Brighton Resort, UT Trip Report: Lighting Up the SLC Snow Scene

Ask anyone about the resorts around Salt Lake City and Brighton is sure to be mentioned. In an area likened to the big leagues of snowsport, it holds its own by offering up authentic character and hometown warmth on banger mountainside terrain.

A SnowBrains envoy was recently dispatched to report on the delights of Brighton Resort. And the trip did not disappoint.

It’s been said that first impressions are among the most important and by that slogan, arrival to Brighton sets a solidly positive tone. Big Cottonwood Canyon, which the resort sits on top of, is as majestically scenic as its name implies. We arrived to what must have been comparatively light crowds which allowed traffic to flow smoothly, parking to be found in a snap, and our crew to be slope-side in moments; a good start.

Straight away we could tell that, at Brighton, what comes first are the essentials: powder snow and quality service. The resort is ample-sized yet feels cozy and just so happens to stack snowpack like few others.

The Quick Hits:

• 66 trails
  

• Nearly 2,000 vertical feet

• 4 high-speed quad chairlifts

• 500 annual snow-inches

• And icing atop the cake, 200 acres of Night Skiing

Brighton marketing describes its expert terrain as left ‘au naturale’ for those who prefer their powder deep and without any fuss. And indeed our crew found good fun among the mountain’s natural contours and groves. There are rollers to boost and tree lines to wiggle right beside approachable, excellently maintained terrain that suits any age. BTW, kiddos 10yrs and younger ski or ride for FREE!

And when sunlight begins to fade is when Brighton lights up. The resort keeps 22 slopes open after sundown, the most night skiing terrain in Utah. Plus there’s guided skiing done by headlamp after 6 p.m. on Fridays. By our observation, locals key on the night facet of Brighton. As the sun goes down the public lapping the place seemed more and more to transform into a large moving group of very good friends.

Amenities at Brighton Resort match the quality of its comradery. Lodges include The New Millicent Chalet, as well as three additional on-mountain respites. There are also regular mountain tours in the company of a forest ranger. When ready to strap the edges on again, there’s 5 terrain parks, classes with the resort’s top-tier snow school, and possibility to enjoy snow bikes or snow-go’s–which happen to be for rent onsite.

Public transportation is available to and from the mountain thanks to a Park & Ride run by Utah Transit Authority. There’s a ride share app for access to the slopes that is as efficient as it is social. And Brighton Resort waits a mere 35 minutes drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, the region’s main transit hub.

Other big draws for the snow-faithful at Brighton are the options to receive discounted lift tickets and the destination’s availability to host special events. The resort’s Boyne Rewards program offers four categories of bargain passes that span all hours of the day as well as cater to all ability levels. Brighton opens its doors to host camps, programs, weddings, or most any occasion good for a gathering.

Frankly, Brighton Resort is the sort of destination that’s tough to bid farewell. The skiing is lively, the crew make it feel like home, and the only thing better than the comfort of the lodges is the depth of the powder snow.

In brief: Brighton illuminates the very best in a ski resort experience. See you there!