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Four ski resorts sit inside Salt Lake County, at the top of Big and Little Cottonwood canyons. Five more are within about an hour. Here is how they differ, written for people who live here and drive up on a Saturday.
Alta sits at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and is one of the few resorts in the country that is still skiers only. It is famous for its snowfall and its old-school feel. Its projected opening for the 2026-27 season was November 20.
Snowbird is the big, steep mountain just below Alta, with an aerial tram that runs from the base to Hidden Peak. Its projected opening for 2026-27 was November 27, and its season usually runs well into spring.
Brighton is at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon and has long been a favorite with snowboarders and families. It runs night skiing, which makes an after-work run possible.
Solitude sits just below Brighton and tends to feel less crowded than the Little Cottonwood resorts. It added snowmaking for this season. Its projected opening for 2026-27 was November 20.
Park City Mountain is one of the largest ski areas in the country, with lifts that run right into the town of Park City. The drive is up I-80 instead of a canyon road. Its projected opening for 2026-27 was November 20.
Deer Valley is skiers only, known for its grooming and service. Its projected opening for 2026-27 was December 5.
Snowbasin hosted the downhill races at the 2002 Winter Olympics. It is a longer drive from Salt Lake but often less crowded than the Cottonwoods. Its projected opening for 2026-27 was November 27.
Powder Mountain covers a huge area north of Ogden. Its projected opening for 2026-27 was December 11.
Sundance sits below Mount Timpanogos up Provo Canyon. It is smaller than the big resorts and feels quieter. Its 2026-27 opening date had not been announced as of mid-October 2026.
The Cottonwood resorts are the closest and get the most snow, but the canyon roads are the hard part. Little Cottonwood holds Alta and Snowbird. Big Cottonwood holds Brighton and Solitude. On a powder day, the drive up can take longer than the skiing, so locals leave early, carpool, or take the UTA ski bus. Several of these resorts have required paid parking reservations on busy days in recent seasons, so check before you drive.
Park City Mountain and Deer Valley are over Parleys Summit on I-80, which is an easier drive in a storm. Snowbasin and Powder Mountain are north in Ogden Valley, and Sundance is up Provo Canyon. For beginners, Brighton and Solitude are friendly places to learn. Alta and Deer Valley are skiers only, so snowboarders should pick another resort.
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