Starting with only a rope tow in 1936, today Brighton is the only resort in Utah with 100% of its terrain accessible by high speed quads. There are five quads, one triple, and a magic carpet lift. These lifts service 1,050 acres and 1,875 vertical feet. The mountain averages 500 inches a winter of traditionally light, fluffy and dry snow. This resort has been in operation for over seventy years.
Brighton considers its grooming of the hills a top asset. Beginner and Intermediate runs are groomed nightly, except for a few obscure trails which are groomed as needed. The main Expert runs are groomed, but the rest is left to collect powder. The grooming report is posted daily at the resort. Skiers and snowboarders can stick to groomed trails, or if they prefer more extreme terrain they can enjoy the trees and chutes, cliffs, and natural terrain parks all within bounds.
At Brighton, friends or families can ride together on the same lift and then choose to ski different trails based on whether they are a beginner, intermediate, or expert. At the end of the run, the can meet at the bottom to ride together again.
This resort is located at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, approximately forty five minutes from Salt Lake International Airport.
Brighton Lodge is a rustic and comfortable twenty room lodge providing the only slope side access to day and night skiing and snowboarding. All guests enjoy complimentary continental breakfasts, large outdoor hot tub, fireplace, big screen TV/VCR with over 200 movie titles in the common area. There are refrigerators in all rooms except hostel rooms.
There are several dining options including The New Millicent Chalet and three additional day lodges with cafeterias and a coffee bar. You'll find high quality rentals, top notch ski and snowboard school, lockers, and a pub. There is frequent public bus transportation from many points in downtown Salt Lake City and park & ride lots around the valley.
Freestyle riders and skiers frequent the four terrain parks. These parks are designed for all abilities. The terrain park crew keeps moving the features around so what's here today might be gone tomorrow as they keep changing the challenge keeps.
Brighton Resort Statistics:
Average snowfall - 500 inches
Ski-able acres - 1,050
Vertical, lift - 1,745 feet
Base elevation - 8,755 feet
Top elevation - 10,500 feet
Lifts - 5 quads, 1 triple, 1 Magic Carpet
Number of runs - 66, and tons of off-piste runs
Snowboarding - Yes
Half pipe - Yes
Terrain parks - Yes
Night skiing - Yes. On 200 acres, with three lifts, 22 runs, including main terrain park
Half day ticket - Yes Morning or afternoon option
Full day ticket - from 9am to 9 pm
Open - Seven days a week from mid-November through mid-April.
Daily Hours - 9am - 4pm
Night skiing - 4pm - 9 pm, Monday through Saturday, early December through March.
Kids 6 and under ski free - Yes
Nursery/Child care - No
Ski Instructors - 150 +
On-slope hotel - Yes, Brighton Lodge
On-slope photographers - Yes
On-site medical clinic - Yes
Cell phone service - Yes
Computer plug-ins - Yes, in Alpine Rose cafeteria
Summer at Brighton is very low key. Relax, hike, or picnic by the stream, and watch the stars come out at night. Hearty meals are served on the sundeck. Because this resort is in a national forest there is plenty of wildlife to watch for. Deer, moose, elk or smaller animals and birds are often seen on the slopes in the summer.
One online reviewer reports, "My stay at Brighton (in the lodge to be exact) was perfect. The accommodations were incredibly simple, but being next to the lifts for night riding was where it was at for me!! The locals were incredibly hospitable, and the snow was great too! Thanks to all the Brighton folks that made me feel so welcome!''
Another reviewer said, "A boarder's paradise! Though it's hard to contend with Alta's mystique and beauty, Brighton is by far my favorite place to board. This is where the locals go to ski/board. Still an incredibly amazing value compared to the other resorts.''
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