The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Brighton Resort delivers exceptional skiing and snowboarding across 1,050 acres of diverse terrain at the head of Big Cottonwood Canyon, with elevations ranging from 2,668m base to 3,200m summit. Utah's oldest ski resort combines 66 runs spanning all ability levels with some of the most reliable snowfall in North America, averaging 12.7m annually in one of the snowiest microclimates on the continent. The resort's claim to fame extends beyond daytime operations, offering over 200 acres of illuminated terrain across 32 runs six nights weekly, making Brighton the only Salt Lake area resort with extensive night skiing.
Brighton's authentic, welcoming atmosphere attracts everyone from first-time learners to expert cliff-huckers, earning consistent recognition from locals for best value and family-friendly terrain. The resort's historical significance as the first Utah ski area, established in 1936, blends seamlessly with modern lift infrastructure including the Crest Express, currently Utah's fastest chairlift. Five terrain parks cater to freestyle progression, whilst natural features including bowls, chutes, and extensive tree skiing provide endless exploration opportunities across two main zones.
The resort's straightforward layout and accessible pricing structure keep the focus squarely on quality skiing rather than resort frills. Children aged six and under ski free with paying adults, whilst direct connections to neighbouring Solitude Resort via the SolBright pass expand terrain options for multi-resort adventures in the legendary Cottonwood Canyons.
1,745ft
Vertical
66
Runs
1,050 acres
Skiable
42ft
Annual snow
Ikon
Pass
The Terrain
66 runs across 1,050 acres skiable
Brighton spreads 66 runs across 1,050 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 39%, with 14 beginner runs to find your feet and 27 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
66
runs
66 runs across 4 grades
Beginner14 runs · 21%
Intermediate26 runs · 39%
Advanced17 runs · 25%
Expert10 runs · 15%
Time it right
When to visit Brighton
Brighton typically operates from mid-November through mid-April, with the most consistent conditions occurring January through March when the Cottonwood Funnel microclimate delivers its legendary snowfall. The resort's elevated position between 2,668m and 3,200m combined with predominantly north-facing aspects creates exceptional snow preservation throughout the season, often maintaining quality conditions when lower-elevation resorts struggle. The 12.7m average annual snowfall frequently exceeds 500 inches in exceptional years, occasionally surpassing 700 inches during particularly active storm cycles.
Early season openings become possible through the resort's high base elevation and reliable pre-Christmas snowfall, whilst spring skiing extends well into April with excellent corn snow developing on sunny afternoons. The microclimate's position at the head of Big Cottonwood Canyon intercepts westerly storm flow efficiently, with the Wasatch Range forcing moisture-laden air upward where it condenses and deposits exceptionally dry, light powder across Brighton's varied terrain.
Night skiing operations run six nights weekly from mid-December through mid-March, offering extended riding opportunities under lights during the season's core months. The resort's snow quality benefits from Utah's famously low-density powder, creating forgiving conditions for progression whilst delivering the deep, consistent coverage that attracts powder seekers to the Cottonwood Canyons. Clear, sunny days provide spectacular alpine vistas whilst maintaining excellent snow quality on shaded aspects throughout winter.
Season 2025 - 2026
14 Nov 2025
Opens
18 May 2026
Closes
185
Days open
42 ft
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Brighton, and where to stay
Located at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon approximately 58km southeast of downtown Salt Lake City, Brighton sits just 56km from Salt Lake City International Airport with drive times averaging 45-50 minutes under normal conditions. The resort's position in the Wasatch Range places it amongst North America's most accessible alpine skiing destinations, with the scenic Highway 190 canyon approach providing a straightforward route from the Salt Lake valley floor. Brighton's proximity to metropolitan Salt Lake creates convenient access to diverse accommodation options in surrounding communities including Cottonwood Heights, Sandy, and Midvale.
The resort shares Big Cottonwood Canyon with neighbouring Solitude Mountain Resort located just 3km away, with interconnecting terrain and combined SolBright passes allowing skiers to experience both mountains during single visits. This strategic canyon position creates a powder haven where orographic lift generates substantially higher snowfall than the valley below, whilst maintaining remarkably short transfer times from major transport hubs. Free UTA ski bus services connect downtown Salt Lake and park-and-ride facilities directly to the resort throughout winter, providing economical transport alternatives.
Brighton's location within the Wasatch-Cache National Forest surrounds visitors with pristine alpine scenery and direct backcountry access gates for adventurous skiers seeking terrain beyond the resort boundary. The canyon's year-round recreation opportunities extend Brighton's appeal beyond winter months, with lift-assisted mountain biking and disc golf available during summer. Weekend parking reservations become essential during peak periods, though the robust public transport network and carpool options provide practical alternatives to private vehicle access up the canyon.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Brighton, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
FIS Weighs Holding World Championships in Almost Every Winter, Starting 2032
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation is looking at a major shake-up to its title events calendar. From 2032, World Championships could run not just in odd-numbered years but in every non-Olympic winter too, effectively putting a global title event on the calendar almost every season. The FIS Council has approved the concept following a feasibility study, though an accelerated rollout as early as 2028 is also under consideration.
4 Sept 2026
Mount Buller Becomes Latest Australian Resort to Call Time Early on 2026
Mount Buller closes out its 2026 season this Sunday, joining Falls Creek, Hotham and Charlotte Pass in a cluster of closures landing almost simultaneously and roughly a month ahead of schedule. The culprit is stark: Spencers Creek's benchmark snow depth hit 31.2cm on 3 September, just 18% of the 73-year average and an all-time low for this point in the season. Six of Victoria and NSW's best-known resorts will have shut their lifts early within a span of about two and a half weeks.
4 Sept 2026
Tremblant to Add New Timber Summit Ski Sector for 2027/28 Season
Tremblant has confirmed a major expansion of its Quebec ski area, with a new Timber Summit sector adding 62 acres of terrain, eight trails and a high-speed quad chairlift for winter 2027/28. It's part of a CAD 42.5 million investment that also includes a new beginner learning zone at Versant Soleil opening this coming season. The project has grown considerably since it was first announced back in 2020, when it carried a far smaller budget and an opening date that never eventuated.
2 Sept 2026
Mount Hotham to Close for the 2026 Season on Sunday, September 6
We knew when the Bird Bath Pond Skim showed up on Hotham's Instagram that the season was on its way out. It's been a rough one - I only managed two days on snow all year, at Falls Creek - and now Baw Baw, Selwyn and Hotham have all called it, possibly the worst Australian season I've seen in a decade. Hotham's last day of lift operations is Sunday, 6 September, with a Retro Day, Father's Day après and closing sales before the lifts stop turning for good.
1 Sept 2026
Thredbo to Replace Ageing Gunbarrel Quad With New Six-Seat Chairlift for 2028
Thredbo Alpine Resort has confirmed plans to replace its 37-year-old Gunbarrel quad chairlift with a new six-seat Doppelmayr D-Line, targeting winter 2028. The AUD 35 million project will keep travel time roughly the same but lift capacity from 2,800 to 3,000 skiers per hour. It's part of a broader investment push that also includes doubled snowmaking capacity at Friday Flat for 2027, with the ageing Kosciuszko Express now flagged as the resort's next major lift replacement after Gunbarrel.
31 Aug 2026
Aerial Tram Collides With Crane at Alpe d'Huez: 23 Injured
An aerial tram carrying around fifty passengers struck the boom of a construction crane on the route to Pic Blanc at Alpe d'Huez on Wednesday morning, injuring 23 people, three seriously. The cabin tipped on impact before the operator reversed it to right the car. Most of the injured were treated on site, with five taken to hospital in Grenoble, including a pregnant woman assessed as a precaution.
28 Aug 2026
Why Glaciers Are Collapsing - And What Happens When They Do
A deadly flood on the Nepal-China border, a decade-old tragedy on Italy's Marmolada, and an unstable glacier right now above a village near Zermatt - three very different mountain ranges, the same underlying story. Warming ice is destabilising terrain that was considered settled for generations, and the results range from catastrophic floods to slow-motion monitoring situations that could go either way.
27 Aug 2026
Pitztal Glacier Set to Reopen for the 2026/27 Ski Season on 26 September
Tyrol's highest ski area is gearing up to open a full month ahead of most of the Alps. The Pitztal Glacier is scheduled to start its 2026/27 season on Saturday 26 September, running through to 2 May 2027, with the lower-altitude Rifflsee area following in December. High-altitude terrain up to 3,440 metres gives the glacier a head start on snow, though as always, the actual opening extent will depend on how September's weather plays out. Early online ski pass bookings can save up to 30%.
26 Aug 2026
Brighton Webcams
7 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About Brighton's live webcams
Check live conditions across Brighton with 7 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Top of Crest 69,980ft
- Experience commanding views from Brighton's premier terrain through this summit webcam positioned at the top of Crest 6 Express at 3042 meters elevation. This strategic Brighton webcam captures the resort's most exciting skiing zones, revealing current conditions across challenging runs that attract advanced skiers to Big Cottonwood Canyon. Perfect for assessing upper mountain snow quality and visibility, this Brighton live cam provides essential intelligence for powder seekers exploring Utah's legendary 500 inches of annual snowfall at this locally beloved destination.
- Milly Express8,757ft
- Monitor activity at one of Brighton's most popular lifts through this strategic Milly Express webcam at 2669 meters elevation. This central Brighton live cam provides excellent views of the high-speed quad loading area and surrounding intermediate terrain that attracts families and recreational skiers to this Big Cottonwood Canyon destination. Check lift operations and current snow conditions through this Brighton web cam while planning your perfect day at Utah's most affordable resort offering both day and night skiing.
- Majestic Lift8,802ft
- Track conditions across Brighton's diverse terrain through this well-positioned Majestic Lift webcam at 2683 meters elevation. This Brighton live cam offers comprehensive views of the resort's varied trail network, from beginner-friendly slopes to challenging advanced runs that showcase Brighton's appeal to all skill levels. Monitor snow quality and mountain activity through this live snow cam as you plan your adventure at Utah's only resort offering both day and night skiing in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
- Molly Green's8,802ft
- Capture the vibrant mid-mountain atmosphere through this Brighton webcam positioned at Molly Green's bar and restaurant at 2683 meters elevation beside the Majestic Lift. This Brighton live cam reveals the social hub where skiers gather for lunch breaks and après-ski, providing views of the bustling activity that defines Brighton's welcoming vibe. Perfect for checking crowd levels and weather conditions, this Brighton web cam shows the lively scene at this popular mid-mountain destination where Utah powder seekers refuel before their next Big Cottonwood Canyon descent.
- Explorer Lift8,786ft
- Watch beginners master their first turns through this encouraging Brighton webcam focused on the Explorer Lift beginner area at 2678 meters elevation. This Brighton live cam captures the learning zone where new skiers and snowboarders build confidence on gentle terrain before progressing to Brighton's more challenging runs. Essential for families assessing beginner conditions, this live snow cam showcases Brighton's commitment to creating the next generation of Utah skiers in a supportive Big Cottonwood Canyon environment.
- Parking Lot8,802ft
- Plan your arrival and departure with this practical Brighton webcam focused on the main parking area at 2683 meters elevation. This essential Brighton live cam helps skiers and snowboarders gauge crowd levels and parking availability before making the scenic drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon from Salt Lake City. Perfect for busy weekend planning, this Brighton web cam provides valuable intelligence about resort activity levels, ensuring you can maximize your time on Utah's most budget-friendly mountain rather than searching for parking.
- Great Western10,505ft
- Experience Brighton's highest terrain through this impressive Great Western webcam positioned at 3202 meters elevation near the resort's summit. This high-altitude Brighton live cam provides stunning views across Big Cottonwood Canyon while monitoring conditions on the challenging terrain served by the Great Western Express. Perfect for advanced skiers assessing snow quality and visibility, this Brighton web cam captures the expansive alpine environment that makes Brighton a favorite among serious Utah powder seekers exploring the Wasatch Range's legendary snowfall.
Brighton snow cams FAQ
How often do Brighton snow cams update?
All Brighton snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Brighton.
Which Brighton webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Great Western webcam at 3,202m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Brighton webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see Brighton lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple Brighton snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check Brighton snow cams?
Check Brighton webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying Brighton lift tickets?
Use our Brighton webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do Brighton webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All Brighton snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More Brighton intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.