Snowboarding in Utah – Great Places to Go Snowboarding

Utah has thirteen world-class ski resorts that boast the “Greatest Snow on Earth.” Ski resorts in the Wasatch Mountains receive up to 500 inches of dry, fluffy snow that lends itself to some of the best skiing and snowboarding conditions in the world. The Great Salt Lake is the direct reason for the quality of the snow found in Utah. It creates a weather phenomenon known locally as the “dreaded lake effect.” Salt water doesn’t freeze, so during Utah winters, cold air settles over the lake. There, the air warms up to the temperature of the lake. As the air warms, it rises over the peaks of the Uintas along the Wasatch Front, where it cools, sending flurries of snow into the canyons. This creates optimal snow conditions for snowboarding in Utah.

Snowboarding in Utah is restricted at Alta Ski Resort, one of the few resorts in the entire country that has placed restrictions on snowboarders. Alta’s sister resort, Snowbird, allows snowboarders. There are runs linking the two resorts, so if you snowboard, be sure to follow the Snowbird runs to avoid getting banned from Alta’s lift lines.

Northern spas:

You may need a 4 wheel drive vehicle to access some of these resorts in January. Be sure to put chains on your tires before heading into Logan Canyon.

Beaver Mountain in Logan – A beginner’s resort.

Powder Mountain in Ogden – This resort has the most acreage of any resort in America at over 5,500 acres and one half-pipe.

Snowbasin in Ogden – Has a Superpipe for snowboarders.

Wolf Mountain near Stoddard – Away from Salt Lake City and less crowded than other Northern Resorts

central stations:

Ski resorts are located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon and as far as Parley’s Canyon. All of these canyons are extremely dangerous to drive in winter. Your best option is to park in one of the parking lots at the base of these canyons and take the bus to the tourist centers. Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and all Park City resorts have on-site lodging.

Brighton in Salt Lake City: This is the best snowboarding resort near Salt Lake City. It has a popular half pipe.

The Canyons in Park City: six guest half-pipes. Exclusive and expensive.

Deer Valley in Park City – Prices here are good for locals.

Park City – Intermediate runs for snowboarders.

Snowbird in Salt Lake City: Do not buy the AltaSnowbird One Pass if you snowboard. Alta is prohibited to guests.

Soledad in Salt Lake City: An average resort with two high-speed elevators.

southern resorts

Brian Head is close to the Dixie National Forest and Bryce Canyon. If you get the chance, be sure to drive around and take a look at the scenery. You can find accommodation for Sundance in Midway or Heber City.

Sundance in Provo: one of the most beautiful places to enjoy.

Brian Head in Cedar City – This is the only resort in southern Utah.