Touting itself as “The Place Where Utah Learns to Ski & Ride”, Brighton Resort is a family friendly destination for endless winter fun. There’s nothing flashy or pretentious here, and that’s just the way thousands of weekly skiers and snowboarders like it.
Once you’ve been here, you’ll surely return, as the Big Cottonwood Canyon location is well-known for more than 500 annual inches of dry, fluffy snow. Brighton makes Utah’s claim to being home to “The Greatest Snow on Earth”, a reality.
Directions to Brighton
Getting to the slopes from anywhere in the Salt Lake City metro area is fast and simple. Whether you’re coming from Salt Lake City itself, Provo, Ogden, or other Wasatch Front Range communities, skiing is close to home. Downtown Salt Lake to Brighton is just 31 miles; a 40-minute drive not accounting for any traffic delays.
If you’re coming from the Salt Lake City International Airport, you can figure on driving 35 miles in about 45 minutes.
Here are some distances and estimated driving time from major cities in the region
- Provo – 55 miles/one hour
- Ogden – 67 miles/ 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Pocatello, Idaho – 193 miles/ 3 hours
- Twin Falls, Idaho – 247 miles/3 hours and 45 minutes
- St. George, Utah – 313 miles/4.5 hours
- Las Vegas, Nevada – 431 miles/6 hours
If you haven’t arranged for parking prior to heading for Brighton, be sure to check online or via the Brighton app to ensure that paid parking is available, as the lots tend to fill early in the day on weekends and holidays.
Fly to SLC and Skip Renting a Car
For skiers and boarders who prefer to use alternative means of transportation to Brighton, there are several options. Utah Mountain Shuttle and Canyon Transportation both provide direct service from SLC International Airport in private luxury 4×4 vehicles.
There are other shuttles and bus services available should you desire transportation to the nearby Park City area.
If you live in or are staying in the Salt Lake City area, you may want to consider riding to Brighton via the Utah Transit Authority “Ski Bus”. IKON pass holders always ride for free.
Brighton’s Mountain and Snow Stats
- 1,050 skiable acres
- Summit: 10,500 feet
- Base: 8,755 feet
- Vertical rise: 1,745 feet
- Average annual snowfall: 500+ inches
- All beginner runs are groomed nightly
Trail & Lift Info at Brighton
Here’s Brighton’s trail info
- 66 runs (plus numerous off-piste areas to explore)
- 21% for beginners
- 40% intermediate
- 39% advanced
- 7 lifts: five quads (four hi-speed), one triple, one magic carpet
- 100% of Brighton’s terrain is accessible by hi-speed quads
Have a Look at the Trails, Lifts and Facilities at Brighton
Click here for the official detailed map of Brighton Resort. Plan where to park and get an overview of the location of Brighton Center for dining, picking up rental gear, and taking ski and snowboard lessons.
Brighton’s Web Cams and App
It’s easy to ‘know before you go’ to Brighton Resort. Check out the latest conditions, lift status, weather, and take a look at live web cams to get a first-hand look at the mountain before you head out.
Want to check out Brighton’s conditions along the way from the car (with someone else driving, of course), shuttle or bus? Download the Brighton app to stay up-to-the-minute until you arrive.
Does Brighton Have Night Skiing?
If you like to ski after the sun goes down, Brighton is the place for you! Open until 9 p.m. daily except Sunday (5 p.m.), with the recent addition of the Snake Creek Trail, there are now 22 runs open for night skiing, beautifully lit by 260 high-power lights. Four lifts and one terrain park remain open until closing time.
Can I Snowboard at Brighton?
Snowboarding isn’t just permitted at Brighton. It’s encouraged. Snowboarders are just as welcome here as skiers, and since not all Utah resorts allow snowboarding, they are very vocal about it.
Are There Terrain Parks at Brighton Resort?
As the Norwegian developers of Brighton would say, “ya sure, ubetcha”, there are five terrain parks at Brighton for you to test and expand your repertoire of rail and box jibs, jumps, and riding the half-pipes. Just be sure to wear your ‘brain bucket’.
Is There a Tubing Hill Here?
No, Brighton Resort doesn’t have a tubing hill, but remember, BOTH skiing and snowboarding are permitted (and encouraged) here.
Lift Ticket Options at Brighton
Not surprisingly, Brighton Resort offers a wide array of lift ticket options to attract skiers and boarders of all types and skill levels.
- IKON Pass, valid at Brighton and 40 other ski resorts
- Platinum, Unlimited, Base, Twilight & Midweek season passes, so you can decide when and how often you want to ski
- Season pass allows for one Buddy Pass discount of 25% each time
- Day Pass Options: Adult/Youth/Senior, 7 or 12 hours; All ages, 4 hours, available any time after 12 noon; Adult/Youth, night, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Learner Ticket (Majestic & Explorer), 7 hours Active Military, 7 hours, or night, (4 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
- KIDS SKI FREE! A pass-holder or paying adult can bring along up to two kids, 10 & under, at no additional charge. Kid’s tickets are available at the ticket window upon arrival.
Learning to Ski and Snowboard at Brighton
Gaining the skills to become a lifelong skier or snowboarder is the central focus of the Brighton Snowsports School. A myriad of lesson options awaits those who want to learn ‘how to’, as well as for winter sports enthusiasts who want to improve or brush-up on their skills.
Adult and youth private lessons are readily available, and group lessons are offered for the young ones according to their age category. Kid’s group lessons are offered for ages 5-7 and 8-15. There’re also ‘after school’ lessons for ages 8-18. Freestyle Camp is another popular option for kids ages 7-15.
Beginner ski and snowboard group lessons are offered for ages 13 and older, and there’s even a unique ages 18+ ‘Women’s Workshop’.
Individual private lessons are available from age three (yes, 3), participants must be at least five years old for group lessons, and Thursday night group lessons are offered for skiers and boarders ages eight and up. These should be reserved at least 24 hours in advance by calling the resort.
For ‘day-of’ lessons, head for the ticket window, which is located just outside of Brighton Center, to make your arrangements.
What Are Brighton’s Dining Options?
There are several nice food venues at Brighton Resort, ranging from Molly Greens, a full-service bar & grill, to the Alpine Rose cafeteria-style restaurant that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is also the place for grab-n-go items.
The Burton Store is mid-mountain to curb your hunger with snacks and beverages. The Milly Chalet is the spot for burgers, burritos, and beer, as well as for BYO lunch folks to grab a seat and devour what they brought with them. Lastly, the Blind Minor Coffee Shop will keep you warm with hot coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and other cold weather beverages.
Is There Lodging at Brighton?
There sure is. The 20-room Brighton Lodge is located slope side, adjacent to the Crest Lift, offering comfortable, rustic accommodations just steps away from the action.
Room options include dorm-style, queen bed, and two-queen suites for up to four guests. Brighton Resort offers four-night ‘Stay-n-Ski’ packages with no blackouts, plus lift tickets are included!
Wasatch Range ski country offers many other housing options within minutes of Brighton. There are numerous AirBnb and VRBO rental properties in the Village of Brighton and surrounding communities, as well as national chain hotels in in Cottonwood Heights (15 miles), and Park City (11 miles).
Does Brighton Rent Ski Gear?
Absolutely, yes! Brighton has all your equipment needs covered, from head to foot. Helmets, goggles, poles, skis, binding, boards, and well, you name it, they have it.
Located on the second floor of the Brighton Center, The Brighton Rental Shop offers ski and snowboard packages for beginners, as well for downhill enthusiasts seeking higher performance. You can also rent just the items you need a la carte.
Email ri@brightonresort.com in advance of your visit to set up an equipment rental appointment, or if you have other questions for Brighton’s equipment experts.
Head is the preferred ski equipment provider, while Burton and Progression are recommended for beginning-to-intermediate snowboarders. High performance packages feature Mervin, Cardiff, Rome, Niche and K2 boards.
Ski Bikes at Brighton
In addition to welcoming skiers and snowboarders equally, Brighton is now leading the way locally with the addition of ‘snowbiking’ as a recognized winter sport. This reasonably new downhill experience has quickly caught on with younger snow lovers, and Brighton has recognized its popularity.
Sno-Go snowbike rentals are now available, however, you are required to watch a safety and usage video about the sport prior to biking down the slopes. The short film can be viewed at Brighton, or in advance of arrival online by clicking here.
Some Final Thoughts
Utah’s Brighton Resort established itself long ago as the place to bring the family for world-class snow, without the expense and grandeur of its nearby Wasatch Range neighbors.
In operation since 1936, locals know Brighton for superb conditions, daily grooming, and an all-around fun experience that doesn’t wrap up until they turn out the lights.
Jessie Gonzalez writes for Proper Peaks and lives in Stockton, CA. One of her favorite things about snowboarding is seeing beginners get started and watching them enjoy the sport.
