Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip
Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Utah's Little Cottonwood Canyon: Home to World-Class Skiing
Nestled in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains just outside Salt Lake City lies Little Cottonwood Canyon, home to some of the best skiing on earth. This narrow glacial gorge features two world-renowned ski resorts, Alta and Snowbird, which offer incredibly deep powder and challenging terrain. For skiers and snowboarders, a pilgrimage to Little Cottonwood is a must.
As soon as you begin the windy drive up the canyon, the sheer scale of the surrounding peaks becomes apparent. Massive ridges line both sides, accumulating copious amounts of light, dry snow that Utah is so famous for. By the time you reach Snowbird at the top of the canyon, you’re surrounded by towering rock walls and feel as if you’re at the edge of the world. The vistas are truly spectacular.
But it’s the skiing and riding that makes Little Cottonwood extra special. Alta averages over 500 inches of snow per year, making its powder stashes seem bottomless. And with over 2,200 skiable acres, there are endless cliffs, chutes, bowls and glades covered in pillowy whiteness to explore. Alta has a laid-back, old-school vibe, catering to diehard skiers who just want to experience pure, unadulterated descents.
Meanwhile, Snowbird boasts even more extreme terrain, including legendary cliffs that challenge the world’s best. This resort also averages over 500 inches annually, allowing daredevils to attempt previously unskiable lines after a major dump. While Alta bans snowboarding, Snowbird embraces both skiers and riders. Its party atmosphere contrasts with its neighbor down canyon.
What else is in this post?
- Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Utah's Little Cottonwood Canyon: Home to World-Class Skiing
- Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Alta: A Purist's Mountain for Serious Skiers
- Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Snowbird: Extreme Terrain and a Party Vibe
- Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Park City: Luxury Lodging and Après Ski Scene
- Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Deer Valley's Posh Ski Experience
- Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Sundance: Robert Redford's Artsy Winter Wonderland
- Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Off-Mountain Adventures: Dogsledding, Snowmobiling and More
- Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Après-Ski Dining: Hearty Fare and Local Craft Beers
Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Alta: A Purist's Mountain for Serious Skiers
Alta embodies the quintessential old-school ski experience. This resort, open since 1938, retains much of its original charm and character. There are no high-speed quads or trendy base villages - just a couple of basic lodges reminiscent of the sport's early days. Alta prides itself on tradition and eschews most modern amenities. For devoted skiers seeking laid-back vibes and untracked corduroy, this is nirvana.
What truly sets Alta apart is its commitment to skiing. This is one of just three resorts in the U.S. that prohibits snowboarding. While some view the ban as elitist, it's a conscious decision meant to preserve Alta's ski-only sanctity. Without riders carving up the slopes, skiers enjoy more pristine snow conditions. The absence of boarders also promotes a certain camaraderie among like-minded shredders.
The terrain fully embraces a skier's fantasy. From wide-open groomers to precipitous chutes, Alta's 2,200 acres cater to every ability level. Yet there are no high-speed lifts or base villages packed with shops - just a couple of humbler lodges dating back decades. This makes Alta feel pleasantly stuck in the past, reminiscent of skiing's early pioneering era.
What truly renders Alta special is its legendary snow. The resort sits high in Little Cottonwood Canyon, positioned perfectly to capture Utah's famed light, dry powder. With over 500 inches annually, the conditions are simply magical. After a storm cycle, you'll find bottomless snow that skis like a dream. Every turn elicits a spray of feather-light flakes.
With minimal development and crowds, Alta provides an intimate, communal vibe. Lift lines are rare and you'll often share pristine corduroy with just a handful of other skiers. The chill atmosphere encourages making new friends to ski with for the day. Après ski continues the convivial atmosphere in the Beachcombber's lodge over beers in retro tin mugs.
Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Snowbird: Extreme Terrain and a Party Vibe
Whereas Alta exudes a mellow, old-school vibe, Snowbird offers an exciting contrast just down canyon. This resort boasts even more extreme terrain and a lively atmosphere that embraces both skiers and snowboarders. For those seeking to push their limits on precipitous pitches or party hearty après ski, Snowbird is the place.
With a summit elevation of 11,000 feet and 3,240 skiable acres, Snowbird impresses with its sheer scale and variety of runs. Expert skiers can tackle legendary cliffs like the Pistol, home to some of the most technical lines in North America. This is a mountain that will challenge the skills of the best, allowing experts to earn their turns on unrelenting steeps. Yet intermediates can still enjoy cruisers like Chip's Run that meander down the front side through evergreen glades.
After major snowfall, Snowbird also offers endless options for powder hounds. Skiers search out hidden stashes in bounds and locals often duck ropes to access secret side-country zones. Snowbird averages over 500 inches of light Utah powder annually, providing deep drifts of soft snow to slice through after a storm. Tree-skiing provides an especially fun way to experience the bountiful snow.
Adding to the thrilling terrain is Snowbird's lively ambiance. The resort welcomes snowboarders, creating a social mash-up on lift lines. The mountain buzzes with energy on weekends when the terrain parks fill with riders. Utah locals flock here to partake in the festival atmosphere, music pumping in the bars and parties raging in condos.
Snowbird also boasts modern amenities like a 125-passenger funitel, 60-person tram, 3 high-speed quads and 3 high-speed doubles. While the speedy lifts whisk you up the mountain, facilities like the Cliff Spa and rooftop pool at the Cliff Lodge await at the bottom. You can even stay slopeside in modern lodges and condos, then apres ski in hot tubs before hitting the renowned restaurants.
For skiers and riders seeking steep pitches or a vibrant scene, Snowbird hits the mark. Days start in the wee hours to be first in line for fresh corduroy or powder turns. Then celebrate making it to the bottom with beers, burgers and dancing on tables in the raucous bars. The parties rage into the night, everyone stoked after another epic day.
Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Park City: Luxury Lodging and Après Ski Scene
Just a half hour drive from Salt Lake International Airport lies Park City, Utah's beloved ski town that hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. While the historic Main Street transports visitors back to the state's mining heyday, Park City Mountain Resort offers a thoroughly modern and luxurious ski experience. Here, travelers indulge in pampering lodges, haute cuisine and vibrant après ski parties.
Unlike the old-school, mom-and-pop vibe of Alta and Snowbird, Park City emanates indulgence, with dazzling amenities worthy of its exclusive Deer Valley neighborhood. The St. Regis Deer Valley lures guests with its Remède Spa, ski valets, and attentive personal butlers. A ride up the resort's famed "Stairway to Heaven" followed by lunch on the sunny deck at Cloud Dine makes for a divine afternoon.
Park City Mountain Resort also seduces skiers with its lavish Silver Star Lodge, accessed by a high-speed gondola. After conquering the slopes, unwind with artisanal bloody marys by the fireplace or soak in the slope-side hot tub. Then wander historic Main Street to browse the high-end shops and art galleries before settling in for farm-to-table fare at Riverhorse on Main.
When the sun sets, Park City's lively nightlife explodes with dancing, drinks and star-sightings. Ride the Town Lift after dark up to the peak for the legendary Savor the Summit party, featuring food from over 50 restaurants, craft cocktails, and fireworks over the Wasatch Mountains. Or don your best furs and feathers for the annual Bad Things Happen in the Bathroom '80s Prom dance party, held in an actual bathroom.
Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Deer Valley's Posh Ski Experience
Nestled at the top of Park City, Deer Valley Resort exudes luxury, polish and European-style elegance. This posh playground for the well-heeled seduces skiers with impeccable grooming, ski valets, fine dining and ultra-attentive service. If you crave being pampered in style, Deer Valley delivers a ski experience on par with Switzerland's ritziest resorts.
From the moment you pull up at Deer Valley, attentive staff remove your gear from your car and store it at the base lodge. There's no schlepping cumbersome gear - simply check in your skis and boots with your private locker number, then take the heated chairlift up the mountain. Ski butlers even offer complimentary tune-ups or deliver gear directly to the snow if you prefer.
On the slopes, Deer Valley's immaculate grooming and meticulous snowmaking astound. Perfectly spaced moguls wind down the runs, flanked by velvety corduroy. The resort limits tickets to reduce crowds, ensuring you'll rarely wait in lift lines even during the busy holidays. Deer Valley offers 101 ski runs across six mountains blanketed in 300 inches of fluffy Utah powder annually. With terrain for all abilities, intermediates especially delight in the superb cruising.
Deer Valley woos guests with slope-side lodging like the elegant Stein Eriksen Lodge. Sip complimentary hot cocoa beside the fireplace or take advantage of the ski beach, pool and spa. Then savor award-winning cuisine at the Lodge's Glitretind Restaurant, backed by soaring windows and Stein's 1936 Olympic gold medal on display.
For exquisite mid-mountain dining, Deer Valley's Empire Canyon Lodge beckons. Ascend in a horse-drawn sleigh, then pamper your palate with truffle mushroom bisque, roasted rack of lamb and ooey-gooey s'mores beside the outdoor fire pits. Or indulge in Deer Valley's famous turkey chili, best enjoyed fireside at the historic Snow Park Lodge.
Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Sundance: Robert Redford's Artsy Winter Wonderland
Just 40 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City lies the artsy mountain community of Sundance, founded by Robert Redford in 1969. While best known for its world-renowned film festival, this magical village high in Utah's Wasatch Mountains also offers a unique alpine escape perfect for arts, culture and nature lovers.
Wandering the quaint streets reveals weathered log cabins and rustic lodges that exude rustic charm. Intimate cafes, mom-and-pop shops and indie galleries invite visitors to slow down and savor Sundance's peaceful vibes. While the ski slopes and trails allow adventure by day, evenings bring live music, author talks and readings by flickering fireplaces.
The heart of Sundance lies at its namesake resort. Founded by Redford as a creative retreat for artists, the Sundance Resort provides an inspiring basecamp surrounded by nature's beauty. Unwind in cozy suites accentuated with Native American blankets, sip whiskey flights at the Art-Deco Owl Bar, or take in indie flicks at the onsite cinema. Don't miss the resort's consulting chef creating seasonal New American cuisine from local ingredients at the Foundry Grill.
By day, alpine adventures await just outside your hand-hewn door. The Sundance Mountain Resort offers family-friendly skiing and snowboarding on 44 trails spread over 450 acres. Après ski in the historic Bearclaw Cabin tent with fresh powder donuts and hot toddies before stargazing on moonlit snowshoe treks. Or embark on guided fly-fishing trips to the Provo River led by expert anglers from the onsite Orvis shop.
Come summer, hiking trails like Stewart Falls meander past wildflowers and cascading waterfalls. Rent a mountain bike from the Sundance Resort and challenge yourself on the undulating single-track, enhanced by breathtaking ridge-line views of Mount Timpanogos. Then recharge on the expansive deck at the General Store Café over craft brews and bison burgers.
No visit to Sundance is complete without experiencing its renowned film festival. Each January, this tiny town becomes the epicenter of the indie movie world for 10 days. Comeexperience premieres from fresh voices in film alongside A-list celebrity sightings. After screenings, mingle with directors and actors at lively parties that spill out into Main Street until the wee hours.
Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Off-Mountain Adventures: Dogsledding, Snowmobiling and More
While Utah's legendary ski resorts understandably garner the most attention, the state's snow-blanketed landscapes beckon adventure far beyond groomed slopes and lift lines. From dogsledding through frosted forests to roaring across the backcountry on snowmobiles, myriad activities allow you to revel in the Wasatch's winter splendor.
Few experiences rival mushing your own team of eager Huskies across Utah's pristine wilderness. Outfitters like Alta Dogsled Adventures offer the chance to bond with beautiful dogs while commanding your own sled. You'll learn to harness the pups, direct them using voice commands like "Gee!" and "Haw!", and even drive your sled solo under the guidance of expert mushers. Gliding silently through snow-draped meadows as the Huskies pull eagerly feels blissfully liberating. The inherent teamwork and athleticism of "driving" a dogsled proves both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
If high speeds and horsepower are more your style, hop aboard a snowmobile for high-octane adventures across the Wasatch's immense backcountry. Tours with guides from companies like Wasatch Powderbird take you ripping up steep, untracked terrain no ski lift can access. You'll learn to carve effortlessly through powder bowls and ascend wooded slopes that reveal stunning vantage points. Snowmobiling offers pulse-pounding excitement along with the chance to soak in vistas far removed from any resort.
Looking to admire Utah's winter splendor at a slower pace? Sign up for wildlife-tracking tours via snowshoe in areas like Wasatch National Forest near Park City. Expert naturalists teach you to identify animal tracks and signs left behind by moose, deer, coyotes and more. Snowshoeing through hushed evergreen forests also represents the perfect way to connect with the region's stunning natural beauty without the crowds.
Or harness up your own team of majestic horses for trots through snowy trails just outside Sundance. Scenic sleigh rides with trusted outfitters like Sundance Stables let you snuggle under cozy blankets as experienced guides lead gentle Belgian draft horses down meandering paths. Inhaling crisp mountain air as you clip-clop over rolling pastures creates cherished memories.
When night falls, Utah's dark skies unveil dazzling celestial displays. Book evening snowcoach tours to observe the Milky Way's iridescent swath unfurl overhead. Or join astronomy-centric excursions like Park City's Stargazing and Snowshoe experience to observe planets, constellations and even comets through professional telescopes - no ski slopes required.
Powder Playground: Carving Up the Slopes on a Wasatch Mountains Road Trip - Après-Ski Dining: Hearty Fare and Local Craft Beers
After an exhilarating day exploring Utah's iconic ski resorts, nothing satisfies more than hearty fare paired with local craft beers. Fortunately, the Wasatch Mountains offer farm-fresh dining and top-notch brewpubs where you can unwind and refuel with friendly folks who share your passion for the mountains.
At Alta's Beachcombber, screens stream live snow reports while you recharge muscles with an epic Beachburger and shake. Savor bison, elk or Wagyu beef patties stacked with caramelized onions and Beehive cheese from local cows. Then chat up fellow powder hounds at the bar over Rocky Mountain Oyster Stouts or Polygamy Porter, regional brews that poke fun at Alta's old-school vibe.
Down in Salt Lake City, Squatters Pub Brewery has been dishing classic pub grub and award-winning brews since 1989. Their flagship Full Suspension Pale Ale boasts aromatic Cascade hops while Hop Rising Double IPA woos hop heads. Savor poutine doused in Hop Rising gravy, then grab a stool at the lively bar to debate favorite runs. You may even catch live music as local bands keep energy buzzing.
Nearby Red Rock Brewing's expansive, modern-lodge style taproom also beckons après ski crowds. Their Elephino Double IPA and Paardebloem Belgian Tripel earned golds at the Great American Beer Festival. Pair bold brews with wood-fired pizzas, like the Forrest Lump with smoked buffalo sausage and crimini mushrooms. Outdoorsy types luxuriate on the dog-friendly patio by crackling fire pits.
Down in Park City, High West Saloon pairs locally sourced, contemporary Western cuisine with their extensive whiskey menu featuring specialty craft cocktails. Their house-made High West Burger topped with Beehive Cheese hits the spot after shredding Park City's corduroy. Sip 17th century-inspired cocktails like the Pioneer or Bloody Butcher, artfully crafted with High West's award-winning whiskeys.
No après ski experience here is complete without visiting a legendary ski town institution, The Alta Peruvian Lodge. Since opening in 1947, generations have gathered here after conquering Alta's slopes. Photos of ski legends lining the walls capture the lodge's significance. Today, crowds still flock for the famous flame-roasted chicken paired with tangy green sauce, washed down with cheap pitchers of beer. Après ski revelers party late, dancing to live music crackling from vintage jukeboxes.