Brian Head Resort 
Utah's Southernmost Ski Resort

Photo: Utah Travel

Uncomplicated Fun in Southern Utah

Perched high on the Markagunt Plateau, Brian Head Resort is Utah’s southernmost ski resort. It is located on the west side of the Dixie National Forest. This forest actually surrounds the town making it a year-round recreation resort area.

It is a go-to for families, first-timers, and anyone who loves uncomplicated fun on wide, well-groomed trails. Brian Head Resort is also the closest major ski resort to Las Vegas and a significant portion of southern California. 

It is only a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas. From Salt Lake City, it is only a 3.5 mile drive. It experienced a record-breaking year in the 2024- 25 season for visitors. 

Another notable feature of Brian Head is that it has the highest base elevation in Utah. Brian Head Peak is the highest ski area summit in the state. Its base sits at 9,600 feet and its summit reaches 10,970 feet

Two linked mountains … Navajo and Giant Steps … span 650+ acres with an easy ski-back bridge over Highway 143. Brian Head offers skiing adventure at high elevation. 

With 350-360” of annual snowfall, you get cold, chalky snow, long views toward Cedar Breaks, and laid-back small-town vibes.

Best Hotels at Brian Head

The Vibe at Brian Head Resort

Brian Head is a friendly, affordable, and notably family-friendly destination. Beginners spread out on Navajo while confident cruisers lap Giant Steps. 

Night skiing, two tubing hills, and a compact, walkable village make it easy to keep everyone smiling. The resort also turns into a fantastic base for mountain biking and related summer activities.

Terrain Breakdown

Brian Head Ski Resort is best for all skill levels of skiers. It particularly excels for beginners and intermediates due to its layout.

One mountain is dedicated to beginner terrain and the other offers more advanced runs. It also offers challenges for advanced skiers including double-black diamond runs and a terrain park. 

The Navajo Mountains are one of the two interconnected mountains that make up Brian Head Resort. Its terrain is split between Navajo Peak and Giant Steps. 

Navajo (learners & families) - Gentle greens and mellow blue runs radiate from Navajo Express with dedicated beginner zones and a progression park. It’s a great place to start lessons, teach kids, or rebuild confidence.

​Giant Steps (cruisers & a bit more pitch) - Intermediates and casual experts gravitate to Giant Steps Express for lappable groomers, spaced trees, and the larger terrain-park line. In storm cycles, the elevation preserves soft snow. On bluebirds, the corduroy runs fast.

Photo: Travel Utah

Brian Head Lodge

Brian Head Lodge is a convenient, value-forward stay a couple of minutes from the lifts with a free winter shuttle. It anchors the village with straightforward rooms and family suites. The Lodge also offers an indoor pool, hot tub, small fitness room, and on-site restaurant/bar. 

This is handy after night-ski laps. The resort regularly bundles the lodge with lift-ticket deals making it an easy pick for families who want walkable amenities without leaving the mountain. 

Cedar Breaks Lodge

The Cedar Breaks Lodge & Spa in Brian Head offers easy access to Cedar Breaks National Monument. It is a resort with spacious accommodations and amenities including a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and on-site restaurant.

Location and Getting Here

Brian Head Utah sits about 29 miles from Cedar City via UT-143. Or, from I-15, exit at Parowan (Exit 75) and climb 14 miles to the village and base. 

In storms, the road is steep and windy. Drive a 4WD or carry chains. Check conditions beforehand. 

Drive time is about 3 ½ from Salt Lake City. It is only 3 hours from Las Vegas.

Snow, Weather and Grooming

That lofty base keeps the snow cold and the spring laps playful. Expect reliable morning corduroy across both mountains. 

It can feel extra chilly in mid-winter. Pack an extra layer, neck gaiter, and thin liners for night sessions.

Mountain Stats at a Glance

• Skiable terrain: 650-665 acres
• Vertical drop: 1,320-1,700 feet
• Elevations: base 9,600 feet
• Summit: 10,920 - 11,307 feet
• Runs: 60+ across two mountains
• Lifts: 8 chairs (+ surface lifts) including Giant Steps Express and Navajo Express
• Average snowfall: 350-360 inches
• Night skiing: weekends (expanded during holiday periods)

Lessons, Rentals and Family Notes

The Kids Camp splits classes by age and level. Adult group and private lessons run daily.

Rentals are available at both bases - Navajo Lodge (beginner-friendly pickup) and Giant Steps Lodge (for intermediates/park riders). Two tubing hills … one at each base … give non-skiers an easy win.

Photo: Travel Utah

Lift Tickets and Passes

Brian Head belongs to Mountain Capital Partners’ Power Pass family (with Purgatory, Arizona Snowbowl, Nordic Valley, and more). Power Pass tiers vary - Unlimited days on the full pass. Limited access on Select/Core. Check the current season’s benefits before you buy.

Brian Head Resort has two high speed quad chairlifts. These lifts provide fast access to the slopes but they are also used for scenic rides during the summer and fall.

Dining and Après

Find lodge staples and grab-and-go at both base areas. The village has casual pizza, pubs, and cafés. For a wider restaurant scene, drop down to Cedar City after skiing.

Best Lodging at Cedar City

Lodging

You can actually stay in Brian Head. Condos, cabins, and small lodges line both base areas. Choose slopeside convenience for first chair or base in Cedar City for more dining, shopping, and lower rates.

Getting Around and Parking

There are two hubs - Navajo Lodge and Giant Steps Lodge. Park where you’ll ski - beginners at Navajo, everyone else at Giant Steps.

An in-town winter shuttle connects bases, lodging, and the village. In storms, give yourself extra time for the Parowan climb.

Photo: Travel Utah

When to Go

• Storm refresh: Cold temps keep powder and groomers lively. Sheltered trees on Giant Steps ski well a day or two after.
• Bluebird stretches: Hero corduroy and far-view days toward Cedar Breaks.
• Holidays/weekends: Night skiing often expands. Pre-buy tickets and arrive early for closer parking.
• Brian Head Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort often compete for the title of the first Utah resort to open each season. This race sometimes results in both resorts opening their lifts around the same time.
• Summer at Brian Head is special. And it’s usually uncrowded. Just the way I like it.

Insider Tips

Start on Navajo for warm-up and confidence. Then hop to Giant Steps after lunch once legs are loose.

Night skiing is a great crowd-avoidance tool. Check the week’s schedule and plan dinner around a lap or two under the lights.

In forecasted wind or snow, bring a high-collar shell and goggles with low-light lenses. The Plateau can flip fast.

A Short History

Brian Head opened for the 1964–65 season with a single chair and a big vision for Southern Utah skiing. The Town of Brian Head was incorporated in the 1970s.

The resort steadily expanded terrain, lifts, and village lodging. In 2019 it joined Mountain Capital Partners (Power Pass) accelerating improvements to lifts, parks, and summer operations.

Summer at Brian Head Resort

When the snow melts, Brian Head shifts into high-country summer mode: lift-served mountain biking on Giant Steps, scenic chair rides, disc golf, a mini zip line, bungee tramp, and a climbing wall.

Family-friendly hikes head toward wildflower meadows. Cedar Breaks National Monument is minutes away for ranger talks and sunset overlooks. It’s a perfect heat escape … cool nights, starry skies, and a mellow village pace.

The beauty of Brian Head Resort is equally enjoyable during winter and summer. We enjoyed one of our favorite summer vacations in that area.

We used Panquitch Lake as our base for that vacation. It is also close to two of Utah's Big 5 National Parks (Zion and Bryce).

Quick Guide

• Best for: Families, beginners, and intermediates who love friendly vibes and long groomers
• Don’t miss: Night laps on Giant Steps. Or a bluebird day with Cedar Breaks views
• Tickets/passes: Check current Power Pass benefits and holiday night-ski schedules
• Lessons/rentals: Kids Camp + adult groups and privates; rentals at both bases
• Parking/shuttle: Free lots at Navajo and Giant Steps. The winter in-town shuttle runs daily
• Road note: Parowan-to-Brian Head climb is steep. Carry chains or 4WD in storm cycles 
• Tubing: two hills (Navajo & Giant Steps)
• Cedar Breaks National Monument is 5-15 minutes away. 
• Cedar City is 45-55 minutes away. 
• Zion National Park is less than an hour away - about 50 miles. 
• Bryce Canyon National Park is 58 miles away. Due to some of the lower-speed switch-back roads, it takes about an hour and 15 minutes to get there. 

Brian Head Resort
329 UT-143
Brian Head, UT 84719
Website: https://www.brianhead.com/