a great reputation, and with children 10 and under skiing free, the resort is a top pick for local families looking to learn. Located at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton offers spectacular views from the mountain's 10,500-foot summit, including Great Salt Lake and Mt. Timpanogos. This low-key, no-fills resort has great runs for advanced and expert skiers as well, and is one of Utah's top snowboarding destinations.
The side of the mountain served by the Majestic chair is a forest full of evergreens with twisting narrow trails. The side of the mountain served by the Millicent and Evergreen chairs has more bowls, cliffs and wide open spaces. There are some gentle intermediate runs with pitches on the Majestic side (try Western Rail or Thor), while Millicent side is a bit steeper (head to Backdoor, Christy Bowl and Perris Bowl). For some great cruising, head to Pioneer run off of Snake Creek on the Majestic side. Steep open lines are available on Scree Slope and Lone Pine for expert or advanced skiers, and inbounds bowl and cliff skiing can be found on the Millicent side. For some great beginner runs, head to Mary Back and Lost Maid. Brighton was the first resort in Utah to open up to snowboarders, and has some of the best parks for riders. Big Bertha is a 30 to 50 foot tabletop off the Majestic lift. After Bertha, riders can hit another tabletop which leads to a superpipe that is about 500 feet long. There are usually 15 to 20 features on this run, including rails, boxes and walls. My-Oh-MY Park has three tabletops and flows out into Candy Land, which hosts 10 to 15 rails and boxes.
8 lifts including 1 surface lift and 7 chair lifts.
$$$ (Expensive)66 runs - 21% beginner, 40% intermediate, 39% expert. Longest run is 15,840 feet.
Mountain Statistics: 1,745 feet vertical drop, 10,500 feet summit elevation, 850 acres, average annual accumulation 500 inches.