Brighton Ski Resort Review

Brighton Ski Resort is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, just thirty miles from Salt Lake City in Utah. Brighton is the oldest ski area in Utah, started in 1936. The resort is on public land, part of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, next to the Great Salt Lake. Being in a national forest causes the resort to stay open year round, the summer being mostly for hiking, biking and fishing. It also means no condos and shopping malls.

Brighton is a local favorite, partly because of the night skiing. Monday thru Saturday, 4 pm to 9 pm, local boarders and skiers make use of 200 acres of lighted trails. Boarders are at home in any of the four terrain parks, Candyland, Upper Majestic, Lower Majestic, My-O-My or on the halfpipe.

Brighton Ski Resort has 66 runs, 21% beginner, 40% intermediate, 39% advanced/expert. The longest of these runs is 1.2 miles. The vertical drop on the mountain is 1,750 feet and the skiable area is 1050 acres. The runs are serviced by 4 high speed quads, 1 attached quad, 1 triple chair and 1 magic carpet. The mountain receives about 500 inches of snow a year and 200 acres of the resort is covered with snow making equipment.

Brighton Resort in Utah.
Thanks to Mat_the_W for the picture at flickr.com

The Ski and Snowboard School at Brighton is know as "the place where Utah learns to ski and ride and keeps on learning". They have classes for seniors, women, kids and they offer group classes or private lessons.

When it's time to leave the slopes and eat here are your choices. The Millicent Chalet is a cafeteria located at the base of the Millicent high speed quad. The Alpine Rose Cafeteria is just beyond Brighton Center Lodge serving breakfast lunch and dinner. Molly Green's is on the upper floor of the A-frame. It is a bar and grill with soups, dinners and an awesome view. The Beehive Brews Coffee Bar serves snacks and hot drinks. A short half mile walk away from the resort is The Brighton Store where home style meals are served.

Brighton Ski Resort.
Thanks to Mat_the_W for the picture at flickr.com

Brighton has a Mountain Store for all your skiing and boarding needs. The rental shop rents high performance equipment for skiers and boarders.

They don't, however, rent goggles, jackets or outerwear, so bring your own.

Lodging at the resort is at the Brighton Lodge. Many other options are available at Salt Lake City, as well as 29 golf courses and the gateways to 5 national parks.

Brighton is an eco friendly resort trying to reduce it's footprint in many different ways. The Milly Chalet uses a Geo Exchange heat system. Heat is stored in the ground and then used to heat the building. This type of heating system transfers heat rather than creating it. Kaboom is an avalanche release system that rattles the snow loose electronically, from a computer. This saves on the use of vehicles to check the different sites for safety. They also encourage locals to ride the ski bus. With a season pass you can ride free all winter.

Brighton Resort Ski Trip.
Thanks to Mat_the_W for the picture at flickr.com

Other ski areas near Brighton are Alta and Solitude, both just a mile away. Deer Valley, Park City Mt. Resort, The Canyons and Snowbird are all within six miles.

Brighton Ski Resort is open seven days a week from 9 am to 4 pm. The season is from mid November through mid April. Their address is 12601 E. Big Cottonwood Canyon Road, Brighton, Utah 84121. Their number is 801-532-4731 or 800-873-5512.

Brighton Ski Resort Map & Directions (click on "Marker" for your personalized directions)

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