Snowboarding In Utah

The Ultimate Winter Playground

There’s snowboarding, and then there’s snowboarding in Utah.  With powder so light and fluffy, it sometimes looks like goose down.  Steep, thrilling terrain that keeps even the most seasoned riders coming back for more.  Accessibility that makes getting from the airport to the slopes easier than any other major skiing area in North America.

Simply put, Utah snowboarding is legendary.

If you’ve ever carved down one of Utah’s pristine slopes, you know why riders consider this place special.  If you haven’t, you’re in for an experience unlike any other.  Here’s why snowboarding in Utah should be on every snowboarder’s bucket list.

So let’s be clear.  I’m not a snowboarder.  I’m not even a skier.  I don’t know the jargon and I don’t know snowboarding.  But I am a former college athlete having played just about every sport there is at one time or another.  I’ve also been a workout and fitness fanatic all of my life … since I was 15 years old.    

I’ve had numerous relatives, friends and acquaintances who are and were snowboarding and skiing fanatics.  I can’t remember the year but one of my close co-workers … a snowboarding and mountain biking enthusiast … avoided the big avalanche at The Canyons by about 4 hours.  That avalanche killed another boarder and my friend was on that exact slope earlier in the day. 

Why Utah Is a Snowboarder’s Dream

The Greatest Snow on Earth

Utah proudly claims to have “The Greatest Snow on Earth.”  For snowboarders, that’s no exaggeration.  On average, Utah’s mountains receive up to 500 inches of snowfall per season.  But it’s not just about quantity.  It’s about quality.

Yeah, I understand.  This winter sucks for snowfall.  At least down in the city.  But two years ago, we received the biggest snowfall … in inches … that we’ve ever experienced in Utah.  Some resorts got hit with over 800” of powder!

Utah’s unique geography still plays a huge role in its superior snow although this year is a little scary.  Storms from the Pacific drop moisture as they pass over the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades leaving behind the dry fluffy powder when they reach Utah’s mountains.  This ultra-light powder creates the dream conditions that snowboarders crave … easy to carve through, deep enough to float on and incredibly fun to ride.

Terrain for Every Type of Rider

From long, steep backcountry runs to meticulously designed terrain parks, Utah snowboarding resorts offer something for every level of rider.  Whether you’re chasing untouched powder, looking to perfect your tricks or just cruising through scenic tree-lined trails, you’ll still find the perfect setup here.

Many professional snowboarders call Utah home for a reason.  The terrain is diverse.  The snow is unbeatable.  The community is welcoming.  You’ll find world-class terrain parks, halfpipes and natural features that keep riders coming back season after season.

Easy Access to Adventure

One of the best parts about snowboarding in Utah?  How easy it is to get here. Salt Lake City International Airport is a major hub with flights arriving from all over the world.  Within an hour of landing, you can be strapping on your snowboard and hitting the slopes at one of eleven world-class resorts near Salt Lake City.

Utah’s resorts are also surprisingly close to great bars, restaurants, and après-ski hangouts.  Whether you want a quick weekend trip or a full-on snowboarding vacation, no other destination offers this level of accessibility with such high-quality riding.

Utah Snowboarding Resorts: Where to Ride

Utah has 11 world-class resorts that allow snowboarding.  Each offers its own unique experience.  Alta and Deer Valley remain ski-only so plan accordingly.

Top Resorts for Snowboarders

• Park City Mountain – One of the largest ski resorts in the U.S.  Park City offers terrain parks, halfpipes and miles of groomed runs.  Plus, its vibrant après-ski scene and historic Main Street make it a must-visit.  Hopefully the owner won’t trigger another ski patrol strike like this year.
• Snowbird – Steep, deep, and legendary for its powder days, Snowbird is a dream for advanced riders.  The tram access means you get more vertical in less time.
• Brighton – Known as Utah’s most snowboarder-friendly resort, Brighton has a great mix of terrain parks, powder bowls and tree runs.  Plus, it’s one of the most affordable options in the state.
• Solitude – True to its name, Solitude is perfect for riders looking to escape the crowds.  Deep powder stashes and stunning alpine scenery make it a hidden gem.
• Powder Mountain – With the most skiable acres in North America, Powder Mountain is an off-the-beaten-path paradise for powder hounds who love wide-open spaces.
• Snowbasin – Home to some of the best-groomed runs and Olympic-caliber terrain, Snowbasin offers a mix of luxury and serious riding.
• Brian Head – If you want a laid-back vibe and stunning red rock views, Brian Head is Southern Utah’s best-kept snowboarding secret.  Unfortunately, as of this winter 2004-2005, Brian Head is suffering from a near-record low snowfall. 

Where to Stay & Après-Ski Scene

Snowboarding isn’t just about what happens on the mountain.  Utah’s après-ski scene is thriving with great bars, breweries and restaurants near most of the resorts.

• Park City - Lively nightlife, amazing restaurants and cozy mountain lodges.  Try High West Distillery for a post-ride drink.
• Salt Lake City - Perfect if you want to stay in a city and ride multiple resorts.  Tons of breweries and cool downtown spots.
• Ogden – A great alternative base with easy access to Powder Mountain and Snowbasin.
• On-Mountain Lodging – Resorts like Snowbird and Solitude offer ski-in, ski-out accommodations for those who want maximum mountain time.

Making the Most of Your Utah Snowboarding Trip

• Best Time to Visit: Late December through March is peak season with the most consistent snow.
• Budget-Friendly Options: Brighton, Powder Mountain and Brian Head offer some of the best value lift tickets.
• Lift Ticket Deals: Look for multi-day passes or season pass partnerships like the Ikon and Epic Pass.
• Transportation: Renting a car gives you the most flexibility but many resorts offer shuttles from Salt Lake City.
• Backcountry & Safety: If you’re heading off-piste (not my word, just a skiing term I picked up J), be sure to check avalanche conditions and the right gear.  With the unusually warm temperatures this winter and the uneven snow conditions, the avalanche danger has been extremely high.  Always check the latest conditions.  There have several avalanche fatalities in the state.
• The absolute best device you can have for avalanche safety is an avalanche transceiver (also called a beacon).  It emits a radio signal that allows rescuers to locate your position in the snow when you are buried by an avalanche.  It is considered the most crucial piece of safety gear for backcountry skiing or snowboarding in avalanche terrain

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Snowboard in Utah

Utah isn’t just another snowboarding destination.  It’s one of the best in the world.  From perfect powder to legendary resorts, every snowboarder should experience snowboarding in Utah at least once I am told by those in the know.

With easy access, varied terrain and an unbeatable snow quality, Utah snowboarding offers the ultimate winter getaway whether you’re planning a week-long trip or just looking for an epic day on the slopes.

Utah Snowboarding Resorts

• Beaver Mountain - Logan area
• Brian Head - Cedar City area
• Brighton - Big Cottonwood Canyon
• The Canyons - Near Park City
• Park City Mountain Resort - Park City
• Powder Mountain - Eden
• Snowbasin - Huntsville
• Snowbird - Little Cottonwood Canyon
• Solitude - Big Cottonwood Canyon
• Sundance - Sundance
• Wolf Mountain - Eden

Bryce Canyon National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Wasatch Mountains

Lake Powell

Zion National Park

Arches National Park

Great Salt Lake

Monument Valley