Snowland Ski & Sledding Area Reopens — Utah’s Free Ski Resort

Originally operating from 1967–1980, the Snowland Ski and Sledding Area in Fairview Canyon is being revived as Utah’s 16th public ski resort. Once a quiet hillside for local skiers and sledders, Snowland is set to reclaim its place as a family-friendly ski area and community connection in Sanpete County.

Backed by the nonprofit Snowland Foundation and supported by the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation, the project is more than just a ski hill — it’s a community effort to bring safe, accessible skiing back to Central Utah.

Snowland Ski Area: Accessible Family Skiing in Central Utah

Snowland’s story is about accessibility and community spirit. It offers a different experience than the destination resorts up north — humble in scale, but big on heart.

• Opening Date: According to Brent Lange, chair of the nonprofit Snowland Foundation, the ski hill is set to open for the winter season on December 6, 2025.
• Free Lift Access: Snowland will provide free skiing and sledding for its first seasons — ensuring that families, students, and beginners can enjoy the slopes without financial barriers.
• Initial Lifts & Trails: Two rope-tow lifts will serve two reopened trails in the first season.
• Affordable Future Pricing: Looking ahead, lift tickets are expected to remain budget-friendly, with plans for around $20 day passes and $100 season passes. This makes Snowland one of the most affordable ways to enjoy skiing in Utah.
• Community Investment: As a nonprofit-driven project, Snowland is backed by $1 million in state recreation grants and $200,000+ in donations, with ongoing fundraising for future development into facilities and improvements. This keeps the focus on local benefit and long-term sustainability.
• The Nelson Cabin: The cabin constructed by Jerry Nelson is being revamped to serve as a small ski hub offering refreshments, concessions, and a restroom.
• Safety & Accessibility: While it hasn't been a traditional ski area for years, that hasn't kept locals from skiing there, often shuttling themselves up the winding State Route 31. Snowland's reopening is partially driven by safety concerns over hazardous roadside drop-offs and U-turns on SR‑31.
• Expansion Plans: Future phases include a new Doppelmayr surface lift, yurts, new restrooms, an outdoor concert venue, and year-round recreation opportunities.

For residents of Fairview, Mt. Pleasant, and Sanpete Valley, Utah, the reopening of Snowland means easy access to skiing and sledding just minutes from home, families will have a local mountain where kids can learn to ski, and students from Snow College and Wasatch Academy will have close recreation options.

Discover Fairview, Utah Real Estate Near Snowland Ski Area

As Snowland grows, interest in Fairview real estate is growing too. From mountain cabins with canyon views to comfortable family homes in town, this area offers a balance of affordability, community, and mountain living. For those seeking a true small-town lifestyle with four-season recreation, Fairview is a hidden gem in Utah’s heartland.

Want to live near Utah’s newest ski and sledding resort? Explore Fairview, Utah listings and find your place in this exciting, close-knit mountain community.