Coming to Utah to Ski

With winter fast approaching, it's time to start thinking about ski trip possibilities. The thought of carving powder snow gives you electric goosebumps and you itch to dust off those closeted ski boots. But where will you go first? Whether you're a local or from out-of-town, you've probably heard that the state of Utah is synonymous with ski season. Many people are magnetized by the slogan “The Greatest Snow on Earth”, but it's not just a saying — the words ring true.

The Greatest Snow on Earth

Utah is home to 15 world-class resorts and averages an upward of 500 inches of snow per year — enough to get any skier excited. But that's not all — Utah boasts some of the snowiest regions in the world, highlighted by its prominent Cottonwood Canyons. According to research by atmospheric scientist Jim Steenburgh on VisitUtah.com, unique climate conditions make the Wasatch Mountain resorts some of the best in the world for deep powder skiing.

The Greatest Snow on Earth can be attributed to flotation, which describes how skis and snowboards are kept elevated on that exterior plane of powder in deep snow conditions. These intrinsic qualities are maintained by Utah's frequent and heavy snowfalls. Snow density is around 8.5 percent and about one foot of fresh snow falls every five days from December through March. For more reasons why Utah boasts the Greatest Snow on Earth, check out this article on SkiUtah.com.

World Class Resorts

With so many world-class resorts to choose from, the only question to ask is where to go first. Here are 14 reasons to come to Utah to ski:
1) Park City: The largest ski resort in the U.S. boasts 7,300 skiable acres across a six-mile wide mountain, ranging from novice to expert runs. There are 41 lifts and 337 total runs.

2) Snowbird: This resort receives an average of 500 inches of snow and offers 2,500 skiable acres, highlighted by the 125-passenger Aerial Tram that provides access to the infamous 2.5 mile Chip's Run. The resort contains a total of 169 runs, ranging from beginner to advanced terrain.

3) Deer Valley: A resort known for its upscale restaurants and elegant dining establishments, Deer Valley offers 2,026 acres of great powder, including moguls and groomers. A 3,000 foot vertical drop is just icing on the cake.

4) Alta: One of the snowiest places in the country, this resort sees an average of 551 inches of snowfall per year. Alta is also one of the oldest ski resorts in the world, coveted for its 2,200 pristine skiable acres and 116 runs.

5) Brighton: This family-friendly resort offers a huge variety of terrain and snow quality, along with 200 acres of night skiing. A great place to learn to ski or snowboard, Brighton boasts a total 1,050 acres of skiable terrain.

6) Snowbasin: A famous Park City resort not to be overlooked, Snowbasin features three terrain parks, expansive bowls, and 3,000 acres of skiable terrain spread across 104 runs. The longest run is an impressive three miles.

7) Solitude: The name speaks for itself — this resort is known as a place to escape the crowds, but not for lack of quality. Eight lifts serve 77 runs and 1,200 acres of skiable terrain.

8) Powder Mountain: Not for the light of heart, Powder Mountain offers the most skiable acreage of any U.S. resort. A prominent 3,400ft of vertical drop is complimented by a popular backcountry tour area.

9) Sundance: This resort is known for its jaw-dropping views and small-town vibes. Enjoy exploring 42 runs across 450 acres of skiable terrain by day and fun festivals and town activities by night.

10) Brian Head: Offering a wide diversity of terrain ranging from beginner to expert, Brian Head resort has the highest base elevation in Utah at 9,600 feet. Enjoy skiing 71 runs across 650 acres of terrain, including three terrain parks.

11) Beaver Mountain: A place where personal touches matter, Beaver Mountain is a family-owned resort near Logan. This ski resort boasts more than 400 inches of snowfall per year and 464 acres of skiable terrain.

12) Nordic Valley: This resort is renowned for its night time skiing, with 100% of the mountain operated under lights. Great for skiers of all abilities, Nordic Valley offers an even distribution of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs.

13) Eagle Point: Formerly operated as Elk Meadows, Eagle Creek features long groomed beginner and intermediate runs. Enjoy spectacular tree-lined runs across 650 acres of skiable terrain.

14) Cherry Peak: Utah's newest ski resort opened for the 2014-2015 season. The area features more than 200 skiable acres and 20 runs across diverse terrain.