Down Hill Fun from Here

It’s mid-January, which means it’s ski season! Utah is famous for its snow, and its snow sports – we did host the Winter Olympics here, ya know. The resorts near Salt Lake are the most popular, but there are a couple of great resorts in Southern Utah, which are way closer to all the national parks. So if you’re planning a winter trip to see the parks, but also itching for the slopes, then there’s two places you should check out: Brian Head and Eagle Point Ski Resorts.

Both resorts are fully operational right now. Although you may be asked to wear a mask inside the buildings and ski lodges. Here is the COVID–19 safety information for Brian Head and Eagle Point.

Photo by Pamela Saunders via unsplash.com

Brian Head

Located near Parowan and Cedar City Utah, Brain Head has the highest base elevation of any ski resort in the state. Which means it gets a lot of snow – hundreds of inches a year. With 650 acres, two connected mountains, 71 runs and 8 chair lifts, there’s plenty to love. According to its site, 35% of the ski runs are rated as “most difficult,” so it’s got a good mix for all skill levels. It’s even got tubing runs for causal fun for the kids. There are a lot of amenities at the resort too, like restaurants and bars, retail shops, and live music performances.

Tickets to Brian Head start at $45 for an adult day pass, and go up to $79, depending on the day and season. The resort also offers half-day passes, night skiing passes, and season passes. If you need some help getting started, it’s also got its own Winter Sports School and equipment rental facilities. You can find all the information about Brain Head here.

Photo by Robson Hatsukami Morgan via unsplash.com

Eagle Point

Eagle Point is a little bit newer resort, so it’s still expanding. Right now, it’s got 40 named runs and 5 chair lifts. Which is pretty good. But the resort has also worked out a deal with the National Forest Service to allow its skiers to access thousands of acres of pristine backcountry acreage. Perfect for cross-country skiing! Eagle Point also has a terrain park, a couple of nice lodges, a little bar and grill, and, of course, lots and lots of great Utah Snow. Everything you need for the perfect weekend. It’s located just outside of Eagle, Utah.

Day prices start at $45 and go up to $70 ($85 on holidays.) Season passes are also available. Visit the Eagle Point website to get more info and book your tickets.

Photo by Adele Payman via unsplash.com

Ski and See

Whether you just need to get out of the house for a Saturday, or whether you want to plan a whole ski vacation, you can’t go wrong in Southern Utah. These two great resorts – Eagle Point and Brian Head – are just what you’re looking for. Plus, after you finish tearing up the slopes, there’s all of Southern Utah for you to explore. You can go golfing in Saint George, see the snow on the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon or Cedar Breaks, go Jeeping in Moab, or hiking the trails of Capitol Reef National Park. And that’s the real advantage of skiing in Southern Utah.