If you’re looking for spectacular skiing, it’s time to set your sights (and your skis) on Brian Head. After all, there’s no business like snow business for ideal shredding, and Utah’s claim to have “The Greatest Snow on Earth” isn’t just a catchy state slogan–it’s scientific fact. According to the Utah Office of Tourism, our superior snow is thanks to “flotation”, a phenomenon that occurs when conditions are right to cause fluffy, light snowflakes to fall on top of heavier snow. This creates that slick, knee-deep powder that keeps skiers on top of the base and flies off your skis like a fluffy cloud.
But it's not just about the snow! Home to premiere ski resorts and recreational areas, Brian Head is where families and friends gather to create memories, where first-timers find their passion, and where seasoned pros come to challenge themselves.
So, grab your gear and get ready to ride through our guide to everything you need to know about skiing in Brian Head, Utah.
Where to Ski in Brian Head
Whether you love the thrill of steep downhill runs or the quiet calm of cross-country trails, our winter landscapes are a wonderland for skiers of all sorts, styles, and skills.
Downhill Skiing
Southern Utah’s #1 winter destination is a premiere winter playground for those who love to zip, zoom, and zag down snowy slopes and steep vertical drops. The resort spans 650 acres and offers 8 chair lifts, 2 surface lifts, and 71 runs that range from easy to expert, enticing everyone from the timid first-timer to the daring downhill pro. Ski your fill as a breathtaking backdrop of snowcapped red rocks and frosty alpine forests zooms by at breakneck speeds.
Facts & Features
Runs: 30% Easy, 35% Intermediate, 35% Advanced
Lessons: Available on-site for kids, groups, and private sessions; book online.
Facilities: 2 base lodges offer shopping, dining, and fun apres-ski entertainment.
Entry: Daily and Season Passes are available for purchase online; prices vary by age, date, and included amenities. Kids 12 and under ski free!
Lift Hours: 10 am to 4 pm (Monday-Friday) | 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (Weekends/Holidays)
Don’t Miss: The extra excitement of skiing the slopes under a blanket of starry skies as glowing lights illuminate the stark white snow underfoot. Night skiing is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 9pm.
Cross-Country Skiing
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks in winter is a dazzling display of contrasts as fresh white snow sparkles brightly atop rich red rock formations and dusts its deep canyon walls. Highway 143 and the scenic Rim Road are closed for the season, but the park is still accessible by skis and snowshoes. Explore the groomed park road to take in the main sights on a well-maintained path, or strike out on over 30 miles of wild backcountry trails on a cross-country skiing expedition.
Facts & Features
Facilities: Limited winter facilities; plan accordingly.
Entry: $10 per person
Hours: Open 24/7 to skiers, snowmobiles, and snowshoes
Don’t Miss: The Alpine Pond Trail, a figure-eight loop that winds around an icy alpine pond before climbing through miles of frost-tipped forest and frozen lands to a stunning view of the snowy amphitheater. Stop into The Yurt at the top of the Trailhead for a warm cup of cocoa after your trip.
Deer Hollow Winter Recreation Area
Tucked away in the Dixie National Forest, Deer Hollow offers nearly 27 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails through some of the most beautiful winter landscapes in the area. The area is closed to motorized vehicles, so you’ll have your lay of 8 distinct loops designed for every level and type of skier. Cross-country trails are marked in blue and multi-use trails are marked in yellow. And good news for all you dog lovers–the Aspen, Boulder, and Pebble trails are Fido-friendly!
Facts & Features
Trails: Diverse groomed options for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Facilities: None; Contact the Cedar City Ranger District at 435-865-3200 for information.
Entry: Free; no permit required
Hours: Open 24/7
Don’t Miss: The mellow magic of Boulder ShoeShow Loop, a 1.9-mile glide to stunning vistas that overlook the lava fields and Navajo Lake.
Duck Creek Village
Take nordic skiing to the next level as you glide through hundreds of miles of wild winter trails that surround the town of Duck Creek Village. From one of our cozy mountain cabins, you can strap on your skis and set out for diverse landscapes, from dense aspen forests to open meadows with winding winter streams. If you have small skiers, take the short and easy trail to Aspen Mirror Lake for a frozen scene straight out of a storybook. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife!
Ski Rentals & Gear
Slip away without your skis or forget to pack your poles? No problem! Brian Head has several local outfitters that can get you ready to shred the slopes or carve the cross-country trails with quality rentals.
269 S Village Way
Brian Head, UT 84719
(435) 677-2014
Don’t skip from store to store–Brianhead Sports offers full ski rental packages that include all essential gear for one per-day price. Downhill and Cross-country Packages range from $32-$20 for adults and $20-$14 for kids, and multi-day discounts are available.
329 S Hwy 143
Brian Head, UT 84719
(435) 677-2035
Get your ski rentals right on the resort! Conveniently located at Giant Steps Lodge, the resort rental shop offers basic, performance, and high-performance packages for adults and kids at affordable prices. Day rates range from $55 to $25 and are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.
612 S Hwy 143
Brian Head, UT 84719
(435) 677-2013
Offering the best equipment and the lowest rental prices in Brian Head, Georg’s Ski Shop is prepared to make your rental process effortless, quick, and inexpensive. Ski packages start at $30 per day for adults and include skis, boots, and poles. Cross country ski rentals cost $25 per day and include Rossignol skis, Nordica boots, and poles.
Ski & Stay: Amazing Apres-Ski Accommodations with Family Time Vacation Rentals
There’s snow place like home after a long day of speeding down slopes and trekking icy trails. At Family Time Vacation Rentals, we have properties conveniently located near the top skiing hotspots, keeping you close to the action but away from the winter chill.
Ready to picture yourself in a skier’s paradise? Here are a few of our ski-worthy selections:
Pinehurst Retreat is a large and luxury cabin just steps from Brian Head Resort. Curl up beside the indoor fireplace as the moon rises over the mountain, or soak in the sunset from your wrap-around deck while watching fellow skiers shred the slopes.
Eagle Crest is an enchanting 3-bedroom cabin in the heart of Duck Creek Village. Adventure awaits at your doorstep as you strap on your skis and glide straight out of the driveway to access over 500 miles of beautiful backcountry trails.
Giant Steps 28 is a spacious ski lodge condo located right next to the lifts at the base of Giant Steps. With ski-in/ski-out access, this desirable property boasts panoramic mountain views, free resort shuttle access, and amazing clubhouse amenities.
Imagine ending your day by reliving those rad ski runs by the warmth of a crackling fire or soaking in a hot tub under the starlit sky. With Family Time Vacation Rentals, these aren't just wishes—they're our way of winter life. So, why wait? Book your perfect ski retreat and let the memories begin!