Where to Ski in Utah: Brighton Ski Resort

I don’t consider myself a “Beginner” skier. But I don’t feel I’ve reached “Intermediate” skier status just yet either. I’m stuck between the two levels. So a solo, first-time visit to Brighton Ski Resort sounded intimidating to me. But after spending several hours on its slopes, I was feeling a lot more confident… and tired.

2021-2022 SEASON: Brighton Ski Resort is open and excited to welcome skiers and snowboarders. Learn about their COVID-19 guidelines and purchase your tickets online in advance.

My style of skiing is to stick to the blue and greens and snowplow the majority of the route. If I hit a long, straight part of the trail, I put my skis together and enjoy some speed. What I loved most about Brighton Ski Resort is that there was something for everyone: the avid skier, the speed demon, the snowboard, the learner, the trickster and more.

NEW THIS YEAR: Day tickets cover seven hours of skiing. This means you don’t have to start right at 9 a.m. to get your money’s worth. On Monday-Saturday when night skiing is open, plan an off-peak visit, such as 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Here’s a rundown of why I think you should spend a day skiing Brighton Ski Resort up Big Cottonwood Canyon, just southeast of Salt Lake City.

66 Runs Give Options for Every Level of Skier

I was a little nervous to strap two sticks to my feet and ride to the top of the mountain. But after looking at the map, I found a good number of blue and green runs.

I started with the Majestic ski lift. It was a nice way to get the legs warmed up before going bigger. I took Mary Back (green) all the way down. I found myself at another lift – Crest Express. I decided to be brave and I rode that high-speed lift to the top.

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I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready for a blue run, but decided to live on the wild side (haha). I followed Thunder Road (blue) and was surprised to find myself staring at yet another lift – Snake Creek Express. A quick look at my trusty pocket map and I knew there was a safe route down from the top.

Sure enough, Sunshine (green) took me safely back to Snake Creek Lift. But rather than heading back to the top, I continued along Hawkeye Access (green) to the bottom of Majestic once again. On a later run, I took Scout (blue) and enjoyed that trail, too.

My favorite part of skiing is variety. I get bored very quickly with short runs I have to ride over and over again because that’s all there is. Brighton Ski Resort had so many, that even after several hours of skiing, I had plenty to choose from.

Magnificent Views from the Peaks

I didn’t realize that from the top of Snake Creek Express lift you could see the Heber Valley. It was a beautiful view, especially since the sky was blue, the sun was out, and snow still covered the ground.

The view was fantastic from the other direction as well. You could look down at the mountain terrain below and the peaks that separate you from the Salt Lake Valley. It was beautiful.

I didn’t make it up to the top of the Great Western Express lift, but I would imagine a ride to the top, and a trip along the Western Trail (blue) would be beautiful.

Ski School for Kids and Learning Adults

Since I was skiing solo on this trip, I didn’t have any newbies who needed ski school. But while researching the resort’s website, I noted they have a reputation as “The place where Utah learns to ski and ride and keeps on learning.”

My wife has been skiing once at Cherry Peak Ski Resort in northern Utah. But since I was her instructor and only knew the basics of French Fries or Pizza wedge, real instruction may be helpful to her. So I’m glad to see Brighton Ski Resort has a ski school that’s available for adults, as well as young kids.

Rentals Available for Skiers and Snowboarders

If you don’t own your own ski or snowboard gear, it can be a hassle to rent it in town and transport it up the mountain. After a long day of skiing, when you’re just ready to be home, it’s annoying to have to make an extra stop to return your gear.

Luckily, Brighton Ski Resort has rental packages for skiers (boots, skis, poles) and snowboarders (boots, board and bindings). Most importantly: They rent helmets, too. I feel strongly that everyone – adults, kids, pros and amateurs – should wear a helmet.

Brighton Ski Resort, much like other ski rental places, don’t rent goggles. You can purchase a pair in the shop at the resort, or bring your own pair.

Delicious Food to Re-Energize

After making several runs on multiple lifts and trails, I was ready for some food. Skiing can take a lot out of you. The Alpine Rose is right next to the Brighton Center. There were burgers, hot dogs, chili, sandwiches and much more available.

After picking up some food, I chose to sit out on the patio to enjoy the sunny winter day. If you prefer to sit inside, that’s an option, too. It was fun to see kids playing in the snow, and watch other skiers (much better than me, of course) come cruising down the mountain. From my vantage point, everyone at Brighton Ski Resort was having a great time.

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After enjoying my meal and resting my legs, I decided to get one more run in. My mind was getting away from me the entire lift ride to the top: When someone declares “One more run,” isn’t that when they end up getting hurt and tearing their ACL or something?

Despite the thoughts, I enjoyed my final run and ended the day without a single fall. Maybe it’s because I snowplowed 80% of the time, but I was still proud of myself. It was a fun day on the slopes and I hope to return with a fellow skier and enjoy it with my wife and/or kids – PS: Up to two kids 10 and under ski free with a paying adult.

The Details

• Address: Brighton Ski Resort, 8302 S. Brighton Loop Road, Brighton, UT 84121
• Hours of Operation: During the ski season, the lifts operate daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Night skiing is available Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. mid-December through April (or as long as the snow holds out).
• Costs: Prices for the Adult day pass ranges from $85 to $125 depending on the day you choose to ski. New for the 2021-2022 ski season: The passes are for seven hours, so you don’t have to arrive at opening in order to get your money’s worth. So if you arrive at 1 p.m. and night skiing is available that night, you can ski until 8 p.m. Lift tickets for kids (ages 11-13) range from $57-$66. Half-day passes are also available, along with night skiing. Visit their website for current prices and options for lift tickets.
• Website: https://brightonresort.com/
• Phone: (801) 532-4731

Disclosure: I received a complimentary day pass and ski rental to Brighton Ski Resort for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

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