Things to do / Travel Guide
Home to some of the “Greatest Snow on Earth,” Southern Utah is a natural gathering place for some of the fluffiest, purest powder in the winter. Dixie National Forest, the largest national forest in Utah, has plenty of peaks, and winding cross-country and backcountry trails to make a ski and snowboarding trip a logical choice for any visitor.
Skiing in and around Dixie National Forest
Brianhead is not only the Dixie National Forest peak that receives the most precipitation, it is also the highest summit in the entire state of Utah, rising a whopping 11,307 feet into the crisp cool air. Therefore, the citizens of Ceder City have some of the best skiing in Utah's southernmost tip in the form of the aptly named Brianhead Ski Resort.
Dry powder coats the 2 peaks of this resort which splits up its 50 runs among all ski levels. Beginners and low intermediates will want to head to Navajo Peak for thrills on their level, while mogul fields and steep chutes are available for the more advanced riders on the Giant Steps Peak. Either way, 425 plus inches of that dry powder await skiers and snowboarders all day long. There is even double black snowcat skiing available from the summit for an extra adrenaline-packed twist on the typical ski adventure.
Boarders will find their niche in Brianhead's three terrain parks, which range from a beginner progression area to full on professional freestyle areas, featuring plenty of jibs, spines, and rails to grind on as well as a halfpipe which is groomed regularly to keep it nice and sharp. No mashed potato slop here...only the best will do!
Many trails, often unnamed, are available for cross-country skiing in Dixie National Forest. The visitors' center offers free trail maps of the area; however guests must bring their own equipment as there is no central ski warming huts along the way. The stunning scenery of the multicolored sandstone mountains should warm up the rider plenty, however - at least on the inside!
The towns of Brianhead, Parowan, and Ceder City are the local hubs for vacationers lodging and eating accommodations. Brianhead Ski Resort itself offers a variety of options ranging from hotel style rooms to spacious condos for onsite ski in and ski out possibilities. Ceder City offers the beautiful Willow Glen Inn with its jet streamed bathtubs and family suites from which to watch the snowfall lightly land. There are also the standard national chain hotels and motels, like Best Western and Super 8 in the area, so all visitors are sure to find suitable accommodations. Pop into the Bump and Grind Deli who jokingly tell their customers that there are only two places to eat in Brianshead – there at the Deli and “other.” With their great low-priced meals, local microwbrews on tap and a smoke-free environment. Of course, when only the finest dining will do, Ceder Breaks Lodge is on hand with their Double Black Diamond Steakhouse serving up steak, seafood and delicious pasta dishes.
Skiing in and around Zion National Park
Zion National Park is the place to go to get in touch with Southern Utah's cross-country scene. Considering that only Brianhead Ski Resort offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, visitors to Zion will not encounter as many crowds elsewhere and will find themselves instead amongst some of the most beautiful scenery and solitude imaginable.
Because of their close proximity to Dixie National Park, many of the skiing and snowboarding trails coincide with each other. However, there are three main areas that have specific trails laid out with cross-country skiers in mind.
Zion Ponderosa Ranch not only includes over 12km of trails but also is a full service lodging and vacation retreat. They have a wonderful selection of rooms to choose from, a restaurant and bar for nightlife, and the views cannot be beat.
Duck Creek Village receives over 20 feet of fresh, dry powder annually, which is nicely distributed over their extensive, 50 mile network of groomed trails. There are also lodging, eating, and shopping options here, making a visit to Duck Creek all inclusive.
Finally, Pinewoods Resort is the largest player in the Zion National Park cross-country scene. With over 200 miles of groomed trails, they have also laid out snowmobiling and snowshoe trails, attracting vacationers to the area. Rentals and guided tours are available if you check with the front desk and guest services. Of course, no resort would be complete without a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and sumptuous room in which to rest your head, but fortunately Pinewoods has all of these.
Quaint towns with people who know their snow, smile at their guests, and live for the outdoors no matter the season, makes Southern Utah a perfect place for a getaway when it comes time to pack up the skis and boards and head west. There is no reason to stand in long lines at some of the bigger resorts – come to Southern Utah and see what everyone else is missing!
Ski Resorts in Moab, Zion, Bryce, Arches National Parks in Southern Utah and the Arizona Strip
Skiing
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