Brighton Ski Resort Review: Utah Skiing, Snow, Parking & Tips
- Margaux
- May 24, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 25
The first stop on our Utah ski trip was Brighton Ski Resort, located in Big Cottonwood Canyon just outside Salt Lake City. I chose Brighton as our first mountain because, at first glance, the trail map looked smaller and easier to handle compared to some of Utah’s larger ski resorts.
After spending the day exploring the mountain on our Ikon Pass, I quickly realized that Brighton had much more to offer than the size of the map suggested. While it is one of the smaller resorts in Utah, the combination of incredible snowfall, tree skiing, and night skiing makes Brighton a mountain that is easy to underestimate.
With up to seven days available on the Ikon Pass, there is plenty of time to explore everything Brighton Ski Resort has to offer.
Brighton Ski Resort Quick Facts
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah
Closest City: Salt Lake City, Utah
Pass: Ikon Pass or the own mountain pass
Best For: Powder days, tree skiing, and skiers who love exploring the mountain
Terrain: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced options available
Night Skiing: Yes
Village: No traditional ski village
Standout Feature: Incredible snowfall and glade skiing
Skiing
Brighton Ski Resort had the fluffiest snow out of all the resorts we skied at in Utah. It was a powder hound's dream, and of course, the 2022/23 season was one for the books, giving them over 700 inches of snowfall. You truly need to remember your snorkel for this place.
Out of all the resorts we visited during our Utah ski trip, Brighton stood out because of the quality of the snow. The mountain felt like exactly what many people picture when they think of skiing in Utah: soft powder, snow-covered trees, and the kind of conditions where you want to keep taking "just one more run."
Brighton benefits from being located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, an area known for receiving some of the highest snowfall totals in Utah. While the resort is smaller compared to places like Snowbird or Park City, the consistent snow and terrain layout make it feel much larger than the trail map suggests.
They are on the smaller side, with 65 trails and eight lifts. Their trail map online needs to be updated because it shows different numbers for trails and lifts. However, the smaller size does not mean there is a lack of variety. Brighton offers terrain for beginners learning their first turns, intermediate skiers looking to explore, and advanced riders searching for powder-filled tree runs.
What gives Brighton the upper hand compared to some of the other Cottonwood Canyon mountains is that they offer over 200 acres of night skiing. This makes Brighton unique because you can ski a full day and continue exploring the mountain after the sun goes down.
There is something for everyone, with the mountain offering approximately 21% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 39% advanced terrain.
For beginners, Brighton has wide-open areas where newer skiers can build confidence without feeling overwhelmed. Intermediate skiers will find plenty of cruising runs to explore, while advanced skiers will likely enjoy the trees and powder stashes throughout the mountain.
Life in the trees here is a dream for the glades-loving skier. Brighton had some of the best glades that we experienced during our Utah trip. The trees were filled with soft snow, and it felt like every turn offered another opportunity to find untouched powder.
If you are someone who loves skiing through trees rather than staying only on groomed runs, Brighton is a mountain where you could easily spend an entire day exploring different areas.
Village/ Food
There is no traditional village at Brighton, just a classic mountain base area focused on skiing and riding. Unlike some ski resorts where you can spend the afternoon walking around shops, sitting outside at restaurants, or enjoying a large après scene, Brighton is much more about getting on the mountain and making the most of your ski day.
The main base lodge has everything you need, including food, rentals, repair services, a shop, and a place to change your boots. The setup is simple and convenient, making it easy to arrive, get ready, and head straight for the lifts.
There are a few dining options around the mountain, including the Milly Chalet, which provides a convenient place to stop if you are skiing on that side of the resort. While Brighton does not have the same variety of on-mountain dining options you might find at some of the larger resorts, there are still places to warm up, grab food, and take a break during your ski day.
This is something to keep in mind if you are used to larger resorts with multiple restaurants, extensive base areas, and lots of choices for lunch. Brighton’s food options are simple and practical, matching the overall personality of the mountain.
This resort is not for the group of people who want to hang out at the base and enjoy après all day. Brighton is for people who come to the mountain to ski and ride.
And honestly, that is part of what makes Brighton unique. The resort feels less focused on creating a luxury vacation experience and more focused on the actual skiing. The atmosphere is relaxed, casual, and centered around people who are there because they love being on the mountain.
We ate in the Milly Chalet, which had quite a bit of room, and it was a great option if you are skiing on that side of the mountain. It was nice having a place to warm up, take a break, and grab something to eat without needing to go far.
My husband and I split some chicken tenders and a soda. The prices were what I expected from a ski resort. They were not cheap, but they were typical compared to other mountain lodges. If you are trying to save money, bringing snacks or packing a lunch would be a good option, especially if you are spending a full day skiing.
Brighton’s base area matches the personality of the mountain. It is not a resort you visit for shopping, nightlife, or a big village experience. You come here for the snow, the terrain, and the skiing.
Parking
In the Cottonwood Canyons, parking is extremely limited, and Brighton is no exception. If you are planning to ski Brighton during a busy weekend, powder day, or holiday period, getting there early is one of the most important things you can do.
From what I could tell, parking was free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the parking lots fill up, you will likely have to head back toward Salt Lake City and use alternative transportation to get back up the canyon.
Arriving early is the best way to ensure you find a parking spot and avoid adding extra stress to your ski day. The Cottonwood Canyons are popular because they offer some of the best skiing near Salt Lake City, but that also means the roads and parking areas can fill up quickly.
Driving to Brighton can also be tricky during the winter because avalanche mitigation and weather conditions can impact access to the canyon. The roads can change quickly depending on snowfall, and closures are not uncommon during major storms.
Before heading to the resort, I recommend checking the latest Cottonwood Canyon road updates so you know what to expect. Planning ahead can make a big difference, especially if you are traveling from Salt Lake City and trying to make the most of your ski day.
Lodging
We stayed in Salt Lake City during our Utah ski trip, which gave us a convenient home base for exploring the different resorts in the area. Staying in Salt Lake City is a popular option for skiers because you have access to multiple ski resorts within a relatively short drive, along with more choices for hotels, restaurants, and places to grab food after a long day on the mountain.
Brighton does have a few lodging options available closer to the resort. These are a great choice for anyone who wants the convenience of staying directly at the mountain and having easier access to the slopes. Being able to wake up, get ready, and head straight to the lifts is a huge advantage, especially on powder days when every extra minute matters.
The downside is that staying directly at the resort can be more expensive, and the options are more limited compared to staying in Salt Lake City. For skiers who want the full mountain experience and do not mind paying more for convenience, staying near Brighton can be a great choice.
For our trip, staying in Salt Lake City worked well because we wanted the flexibility to explore different Utah ski resorts. It allowed us to experience more than just one mountain while still having plenty of options for food and places to stay.
Final Thoughts
Brighton was a great first stop on our Utah ski trip. At first glance, the mountain looked smaller and easier to explore, but after spending the day there, I realized there was much more terrain than the trail map made it seem.
What stood out most about Brighton was the snow. The powder was some of the best we experienced during our time in Utah, and the tree skiing made the mountain feel like a true winter playground. If you love searching for soft snow, exploring glades, and spending your day focused on skiing rather than the resort experience, Brighton is a great choice.
That being said, Brighton is not the resort for everyone. If you are looking for a large ski village, luxury accommodations, shopping, or a big après scene, you may want to look at some of Utah’s other resorts. Brighton’s appeal comes from its simplicity. You come here because you want to ski.
For skiers and snowboarders looking for incredible snowfall, fun terrain, and a laid-back mountain atmosphere, Brighton is absolutely worth adding to a Utah ski trip. I would happily return, especially for a powder day when the trees are covered and the mountain is at its best.
Links: Ski Brighton
Frequently Asked Questions About Brighton Ski Resort
Is Brighton Ski Resort good for beginners?
Yes, Brighton is a good option for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The mountain has beginner terrain available, along with plenty of intermediate runs for those who are ready to progress. While Brighton is known for its powder and tree skiing, beginners can still find areas to build confidence and learn.
Is Brighton Ski Resort good for advanced skiers?
Yes. Advanced skiers will especially enjoy Brighton’s glades, powder days, and tree skiing. The mountain may be smaller than some other Utah resorts, but the terrain offers plenty of opportunities for skiers who enjoy exploring off the main runs.
Is Brighton included on the Ikon Pass?
Yes, Brighton is included on the Ikon Pass. During our Utah ski trip, we used our Ikon Pass to ski Brighton, and having multiple days available made it possible to really explore the mountain.
Does Brighton have night skiing?
Yes, Brighton offers night skiing, which is one of the things that makes the resort stand out compared to many other Utah ski resorts. With over 200 acres available at night, it is a great option for skiers who want to extend their day on the mountain.
Does Brighton have a ski village?
No, Brighton does not have a traditional ski village. The resort has a more classic mountain base area with lodging, dining, rentals, and shops, but it is not the type of resort where you will spend the afternoon shopping or walking around a village.
Is parking difficult at Brighton Ski Resort?
Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends, powder days, and during busy winter periods. Parking is limited in the Cottonwood Canyons, and Brighton requires parking reservations in advance for weekends and holidays. Planning ahead and reserving your spot early is important, as spaces can fill up quickly. Arriving early on ski days is also recommended to help make the most of your time on the mountain. Parking is free with no reservation for night skiing.
Is Brighton or Solitude better?
Brighton and Solitude are both located in Big Cottonwood Canyon and offer different experiences. Brighton is known for its powder, tree skiing, and snowboard-friendly terrain, while Solitude has a quieter atmosphere and a more traditional European-style feel. The best choice depends on what type of ski experience you are looking for.
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