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    Utah, Usa

    Brian Head

    Brian Head: 650 acres, 71 runs, 9.1m annual snowfall. Utah's highest base elevation resort 3 hours from Las Vegas.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    Opens
    7 Nov 2025
    Closes
    26 Apr 2026
    Days open
    170
    Annual snow
    29ft
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    Brian Head operates across 650 acres with 71 runs and a vertical drop of 402 metres, spanning elevations from 2,926 to 3,343 metres. The resort holds Utah's highest base elevation at 2,926 metres and receives 9.1 metres of annual snowfall. Children aged 12 and under ski free, whilst lift tickets start from $19 on select dates through dynamic pricing.

    Terrain splits 30% beginner, 35% intermediate, 32% advanced and 3% expert across two interconnected peaks, Navajo and Brian Head. Navajo Peak serves beginners and intermediates with gentle groomers accessed by the Navajo Express quad, whilst Brian Head Peak delivers steeper terrain off lifts including Roulette, The Dunes and Giant Steps Express. A ski bridge crosses Highway 143 to link the two areas. Runs like Engens and Georg's Rock provide challenge for confident skiers, though the resort suits families and progressing intermediates more than experts seeking steep terrain.

    The base elevation creates cold, dry conditions that preserve powder quality days after storms, despite lower snowfall than northern Utah resorts. Two base lodges serve the mountain: Giant Steps Lodge on the main peak and Navajo Lodge on the learning zone. The Last Chair Saloon offers après atmosphere with live music most Saturdays during season. Uncrowded slopes define the Brian Head experience outside holiday periods, with minimal lift queues and fresh tracks available well after snowfalls.

    Mountain Capital Partners acquired the resort in 2019. Power Pass season passes starting at $749 grant access to nine additional resorts across the Mountain Capital Partners network, including Nordic Valley and Lee Canyon. The 2025-26 season runs 7 November to 26 April. Brian Head appeals to families seeking affordable skiing, Las Vegas weekenders, and intermediates prioritising value and space over extreme terrain.

    1,368ft
    Vertical
    71
    Runs
    650 acres
    Skiable
    29ft
    Annual snow
    The Terrain

    71 runs across 650 acres skiable

    Brian Head spreads 71 runs across 650 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 35%, with 21 beginner runs to find your feet and 25 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.

    Terrain split
    71
    runs
    71 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner21 runs · 30%
    Intermediate25 runs · 35%
    Advanced23 runs · 32%
    Expert2 runs · 3%
    Time it right

    When to visit Brian Head

    The 2025-26 season operates 7 November 2025 through 26 April 2026. Brian Head typically runs mid-November to mid-April, with the 2024-25 season achieving 181 operational days. Operating hours are 10am-4pm Monday-Friday and 9:30am-4:30pm weekends and holidays. Night skiing runs Friday-Saturday 4pm-9pm on the Blackfoot lift, expanding to seven days weekly during peak periods.

    The resort averages 9.1 metres annual snowfall, with the 2,926-metre base elevation delivering cold, dry powder. Snowmaking covers 170 acres, concentrated on Navajo Mountain and key runs. February averages the heaviest snowfall with 1.35 metres, whilst December and January each deliver approximately 1.1 metres. Storms depositing over 12 centimetres occur 27 times annually on average. The high elevation preserves snow quality better than lower resorts, maintaining coverage into late April during strong seasons.

    January and February offer peak powder conditions, though the uncrowded nature means untracked snow lingers days after storms. March delivers spring skiing with warmer temperatures and long sunny days. Weekday visits from December through March provide the best value and emptiest slopes. Holiday periods see increased traffic from Las Vegas and Southern California, particularly Christmas through New Year and Presidents Day weekend.

    The resort hosts monthly Star Parties with Cedar Breaks National Monument rangers providing stargazing sessions with telescopes at Navajo Lodge. Summer operations run weekends mid-June through mid-October, offering chairlift-accessed mountain biking, disc golf, archery and tubing. Events include Fourth of July celebrations, classic rock festivals and car shows. Two terrain parks and tubing hills operate during winter, with tubing requiring advance reservations by calling 435-677-2035.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    7 Nov 2025
    Opens
    26 Apr 2026
    Closes
    170
    Days open
    29 ft
    Annual snow
    Getting there

    Getting to Brian Head, and where to stay

    Brian Head sits in the Dixie National Forest in southern Utah's Markagunt Plateau at 2,926 metres base elevation. The resort occupies a high desert mesa surrounded by red rock formations, pine forests and distant views toward Cedar Breaks National Monument. Utah Highway 143 climbs steeply through the small town of Brian Head, population 120, which spreads along the access road between the two base areas. Cedar Breaks National Monument lies 8 kilometres south, whilst red rock hoodoos visible from upper lifts create scenery unlike typical alpine resorts.

    Cedar City sits 47 kilometres southwest via Highway 143, a 40-minute drive descending 1,220 vertical metres through switchbacks. The town offers additional lodging, dining and services 29 miles from the slopes. Parowan, 23 kilometres west on Interstate 15, provides the highway exit for mountain access. Bryce Canyon National Park lies 98 kilometres east (90 minutes), Zion National Park 117 kilometres southwest (90 minutes) and St George 135 kilometres southwest (90 minutes). The location enables combined ski and national park itineraries during winter when crowds thin.

    Interstate 15 provides primary access, with Exit 75 at Parowan connecting to Highway 143 for the final 23-kilometre ascent. From Las Vegas, the drive runs 325 kilometres northeast (3 hours) via I-15. Salt Lake City sits 395 kilometres north (3.5 to 4 hours), also via I-15. The steep Highway 143 approach requires winter driving preparation; four-wheel drive or traction devices become mandatory during storms. Road conditions via UDOT should be checked before departure as the climb gains over 1,200 metres elevation.

    Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport lies 340 kilometres southwest (3 hours driving), offering the most flight options. Salt Lake City International Airport sits 403 kilometres north (4 hours). Cedar City Regional Airport, 53 kilometres away (35-45 minutes), provides limited Delta Connection service primarily linking Salt Lake City. St George Regional Airport, 129 kilometres distant (90 minutes), serves flights from Denver, Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth and Salt Lake City. The St George Shuttle and Brian Head Express Shuttle operate weekend service from Cedar City to the resort, whilst rental cars suit visitors combining skiing with regional exploration.

    Where to stay

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    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

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    Brian Head Lift Tickets

    Brian Head lift tickets & passes

    The 2025 - 2026 season at Brian Head closed on Apr 26, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.

    Day passes start from US$17, with peak rates up to US$89.

    5 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    Single-day passes

    Adult 18–64

    Adult Daily Ticket

    US$19up to US$89 peak

    Experience Brian Head Resort - Utah's highest base elevation at 9,600 feet with 72 trails across 650 acres. Southern Utah's premier resort offers stunning red rock vistas, terrain parks, and 360 inches of annual snowfall with dynamic pricing.

    Buy pass
    Youth 13–17

    Youth Daily Ticket

    US$17up to US$79 peak

    Youth lift tickets at Brian Head provide access to Southern Utah's highest resort with spectacular red rock scenery. Perfect for young skiers and riders enjoying diverse terrain and family-friendly atmosphere with dynamic pricing.

    Buy pass
    Child 0–12

    Children 12 & Under Free

    Free

    Children ages 12 and under ski free at Brian Head Resort! Experience Southern Utah's highest resort with stunning red rock vistas, terrain parks, and excellent learning programs for young skiers and snowboarders.

    Buy pass

    Half-day passes

    Adult 13–99

    Night Skiing Ticket

    US$25up to US$35 peak

    Brian Head night skiing offers affordable evening mountain access with excellent lighting on groomed terrain. Experience Southern Utah's unique high-elevation night skiing with red rock backdrop and family-friendly atmosphere.

    Buy pass

    Season passes

    Adult 13–99

    Power Pass

    US$749up to US$849 peak

    Brian Head Power Pass provides unlimited access to Brian Head plus 9 other resorts including Purgatory, Snowbowl, Sipapu, and more. Includes 6 discounted friend/family tickets and on-mountain benefits with no blackout dates.

    Buy pass

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Brian Head day pass cost?+
    Brian Head day passes range from US$17 to US$89 depending on the date and advance booking.
    Can I buy Brian Head lift tickets online?+
    Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
    Are there discounts for multi-day passes?+
    Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
    What is included with a Brian Head lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Brian Head, including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Brian Head lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Brian Head - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Brian Head lift tickets for the best price?+
    Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
    Does Brian Head offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Brian Head directly for group booking information and rates.
    How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?+
    Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Brian Head.

    More Brian Head intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.