Brighton Ski Resort, in Big Cottonwood Canyon, is renowned for its affordability, welcoming atmosphere, and ideal terrain for skill progression. Brighton boasts a relaxed, inclusive vibe, a variety of terrain, and an intuitive layout that makes it a top choice for families of all skill levels.
What truly sets Brighton apart? Its well-deserved reputation for offering Utah’s best night skiing, a strong commitment to family-friendly values, and a focus on the pure joy of skiing without unnecessary complications. With abundant snowfall, diverse terrain, and a laid-back, community-driven spirit, Brighton is the perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders looking for an wholesome mountain adventure.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about Brighton Ski Resort—from its history and top trails to the lodging options, and family-friendly features. Whether you’re planning your first visit or are a seasoned skier, here’s how to make the most of your time at Brighton.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
- 1800 feet vertical drop
- 10,500 ft Summit elevation
- 1050 acres of skiable terrain
- Best Night Skiing in Salt Lake Area
- Top tier Terrain Parks
- Best for Families and Beginners
- 500 inches of snow annually
- IKON Pass
“Brighton welcomes you with open arms—the mountain is for everyone. From night skiing to terrain parks, this the place to push yourself and feel the thrill of getting better.”
Why it’s awesome
Brighton Ski Resort & The Greatest Snow on Earth®
Established in 1936, Brighton Ski Resort is Utah’s first ski resort. It served as a training ground for generations of skiers and snowboarders, earning its title as “the place where Utah learns to ski.” This charming resort has grown to accommodate diverse terrains, state-of-the-art facilities, and energy-efficient lifts—all while maintaining its laid-back vibe. Most importantly, it’s Salt Lake’s only resort to feature night skiing options, illuminating up to 200 acres until 9PM.
Utah’s trademarked “Greatest Snow on Earth®” slogan isn’t just marketing—it’s science. The powder has a perfect light and dry composition that feels divine to ski through. The state’s unique geography is to thank for its legendary powder. As Pacific storms cross the Sierra Nevada, they lose much of their moisture, leaving lighter, drier snow by the time they reach Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. This low moisture snow is soft, fluffy, and perfect for skiing. The Wasatch Range’s high elevation, cold temperatures, and ideal orientation ensure heavy snowfall and preserve its quality. With consistent storms, dry air, and perfect terrain, Utah’s snow has earned its reputation among skiers and snowboarders worldwide.
Big Cottonwood Canyon’s unique microclimate gives Brighton high quality snow throughout the winter. The canyon’s orientation funnels cold air and moisture from storms and Its elevation and location attract frequent snowstorms, resulting in some of Utah’s highest snowfall totals.
The resort receives an average of 500 inches of light, powdery snow each season, which comes close to the renowned Snowbird and Alta Ski Areas in Little Cottonwood Canyon. That means more powder days and a longer season.
Best Trails at Brighton
Brighton boasts an intuitive layout, making its 1,050 skiable acres easy to navigate, with nearly all terrain accessible by lifts. The progression-friendly slopes, make it the perfect destination for beginners learning to ski or to sharpen your skills.
Beginners
- The Explorer Lift | Bunny slope: The Explorer lift at the base of the mountain services the bunny hill. Perfect for your first time skiing before you are ready for a true green groomer.
- The Majestic Lift | Beginner Terrain: The terrain here features large, wide-open groomed trails that are perfect for beginners with plenty of space to build confidence.
Intermediate
- Snake Creek Express: You can take Sunshine down to skip the advanced and expert terrain. You will be in Snake Creek Pass, these are nice groomed trails and some nice tree trails as well.
- Crest 6 Express: These groomed trails are a bit more challenging but still very fun with some tree trails available as well. This is also where the terrain parks begin.
Advanced
- Milly Express: You will find extremely fun moguls, chutes, trees, and bowls over here. This the most fun terrain at Brighton if you ask me.
- Great Western Express: Definitely recommend this side of the mountain on a pow day. The south facing side of the mountain can get rather icy however the terrain is extremely fun and challenging with plenty to choose from.
Expert
- Elevator Chutes: This is the most extreme terrain at Brighton. You will catch some air coming down these chutes, there’s no way around it. You will have to hike up from the Milly Express. Be prepared for a full send as this is not for the faint of heart.
Terrain Parks
Brighton’s terrain parks embody its spirit of offering a progression-focused experience for all skill levels. Regarded as some of the best in the country, these parks cater to everyone, with features ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced. Brighton boasts four on-mountain terrain parks, all of which in line starting off the Thunder Road trail from the top of the Crest 6 Lift. Here’s what each park has to offer:
- Pee-Wee: Perfect for beginners, Pee-Wee features small jumps, dance floor boxes, and gentle slopes. If you’re not ready for the larger features at My Oh My, follow the Snowdrift trail and you’ll find Pee-Wee on your right.
- Majestic: Geared toward advanced riders, this park is where you’ll find Brighton’s largest rails, boxes, and pipes. It’s the spot to test your skills and tackle bigger challenges.
- Candyland: Here you will find medium-sized rails, jumps, and boxes, with features that change regularly to keep things fresh. It’s ideal for intermediate riders looking to level up.
- My Oh My: The go-to spot for big air enthusiasts. This park features three massive jumps in succession—perfect for capturing epic videos of your best tricks…or your most graceful wipeouts.
- The Bone Zone: Open only during the preseason, this spot is perfect for hitting medium-sized jib features. Access requires a short hike to the park, and while it’s free to ride, the resort kindly asks visitors to bring a shovel to help gather snow. This perfectly embodies the spirit of Brighton and the essence of true ski culture.
Brighton takes pride in maintaining its terrain parks, reshaping and grooming them frequently to ensure the best possible experience. Remember to stay safe and always wear a helmet.
You can review the Park SMART guidelines here.
Photo courtesy of Brighton Resort
Après Ski & Surrounding Area
On Mountain & Village
Brighton’s base area is modest and not particularly lively. However, Molly Green’s, a cozy ski bar open until 10 PM, is the perfect spot to unwind with good food after a few night skiing runs.
For more dining options, head to the nearby village at Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton’s welcoming neighbor. Despite its small size, the village boasts an impressive selection of restaurants. Stone Haus Pizzeria & Creamery is an excellent choice for satisfying both sweet and savory cravings. Honeycomb Grill offers a variety of flavorful options, including hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, entrees, and shareable plates. Meanwhile, St. Bernard’s elevates comfort food with a sophisticated twist.
The Silver Fork Lodge just minutes away. Established in 1943, this historic lodge is full of charm and character. The menu features delicious barbeque, perfectly cooked steaks, and a variety of vegetarian and seafood options to suit all tastes. The lodge also offers a free on-demand shuttle to and from the village
Solitude Mountain Resort-Brighton’s Neighbor
Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Ski Resort are attached via the SolBright Trail, a ski ath linking the resorts together. Brighton tends to be a bit cheaper with terrain geared more towards beginners and intermediate while Solitude is full of caches, hidden spots, and has a livelier village.
For added convenience, a nearby shuttle service connects the resorts and surrounding areas, ensuring hassle-free transportation. Visitors can access both resorts with an IKON Pass or Salt Lake Ski Super Pass, which grants access to Solitude, Brighton, and other nearby resorts, along with streamlined transportation options. For more information on planning a multi resort ski trip Contact Skizi today for a hassle free consultation.
Salt Lake City
Best Apres Ski in Salt Lake City: Local Cuisine and Breweries
Salt Lake City has a vibrant food and drink scene as well. You can find breweries and farm to table restaurants throughout the city. Uinta Brewing Co. and Squatters Pub Brewery have a cozy atmosphere with some hoppy craft beers.
Hog Wallow Pub
If you’re you’re looking to venture into Salt Lake City after skiing go to Cottonwood Heights and check out the Hog Wallow Pub. Known for its welcoming ambiance, excellent drinks, live music, pool tables and outdoor fire pits, Hog Wallow is a quintessential après-ski escape. Enjoy a delicious burger, sandwich, wings, or their famous fried pickles while warming up by the fire and listening to live music.
Antelope Island
If you love hiking, birdwatching, scenic views, or wildlife, Antelope Island is a must-visit. Located in the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island State Park offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes.. The island is home to 500-700 bison roaming freely, and its scenic hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the Great Salt Lake and Utah mountains.
Winter brings a peaceful atmosphere, with fewer visitors and plenty of opportunities for quiet reflection. At night, Antelope Island becomes a stargazing haven. With dark skies, it offers incredible views of stars and galaxies.
Temple Square
Temple Square is the heart of Salt Lake City and an iconic piece of the city’s culture. This 10-acre historical site features the majestic Salt Lake Temple and other significant landmarks that are rich in history and architecture. While there be sure to get the tour of The Tabernacle and its world class acoustics. You can literally hear a sewing drop on the pulpit from 150 feet away. The craftsmanship, history, and cultural will be a memorable stop during your day off the slopes.
Brighton Ski Resort Lodging
There are not many options for lodging in the Brighton Village area. You can either stay at one of the few lodges at the base of the mountain, stay in a private home near the resort, stay in Solitude Mountain Base, or find a place in Salt Lake City and commute in.
Salt Lake City’s UTA Bus Service runs route 972 to Brighton and Solitude. The bus is pretty good and at $5 each way so staying in the city is not bad idea to save some dollars. Check out the best options on where to stay below.
Don’t be overwhelmed with options, Contact Skizi to get your hassle-free custom itinerary and expertise.
Mid Range Accommodation
Silver Fork Lodge and Restaurant
Located less than 10 minutes down the road from Brighton, the Silver Fork Lodge is a cozy mountain retreat perfect for a weekend getaway. This charming cabin-style lodge offers a welcoming atmosphere with rustic decor and breathtaking views of the surrounding slopes. Guests can enjoy a hearty, cooked-to-order breakfast included with their stay.
Take advantage of the lodge’s convenient ski storage to stow your gear, then relax in the on-site sauna to unwind after a day on the mountain. The restaurant and bar inside serve delicious meals and drinks, making it a great spot to gather with friends or family after a day in the snow. The Silver Fork Lodge offers everything you need for a memorable alpine escape.
Budget Accommodation
Courtyard by Marriott Salt Lake City Cottonwood
If you have your own vehicle or don’t mind ubering/taxiing (approx $25 each way outside of surge times) each way then the Courtyard Marriot is about a 30 minute drive is a good option for you.
This has a Starbucks on site, a pool, bar, hot tub, gym, and business center.
Hampton Inn Salt Lake City Cottonwood
This highly rated hotel is located a few minutes walking from the 6200 S & Wasatch Blvd Pnr Bus Stop. This is the second pickup point of the UTA Bus which takes you to the resorts in area. Route 972 goes to Solitude and Brighton for $5 each way. Buses leave every 30 minutes from about 8:30am to 8:30pm.
If are traveling without a vehicle you can stay at this comfortable and affordable hotel and walk to the bus stop and the ride to the resort.
Cost Breakdown: 4-5 Days
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Lift Tickets | ~$460/4 days (multi-day pass discounts available, IKON and Flex Pass). |
| Accommodations | ~$1000/ 5 nights depending on choice of lodging. |
| Gear Rentals | ~$150/4 days if needed (or BYO gear). |
| Food & Drinks | ~$60–$120/day (options range from casual eats to fine dining). |
| Transportation | ~$60 roundtrip from SLC |
Total for 5 days: ~$1500–$2500, depending on your lodging and dining preferences.
5 Days BYOG w/ Pass in Budget accommodation can surely cost less than $1000 per person. Contact Skizi to find you the best deals at no cost to you.
Getting There
Fastest Route
- Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport(SLC), then drive 50 minutes
- Transfer from the Airport
- The SLC area has excellent transportation options to the resorts in the area. Most options are under $100 for a roundtrip or the UTA Ski Bus for as low as $5.
- Transfer Companies
- UTA Ski Bus
- Canyon Transport
- Utah Mountain Shuttle
- Uber & Lyft
Other Options
- Fly into Provo Airport (PVU), then drive 65 minutes.
- If you are trying to beat the crowds, rent your own vehicle, and can get a good flights into Provo Airport then this option could work for you.
- The Provo Airport is smaller, a bit further from Brighton, and transportation is not as easily accessible.
- If you are driving I definitely recommend snow tires and 4 wheel drive, to stay updated on the status of the roads, and a full tank of gas as there is no gas station up Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Contact Skizi
Get your custom itinerary and reservations secured. If you want awesome snow, solid terrain, or an excellent family ski trip without spending huge amounts of money then now is the time to secure your trip to Brighton Ski Resort.
Let us create the ultimate trip for you! From lodging and flights to lift tickets, transportation, and activities, we handle all the details—at no extra cost to you.
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