Utah
The state of Utah has the highest quality snow in America, and there are about a dozen ski areas within an hour drive from Salt Lake City. A large amount of light, dry snow falls in Utah each year, and this type of snow provides the best quality skiing experience.
There are many types of hotels and motels in Salt Lake City that are in close proximity to the ski areas. The city also has many restaurants and private clubs for skiers to utilize.
Utah Resorts
- Alta - very slow skilifts, snowboarders not allowed, near perfect snow.
- Brian Head Resort - has a hotel and several condominiums, short ski runs.
- Brighton - Utah’s oldest ski resort, night skiing possible, limited dining, small lodge.
- The Canyons - 146 trails, 3500 acres of land.
- Deer Valley - expensive, excellent service.
- Park City Mountain Resorts - restaurants, good lift system, varied terrain for trails.
- Solitude - not too crowded, bountiful snowfalls.
- Snowbasin - 40 minutes north of Salt Lake City, lodges, cafeteria.
- Snowbird - 500 inches of powdery snow a year.
New Mexico
New Mexico has light, dry, powdery snow which falls in the Santa Fe ski basin, however the amount of snow that falls is not consistent. The city of Santa Fe is a historic city and is a popular tourist attraction. Santa Fe also offers many things to see if snow is not plentiful. There are numerous art galleries and boutiques to browse, and buildings that are made of adobe.
New Mexico Resorts
- Angel Fire - not very challenging trails, hotels present.
- Red River - lodges, condominiums, not very challenging trails.
- Sandia Peak - rental shop, ski school.
- Taos - Challenging terrain, light, dry snow, no snowboarders are allowed, lodges.
- Ski Apache - has eleven ski lifts.