Brighton ski resort is located at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, roughly 45-minutes drive (36 miles) from Salt Lake City International Airport and 30 miles from downtown Salt Lake City. Nearest Airports to Brighton Salt Lake City International Airport...
Brighton
Brighton is one of the oldest ski areas in the United States, but stands the test of time with top-notch terrain and affordability and in a state known for having the “Greatest Snow on Earth,” Brighton’s no-frills atmosphere does not disappoint.
Offering anything from beginner trails to chutes, bowls, cliffs, big jumps, long rails, half pipes, and more, Brighton truly checks every box off the list of terrain variety. Brighton is one of the oldest resorts in the United States but manages to stay current with high-speed lift access, extremely easy backcountry access, affordable lift tickets, and the blessing of terrain often coated in perfect, abundant snowfall.
Brighton Ski Resort opened in 1939 as the first ski resort in the state of Utah. Almost 80 years later, skiers and riders still flock to its slopes on spring days, powder mornings, and all days in between. High-speed quads accessing world-class terrain keep this resort current and enjoyable for all guests. Brighton is also one of the few resorts to offer extensive night skiing—over 200 acres—in a part of the United States not known for resort skiing after 4pm. That, on top of weekly specials on already-affordable lift tickets makes this resort a local favorite.
One of the early adopters of the sport of snowboarding, many riders come to Brighton to ride one of six terrain parks that are constructed each year on the slopes. The main terrain park is located under the night skiing lights, so visitors can work on progressing their skills well passed dusk throughout the season.
Brighton does not offer the frills that Park City resorts and nearby Solitude and Snowbird may, but the locals prefer it that way. It’s just the mountain, abundant snowfall, exceptional terrain, and smiles. Après ski isn’t at an expensive bar, but rather the tailgate-style parking lot variety that can seem rudimentary but often draws resort guests in with charm and the friendliness of those who frequent the mountain’s slopes. It’s hard not to enjoy the rustic nature of an old ski resort only forty minutes from downtown Salt Lake.
Brighton Pros & Cons
+ Easy access to some of the best backcountry terrain in the United States
+ Consistently receives high annual snowfall and extremely dry powder snow
+ Laid-back atmosphere caters to locals and skiers not looking to break the bank
+ Single-ride lift ticket options for backcountry skiers
– Little resort amenities at the base station for those looking to stay and enjoy nightlife
– Limited in-bounds terrain compared to most other Utah ski resorts
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While Brighton offers a small number of on-mountain rooms, the resort is dedicated more to skiing and riding than to a top-notch lodging experience. Brighton may not be a true resort destination due to its lack of extensive lodging options...
Brighton Ski Area All of Brighton’s easy-to-navigate terrain is serviced by high-speed lifts to maximize daily runs and fun. While not the biggest mountain by acreage of all the options near Salt Lake City, Brighton is often not crowded and...
Brighton Beginner Skiing Beginners should stick to the center mountain lifts but will be pleasantly surprised at the scope of accessible terrain. Beginners may be delighted to know that Brighton does not restrict their trail access to lower mountain areas....
Brighton Intermediate Skiing Intermediate skiers have the run of the mountain at Brighton, as long runs snake off each lift providing excellent views of the Utah backcountry. Intermediate skiers at Brighton are sure to have a wonderful day. Unlike beginners,...
Brighton Expert Skiing Experts wishing to remain in-bounds at Brighton may lose interest after a day or two, as the truluy best skiing lies outside the resort boundary Brighton does offer plenty of black- and double black-diamond rated terrain to...
Brighton Backcountry Skiing & Off Piste With available single-ride lift tickets, Brighton is a perfect gateway to the best that Utah’s Wasatch backcountry has to offer. Utah is known for its extensive backcountry zones, a high number of locals skinning...
Brighton On Mountain Restaurants Brighton’s on-mountain cafés and dining options provide standard ski area fare at refreshingly low, wallet-friendly prices. While the on-mountain restaurant food is nothing groundbreaking, cooked-to-order food that doesn’t break the bank is a refreshing change in...
Brighton Village While no real mountain village exists, parking lot parties can provide ample entertainment during open mountain hours. Brighton does not have a large base village for resort guests to stay, dine, and party. Instead, the parking lot often...
Brighton Apres-Ski, Restaurants & Bars Outside of on-mountain ski area fare, there are only a select few dining options along the mountain pass road through Big Cottonwood Canyon. The Brighton base area does not provide a variety of dining options....
Brighton Activities Skiing and riding is Brighton’s bread and butter. If you’re not on the mountain here, there isn’t much else to occupy your time. As the base area lies at the back of the Big Cottonwood Canyon road, there...