Utah is the land of endless contrasts, from the bright lights of big cities to the endless powder of ski resorts and the gaping canyons of national parks. A road trip through this US state offers up endless possibilities, and it’s perfect for skiers and snowboarders hoping to tack on some extra off-snow adventures to their ski trip.
If you want a range of fun and different activities within proximity to each other, we’ve got you sorted. Here’s the ultimate Utah road trip to beat all ski road trips.
Step one: Get to the snow
Of course, you have to start with Utah snow. With 15 world-class ski resorts to choose from in the state, the only tricky part is figuring out which one you’d like to go to first.
The best part is that wherever you go, you’ll be able to experience that famous Utah powder snow, which is so dry and fluffy that you might not even be able to make a snowball (we promise that’s a good thing). Utah has trademarked the phrase ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth,'a claim that has been scientifically proven, so you know to expect the seriously fresh stuff.
Get there by flying to Los Angeles, then connecting through to Salt Lake City. There are 11 ski resorts located less than an hour from Salt Lake City’s international airport, so you have a few to choose from, and all with the convenient option of staying in Salt Lake City accommodation.
Our picks are to opt for the Ski City Super Pass, which gives you access to Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude; or pick up the Ikon Pass which offers up passes to Deer Valley, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton, Alta and Snowbird (not to mention resorts across North America, plus Australia, New Zealand and Japan).
With over 13 metres of average annual snowfall across the resorts, you can go hunting for freshies at the skiers-only resort of Deer Valley, see the rocking international ski town of Park City known for world-class après, take in the scenery from award-winning Snowbird, go cat skiing at Powder Mountain in Ogden, or go back to the home of ski history at Alta Ski Area. Which happens to be one of the oldest ski resorts in the US, having opened in 1938.
Après time will roll around after a day on the mountain, and when it does, you have over 180 bars, 2000 restaurants and 10 breweries/ distilleries to choose from across Salt Lake City.
Hiking o’clock
Drive south from Salt Lake City towards Brian Head, which offers up the jaw-dropping experience of skiing alongside rock formations, for Instagram photos that your friends at home will hardly be able to believe.
Then put your ski and snowboard boots aside, put on the hiking boots, and get ready to see some of the most famous national parks in the world. With fewer crowds visiting the parks during the North American winter and spring, you’ll have ample opportunity to see spots like Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, and the Grand Canyon, all of which are only a few hours’ drive from Salt Lake City.
From fiery red rock to wide-open canyons that have been carved out over millions of years, taking it all in has the potential to be life-changing, and in the best possible way.
The city that never sleeps
Dial up the ante on the après adventures and finish up with a few unforgettable nights in Las Vegas. Don’t believe everything you hear about this infamous city – it can offer up everything from the wildest nights out on the town to family-friendly fun indoor theme parks and everything in between.
Just a hop, skip and a jump over the border in Nevada, and just a 2.5 hour drive from Zion National Park, this is the perfect place to defrost after a ski adventure and explore the Strip, from the 24-hour casinos to the shows, musicals, themed hotels and incredible restaurants to be found along the way.
