Wanting to explore the largest ski and snowboard park in the United States, we planned our 2026 spring break to Park City, Utah. Flights, Airbnb, and lift tickets were booked back in September. Needless to say we wanted the best deals in advance. Throughout the season it seemed our home on the east coast was getting smacked with powder, while the signs of our out west destination seemed to struggle for a strong season. Nevertheless, we stuck to our desired destination for an unforgettable experience
After hours of researching the best ski destinations in Utah, we landed on two full days of riding. One at Brighton Resort, and one at Park City. We wanted to understand the expansive terrain of PC while also choosing a local favorite mountain to skew our perspective of The Epic Pass experience.
With just a 45 minute drive from Salt Lake City Airport, we arrived at our Airbnb, Lar’s Lair in Park City. A cozy, well designed studio that somehow had everything. Full kitchen, queen bed, patio, snowboard storage, and one of the most functional closet and bathroom setups I have seen. The built-in heated lamp was a small luxury I did not know I needed.
The property had a large public hot tub that stayed hot, never crowded, and was an easy walk from our room. Free parking, access to the Park City bus system, and a location close to restaurants made everything seamless. Check in was simple, and we even used the pay by phone laundry during our stay. If you are staying within Park City or Deer Valley, you could easily skip renting a car. The free bus system runs every 10 to 15 minutes with multiple routes, and ride shares are quick and accessible.
Check out the Airbnb Listing! https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1073783354515116568?source_impression_id=p3_1774734432_P3YjahpWZnVvuVNg
Brighton Resort
Given that Brighton Resort requires advanced booking for specific dates, our first adventure was driving the 50 minutes from PC, through the incredible Wasatch National Forest, gaining over 1700 ft in base elevation. It was one of those drives that you really had to get out and look around. With a high of 61° that day, I opted for light weight base layers with a shell bib and jacket. With easy mid week parking, we quickly scanned the QR code at a self-serve kiosk and instantly received our printed lift tickets. Zero lines, zero hassle. There were even complimentary sunscreen pumps around the resort.
And the riding?
Despite the warm weather, there was still a solid base of snow. The runs were wide, open, and forgiving. Perfect for snowboarders. Trees lined nearly every trail, creating this playful, immersive feel that made the whole mountain feel like a terrain park.
Speaking of parks, there were at least two. One designed for advanced riders and one for beginners and kids. If you snowboard, choose Brighton. It caters to every level, but it especially favors the flow and rhythm that snowboarders look for.
At higher elevations, we still found pockets of powder. We spent the day lift hopping, chasing views, and taking it all in. At one point, we grabbed sushi from the cafeteria and sat in the sun, just soaking it up. Brighton left an impression. It is the kind of place you know you will come back to.
Park City Mountain
The next morning started in historic downtown Park City. A mix of local art galleries, jewelry shops, and spaces that felt curated rather than overly touristy.
We also took a short drive out to Midway, a small Swiss inspired town surrounded by alpine views. At one point, we even passed a small herd of bison, owned by a local family, casually grazing in their front yard.Completely unexpected.
On our third day we finally hit Park City’s slopes. Warm was an understatement. We used the convenient bluetooth pass on The Epic App. Not once did we have to pull out our phones, we just rode through the lift. The park was massive. We did not even get to experience the Canyon’s side due to lack of snow, but even without it the runs felt endless.
The runs ranged from wide open cruisers to tighter, winding paths. One of the best parts was the lift access. Even halfway down a run, you had options to hop back on and explore somewhere new. Coming from the east coast offered us at home conditions with slushy runs and deep gratitude for aleakproof shell. King Con was our favorite part of the park, avoiding the crowd of the greens and busy blues. By hour four, our legs shook getting down Homerun, all I could think about was a slice of pizza and that hot tub waiting back at the Airbnb
Salt Lake City and Antelope Island
We spent our last two days exploring Salt Lake City and its gems. We walked the state capitol, drove Olympus cove, and took in the giant mountains that enveloped both sides of the city.
Before our flight home, we made one last stop to Antelope Island State Park. We took in the expansive views of Salt Lake herself, drove down to the bison corral and circled our way back out of the park. I was not prepared to exchange desert beaches to the wild wild west in just a few minutes’ time. The camping experience was enticing to say the least. I wish I would have carved out more time to experience this gem.
Final Thoughts
So which mountain won?
Brighton.
Although we loved the differences each mountain offered, I found that park city was truly designed for skiers, and the two resorts really cater to each culture.That said, staying in Park City and driving out to Brighton felt like the best of both worlds. Access to great lodging, food, and town energy, with a short drive to a mountain that delivered exactly what we were looking for.
What are your favorite places in Salt Lake City and in the surrounding areas?
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