Which Ski Resorts Are in Big Cottonwood Canyon? A Guide

Big Cottonwood Canyon is home to two world-class ski resorts: Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Resort. Both offer Utah's legendary powder and are located just minutes from each other at the top of the canyon, but they provide distinctly different experiences for skiers and snowboarders. This guide details what each resort offers, how to get lift tickets, and where to find lodging and rentals to plan your trip.

What Ski Resorts Are in Big Cottonwood Canyon?

Big Cottonwood Canyon hosts two iconic ski resorts, each with its own unique character, terrain, and loyal following. They are situated at the very end of State Route 190, making them easily accessible from the Salt Lake City metro area.

1. Solitude Mountain Resort

Solitude is known for its vast and varied terrain, offering everything from perfectly groomed cruisers to some of the most challenging inbound steeps and chutes in the Wasatch. With a modern, full-service village at its base, Solitude provides a more refined, all-inclusive resort experience. It's an excellent choice for advanced skiers and families looking for comprehensive amenities.

• Best for: Advanced/expert skiers, families seeking a full-service resort, Ikon Pass holders.
• Vibe: Polished, family-friendly, and adventure-focused.
• Key Feature: Honeycomb Canyon, a massive bowl filled with powder stashes and challenging tree runs.

2. Brighton Resort

Brighton has a more laid-back, local-centric vibe and is celebrated for its incredible tree skiing and extensive night skiing operations. It's a favorite among snowboarders and families, offering 100% of its terrain accessible via high-speed quads. Brighton’s more affordable lift tickets and relaxed atmosphere make it a popular choice for those looking for a classic, no-frills Utah ski day.

• Best for: Intermediate skiers/riders, powder hounds, night skiers, and those on a budget.
• Vibe: Casual, friendly, and authentic.
• Key Feature: One of the most extensive night skiing operations in the country, with over 200 lighted acres.

When Do Big Cottonwood Canyon Resorts Open?

Both Brighton and Solitude typically aim to open for the winter season in mid-to-late November, depending on early-season snowfall and snowmaking conditions. Closing dates are usually in mid-to-late April, with Brighton often staying open a bit longer for spring skiing.

Local Tip: For the most up-to-date information, always check the official resort websites. Solitude and Brighton announce their official opening and closing dates based on real-time conditions, which you can find on their snow report pages.

How to Plan Your Trip to Brighton and Solitude

Planning a successful trip involves more than just picking a resort. Here’s a breakdown of how to handle lift tickets, lodging, and gear rentals.

Lift Tickets and Passes

The best way to buy lift tickets is always online and in advance. You have several options depending on how many days you plan to ski and which resorts you want to visit.

Single-Day Lift Tickets

• Solitude Mountain Resort – Official site: Purchase date-specific tickets directly from solitudemountain.com for the best prices. It's the only place to book lessons, on-mountain lodging, and rentals in one spot.
• Brighton Resort – Official site: Visit brightonresort.com to buy advance-purchase tickets, which can offer savings of up to 40% off the window price. This is also the best resource for night skiing tickets and schedules.

Multi-Resort Passes

• Ikon Pass – Official site: This is the most popular season pass for accessing Big Cottonwood Canyon. The Ikon Pass offers extensive access to Solitude and will include Brighton starting in the 2025/26 season, making it a powerful tool for frequent visitors.
• Salt Lake Ski Super Pass: Ideal for tourists, this pass provides 3-10 flexible ski days usable at all four Salt Lake area resorts (Solitude, Brighton, Alta, and Snowbird) within a 14-day window. It also includes free fare on the UTA ski bus stop.

Gear Rentals

Renting gear before you head up the canyon can save significant time and money.

• Off-Mountain Rentals (Ski 'N See): Shops like Ski 'N See near the mouth of the canyon offer online reservations with discounts. Picking up gear here means you can skip the on-mountain rental lines.
• Rental Delivery (Ski Donkey): For ultimate convenience, services like Ski Donkey deliver equipment directly to your lodging in the canyon or Salt Lake City and provide a custom fitting on-site.

Lodging and Accommodations

Staying in the canyon provides ski-in/ski-out access and saves you from the daily commute.

• Resort Lodging: Solitude Village offers hotel rooms, condos, and townhomes that can be booked directly on its website. Brighton offers the slope-side Brighton Lodge for a classic ski-in experience.
• Vacation Rentals (Cottonwood Lodging Company): For groups or families needing more space, this company offers the largest selection of cabins, condos, and private homes near both Brighton and Solitude.

Getting There

Navigating the drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon is a critical part of your trip plan. Parking is extremely limited, and traction laws are often in effect.

• Driving: A 4WD/AWD vehicle with snow tires is highly recommended. Arrive very early (before 8:00 AM) on weekends and powder days to secure a parking spot.
• UTA Ski Bus: This is the most stress-free option. The bus runs frequently from several park-and-ride lots in the Salt Lake Valley and drops you right at the base of both resorts.

Actionable Tip: Before you leave, always check the current road status and parking availability. Our live data at Wasatch Travel Helper provides real-time traffic, traction law updates, and parking capacity directly from UDOT and the resorts, helping you avoid closures and find a parking spot.

FAQ: Big Cottonwood Canyon Ski Resorts

1. Can you ski between Brighton and Solitude? Yes, you can. The Solbright Trail connects the two resorts. You'll need a valid lift ticket or pass for both resorts to use the connecting lifts, but an Ikon Pass or Ski Super Pass makes this seamless.

2. Which Big Cottonwood resort is better for beginners? Both resorts have excellent beginner terrain, but Brighton is often considered slightly more beginner-friendly. Its Majestic and Explorer lifts service a dedicated learning area, and its affordable group lessons are very popular with families.

3. Which resort gets more snow? Both resorts receive an average of over 500 inches of "The Greatest Snow on Earth®" annually. While totals vary slightly each year, you can expect phenomenal powder conditions at either destination throughout the winter.