Brighton Resort

Photo: Travel Utah

A Family Favorite

Brighton Resort … one of the country’s oldest ski resorts … has been providing skiing and snowboarding fun for families since 1936. Brighton continues to be regarded as the best Utah ski resort for families. And the best value.

Year after year, locals vote Brighton as #1 in Utah for Child/Family-Friendly Terrain and the Best Value. Don’t be put off by how old the resort is. Brighton has spent millions upgrading their facilities.

It seems more recent but Brighton replaced the old Millicent and Evergreen chair lifts in 2007 with a new quad. This made all of Brighton’s terrain accessible by high-speed lifts. With night skiing terrain and a $2.2 million day lodge, the upgrades have continued.

Brighton is located at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon only 35 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport. Every year, we take multiple drives up this beautiful canyon to Brighton.

At least once in spring. Once or twice during the summer. The same in the fall. We usually drive through Brighton and then drop back down to drive over Guardsman Pass for one of the most scenic drives in Utah.

Occasionally, we’ll take the leisurely walk along the boardwalk around Silver Lake. We started doing this with our kids years ago and now do it with our grandkids. The Brighton Resort area is fantastic in spring, summer and fall for hiking and outdoor adventure.

Photo: Travel Utah

Why Brighton Resort Works for
Families and Value Seekers

Brighton has long been “the place where Utah learns to ski and ride.” Translation – it offers approachable terrain right at the base, a ski school that runs all season for all ages, and lift-served zones that make it easy to keep a group together.

It also remains one of Utah’s best overall values among full-service resorts with flexible lift products (day, afternoon, twilight, night) and frequent deals tied to passes and lodging. If “easy in/easy out” matters for your crew, Brighton Resort checks that box.

Mountain Stats & Snow

Brighton averages a remarkable 500 inches of snow each winter … prime Wasatch powder … across 1,050 skiable acres served by a modern lift fleet. Base elevation is 8,755 feet and the top reaches 10,500 feet.

This yields roughly 1,745 - 1,875 feet of lift-served vertical depending on the source you’re reading. The trail mix is well balanced: about 21 - 22% beginner, 40% intermediate and 38 - 39% advanced/expert across 66 named runs.

At a glance:

• Average annual snowfall: 500"
• Skiable acres: 1,050
• Base / Summit: 8,755' / 10,500'
• Vertical drop: 1,745 - 1,875'
• Runs: 66 (22% beginner / 40% intermediate / 38–39% advanced)
• Lifts: 6 chairlifts + 2 surface (with a high-speed six-pack in the fleet)

These numbers may vary slightly depending on how each outlet counts terrain and lift types but the takeaway is the same. Brighton Resort is big enough to roam, compact enough to regroup, and blessed by Utah’s famous lake-effect powder.

Lifts & Terrain Layout

Brighton Resort’s base area sits in a natural bowl with several pods radiating outward. Explorer/Majestic for greens (beginner runs) and easy blues (intermediate). Crest 6 for a broad spread of groomers and park access.

Snake Creek and Great Western for longer cruisers and soft-snow stashes. And Milly (Mount Millicent) for steeper, playful lines and a fast lap rhythm. If you’re teaching kids, you can stay near Explorer and still sneak a quick Crest lap without losing sight of home base.

Utah’s After-Dark King

If you like stretching the day, Brighton is Utah’s premier night-riding scene. Standard hours run 4:00 - 9:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday (holidays have special notes). They typically have five lifts running after dark - Explorer, Majestic, Crest 6, Snake, and (newly added) Milly.

There is also expanded terrain thanks to 8 new runs, 110 additional lights, and 25 more acres added in the 2024/25 season. During peak winter, Brighton Resort lights up 30+ trails and is widely regarded as the best night skiing in Utah.

Photo: Travel Utah

Terrain Parks & Halfpipe

Progression is part of the Brighton DNA. Expect multiple parks (Brighton lists up to five) with a beginner-friendly setup tucked away for confidence building.

Top-to-bottom lines off Crest and Majestic are built for advanced riders. Features and layouts change with conditions but rails, boxes, jumps, music, and seasonal specialty builds keep things fresh all winter.

Ski & Ride School
“Where Utah Learns”

From true first-timers to advanced tune-ups, the Brighton Ski & Snowsports School runs private lessons, adult and kids’ group lessons and multi-week camps/workshops. Private lesson rates have recently started around the mid-$100s for a one-hour and scale up for half and full-day coaching.

Products and prices vary by date and peak periods. Lift access is typically not included with lessons unless you’re on a specific intro package. Read the details when you book.

For families, look into programs designed for ages 4–6 (“Little Rippers”) up through teens. Brighton Resort specializes in getting everyone sliding together confidently.

Photo: Travel Utah

Dining on the Mountain

You’ve got three core options:

• Alpine Rose (Base Area): Classic cafeteria-style with grab-and-go comfort food and a sunny deck when weather allows. Great for quick fuel between laps.
• Milly Chalet (Milly Base): Burgers and hot fare with views of the Milly side. A convenient pit stop when you’re lapping the west side.
• Molly Green’s (Base Pub): Brighton’s cozy bar & grill. Think fireplace, darts/shuffleboard, wings, burgers, and a proper après vibe. Hours fluctuate outside the ski season and peak periods so check the current status.

Lodging: Ski-In, Ski-Out
(and Nearby Cabins)

The Brighton Lodge sits a snowball’s throw from Crest 6 offering simple, affordable rooms and the ultimate convenience for families. Kids can crash while you take turns snagging a late lap.

To book the lodge directly, call (877) 422-0618. If you want more space, there are numerous cabins and chalets in the Brighton/Solitude area managed by local outfits like Cottonwood Lodging.

Downtown Salt Lake City is less than an hour away if you prefer a city base with an early canyon commute.

Photo: Travel Utah

Getting Here, Parking & the Ski Bus

Brighton lies at the top of SR-190 in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Winter driving often requires AWD/4WD or chains under the canyon traction law. Always check conditions before you try venturing up the canyon.

Parking reservations have become the norm on peak days to reduce canyon congestion. For recent seasons, Brighton required Friday - Sunday and holiday reservations through midday. Exact dates, times, and fees are season-specific so confirm the current policy and reserve ahead.

Prefer to leave the SUV behind? The UTA Ski Bus Route 972 runs from Midvale Fort Union TRAX to Solitude/Brighton with 30-minute peak frequency during the season. This includes service timed for night skiing.

Service windows change year to year, so check UTA’s schedule before you plan. Passholders can often ride free. Fighting the winter traffic is something I completely avoid so seriously consider this option unless you’re lodging at Brighton.

Tickets & Passes

Brighton Resort sells a range of products - full-day, afternoon, twilight and night tickets. It also participates in the popular multi-resort passes. Pricing is dynamic and tied to demand and dates. You’ll save by buying online in advance and by targeting non-holiday weekdays.

If you’re only riding after work or teaching kids under the lights, night tickets are a smart value play. For families staying slopeside, watch for periodic stay-and-save lodging specials.

Photo: Travel Utah

Operating Season & Hours

A typical winter at Brighton runs from mid-November into mid-April. Day operations start in the morning and night riding goes from 4:00 - 9:00 P.M. on Monday - Saturday when conditions and calendar allow.

Always check the Lift & Trail Status page close to your trip especially early/late season and around holidays.

Backcountry Gateways
(For Experienced Parties Only)

Brighton borders prime Wasatch backcountry. If that’s your plan, travel only with proper equipment, partners, local knowledge, and savvy education. Check the Utah Avalanche Center forecast before you go. Brighton’s “locals’ mountain” vibe doesn’t remove the risks outside the ropes.

My Take For What It’s Worth

Brighton helps to keep the original spirit of Utah skiing intact … friendly, accessible, and snow-rich. It’s where generations of locals learned to turn.

It’s where night laps double your time on the slopes. And where a family can ride the same lift and all find something at their level.

Add a casual base area, three solid dining choices, and a lodge close enough to shuffle to first chair and you’ve got one of the most reliable winter days (and nights) on the Wasatch Front.

Photo: Travel Utah

Quick Facts

• Location: Top of Big Cottonwood Canyon (SR-190), 35 miles from SLC International Airport.
• Snow: 500" average per winter of dry Wasatch powder.
• Terrain mix: 22% beginner / 40% intermediate / 38–39% advanced across 66 runs.
• Night skiing: 4-5 lifts, 30+ trails, 4:00 - 9:00 P.M. Monday – Saturday. Expanded Milly terrain added in 2024/25.
• Dining: Alpine Rose (cafeteria), Milly Chalet (burgers/hot fare), Molly Green’s (pub/après).
• Ski school: Private, group, and multi-week programs for all ages. Book ahead for peak dates.
• Transit: UTA Ski Bus 972 from Midvale Fort Union to Solitude/Brighton. Frequency and dates vary by season.
• Parking: Reservations required on peak days/hours. Verify current season rules and fees.

Contact Information & Address

Brighton Resort
8302 South Brighton Loop Road (Resort base)
Brighton, Utah 84121-9740
Main: (801) 532-4731 • Toll-free: (800) 873-5512
Brighton Lodge bookings: (877) 422-0618
Resort website: https://www.brightonresort.com/

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