Brighton Skiing & Snowboarding Resort Guide
Brighton is a more laid-back ski and snowboard area than it’s high profile neighbors Park City and Alta. It’s a great destination for families and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The terrain park is also one of the most fun and best in Utah, with a host of nice rail features and the the natural terrain park, the “BoneZone.” While snowboarders are not allowed at Alta and Deer Valley, Brighton has fully embraced snowboarders. Brighton is also connected to neighboring Solitude. Just a 45 minute drive from Salt Lake City, Brighton is one of the many great options for skiing and snowboarding in Utah.
Brighton is unique in that 100% of the ski and snowboard area’s terrain is accessible via high-speed quad chairlifts. These 5 lifts access 1,050 acres of skiing and snowboarding. There are beginner options around the mountain, with the Explorer chairlift learning area, and several easy trails spread throughout the mountain. Strong intermediates and advanced riders will love Brighton, with various options, great groomed runs, and fun off-piste skiing and snowboarding.
The mountain is spread amongst three peaks, the center has terrain for all ability levels as well as Brighton’s awesome terrain parks. The Hawkeye and Scout runs are a good place for intermediates to get a taste of powder skiing and snowboarding, offering plenty of more mellow opportunities to hop off of the groomed runs and into the fresh Utah powder.
The Mount Millicent, or Milli, side has some fun advanced and expert terrain, although the powder doesn’t last long after big snow storms. The upper slopes are more wide-open, with lots of drops and cliff to jump off and jib on. The trees down lower in the Spaghetti and Captain Hook areas are super fun, too. On the opposite, skier’s right, side of the mountain there is more fun gladed skiing and snowboarding. Head over to the Great Western lift to sample these great, well-spaced trees.
Driving from Salt Lake City, Brighton is a quick 45 minutes up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Skiers and snowboarders don’t have to deal with the drive if they don’t want to, however, the Utah Transit Authority operates a bus the goes from Salt Lake City up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Brighton. The canyon can be closed shortly after big snowstorms, so make sure to check in with UDOT on the Big COttonwood Canyon Road Status before heading out from Salt Lake City.
Travel Resources:
UTA Ski Bus
Road Conditions
Driving from Salt Lake City, Brighton is a quick 45 minutes up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Skiers and snowboarders don’t have to deal with the drive if they don’t want to, however, the Utah Transit Authority operates a bus the goes from Salt Lake City up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Brighton. The canyon can be closed shortly after big snowstorms, so make sure to check in with UDOT on the Big COttonwood Canyon Road Status before heading out from Salt Lake City.
UTA Ski Bus
Road Conditions
There are only a couple lodging options at Brighton itself. The Brighton Lodge, however, offers great ski and stay packages, with very affordable rates. Staying here at the base of Brighton is one of the best values in Utah. Salt Lake City down the canyon offers a great base from which to explore Brighton and the rest of Utah’s ski and snowboard areas. Skiers and snowboarders can also stay at nearby Solitude, which has a more active village as well as various lodging options.
Brighton Lodging Overview
Solitude Lodging Overview
Solitude Lodging Overview
Our Favorite Snowboards For Brighton
Local Food Picks
On the mountain, Brighton has a full range of cafeterias and cafes to keep skiers and snowboarders fueled up and fed for long days of riding Utah powder, or shredding the terrain park. Molly Green’s is located in an A-frame building at the base, and is a an awesome spot to grab a drink or a bite to eat at the end of the day. Down the canyon a couple of miles, the Silver Fork Lodge has tasty food and huge portions.Brighton Dining Overview
Our Favorite Skis For Brighton
Where to Find Lift Tickets to Brighton?
Brighton skiing and snowboarding lift tickets are among the cheapest in Utah. The resort uses RFID chipped tickets that can be reloaded online. Discount Brighton lift tickets are available to those skiers and snowboarders that buy online ahead of time. For an small additional fee, “Sol-Bright,” lift tickets are available which allows access to both Brighton and neighboring Solitude. Discount tickets are available for those who only want to access the learning areas on the Majestic and Explorer lifts, too.Brighton Weather Information
Brighton has the second highest base area in Utah, which means the powder that falls at the ski and snowboard area is light and blower. 500” or nearly 42 feet of snowfall annually at Brighton throughout the winter. The ski and snowboard area’s relatively small size and hard shredding locals mean that the fresh snow doesn’t always last long, so make sure to set your alarm nice and early!Brighton Ski Report
Brighton Forecast
Brighton is one of the best value ski and snowboard areas in Utah, with very affordable lift tickets and lodging at the Brighton Lodge. This, as well as the variety of terrain and high quality snow make the ski and snowboard area great for families and powder hounds alike. The top-notch terrain parks are a big draw for the park skiers and snowboarder from Salt Lake City, but the whole mountain has fun terrain to explore.
