What’s New in Utah for the 2014-15 Winter Season
[dropcap style=”square”]B[/dropcap]ig changes are happening at Utah ski resorts this winter. The opening of a new resort, the purchase of Park City Mountain Resort by Vail, and the proposed ONE Wasatch interconnect initiative are the biggest hits, and you can learn about these and other resort additions for 2014–15 below. See you on the slopes!
Alta
The popular Corkscrew run was regraded this summer so intermediates have a wide-open descent option from the top of Collins down to Alta’s Wildcat Base. Experts will be able to ski Alf’s High Rustler top to bottom after early snow fills in the run. Friends visiting from out of state will love the new Boarding Pass Program, which allows you to convert your boarding pass into a half-price Alta/Snowbird ticket within 24 hours of arrival. alta.com
Beaver Mountain
Celebrating 75 years in business, family-owned Beaver Mountain in the northeast corner of Utah near Logan is a great family ski destination. The resort is celebrating with events and lift ticket specials. skithebeav.com
Brian Head Resort
The season-long celebration of Brian Head’s 50th anniversary begins with the opening of a new detachable quad to replace the old Giant Steps (Chair #2) lift. The new lift reduces ride time from 12 minutes to just five so you can sit less and ski more! The party continues with lift ticket deals and events. brianhead.com
Brighton
Nothing is changing this season, but Brighton’s Ski Free program for kids 7 and under always makes it a great family choice. Look for more information on their popular Quad Wednesday lift ticket deal coming in December. brightonresort.com
Canyons Resort
The biggest news at Canyons is Vail’s recent acquisition of PCMR! What that means for you is that the Epic Pass now includes both resorts for the same price! For $569 you get unlimited, unrestricted days at Breckenridge, Keystone, Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton, and Arapahoe Basin with holiday restrictions at Canyons, Park City Mountain, Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood. If holiday restrictions are problematic, pay $749 for unlimited days. Canyons is also completely renovating Cloud Dine to double the size, increase seating capacity, and add a larger outdoor deck space. Scheduled to open December 1, 2014. thecanyons.com
Cherry Peak Resort
A new resort is coming to Northern Utah! Cherry Peak Resort, the fist new Utah resort to be built in decades, is located in Northern Utah near Richmond. It features three triple chairlifts, a comprehensive snowmaking infrastructure, and a 1.25-mile long run. Other amenities include: ice skating, tubing, terrain parks, and night skiing. skicpr.com
Deer Valley
Known for their elevated ski cuisine, Deer Valley’s newest restaurant—The Brass Tag—is ideal for après-ski. Located in the Lodges at Deer Valley, Brass Tag specializes in brick oven comfort food and is open for dinner year-round. At the neighboring Montage Deer Valley, a new dining venue called Burgers & Bourbon just opened, and the menu features over 100 bourbons and eight signature burgers made from locally sourced ingredients. Deer Valley is also investing in on-mountain equipment by adding new snow guns, five snowcats, and 34 snowmobiles. deervalley.com
Eagle Point
This Southern Utah resort continues to grow with the addition of the Tushar Peaks Surface Lift to service the area’s steepest black diamonds. Previously reachable only by hiking, this new lift greatly increases advanced terrain. Their Park Lab Terrain Park will have added features for all skill levels. Finally, families visiting can benefit from the Kids 17 and Under Ride Free packages that give kids ages 7–17 a free lift ticket for each night’s stay, dependent on group size. eaglepointresort.com
Nordic Valley
Nordic Valley Resort (formerly known as Wolf Mountain) changed hands in 2014 and is being considerably upgraded by cutting new trails, adding year-round events, and improving facilities. The new trails add 700 vertical feet to this 1,000-foot ski hill in Eden. While a snowcat ride is required to reach them this season, a lift is going in next summer. A gondola, retail shops, and other additions are planned for the coming years. nordicvalley.com
Park City Mountain Resort
Unless you’ve been living under a rock the last few weeks, you’ve likely heard that PCMR has joined forces with Canyons via its purchase by Vail, which means both resorts are now part of the Epic Pass. If you’ve already purchased a PCMR pass, you’re still entitled to its benefits, and you can even upgrade to an Epic Pass to ski Canyons too. For more information visit EpicPass.com. parkcitymountain.com
Powder Mountain
A new, safer 1944 ft. quad chairlift is opening this winter in the Sundown area. This lift replaces the oldest lift at Powder Mountain that was originally installed in 1972. Also new for this season, the Lift Up program gives free lift tickets to people who donate six hours to select nonprofit organizations. Visit the website for list of organizations. powdermountain.com
Snowbasin
Buy a Snowbasin season pass and receive a free Powder Alliance membership, which includes three days of skiing at 12 resorts in the Western U.S. and British Columbia. Season passes also include three days of skiing at Sun Valley and discounted lodging, along with cheap buddy passes for friends at Snowbasin. snowbasin.com
Snowbird
Construction of the new Hidden Peak restaurant, ski patrol, and scenic view spot at the top of the tram has begun! While it doesn’t open until the 2015 season, you’ll notice construction throughout the year. The Boarding Pass Program, which grants guests a half-off Alta/Snowbird ticket within 24 hours of arrival with a boarding pass, will be offered all winter. snowbird.com
