The Skiers' Guide to Brian Head Resort

Brian Head sits atop Southern Utah's mountains, offering a skiing experience with stunning vistas of the surrounding red rock landscapes. With an overall rating of 4.08/5 from our Snomad community, this resort has carved out a niche as an affordable, family-friendly destination perfect for those looking to avoid the crowds of Utah's larger resorts.

Located at a breathtaking elevation ranging from 2,926m to 3,343m, Brian Head boasts 71 runs across its terrain. Our users particularly appreciate the resort for its value for money (4.58/5) and family friendliness (4.80/5), making it an excellent choice for those on a budget or with children in tow.

Brian Head offers two distinct areas, with one side being more beginner-friendly and the other catering to more experienced skiers and snowboarders. The resort scores well for beginners (4.67/5) and intermediates (4.20/5), with plenty of terrain for both groups.

The 71 runs are serviced by 3 chairlifts, which receive good marks for lift efficiency (4.08/5) with users noting "the lines were also very efficient and quick." A Snomad community member liked how "you can carve for days" on the "wide open groomers," earning the resort a strong rating for groomed runs (4.48/5).

For more experienced riders, the resort offers some advanced terrain, though one user who is an advanced snowboarder said it's "smaller and more mellow than high-end resorts but that's what I like about it!" The high altitude helps maintain good snow conditions, with another user noting "Brian Head high altitude and dry cold weather help preserve snow conditions."

Tree skiing enthusiasts will find options, though some users mention that off-piste areas can get rocky without sufficient snowfall. The terrain park has recently seen improvements, with one user reporting "definitely upgraded when pro park builders from Brighton came and made us a decent terrain park."

The resort receives a moderate score for eating out (3.29/5). While dining options are somewhat limited, users have positive things to say about the food that is available. One Snomad user commented that "The food is amazing and the serving sizes are awesome," while another mentioned that food prices are "a little steep but why not splurge when shredding!"

When buying lift tickets online, guests receive resort credit which can be spent on both food and merchandise, adding value to the experience. For those staying longer, users recommend grocery shopping "down the mountain as prices are also way better" given the small size of the town.

Brian Head scores modestly for après-ski (2.63/5), reflecting its focus as a quieter family resort rather than a party destination. The limited après options align with the resort's relaxed atmosphere. As one user put it, Brian Head offers a "really mellow vibe" and is a "great place to take the family."

The bar receives positive mentions, with one user noting, "The bar is pretty good, and if you get Spencer as your waiter you're in for a good time." However, if you're seeking a vibrant nightlife scene, Brian Head might not be your first choice, as another user candidly stated, it's "not the type of resort for that but really good skiing none the less."

Brian Head truly shines as a family destination, scoring exceptionally well for family friendliness (4.80/5). The majority of users think it's an ideal place for families, with one describing it as "a great family resort" and another noting it has "terrain for everyone, just nothing that hard."

The resort caters well to learners with its ski school quality (3.89/5) receiving praise. A beginner snowboarder shared: "My instructor was very knowledgeable and helpful. The runs were really fun and felt like the perfect balance for a beginner."

The relaxed atmosphere and lack of crowds make it particularly appealing for families. One user described the location as "very family friendly," while another appreciated the "relaxed vibe" and "super friendly" environment.

The resort scores well for accommodation options (4.04/5), with several users mentioning the affordability of overnight stays. One user noted that "overnight stays and lift tickets are at a super affordable price for an awesome experience."

Some of the user reviews reference the convenience of accommodation in relation to the slopes. One mentioned "lifts on that side that were a walk from the AirBnB we stayed at which was super cool," indicating good ski-in/ski-out or slope-adjacent options.

The town itself is described as "super small," which means accommodation options may be limited but typically offer good value and proximity to the skiing areas.

Brian Head's sustainability efforts are not extensively documented in user reviews. The resort does rely on snowmaking capabilities, with one user noting they "use fake snow" but praising how the resort is "usually the first to open in southern Utah and the last to close."

The resort's high altitude location (topping out at 3,343m) helps with natural snow preservation, reducing the need for extensive artificial snowmaking. However, one user mentioned restrictions on uphill travel policies, stating "No up hill travel policy," which may limit non-lift-assisted access for backcountry enthusiasts.

More transparent communication about specific environmental initiatives would help skiers make informed choices about the resort's sustainability practices.