Night Skiing in Utah: Eight hills that deliver turns after dark

Brian Head Sunset – Photo Courtesy Brian Head

Looking for more time to ski? Let the sun set and shred into the night.  These eight Utah ski resorts turn the lights on for skiers and riders allowing more time to play, often with fewer crowds and lower rates.

Night skiing offers an option to locals who work during the day allowing them to miss the weekend rush. It can also be a unique and sporty date night when paired with dinner at the resort. Thin crowds, and perhaps a little moonlight reflecting on the snow, make for a romantic setting.

Adding a night pass onto a day ticket is an affordable to maximize time on the slopes during a vacation, especially for the morning challenged who are lucky to catch the first chair… after lunch.

If you’d like to tune your skills a little, some resorts, such as Sundance and Brighton, offer lessons at night. “I think students like that they can work a full day and still take a ski lesson,” explained Leslie Blank, Brighton’s Ski School Director.

Most hills only offer night skiing selected evenings per week and when conditions allow, so make sure to check before making plans. For example, Brighton closes their Crest Express lift when temps dip to 0° F or below.

Each resort varies as to how much terrain they light up for night shredders. For example, Wolf Mountain lights up the entire mountain each evening. Brighton also opens an extensive area at night, running three lifts and lighting over 200 acres, including the main terrain park. Others run just one lift. Visit the links below to get the full beta on Utah’s ski-scene after dark.

A few other considerations; bundle up for colder temps and pack a pair of clear-lens goggles.

Don’t let the shorter days of winter hinder your fun, try something new and hit the slopes at night.

Utah Resorts Offering Night Skiing

Beaver Mountain – Sometimes lights the slopes for public and private events. Check their site for details.

Brian Head – Fridays, Saturdays and Certain Holidays, 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. Lift ticket $20 or $8 with the purchase of a day pass. Watch for college night on Thursdays with $15 lift tickets.

Brighton – Monday through Saturday, 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. Lift tickets $36, but watch for special discounts.

Park City – 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Adult lift ticket $72, children 7-12 $48, kids 6 and under ski free.

Powder Mountain – 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Adult lift ticket $22, children 7-12 $18, kids 6 and under ski free with paying adult.

Night Patrol – Photo by Denny Mont

Snowbird – Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Lift tickets $10. Lodging guests ski free.

Sundance – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 4:30 – 9:00 p.m., $31 or $36 during holiday periods.

Wolf Mountain – 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. Weekday lift tickets: adult $23, child $20. Weekend and holiday lift tickets: adult $25, child $22. See their website for more ticket options such as twilight.

This post originally appeared on Liftopia.com.