Brian Head Resort

Utah’s highest base, with red-rock views.

Two peaks next to Cedar Breaks with the highest base elevation in Utah, so snow comes early and lasts; it was the first Utah resort to open in 2025-26 and ran 160 days. A family mountain with kids 12 and under free, night skiing, tubing and a skating rink, about three hours from Las Vegas and 90 minutes from Zion and Bryce.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,320 ft

Summit

10,920 ft

Skiable terrain

650 acres

Trails

72

Lifts

8

Average snowfall

350″ a year

Terrain mix

• Beginner 32%
• Intermediate 36%
• Advanced 32%

What’s here besides skiing

• Night skiing
• Terrain park
• Snow tubing
• Ice skating
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Cross-country
• Spa
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• New Year’sDec 31 (annual)Usually

  New Year’s Eve Celebration & Fireworks

  Resort and town evening celebration capped by fireworks.

• Opening dayNov 6 (scheduled)

  Opening day

  Scheduled start of winter operations, seven days a week.

• EventFebruary (annual)Usually

  Love Lift

  Chairlift speed dating, a Brian Head Valentine’s tradition.

• FestivalApril (annual)Usually

  Spring Carnival

  Games and activities to welcome spring skiing.

Where to stay

• hotelBrian Head Lodge

  The resort’s own hotel, a two-minute shuttle from the lifts, with an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub and the ReNul Spa. Watch for its stay-two-nights, ski-free deal.

  2 min shuttle
• hotelAbbey Inn Cedar City

  Cedar City hotel, a cheaper base for longer stays that mix skiing and the national parks.

  50 min drive
• hotelHampton Inn Cedar City

  Chain hotel in Cedar City with breakfast included.

  50 min drive
• b&bBig Yellow Inn

  Twelve-room bed and breakfast in Cedar City; some rooms have fireplaces and balconies.

  50 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Brian Head Ice · In town

  Skate through the trees at southern Utah’s mountain rink. $19 adults, $5 skate rental.

• Thunder Mountain Motorsports · In town

  Guided snowmobile tours into Dixie National Forest and around Cedar Breaks.

• Cedar Breaks National Monument · 10 min drive

  A red-rock amphitheater at 10,000 feet. The road closes in winter, so you snowshoe or ski in to the rim.

• ReNul Spa · In town

  Massages and facials inside Brian Head Lodge, by appointment.

• Zion National Park · 1.5 hr drive

  Canyon walks without the summer crowds; pair a ski weekend with a park day.

• Bryce Canyon National Park · 1.5 hr drive

  Snow on the hoodoos is a winter highlight.

• Parowan Gap · 40 min drive

  Hundreds of ancient petroglyphs in a wind gap west of Parowan.

Après and nightlife

• Last Chair Grill & Brews

  Pub menu and local beer on tap on the top floor of Giant Steps Lodge, with live music Friday and Saturday nights.

• The Lift Bar & Patio

  Full bar with burgers and wings at Brian Head Lodge; families welcome in the dining area.

• Pizanos Pizzeria

  Hand-tossed New York–style pizza and pints in the Village Mall.

Getting there

• Cedar City Regional (CDC) · about 50 min drive
• Las Vegas · about 3 hr
• Salt Lake City · about 3.5 hr
• Los Angeles · about 7 hr

Directions in Google Maps