Snowboarding in Utah – Great Places to Go Snowboarding

Nov 10th, 2008 | By coolbiking | Category: Ski, Snowboard

Utah has thirteen world-class ski resorts that boast the “Greatest Snow on Earth.” Ski resorts in the Wasatch Mountains receive up to 500 inches of dry, fluffy snow that lends itself to some of the best skiing and snowboarding conditions in the world. The Great Salt Lake is the direct reason for the quality of snow found in Utah. It creates a weather phenomenon known locally as the “dreaded lake effect.” Salt water does not freeze so during Utah’s winters, cold air settles over the lake. There, the air is warmed by the lake’s temperature. As the air warms, it rises over the peaks of the Uintas along the Wasatch Front, where it cools and sends flurries of snow into the canyons. This creates optimal snow conditions for snowboarding in Utah.

Snowboarding in Utah is restricted at Alta Ski Resort, one of only a handful of resorts nationwide that have placed restrictions on snowboarders. Alta’s sister resort, Snowbird does allow snowboarders. There are runs that link between the two resorts, so if you are a snowboarder, be sure to follow Snowbird’s runs to avoid being banned at Alta’s lift lines.

Northern Resorts:
You may need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to access some of these resorts in January. Make sure to place chains on your tires before heading up Logan Canyon.

Beaver Mountain in Logan
A beginner-friendly resort.
Powder Mountain in Ogden
This resort as the most acres of any resort in America with over 5,500 acres and a half-pipe.
Snowbasin in Ogden
Has a Superpipe for snowboarders.
Wolf Mountain near Stoddard
Far away from Salt Lake City and is less crowded than other Northern Resorts

Central Resorts:
Ski resorts are found in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon and up Parley’s Canyon. All of these canyons are extremely dangerous to drive in the winter. Your best bet is to park in one of the parking lots at the bases of these canyons and take the bus to the resorts. Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and all of the Park City resorts have on-site lodging.

Brighton in Salt Lake City
This is the best snowboard resort near Salt Lake City. Has a popular half-pipe.
The Canyons in Park City
Six half-pipes for boarders. Upscale and pricey.
Deer Valley in Park City
Prices here are good for locals.
Park City
Intermediate runs for snowboarders.
Snowbird in Salt Lake City
Don’t buy the Alta Snowbird One Pass if you’re a snowboarder. Alta is forbidden to boarders.
Solitude in Salt Lake City
An average resort with two high-speed lifts.

Southern Resorts:
Brian Head is near Dixie National Forest and Bryce Canyon. If you get a chance, make sure to drive by and take a look at the scenery. You can find lodging for Sundance in Midway or Heber City.

Sundance in Provo
One of the prettiest places to shred.
Brian Head in Cedar City
This is the only resort in Southern Utah.

– About –

By: Wendy Pan – Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about snow boarding in Utah, please visit Snowboarding Today Site for current articles and discussions.

Source: Cool Biking Zone – Your source for great cycling, sports and fitness articles!

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