Utah is undoubtedly one of the first places you’ll think of when planning your next ski vacation. In a place that boasts “The Greatest Snow On Earth”, it’s easy to see why skiers, snowboarders, and winter sport enthusiasts come from all over the world for an epic Utah winter getaway.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or want the backcountry experience without the risk, there is a mountain in Utah for every kind of powder hound. How could there not be? Utah boasts 15 ski resorts — an eclectic mix of mountains, and has two of the last skier-only resort/areas in the U.S., and is in the process of adding even more ski-only terrain with Deer Valley's new expansion, Deer Valley East Village.
With so many options to choose from, we want to highlight two of Utah’s best ski towns — Park City and Eden.
Ski Resort Stats At A Glance
Just want to compare the mountains? Here you go — we've collected all the important info skiers and snowboarders want to know when choosing where to visit including average snowfall, vertical feet, skiable acreage, and more.
| Ski Resort | Average Snowfall | Vertical Drop | Skiable Acres | Terrain: Beginner/ Intermediate/ Advanced | Miles To SLC International Airport | Ski In Ski Out Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powder Mountain | 500 inches | 2,519 ft. | 8,464 | 25%, 40%, 35% | 55 mi | YES |
| Snowbasin | 300 inches | 3,000 ft. | 3,000 | 10%, 50%, 40% | 45 mi | NO |
| Nordic Valley | 300 inches | 1,700 ft. | 500 | 20%, 50%, 30% | 47 mi | NO |
| Deer Valley | 300 inches | 3,000 ft. | 2,342 | 27%, 41%, 32% | 37 mi | YES |
| Park City Mountain | 360 inches | 3,200 ft. | 7,300 | 8%, 42%, 50% | 35 mi | YES |
Based on the ski resorts alone, it’s plain to see why we love both Park City and Eden.
If you still can't decide, we’ve put together a curated guide for both ski towns of some of the best places to get gear, where to stay, and what to eat to help make your decision even easier.
A Utah Winter Getaway In Park City — The Decadent Trip You Deserve
Park City, Utah will enchant you with its beautiful terrain for all skill levels, luxury resort amenities, and an abundance of high-end eateries, art galleries, spas and shopping.
If you choose Park City for your next Utah winter getaway, you’ll never want for something to do in this vibrant and lively atmosphere- be it at the resorts or in your down time.
Park City Ski Resorts
From the legendary slopes of Deer Valley Resort to the thrilling terrain parks of Park City Mountain Resort, Park City is home to not one, but two world-renowned ski resorts. Just a short drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City boasts unparalleled accessibility.
Park City Mountain Resort
- Average Snowfall: 360 inches
- Vertical Drop: 3,200 ft.
- Skiable Acreage: 7,300 acres
- Terrain Breakdown: 8% Beginner, 42% Intermediate, 50% Advanced
- 35 miles to Salt Lake City International Airport
Deer Valley Resort
- Average Snowfall: 300 inches
- Vertical Drop: 3,000 ft.
- Skiable Acreage: 2,342 acres
- Terrain Breakdown: 27% Beginner, 41% Intermediate, 32% Advanced
- 37 mi to Salt Lake City International Airport
- Ski Only
Gear Up
There are many gear rental shops on and off the resorts to choose from for the latest skis, snowboards, boots, and clothing. Let someone else take care everything, so you can pack light and spend more time on the slopes.
Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery — They bring everything to your accommodations, a ski concierge custom fits your equipment, and they pick everything up at the end of your stay.
Bahnhof Sport — Located near the base of the Park City Mountain Resort, this shop provides both rental equipment and retail goods.
Jans Mountain Outfitters — This is one of the best-known spots in Park City for winter gear. Jans not only offers ski and snowboard gear but also features expert guides for various outdoor activities in the area.
Park City Sport on Main — Located on Main Street, this full-service rental shop is great for renting your equipment, especially if you're near the Town Lift of Park City Mountain Resort.
Sleep In, Ski Out
Looking for luxurious lodgings or a cozy mountain retreat? Park City has a large variety of offerings, including ski in ski out properties so you don't even need to rent a car. You can just step out the door with your snowboard and start shredding right away. We've gathered some of the unique lodging options in PC for you.
Grand Summit Hotel— A ski in ski out full-service luxury hotel located at the base of the Canyons Village at Park City Mountain Resort.
Stein Eriksen Lodge — An iconic luxury resort at Deer Valley that offers a five-star experience, including ski in ski out access, top-tier dining, and a world-class spa.
Montage Deer Valley — Situated mid-mountain, this property boasts ski in ski out access, an incredible spa, and a variety of dining options.
Washington School House — An upscale boutique hotel located in a renovated 1889 school building. It's close to Main Street's dining, shopping, and nightlife, yet offers a quiet retreat.
Après Ski
Park City truly comes alive with its vibrant après ski scene. The town is dotted with cozy mountain lodges and trendy bars. If you’re a foodie, you’ll delight in Park City’s diverse dining options, offering everything from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries. Consider these eateries and prepare for an indulgent night out.
Riverhorse on Main — A staple of Park City's dining scene, Riverhorse offers a diverse menu of American cuisine with hints of European influences. It has received numerous accolades for its upscale offerings.
The Farm — Located in Canyons Village, The Farm is known for its commitment to sourcing sustainable and locally produced ingredients. The menu often features seasonal dishes.
Handle — An American eatery with innovative twists on classic dishes. They source local and seasonal ingredients for their ever-evolving menu.
Deer Valley's Fireside Dining — A Swiss and Austrian Alps-style roasted meat and raclette spectacle, in the best sense of the word.
After that sort of maximalist-style vacation, you might want to take the hour-ish drive to Eden to decompress. Which is why we are highlighting Eden, Utah as another top pick for your next Utah winter getaway.
A Utah Winter Getaway In Eden — An Adventurous Ski Trip With Fewer Crowds
Come to Eden when you want to reconnect with the natural world. Its panoramic vistas and four season recreation make it one of best places to unwind and also hit some amazing runs.
Eden, Utah even made it into our list of the top 8 best ski towns in the west.
While Powder Mountain and Huntsville’s Snowbasin Ski Resort are wildly acclaimed, the valley still seems to be a bit of a secret treasure, even for Utahns. With its mom-and-pop shops, boutiques, and local eats, you might find that a big basket of fries or a mango habanero margarita stands up to even the best Swiss raclette after an unforgettable day at any of these mountains.
Eden & Huntsville Ski Resorts
Experience the impressive powder and off-piste opportunities at Powder Mountain, night skiing at the family mountain Nordic Valley, or the terrain at the world-class resort Snowbasin which is ranked in the top 10% of the most challenging ski resorts in the U.S. Eden's a less crowded, laid-back ski town with all in the necessities for a luxurious yet down-to-earth winter getaway.
Powder Mountain
- Average Snowfall: 500 inches
- Vertical Drop: 2,519 ft.
- Skiable Acreage: 8,464 acres
- Terrain Breakdown: 25% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 35% Advanced
- 55 miles to Salt Lake City International Airport
Snowbasin
- Average Snowfall: 300 inches
- Vertical Drop: 3,000 ft.
- Skiable Acreage: 3,000 acres
- Terrain Breakdown: 10% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 40% Advanced
- 45 miles to Salt Lake City International Airport
Nordic Valley
- Average Snowfall: 300 inches
- Vertical Drop: 1,700 ft.
- Skiable Acres: 500 acres
- Terrain Breakdown: 20% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 30% Advanced
- 47 mi to Salt Lake City International Airport
Gear Up
You'll find all your gear needs are met in this close-knit town, with rentals available at the all the resorts, in town, or in nearby Ogden.
Diamond Peak Mountain Sports — A full service ski and snowboard shop centrally located nearby all Ogden Valley ski resorts.
Sleep In, Ski Out
Nestled in Ogden Valley, Eden serves as a gateway to nearby Powder Mountain and Nordic Valley ski resorts, and neighboring Huntsville’s Snowbasin Ski Resort. At Mountain Luxury, we have the area’s largest variety of luxury lodging options. We also specialize in finding the best ski in ski out properties or mountain homes for our clients.
Powder Mountain Lodging Offerings — Choose from a collection of boutique stay options, close to the mountain while being in the heart of the town.
Snowbasin Lodging Offerings — From cozy Lakeside condos, to modern Edgewater townhomes, stay just minutes away from the resort.
Après Ski
Eden has rural, friendly vibes and that's part of its charm. There are still plenty of high quality eateries, sandwich shops, and lodges that will hit the spot and quench your thirst after an amazing day on the mountain.
Carlos & Harley's — Fresh Tex-Mex that will not disappoint. Chef Luis delights with specialties like the Molcajete or Habanero Mahi Mahi Tacos. Large beer, wine, hard kombucha and margarita selection.
Peddlers Café — Delicious specialty coffees, teas, and smoothies. Set in the beautiful Mountain Luxury Lodge with stunning views, a large fireplace and outdoor deck. The perfect spot to grab lunch or a beer for a mid-day break.
Needles Lodge — Located at the top of Snowbasin's Needles Gondola, providing a cozy atmosphere for indulgent dining using the freshest local ingredients, sourced through community-supported agriculture partnerships.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a bustling, luxurious ski vacation with plenty of amenities and activities, Park City is the ski town for you.
If you prefer a quiet, quaint, and potentially more adventurous skiing experience without the crowds, Eden provides a rustic yet comfortable backdrop for your next ski vacation.
All in all, it's hard to go wrong when you choose Utah for your next winter getaway. With hundreds of inches of the good fluffy stuff every year, ski towns with all the luxuries, and incredible vistas at every turn, planning your next ski trip just got a little easier.
Curious about the luxury ski homes available in Eden? Explore real estate on Powder Mountain.
Get ready for bluebird days ahead.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published in November 2023 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
