BRIGHTON RESORT GUIDE
Brighton Resort Overview
**Operating Guidelines: Brigthon Resort encourages guests to purchase lift tickets online, in advance. Ikon Pass holders must make reservations at ikonpass.com for Winter 2023-24.
As one of the first resorts in Utah to welcome snowboarders, Brighton Resort is renowned for its close-knit community and local feel. This family-friendly resort is where many Utahans bring their children to learn the art of skiing or snowboarding. Brighton is both nostalgic and a little sleepy, lacking the glitz and glamor of many other Utah ski areas. Affordable prices, good value, and consistently awesome snow keep locals and travelers returning each winter. Tree skiing, terrain parks, playful natural terrain, excellent backcountry access, and extensive night skiing make Brighton a fun place to explore. The relaxed vibe and variety of terrain are ideal for families or guests with different ability levels.
There is limited lodging at Brighton and not much in terms of a base village. Most visitors rent a vacation home nearby, stay at Solitude Mountain Resort, or find lodging down in Cottonwood Heights or Salt Lake City. The resort is very accessible, just 50 minutes from the Salt Lake International Airport. Brighton’s close proximity to Salt Lake City, it’s nostalgic atmosphere, and playful terrain are what makes it a favorite amongst locals.
Additional Pass Details: Brighton offers 5 or 7 days on the Ikon Pass. Children under 10 ski free with a pass holding or paying Adult. Brighton runs great deals for night skiing on select weekdays with food or group specials, see here for the latest offerings. The Sol-Bright combined ticket provides access to nearly twice as much terrain for $45 more, with even greater savings available when purchased in advance.
**Those visiting Brighton this winter must purchase lift tickets online and retrieve their tickets at electronic kiosks at the resort. This ticket is a Brighton Card which can be reloaded throughout the season and also functions as your lift ticket. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance through the website or with local retail partners Those with a Brighton Season Pass, Go Card holders and Ikon Pass holders do not need to make reservations. You can also view Brighton's Covid-related protocols here.
Snow Reliability
Snow-Making & Grooming
Ski School
Travel Convenience
Accommodations
Terrain Variety
On Mountain Dining
Extreme / Off-Piste Terrain
Quick Take
Let's Go
The most extensive night skiing scene in Utah from 4-9PM, Mon-Sat; Extra fun when it's storming!
Feel like a local; Brighton is where Salt Lakers love to ride
Start 'em young; Brighton offers ski lessons for children as young as 3
Expand your acreage; Brighton connects to Solitude Ski Area via the SolBright ski trail
You can't beat the access; 45 minutes from the SLC area and less than 60 minutes to Solitude, Alta, Snowbird, Park City, and Deer Valley
Hesitations
Limited lodging is available near the base area; just one rustic, reasonably priced 20-room lodge
The après ski scene consists of night skiing and Molly Green's for 21+
Brighton has the least acreage of Utah's major resorts and less expert terrain
Nothing fancy; Brighton is a locals' hill with affordable eats and good snow
Insider Tips
On weekends, head up to the hill early to beat the traffic and snag a parking space. Grab a scrumptious breakfast at the Milly Chalet while waiting for the lifts to spin.
If a storm rolls through in the afternoon or evening, you can score first tracks and free refills by taking advantage of Brighton's expansive night skiing on 200 acres, 3 chairlifts, and their main terrain park from 4-9 PM, Mon-Sat
Backcountry access from Brighton is fantastic. The terrain is fairly gnarly and consequential, so do not exit one of the 6 backcountry gates without proper equipment, a current avalanche forecast, and backcountry knowledge
Brighton has some fun terrain parks (5) and great tree skiing; kids love it!
Locals head for the open bowls of Milly Express or Snake Creek chairlifts on a pow day
Trail Map
For an in-depth breakdown of Brighton's terrain, head to our Mountain Guide. Top trails and mountain stats included.
Getting To & Around
Brighton has limited lodging. Most travelers rent a private home in Big Cottonwood, lodge at Solitude, or find a rental in Cottonwood Heights. A car is helpful to visit neighboring resorts or Salt Lake City, but not essential if you find lodging along the UTA Ski Bus routes.
Getting To
Closest Major City: Salt Lake City, UT
Distance: ~35 miles South East
Travel Time: ~ 45 minutesClosest Major Destination Resorts: Park City & Deer Valley
Distance: ~42 miles, ~1 hour
Neighboring Resorts
Closest Neighbor (Ikon)
Solitude (~2 miles, ~5 mins or ski between)Little Cottonwood Canyon Neighbors (Ikon & Mountain Collective)
Snowbird (~25 miles, ~40 mins)
Alta (~26 miles, ~42 mins)Neighbors in Park City
Deer Valley (~12.5 miles, ~30 mins) (Ikon Pass)
Park City (~12.5 miles, ~30 mins)
Travel by Plane
Closest major commercial airport: SLC - (Salt Lake City International)
~35 miles Northwest, ~45 mins
Travel By Bus
Salt Lake City runs several Ski Bus routes with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA); cost effective (fares ~$4.50 one way)
Airport shuttle services is available to / from SLC
Canyon Transportation; starting $60 /per person each way
Travel by Car
We reccomend a car here, unless unless you are staying at the resort or near a UTA Ski Bus route
Pros: Parking is free
Cons: Parking can be problematic on the weekends, arrive early. There is a small Park-and-Ride lot at the base of Big Cottonwood, however it too fills up and overflows on weekends and overnight parking is not permitted.
Rideshares (Uber and Lyft) are available, but not always reliable
