Utah

Epic or Ikon: Which Should You Choose?

Today is the last day to buy an Epic Pass before prices go up for the third, and likely final, time tomorrow. In this piece, we’ll aim to shed light on the differences between Ikon and Epic—and whether either is worth getting during these uncertain times.

Squaw/Alpine Opens A Day Early, Several Other North American Resorts Open This Week

Multiple North American resorts open for the 2020-21 season this week. We’ve detailed the opening-week access details for each of these mountains here.

Many Holdout North American Destination Resorts to Open This Week, Parking Reservations at Copper and Snowbird Already Filling Up

By the end of this week, most of the resorts we’ve reviewed will be open for the 2020-21 season. With COVID-19 still a factor, we’ve detailed the access information for each of these mountains here.

California Bars Day-of Ticket Sales at Ski Resorts This Season

To limit mountain capacity and discourage last-minute traveling, California will no longer allow resorts to sell day-of lift tickets this season. Resorts are also asked to limit parking to ticket and pass holders only.

UDOT Adds New Alternatives to Little Cottonwood Canyon EIS

UDOT has proposed new gondola and cog rail options to relieve traffic along Little Cottonwood Canyon. Unlike the original gondola proposal, both of these alternatives would offer base station parking.

Ratings Adjustment: Alta, Snowbird, and Breckenridge Lift Scores

We’ve corrected Alta, Snowbird, and Breckenridge’s lift scores to factor in previously unaccounted for hike-to terrain. In addition, we’ve updated Alta’s size score to exclude acres that are essentially backcountry.

Eagle Point

Utah’s most remote ski area is also arguably its quirkiest, with some frustrating logistics but a unique, local feel that’s hard not to appreciate.

Brian Head

This under-the-radar southern Utah destination offers striking terrain at an affordable price.

Sundance

This modestly-sized Utah mountain boasts a striking, rustic feel, but most other competitors offer better overall values.

Brighton

While it isn’t the biggest and can be annoying to get around, this Utah mountain offers exceptional Cottonwoods snow for a bargain—especially for families.

Solitude

The modestly-sized Utah mountain packs a demanding footprint and excellent snow, but true beginner and intermediate terrain offerings are limited.

Powder Mountain

This Utah resort’s upside-down layout, minimal lift infrastructure, and significant capacity restrictions result in one of the most unusual destination experiences out there.

Park City

This uniquely expansive resort offers diverse terrain and a world-class freestyle setup. Despite recent improvements, navigation logistics are still a major sore point.

Deer Valley

While this ski-only Utah resort gets high marks for its top-tier hospitality, the overall mountain experience is unbecoming of its expensive ticket price.

Snowbasin

Despite a lack of on-site lodging, this Utah resort stays competitive thanks to diverse hills, striking peaks, and top-of-the-line facilities.

Snowbird

It’s hard to beat this Utah resort’s top-tier snow quality, innovative mountain logistics, and expert terrain.

Alta

This Utah resort prohibits snowboarding and offers limited slopeside lodging, but it receives some of the best, most consistent snow anywhere in North America.