In this episode, Sofia teams up with the Travel Brats’ resident ski expert, Sebastian Blanno, to explore the ultimate winter getaway: skiing in Utah during the Sundance Film Festival. Sebastian spills insider tips on Utah’s top ski resorts, including Park City, Deer Valley, Snowbird, Alta, Solitude, and Brighton, highlighting their unique vibes, terrain, and amenities.
Utah in winter? Chef’s kiss. Whether you’re a ski bunny or a movie buff, this is the place to be. Picture this: late January rolls in, and Utah transforms into a winter wonderland. Snowy peaks call out to skiers, while Park City turns into a hub of glitz, glamour, and indie-film magic with the Sundance Film Festival. It’s the perfect blend of adrenaline and artsy vibes.
This week, Sofia and her mountain-man-extraordinaire and slight-ski-bum brother, Sebastian Blanno, hit the mic to talk about Utah’s winter hotspots. Sebbi (our in-house Travel Brat ski king) knows his slopes, and he’s here to spill the powdery tea on the best resorts, runs, and eats in the Beehive State.
The Best Time to Go
Sebastian recommends the middle of January to early February. Why? Peak powder and prime Sundance season! Double the fun and twice the glitz, glamour, and magic of Sundance, plus the slopes are pretty empty despite the crowded streets! (P.S. If you’re hitting Sundance, pack your boots AND your black-tie looks. You’ll thank us later.)
Here are Sebbi’s Must-Visit Ski Havens in Utah
Park City & Park City Mountain Resort
The Stats: Park City Mountain Resort, combined with Canyons Resort, is the largest ski area in the United States, with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. But keep in mind, large does NOT mean BEST!
The Level: A great beginner, intermediate mountain with many “cruiser blues.” Similar to Vail Resort in Colorado.
The Vibes: Once a silver mining town in the 19th century, Park City oozes charm with its historic buildings turned into trendy shops and restaurants. Did we mention you can ski past old mine shafts? Epic.
Deer Valley Resort
The Luxe Life Vibe: With ski valets, snacks in the lift lines, gourmet on-mountain dining, and unparalleled service, Deer Valley Resort is consistently ranked as one of the most luxurious ski resorts in North America. You can even get a view of some mega-mansions on your way down the slopes! This is boujee skiing at its finest; perfect for our die-hard Travel Brats!
Level & Terrain: Similar to Steamboat in Colorado, with great tree-skiing and many blue and black groomers. Also, no snowboarders allowed! Traditional skiing reigns supreme here.
Little Cottonwood Canyon - The Iconic American Resorts of Snowbird & Alta
Snowbird: A Travel Brat personal favorite, Snowbird is known for its long ski season, which can stretch to July 4th, and has very advanced terrain. Snowbird is also home to the famous Tram, which offers breathtaking views of the Wasatch Range as it climbs over 2,900 vertical feet. If you ski down into the mineral basin from here and then take one more lift, you can enter into Alta. Snowbird is similar to the Colorado resorts, Silverton or Aspen Highlands.
Alta: A legendary U.S. Ski resort. Like Deer Valley, a snowboard-free paradise where traditional skiing reigns supreme. You can also ski back to Snowboird from Alta via the Tram or tunnel.
Both Snowbird and Alta receive very similar snow accumulation, with Snowbird receiving about 600 inches in one season! Great for POWPOW skiing!
Big Cottonwood Canyon - Solitude & Brighton:
Solitude and Brighton are a snowboarder’s dream. Lifts are spaced out, and the slopes have large open glades. These are your go-to spots for those craving quieter, more rugged vibes and killer backcountry terrain. Big Cottonwood also gets fantastic powder. Lifts are spaced out, and the slopes have large open glades. Similar to Colorado’s Keystone (on the easy end) and Arapahoe Basin (on the difficult end), Solitude and Brighton are known as “social” mountains that the locals love.
Favorite Runs
Sebastian’s picks for thrilling runs? Snowbird’s double black diamond run, “Lower Organ Grinder.” Hit Park City’s “Quittin’ Time” run for those postcard-perfect views and Snowbird’s “Cirque Traverse” for heart-pounding challenges.
Aprés Ski Eats
Post-skiing, Sebbi raves about the Handle in Park City for its creative small plates and The Iconic Ruth Chris Steakhouse for a splurge-worthy feast. Try the venison!
A favorite Park City Bar is “the Pig Pen Saloon” where you can get a $1 T-shirt with the purchase of a shot.
Fun Utah Trivia: True or False?
“Stuff” You Should Know
Snow in Utah is not as dry as it is in Colorado, however, the temperatures don’t feel as chilly. All resorts (with no traffic) are between a 20-35 minute drive. In addition, the Salt Lake City Airport is only 20 minutes from Park City.
What to Pack
Layers, people! Layer using a GORE-TEX or other water-repellent gear to combat Utah’s humidity. You’ll need cozy après-ski sweaters, and something chic for Sundance. Bonus: pack sunscreen—mountain sunburn is real.
Budget Break
With the base regular Ikon Base pass, you can enjoy 5 days at Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude. With the upgraded Ikon pass, you can enjoy 5 days at Deer Valley as well. This costs about $1,200. To ski Park City, you need to buy an Epic Pass. You can purchase a 3-day Epic pass for $320. Keep in mind, this $1,500+ splurge includes, not just Utah Skiing, but most other resorts for your entire ski season. Visit the Ikon and Epic websites for more info on resort options and perks. If you are driving from another western state you will end up spending roughly $200 on gas, if you share a hotel with 3 to 4 friends you will end up spending about $600 per person for 3-5 days, and if you are a foodie and a drink lover, budget about $2,000 per person. If you like memorable merch, set aside $100 for a souvenir or two.
Most Memorable Moment: Sebbi’s Solo Tram Run
Sebbi’s most memorable Travel Story was his last run at Snowbird down the “Great Scott” run right below the Tram. He blasted to the bottom and stared back at the mountain in awe at his entire experience. Catching him staring back at the Mountain, his Buddy said “You like Snowbird Bass?” and he said, “Oh Yeeeeeea.” Snowbird will always hold a place in Sebastian's heart as one of his favorite resorts.
Why Visit Utah?
Here’s Seb’s elevator pitch: Thick. Powder. Culture. Adventure. Whack. Extra. Different. Unforgettable.
Whether you’re carving through fresh POPOW or catching a future Oscar-winner at Sundance, Utah is the winter escape you didn’t know you needed.
Catch ya on the slopes, Travel Brats! And don’t forget to tag us when you’re shredding those Utah slopes or striking a pose at Sundance. 🏔️🎥✨
Other Ski Epidoes to Catch:
Season 1: Episode 47 - All Things Top 10 Ski Resorts in the Colorado Rockies
Season 1: Episode 48 - All Things Ski Passes and Ski Gear
Season 1: Episode 49 - All Things Ski Tips to Thrive During Ski Season
Season 3: Episode 133 - How to Suit Up For Ski Season