Powder Dreams: The Ultimate 5-Day Utah Ski Adventure

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Curated By

Rileigh Tower

  • Utah

  • USA

  • Active Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Entertainment

Snow covered trees near a ski lift during the daytime
Curator’s statement

As a Utah local, I can confidently say this state's incredible skiing is vastly underrated. Many people think Colorado or California when it comes to Western ski trips, but Utah's magnificent slopes rival European mountain vistas yet are often less crowded. Gliding between snow-draped evergreens, looking at the rugged peaks across the valleys reminds me of the Alps — but with shorter lift lines and plenty of fresh powder instead of ice! Utah is also home to some of the nicest, most hospitable people on earth, adding to the welcoming vibe whether you're kicking back après ski on Main Street in Park City or grabbing tacos in Salt Lake. With our vibrant ski culture that draws winter sports lovers from around the globe, Utah provides a special blend of alpine awe, recharging powder days and friendly mountain vibes you won't find anywhere else!

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Day 1: Begin Your Mountain Getaway

A picture of people riding cable cars during the daytime.

Arrive in Salt Lake City and head straight to Park City to begin your mountain getaway. Get your multi-day lift passes right away at one of the numerous ticket counters - the Epic Pass provides the best value since it includes access to multiple top resorts like Park City, Canyons Village, Deer Valley and more.
Spend the entire afternoon exploring Park City Mountain's varied terrain. With runs catering to all skill levels, you'll be able to ease into your first day at your own pace. Don't miss riding the Town Lift to the summit for panoramic views of the whole region!
For post-ski dining, walkable Main Street offers many options. Grab hearty, fresh-cooked meals alongside specialty drinks at High West Distillery. Or go for a lively, casual vibe with pool tables and pub food at No Name Saloon.

Day 2: Deer Valley Resort

A picture of a ski lift going up a snowy mountain.

Start early for freshly groomed runs at the upscale Deer Valley Resort. Well-maintained trails combined with renowned customer service make this a standout. Fuel up midday at Royal Street Cafe's waffle bar and coffee shop.
In the afternoon, wander Historic Main Street's abundance of galleries, boutiques and museums. For a special dinner, Riverhorse on Main offers exquisite New American cuisine alongside panoramic views of town. If you still have energy afterward, check out live music at The Spur or the rustic High West Distillery Saloon.

Day 3: Solitude Mountain Resort

A picture of white wooden bridge over snow covered mountain.

Escape crowds by skiing Solitude Mountain Resort first thing in the morning. With its reputation for shorter lift lines, you’ll have the pick of their unspoiled terrain. Have lunch at Summit Lodge’s generous soup and sandwich buffet.
Post-ski, unwind by soaking in the Homestead Crater’s soothing 90–96-degree mineral waters. Later, satisfy cravings for classic Mexican fare and hospitality at lively Sabor Cocina Mexicana restaurant in nearby Heber City. It's the perfect place to wrap up an active day!

Day 4: Alta Ski Resort

A picture of a man in black jacket and green helmet on snow covered mountain during daytime.

Alta Ski Resort is a must-visit while in Utah. This resort averages over 500 inches of super dry, light snow every year so time your runs in between the ski patrol's avalanche mitigation blasting for the absolute best conditions. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Watson Shelter’s cafeteria-style restaurant at the base of the lifts before hitting the slopes. Their huge sandwiches also make for excellent grab-and-go lunch options as well.
Finish your day with Alta's legendary sunset views before heading over to Snowbird for the evening. Hop in one of Cliff Spa’s rooftop jacuzzis to relax and recharge - their therapy pools have powerful jets to massage sore muscles after a long day. If you have the energy, head into Salt Lake City for a fancy dinner at Bambara that offers contemporary New American cuisine. Or stay close by for hearty prime rib options at The Steak Pit inside Snowbird's Iron Blosam Lodge.

Day 5: Brighton Resort

A picture of a person on skis on a snowy slope.

Start your last day on the slopes at Brighton Resort to get some runs in before catching your flight home. Brighton is known for having terrain for all ability levels and gets much less crowded than places like Park City. Don't miss out on riding the Milly Express gondola to the peak of Mount Millicent - the views are gorgeous from the top!
Make sure to fuel up one last time at Brighton’s base lodge cafeteria. Their large outdoor deck area lets you soak up the sun while enjoying classic resort fare like burgers, personal pizzas and fries. After lunch, cruise over to Historic Main Street one last time for any souvenir shopping. Browse through art galleries, specialty boutiques and grab Park City-themed keepsakes so you'll always remember your epic ski trip to Utah!

Advisor - Rileigh Tower

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Utah.