Best Ski Resort In Utah For Beginners 2024

Last updated: January 2024

When thinking of planning your first ski holiday or next trip for your family we would seriously recommend that Utah is at the top of your list. Utah is home to some of the most incredible ski resorts on the planet and whilst yes, many of them are a paradise for expert riders looking for cliff and chutes or intermediate riders with long perfectly groomed runs, we cant forget that everyone has to learn how to ski and snowboard somewhere. In this article we are going to dive into which is the best ski resort in Utah for beginner riders.

We have visited Utah in 2020 and 2022 skiing and riding all of the resorts in and around Salt Lake City and if you are looking for a world class ski trip, yes even if you are a beginner, Utah is the place to go.

As we sat down to put together this list we wanted to not only look at the percentage of terrain assigned to beginners but overlay that across both the number of trails and size of the resort. If it was simply based on the percentage of beginner terrain the list would be very different. These resorts range from 13 beginner trails covering 220 acres all the way up to 38 beginner trails covering a whopping 1,975 acres, in short beginners are spoilt for choice when choosing the best ski resort in Utah. 

The below is simply based on the numbers, we know that everyone will have specific opinions on what makes a resort the best of anything however we are focusing on the numbers with this list.

#1 Powder Mountain Resort

Powder Mountain Beginner Trails: 39

Powder Mountain Beginner Area: 1,975 acres

Powder Mountain Resort is famed as being the largest ski resort in North America which is true when you include their inbounds Cat Skiing terrain however for the sake of this report on ski resorts in utah for beginners we are not going to include this terrain simply because we can’t see any newbies busting out into the side country. Let’s take a look at what makes Powder Mountain the best ski resort in Utah for beginners.

Powder Mountain serves up 25% of their terrain for beginners so when we run the numbers that’s 38 trails from their 154 marked runs. Beginner skiers and snowboarders visiting this ski resort in Utah will have 1,975ac of terrain to explore. 

One key standout is Powder Mountain is huge and the 38 trails are spread out all over the resort. Beginner riders who are visiting Powder Mountain will not tire of the options thanks to the large diversity found in every corner of the resort. You could spend a few days riding just the green runs and still be able to access every chairlift in the ski resort.

Powder Mountain Beginner Pros: ✅

• Most diverse terrain for beginner riders in Utah

• Largest beginner terrain with 1,975 acres to explore

• Powder last longer with limited crowds

• Village is at the summit so beginners can learn with fresh snow

• Easy chair lifts give beginners time to reflect and choose a new line

Powder Mountain Beginner Cons: ❌

• A little further out from Salt Lake City

• Drive up the mountain is not for the faint hearted 

• Limited on mountain accommodation options

• No real set village as its spans the whole summit of the resort

Closest City: Ogden, UT (25 minutes) & Salt Lake City, UT (45 minutes)

Closest Major Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Beginner Lift Tickets: Powder Mountain does not have beginner specific lift tickets however discounts can be achieved by booking your lift tickets online in advance. 

Ski School: $160 package available which includes lift pass, rental equipment and 3 hour lesson. Pre booking advised.

On Mountain Accommodation: Powder Mountain has a unique village found at the summit of the ski resort in Utah. Being at the summit all the accommodation is ski in and ski out however this comes with a price. Those looking to stay off the mountain can find great options below the ski resort in Wolf Creek or Ogden, UT.

Powder Mountain Quick Facts

• Summit Elevation: 9422ft / 2872m

• Base Elevation: 6900ft / 2103m

• Vertical Drop: 2522ft / 769m

• Beginner: 25%

• Intermediate: 40%

• Advanced: 30%

• Expert: 5%

• Number of Runs: 154

• Number of Lifts: 9

• Avg Annual Snowfall: 500" / 41.67ft / 1270cm

• Resort terrain: 8464 acres / 3425 ha

• Pass Type: Indy

Credit: Powder Mountain

#2 Park City Mountain Resort

Park City Beginner Trails: 27

Park City Beginner Area: 584 acres

If you were to take a look at just the initial percentage numbers, many riders would ask what makes Park City Ski Resort great for beginners due to the 6% of terrain that is graded entry level. This is until you take into consideration the size of the resort (or should we say two resorts) as Park City spans both Park City Mountain and Canyons ski resort. Offering 341 different trails to choose from and 7,300 acres there are 27 different trails graded green for beginners and they span over 584 acres of terrain.

On the Canyons side of the resort beginners have a dedicated zone and the High Meadow chairlift services this area. Beginners will feel comfortable knowing they can learn how to ride without having to worry about intermediate and advanced riders whizzing past.

Over at Park City Mountain beginner riders can hone their skills at the base of the resort where they will find the dedicated ski school zones. Once riders are comfortable they can move further up the mountain and take on Home Run. This 3.72mi (6km) trail runs from the top of the Bonza Express lift and gives riders access to 2,467ft (752m) of vertical. Home run is the longest beginner trail found in all of Utah and is an incredible way to finish your first day of riding.

Park City Beginner Pros: ✅

• Two resort regions to choose from

• Award winning ski school

• Dedicated beginner zone in Canyons Resort

• Great lift system with detachable lifts in beginner zone 

• Great snow each season and the grooming is top notch

• Easy access from Salt Lake City International Airport with freeway driving all the way to the resort

• Plenty of ski in ski out accommodation options

• Great on mountain food and beverage options without having to come off the hill

Park City Beginner Cons: ❌

• Very large ski resort can be rather daunting

• Resort is huge however key areas can get very congested during peak seasons

• Lift tickets are really expensive when compared to other resorts

• Accommodation options are very expensive due to Park City being a destination town

Closest City: Park City (5 minutes) or Salt Lake City (30 minutes)

Closest Major Airport: Salt Lake City international Airport (SLC)

Beginner Lift Tickets: Park City mountain resort offers the following for Adult riders 

ADULT FIRST TIME AM+PM BUNDLE GROUP SKI LESSON where first time riders can get access to a full day of fun and learning at only $239 USD. You can add in on a beginner lift ticket for only $50 USD and also rental equipment for $46 USD. All in you can enjoy your first day on the mountain with a full day of lessons for $335 USD and you get to learn at Park City which is rated one of the best in the country. 

For children there are plenty more options based on the size of the group however a suggested lesson package can be found below

CHILD BEGINNER FULL DAY GROUP SKI LESSON (AGES 7-14) where first time riders can get access to a full day of fun and learning at only $289 USD. You can add in on a child beginner lift ticket for only $32 USD and also rental equipment for $29 USD. All in your child can enjoy their first day on the mountain with a full day of lessons for $350 USD and your child gets to learn at Park City which is rated one of the best in the country. 
Ski School: Yes Park City has multiple ski schools found at both Canyons resort base area and Park City Mountain base area. As riders progress they can also get up into dedicated beginner zones found on both areas of the resort. 

On Mountain Accommodation: Park City Mountain has the most comprehensive accommodation options available as visitors have a whole mountain town to choose from. Prices vary depending on where you are located in Park City with the cheapest options being up at Kimball Junction. As you move further down towards Park City the accommodation options rise in prices. There are apartments and condos available at the base of both Canyons Resort and also Park City Mountain.

• Base Elevation: 6800ft / 2073m

• Vertical Drop: 3226ft / 983m

• Beginner: 8%

• Intermediate: 41%

• Advanced: 28%

• Expert: 23%

• Number of Runs: 341

• Number of Lifts: 44

• Avg Annual Snowfall: 360" / 30.00ft / 914cm

• Resort terrain: 7300 acres / 2954 ha

• Pass Type: Epic Pass

Credit: Park City Mountain Resort

#3 Deer Valley (beginner skiers only)

Deer Valley Beginner Trails: 28

Deer Valley Beginner Area: 547 acres

Deer Valley ski resort in Utah is one of the fanciest and most luxurious resorts we know of and they pride themselves on being exactly that. Whilst only being a third of the size of neighbouring Park City the resort has the same amount of beginner terrain with 27 runs graded green that covers a total skibale area of 547 acres. 

What really makes Deer Valley one of the best beginner ski resorts in Utah is the award winning ski school and extremely professional instructors who make it their mission to encourage all beginners to take the time and learn how to ski. Yes we have said ski specifically as you cannot snowboard in Deer Valley, ever since opening in the 1930’s Deer Valley has excluded snowboarders from access the resort chairlifts and we don’t see that changing any time soon. They are not the only ski resort in Utah to restrict snowboards as just over the mountain pass in Alta you will also find the ban on snowboarders.

Those looking to splurge on a ski holiday should certainly check out Deer Valley or those looking to try out a new resort on their Ikon pass should spend a day or two getting out and experiencing some of the best groomed piste in not only the state of Utah but possibly the whole of North America.

Deer Valley Beginner Pros: ✅

• Skiers will love the ski only aspect of the resort

• Award winning ski school

• Two dedicated beginner zones in the main base area of the resort

• Beginner runs from the summit of 5 out of 6 peaks across the resort

• Access via the Ikon Pass is possible

• Some of the best grooming in the country can be found here

• Beginner terrain is spread out all over the resort

Deer Valley Beginner Cons: ❌

• Cannot visit if you are a snowboarder

• One of the most expensive lift tickets in the USA

• Each part of the resort is on its own hill and requires a lot of up’s and down riding to access other areas of the resort.

• Accommodation and on-mountain dining is expensive

Closest City: Park City (5 minutes) or Salt Lake City (30 minutes)

Closest Major Airport: Salt Lake City international Airport (SLC)

Beginner Lift Tickets: Beginner: $65 (all ages, single-day) Valid on Burns, Snowflake, Silver Lake Express, Viking, Judge and all conveyor lifts only. For skiing on Wide West, Trainer and conveyor lift areas. 

Ski School: Deer Valley ski resort in Utah has one of the most acclaimed and award winning ski schools not only in the state of Utah but the country. Yes this ski school is only for skiers and Deer Valley does not allow snowboarders within the resort. The instructors at the Deer Valley ski school put the customers first and will tailor each lesson to the riders rather than offering a cookie cutter experience. Whether you are looking for a group lesson or a private lesson the team at Deer Valley will take great care of you. 

On Mountain Accommodation: Deer Valley has the most comprehensive on mountain accommodations available with a range of options found at both base areas of the resort. The on mountain accommodation does not come cheap with many options ranging from $500 USD to $1500 USD per night but that’s where the ski in ski out convenience comes into play.

• Summit Elevation: 9570ft / 2917m

• Base Elevation: 6570ft / 2002m

• Vertical Drop: 3000ft / 914m

• Beginner: 27%

• Intermediate: 31%

• Advanced: 10%

• Expert: 32%

• Number of Runs: 103

• Number of Lifts: 21

• Avg Annual Snowfall: 300" / 25.00ft / 762cm

• Resort terrain: 2026 acres / 820 ha

• Pass Type: Ikon Pass

Credit: Deer Valley Ski Resort

#4 Alta Ski Area (beginner skiers only)

Alta Beginner Trails: 18

Alta Beginner Area: 392 acres

Alta ski area is just that, a ski area that many snowboarders have tried to get access to yet failed continuously. Being a ski only ski area means that when it comes to new riders and children, Alta ski area is possibly the best ski resort in Utah for beginners thanks to the 18 beginner specific trails which cover 392 acres of terrain. 

Located deep in Little Cottonwood Canyon Alta ski area is famous for its powder snow, cliff hucking locals and raw ski attitude. This is not a ski resort where you go to be seen in the latest Parisian resort wear, it's where riders go to ride the best snow on earth and have a great time doing it. 

Alta ski resort is a great place to learn how to ride as the ski school here has been operating for generations and is now run be some of the best in the business, whether it's your first day on snow or you are getting back onto skis after quite some time the crew at Alta ski area will have you carving up those groomers in no time.

Alta Beginner Pros: ✅

• Laid back attitude when it comes to skiing

• Ski school is top notch in the region

• Beginner lift tickets are available from $60

• Best snow in Utah

• One of the longest seasons in Utah

• Connected to sister resort Snowbird to provide double the terrain

• Ski only resort

• Access via the Ikon Pass is available

Alta Beginner Cons: ❌

• Limited lodging at the ski resort

• Lodging can be hard to find and is expensive due to exclusivity

• Resort access road is tough to drive and sees constant traffic problems

• During heavy snowfall events (FEB) resort can close due to avalanche risk in the canyon

Closest City: Salt Lake City, UT (30 minutes minimum winter driving)

Closest Major Airport: Salt Lake City international Airport (SLC)

Beginner Lift Tickets: Alta ski area does sell beginner only tickets which are priced at $60 (off-peak) and $70 (peak). Beginner only lift tickets need to be purchased from the resort and cannot be purchased online. This beginner lift ticket will get you onto Albion and Sunny side lifts where you can access a handful of great runs to learn or hone your skills on. If you wanted to get further up into the ski resort you will need to purchase a full Alta ski area lift ticket which can be done online or at the resort directly.

Ski School: Ski School at Alta is taken seriously by the mountain crew as they aim to get as many new skiers on the mountain as possible. Alta ski area has both group and private lessons available for adults as well as children. The Adult ski school has 4 levels to progress through and runs daily from 1:30 - 3:30pm. Levels 1 and 2 of the Alta ski school include a lift ticket whereas levels 3 and 4 require you to purchase your own lift ticket. Pricing starts at $99 per session.

The children are the real stars of the ski school show and no matter your child’s ability Alta ski area will ensure they have the best day on snow possible. Alta’s kid-focused pros will develop a foundation of skills for your child to enjoy a lifetime of skiing while having great fun and making skiing friends. Lift ticket not required.

ALL-DAY SKI ADVENTURE | $169

• Four hours of skiing

• Lunch

• Sign in and meet in the Ski Adventure Center in the Albion base area

• Check-in: 8:30–9:30am

• Pick-up at 3:15pm | late pick-up available upon request

AFTERNOON ADVENTURE | $85

• Two hours of afternoon skiing

• Sign in and meet in the Ski Adventure Center in the Albion base area

• Check-in: 12:45pm

• Pick-up at 3:15pm | late pick-up available upon request

• Afternoon Adventure is not available during Winter Holiday or President’s Week

MINI ADVENTURE | $220

• All-day child care with the Alta Children's Center and a two-hour class in the afternoon with the Alf Engen Ski School.

• Ages 4-10

• Reserve your Mini Adventure through the Alta Children's Center 

Ski equipment not included

On Mountain Accommodation: Alta is located deep at the end of Little Cottonwood Canyon and due to this location the base area is very limited in how far they can build. There is no massive base village like you will find at some other resorts however Alta is not about the village or the long list of 5 star restaurants , they are about skiing and powder. Alta ski area does have a small number of lodges where skiers can spend the night or their trip, and these are rather nice lodges with all the amenities one would expect. If a condo is more your vibe for you and your family then there is a small collection of condos for hire which can be found via the Alta Ski area website. 

Due to the location deep in Little Cottonwood Canyon the whole region is prone to avalanche mitigation throughout the winter season, if you want to ensure you can ride as many days as possible we suggest staying up at the ski resort to avoid road closures and the lengthy traffic delays found in the canyon.

• Summit Elevation: 11068ft / 3373m

• Base Elevation: 8530ft / 2600m

• Vertical Drop: 2538ft / 774m

• Beginner: 15%

• Intermediate: 30%

• Advanced: 40%

• Expert: 15%

• Number of Runs: 119

• Number of Lifts: 6

• Avg Annual Snowfall: 545" / 45.42ft / 1384cm

• Resort terrain: 2614 acres / 1058 ha

• Pass Type: Ikon Pass

Credit: Alta Ski Area

#5 Beaver Mountain

Beaver Mountain Beginner Trails: 17

Beaver Mountain Beginner Area: 308 acres

Beaver Mountain is the first ski resort in Utah that comes to mind when we think of beginners and families. They are the most northern ski resort in Utah and can be found right up near the Idaho border, this remote location makes them the perfect place to learn as on many days you will feel at ease and not be surrounded by huge crowds.

With a dedicated beginner lift which serves a zone graded only green all beginner riders can get comfortable riding on their choice of skis or snowboard before progressing up the mountain resort to some of the other great beginner trails. Beaver Mountain has 16 different beginner trails which cover a total of 308 acres of terrain. Whilst an intermediate or advanced rider could complete this in one of two days many beginner riders will appreciate the diversity Beaver Mountain offers as well as having beginner runs connecting 3 of their 4 lifts. Word of warning, don’t go loading onto the Beaver Face lift as its only advanced and expert terrain found on this chairlift. 

With no on mountain accommodation available directly at the resort many riders will need to drive to and from the resort to their lodging either in Garden City, Logan or even Ogden. This family centric ski resort in Utah is also part of the Indy Pass which is the newest and fast becoming the most popular annual snow pass available.

Beaver Mountain Beginner Pros: ✅

• Great family atmosphere

• Great value lift pass pricing 

• Dedicated beginner zone with only green runs from the top of the lift

• Kids come first at Beaver Mountain 

• Family centric ski school as they look to get everyone on the mountain

• Smaller mountain resort 

• Great option on the Indy Pass

Beaver Mountain Beginner Cons: ❌

• The most northern ski resort in Utah is quite far from Ogden and Salt Lake City

• No on mountain accommodation is available

• Limited restaurants available at the base and on the mountain which causes the few they have to get quite busy during peak season

Closest City: Logan, UT (40 minutes drive)

Closest Major Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Beginner Lift Tickets: $30 for a 12 ride pass on the beginner lift at the front of the resort or $60 for an all day all lifts pass.

Ski School: Certified and professionally trained ski school instructors will make your first day or your child’s first day on the mountain unforgettable. Due to the lower visitor numbers the team at Beaver Mountain ski resort in Utah can really take the time to get to know each member of their lesson and curate the teaching program. 

On Mountain Accommodation: There is no on mountain accommodation which means you cannot ski in and ski out. The closest place to the resort with accommodation is Garden City at Bear Lake which has all the different types of accommodation you would require as well as striking views. Those looking for something a little cheaper with more facilities will find everything they need in Logan, UT which is a 40 minute drive from the resort.

• Summit Elevation: 8860ft / 2700m

• Base Elevation: 7232ft / 2204m

• Vertical Drop: 1628ft / 496m

• Beginner: 35%

• Intermediate: 40%

• Advanced: 25%

• Expert: 0%

• Number of Runs: 48

• Number of Lifts: 6

• Avg Annual Snowfall: 400" / 33.34ft / 1016cm

• Resort terrain: 880 acres / 356 ha

• Pass Type: Indy

Credit: Beaver Mountain Resort

#6 Brighton Mountain Resort

Brighton Beginner Trails: 14

Brighton Beginner Area: 221 acres

We decided to add a 6th resort to our list simply because two ski resorts in the top 5 are ski only and we wanted to ensure our readers who prefer to snowboard have all the options available to them. Brighton Mountain ski resort in Utah is not as well known internationally however when it comes to the locals in Utah and Salt Lake City Brighton is a must visit ski resort.

Situated in Big Cottonwood Canyon Brighton is next door to Solitude Mountain Resort and is the only ski resort in and around Salt Lake City which offers beginner riders trails which start at 10,000ft. Add in an exceptional ski school and plenty of great Utah powder and you have the ingredients for an incredible experience for beginner skiers and snowboarders who are looking to get out into the mountains. Brighton has 13 beginner trails to choose from and they cover a total area of 220 acres of terrain which gives plenty of options to beginner riders and includes summit to base options. Brighton Mountain Resort is also the ski resort in Utah with the largest night skiing operation with over 200 acres of trails which are lit up till 9pm. Majority of the terrain is beginner terrain so if you are looking for the best ski resort in Utah for beginners night riding, Brighton is where you want to be. 

Brighton mountain ski resort in Utah might be a little more unknown but if you are looking for the space to learn and lower crowds waiting for the chairlifts then this is the resort for you.

Brighton Beginner Pros: ✅

• Beginner trails that go from over 10,000ft to the base area

• Great value lift ticket options

• Best night riding in Utah 

• Access to Big Cottonwood canyon sees less closures than others

• Less crowds as Brighton is seen as a more local resort

• Access via the Ikon Pass is available

Brighton Beginner Cons: ❌

• Very limited on mountain accommodation, one option available at the base of the resort

• A handful of restaurant options at the base and on mountain can become busy during peak season

Closest City: Salt Lake City, UT (30 minutes drive)

Closest Major Airport: Salt Lake City international Airport (SLC)

Beginner Lift Tickets: Beginner only lift tickets are available to riders with prices ranging from $30 - $60. Beginners can access the Majestic and Explorer lifts. Riders looking to explore the whole beginner area at Brighton Mountain will need to purchase a full lift pass which ranges from $85 - $105.

Ski School: Brighton Mountain has a top notch certified ski school which will be able to teach everyone how to ski or snowboard in no time. Group lessons are available with classes available for children ($85) and adults ($75) which last for 2 hours per lesson. The Brighton Mountain ski school lessons do not include lift passes or rental equipment so these will need to be organised, but they can be booked with your ski school lesson on the Brighton Mountain website.

On Mountain Accommodation: Brighton Mountain has a small limited range of accommodation options found nestled in the valley as well as a single mountain lodge at the base. Due to location and limited flat land there are not as many options when compared to Park City or Deer Valley. Many riders and visitors will typically stay down in Salt Lake City and make the drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon each day they are riding. 

• Summit Elevation: 10500ft / 3200m

• Base Elevation: 8755ft / 2668m

• Vertical Drop: 1745ft / 532m

• Beginner: 21%

• Intermediate: 39%

• Advanced: 25%

• Expert: 15%

• Number of Runs: 66

• Number of Lifts: 7

• Avg Annual Snowfall: 500" / 41.67ft / 1270cm

• Resort terrain: 1050 acres / 425 ha

• Pass Type: Ikon

Credit: Brighton Mountain Resort

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