Brighton Resort
4.6(7.0K)google
3.8(275)yelp
SkiingWinter SnowMountainOutdoorFamilyParking Available
Overview
Perched majestically at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, this high-energy winter destination is famously recognized as Utah's first ski resort, established back in 1936. Highly popular among families and snowboarders alike, the resort boasts a laid-back local atmosphere, exceptional terrain parks, and extensive night skiing options, surrounded by soaring snow-capped pine forests that transform into beautiful hiking trails during summers.
Practical Info
MonClosed
TueClosed
WedClosed
ThuClosed
Fri12:00 – 8:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1-2 days
Best TimePeak season is winter skiing from December to March, with the absolute defining hour being their legendary night-skiing sessions from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM (Monday to Saturday). Spanning the crest of Big Cottonwood Canyon, darkness allows the towering stadium light rigs to illuminate wide powder bowls under a starlit winter sky.
Getting ThereLocated at the dead end of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Drive via I-215 to Exit 6, and follow UT-109 E (Big Cottonwood Canyon Road) east for 15 miles to its top circle. Avoid intense winter parking congestion; utilize the valley public transit and board the scheduled UTA Ski Bus Route 972 directly to the base lodge gates.
Travel Tips
- Mandatory Canyon Parking Reservation: During peak winter season, weekend and holiday morning parking requires online pre-booking; unreserved vehicles will be turned away at the canyon base.
- Pre-book Night Skiing Online: Night skiing is highly popular and lift tickets routinely sell out online for weekends; there are no walk-up ticket window sales available.
- Ski Bus Transit Tip: To bypass gridlock and parking fees, park at the canyon base lot and ride the UTA Route 972 Ski Bus; rides are free for eligible pass holders.
Reviews
Positive
- The night skiing here is the largest in Utah; well-lit slopes offer a visually wide, stunning vista, heavily amplifying winter sport fun.
- Compared to Deer Valley, Brighton is down-to-earth and energetic; staff are warm and patient with ski lessons for kids and solo travelers.
- Base accessible ramps are well-designed; restrooms stay efficiently clean even during peak hours, and signage is clear and multilingual-friendly.
- Season pass value is among the best near Salt Lake City; extra spending like rentals and fast food is reasonably priced with no major traps.
Heads up
- Highly popular with locals, weekend crowd density explodes; major lift queues easily exceed 20 minutes, leaving slopes dangerously packed.
- The base parking lot is way too small; powder days trigger massive gridlock, forcing those without car reservations onto packed public buses.
- The lodge dining hall looks slightly dated and weathered; seating capacity fails to match heavy crowds, forcing many to eat standing in corridors.
- When afternoon blizzards strike, upper slope boundary nets and warning signs lack prominence, risking safety for skiers in low visibility.