First trip out to Utah

C.R.E.A.M

C.R.E.A.M

Active member
Hey gang,

The fiancé and I are headed to Utah for the first time over Christmas break. We've done pretty much everything besides UT so with the tide being super low on the west coast, we decided to head inland.

We're on the Ikon pass and will have 5 days to ski. Planning on staying near downtown SLC and will have our vehicle (4x4). Coming with an open mind. I've done my homework and know some of the basics about the options in terms of mountains but any local insights are appreciated.
 
It's going to be a shit show, but its Christmas so I'm assuming you're expecting that. The cottonwoods will be the busiest, Deer Valley will be quite busy too (get your reservations) and snowbasin will be the "chillest" busy place.
 
I've skiied Big Bear on spring break, I don't think anything can top that.

I am prepared for it to busy and I've tempered my expectations accordingly. We are able to ski M-F and plan to skip the weekends. Tracking Snowbasin as the least busy for sure, heard Brighton might also be a good one for "less crazy". Would love to do Alta and Deer Valley but realize that may be a fools errand, especially if they don't have all lifts and terrain open.

I like the feedback, keep it coming!
 
be prepared for lots and lots of waiting in lines. make sure you have adequate tires. there will be lots and lots and lots of lines and waiting. this will be a test of your patience. waiting in lines all day.
 
14570464:C.R.E.A.M said:
I've skiied Big Bear on spring break, I don't think anything can top that.

I am prepared for it to busy and I've tempered my expectations accordingly. We are able to ski M-F and plan to skip the weekends. Tracking Snowbasin as the least busy for sure, heard Brighton might also be a good one for "less crazy". Would love to do Alta and Deer Valley but realize that may be a fools errand, especially if they don't have all lifts and terrain open.

I like the feedback, keep it coming!
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Anywhere with a parking reservation should be manageable and during the week it'll probably be fine too. The largest concern would be if a storm comes and shuts down one or both canyons, which will route traffic to Snowbasin.

**This post was edited on Dec 5th 2023 at 4:06:44pm
 
Brighton is usually the most crazy. Idk for sure about this season with the parking changes, but it usually has the worst traffic, the least organization, and the most shoving in lift lines.

DV usually has really low crowds and easy parking/lift lines. I'm not sure if that alpplies to christmas when all the vacation homeowners are there. They just generally make sure that things run smoothly, better than the other local resorts do

Alta and Snowbird are both hard to get to and park at, but once everyone spreads out across the mountain, lift lines really aren't bad. Especially if you're comparing them to Ca resorts

I still haven't skied snowbasin. I hear it's a good place to go to avoid the crowds, but a bad place to go in bad weather.

14570464:C.R.E.A.M said:
I've skiied Big Bear on spring break, I don't think anything can top that.

I am prepared for it to busy and I've tempered my expectations accordingly. We are able to ski M-F and plan to skip the weekends. Tracking Snowbasin as the least busy for sure, heard Brighton might also be a good one for "less crazy". Would love to do Alta and Deer Valley but realize that may be a fools errand, especially if they don't have all lifts and terrain open.

I like the feedback, keep it coming!
Click to expand...
 
14570484:officechair said:
Anywhere with a parking reservation should be manageable and during the week it'll probably be fine too. The largest concern would be if a storm comes and shuts down one or both canyons, which will route traffic to Snowbasin.

**This post was edited on Dec 5th 2023 at 4:06:44pm
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Reserved parking on Monday for Alta, was thinking about going back there Tuesday. I saw Brighton already doesn't have any parking left, and that Deer Valley doesn't seem to have paid parking, nor Snow Basin. Park City looks like it has paid parking, but not confident that it is required. That all sound correct?

Suggestions to the order of resorts? I assume Monday or Friday might be busier then Tues, Weds, & Thurs considering people may take time off to make a 3 day weekend?
 
14570512:C.R.E.A.M said:
Reserved parking on Monday for Alta, was thinking about going back there Tuesday. I saw Brighton already doesn't have any parking left, and that Deer Valley doesn't seem to have paid parking, nor Snow Basin. Park City looks like it has paid parking, but not confident that it is required. That all sound correct?

Suggestions to the order of resorts? I assume Monday or Friday might be busier then Tues, Weds, & Thurs considering people may take time off to make a 3 day weekend?
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An option for Brighton is to get a Solitude spot and ski over on Solbright (the resorts connect), assuming the run will be open. DV is usually guaranteed parking if you're there before 9 (free). DV does have an overflow lot with shuttles which can take a long time.

Snowbasin is free, but the left turn can back up traffic for a while. If it looks really bad you can drive in from the north.

Midweek traffic is usually dependent on storms. If it hasn't snowed in 2 days people will often stay home mad.

Personal resort priority:

1. Alta/Snowbird

2. DV (if enough terrain is open). DV is a scene worth seeing.

3. Solitude/Brighton

4.

5.

6. Snowbasin
 
14570523:officechair said:
DV is usually guaranteed parking if you're there before 9 (free). DV does have an overflow lot with shuttles which can take a long time.
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There is a huge parking lot now called richardsons flat, its off of 40 right outside of PC by the hositpal and movie studio. From there, there is a direct bus to DV and PC that is super easy to get to, if you want to avoid parking nonsense its a great way to get into town. Buses skip 90% of the traffic now, PC has bus lanes everywhere.
 
14570526:eheath said:
There is a huge parking lot now called richardsons flat, its off of 40 right outside of PC by the hositpal and movie studio. From there, there is a direct bus to DV and PC that is super easy to get to, if you want to avoid parking nonsense it's a great way to get into town. Buses skip 90% of the traffic now, PC has bus lanes everywhere.
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Richardson Flats is a sneaky win fs. Also I don't know what 4x4 you've got but if you go to DV, there are 2 garages in silver lake that charge like $40 a day to park... yes that's a lot... normally I wouldn't suggest it.. but hey if you've never been and you're going to go to DV might as well park 5 feet from the hill in a heated garage walking distance from the best Bloody Mary money can buy (Stein's).

Enjoy your trip man! don't worry about the grumpy locals it's Christmas we'll get over it.
 
OG CREAM. It depends on what you and the wife want to ski.

I can get you a ride up LCC if you need (with Alta parking). All the “lines” bullshit is real but also fake, Alta/bird can move through beaters fast. It’s just the initial line.

brighton seams to have a parking situation that favors ikon right now. Idk in a month because they are losing the local base.

solitude kinda sucks wouldn’t put it on the hit list.

PC is a must go because of the Lore. Shit resort excellent park.

DV could be a go because of the Bogner kits. It’s a different side of skiing over there. But also excellent terrain than never gets skied out.

snowbasin and Powmow might be the two last “sleepers” in Utah. Fun terrain and less hassle then getting up the cottonwoods.

If you want park, PC/Btown. If you want real wasatch shit, LCC. If you want simple and less stress then snowbasin.
 
Thank you for all the information, gang. I booked parking at Alta, Solitude, and Deer Valley. I probably won't go to PC since we are on the Ikon pass however, the parking garage is an awesome pointer and I will keep that back pocket.

We are staying at the EVO hotel in DT SLC so won't be able to cook anything. Curious if anyone has recommendations for places to eat? Either mountainside or in SLC, we have a reso on xmas eve but everything else is wide open.

Follow up question, I know that Alta/Snowbird are connected, and that Solitude/Brighton are connected, as of the most recent storm, are the interconnections between those resorts open/available? Just want to make sure since I'm banking on that for access to Bird and Brighton.

Thnx
 
The main Alta/Snowbird gate is not open yet. Snowbird still needs to open the back side of the mountain (mineral basin).

There are some other routes from Alta over to Snowbird that might be open, but you'd have to take the bus back to Alta

14572107:C.R.E.A.M said:
Thank you for all the information, gang. I booked parking at Alta, Solitude, and Deer Valley. I probably won't go to PC since we are on the Ikon pass however, the parking garage is an awesome pointer and I will keep that back pocket.

We are staying at the EVO hotel in DT SLC so won't be able to cook anything. Curious if anyone has recommendations for places to eat? Either mountainside or in SLC, we have a reso on xmas eve but everything else is wide open.

Follow up question, I know that Alta/Snowbird are connected, and that Solitude/Brighton are connected, as of the most recent storm, are the interconnections between those resorts open/available? Just want to make sure since I'm banking on that for access to Bird and Brighton.

Thnx
Click to expand...
 
14570721:mikem said:
OG CREAM. It depends on what you and the wife want to ski.

I can get you a ride up LCC if you need (with Alta parking). All the “lines” bullshit is real but also fake, Alta/bird can move through beaters fast. It’s just the initial line.

brighton seams to have a parking situation that favors ikon right now. Idk in a month because they are losing the local base.

solitude kinda sucks wouldn’t put it on the hit list.

PC is a must go because of the Lore. Shit resort excellent park.

DV could be a go because of the Bogner kits. It’s a different side of skiing over there. But also excellent terrain than never gets skied out.

snowbasin and Powmow might be the two last “sleepers” in Utah. Fun terrain and less hassle then getting up the cottonwoods.

If you want park, PC/Btown. If you want real wasatch shit, LCC. If you want simple and less stress then snowbasin.
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I hope I won't need the ride but thanks for the offer fam, I will keep that back pocket. I don't ride park much anymore, as much as I wish I did. Looking for fun terrain to cruise with the lady. I have the following booked:

M: Alta

T: Alta

W: Bird (may book Solitude as backup)

Th: Solitude (may bail to DV)

F: Solitude (may bail to Snow Basin)

As the weather picture comes into focus I may make adjustments but this is what I was able to reserve.
 
14570650:IcantSki42069 said:
Richardson Flats is a sneaky win fs. Also I don't know what 4x4 you've got but if you go to DV, there are 2 garages in silver lake that charge like $40 a day to park... yes that's a lot... normally I wouldn't suggest it.. but hey if you've never been and you're going to go to DV might as well park 5 feet from the hill in a heated garage walking distance from the best Bloody Mary money can buy (Stein's).

Enjoy your trip man! don't worry about the grumpy locals it's Christmas we'll get over it.
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Lol thanks I'll just tell everyone I'm from Idaho and skip over that I live in CA.
 
14572107:C.R.E.A.M said:
We are staying at the EVO hotel in DT SLC so won't be able to cook anything. Curious if anyone has recommendations for places to eat? Either mountainside or in SLC, we have a reso on xmas eve but everything else is wide open.
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You’ll be within walking distance of Slackwater for pizza and Woodbine food hall. Afghan Kitchen isn’t too far away and the food is amazing (highly recommend). Gurkhas is also good, but most convenient for you on the way back from skiing. Mountainside food is mostly non-existent so plan to eat after getting down the mountain; Hog Wallow is a decent dive bar at the bottom of BCC. The city is mostly shut down on Christmas.
 
14572107:C.R.E.A.M said:
Thank you for all the information, gang. I booked parking at Alta, Solitude, and Deer Valley. I probably won't go to PC since we are on the Ikon pass however, the parking garage is an awesome pointer and I will keep that back pocket.

We are staying at the EVO hotel in DT SLC so won't be able to cook anything. Curious if anyone has recommendations for places to eat? Either mountainside or in SLC, we have a reso on xmas eve but everything else is wide open.

Follow up question, I know that Alta/Snowbird are connected, and that Solitude/Brighton are connected, as of the most recent storm, are the interconnections between those resorts open/available? Just want to make sure since I'm banking on that for access to Bird and Brighton.

Thnx
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Green Pig Pub has one of my favorite burgers in Salt Lake. Also good wings. Lots of tvs if you are trying to watch any games when you are out there. Super close to your hotel.
 
14572520:Amnolan4 said:
Green Pig Pub has one of my favorite burgers in Salt Lake. Also good wings. Lots of tvs if you are trying to watch any games when you are out there. Super close to your hotel.
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the green pig is nowhere near the top of my recommendation list, but I also havent been there in 10 years...
 
if you are going with an open mind, ski on weekdays, site see on saturdays. with that said there isnt much for top notch museums or art galleries. planetarium and aquarium make for great date nights. if your girl is truly core, you could go to the bonezone for a session (dont forget a shovel) and or the SLC rail gardens.

there is a diner called the one man band, check that out.
 
14572539:eheath said:
It's called Mumbai house now but it's very good.
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Evan give me your top 5 restaurants in SLC/ PC. My favorite currently is still the Red Iguana for dinner and Park Cafe for breakfast. If i am in a rush, i go to Caputo's for breakfast sandwiches and Lonestar for burritos/ fish tacos.
 
If youre looking for a more lowkey mountain beaver mountain is awesome just above Logan might be out of the way but worth chcecking out! Have fun
 
Thanks for all the reccos guys. Still struggling to find a Christmas day solution, we will be skiing and I don't really want to eat on mountain and I have a feeling most places will be closed. I'd make wifey cook, but were in a hotel so...might be doing chinese food.

I saw vessel kitchen has a carry out solution but I am worried we wont make it back from Alta in time for pickup.
 
Comenting cuz I'm also going to Utah (January 26th tho) and have no idea what I'm doing we have a hotel in Salt Lake and ikon base passes
 
14572782:Farmville420 said:
Comenting cuz I'm also going to Utah (January 26th tho) and have no idea what I'm doing we have a hotel in Salt Lake and ikon base passes
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I am sure there are more qualified people out there but happy to give you the rundown on our experience, once complete.
 
14572752:rudolph said:
Evan give me your top 5 restaurants in SLC/ PC. My favorite currently is still the Red Iguana for dinner and Park Cafe for breakfast. If i am in a rush, i go to Caputo's for breakfast sandwiches and Lonestar for burritos/ fish tacos.
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Park cafe is still pretty good, but SLC has so many diners/brunch places, love Ruths, Millcreek Cafe, Sharons, Over the Counter.

Red Iguana definitely holds it down, but I've been to a couple random mexican places recently that are super good too, don't remember the names but there is one by the smiths in rose park that is fire.

Ozoro is a newish sushi place in sugarhouse that is super good, mom kitchen or one more noodle house for some delish noods, la cai noodle house is fire too.

There are a few bomb ass expensive places i've been to recently as well, Eva is a mediterranean restaurant/tapas place thats super good, went to Current recently for some oysters and seafood, and you cant go wrong with a place like Market Street. Im missing a few places too, just cant jog the memory right now.

There are a ton of super good restaurants in SLC and I feel like I keep finding new ones all the time.
 
14572752:rudolph said:
PC.
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I forgot to answer this, PC has tons of spots but theyre sooo expensive, I dont really fuck around with restaurants in PC anymore. Kimball has some newish cheaper food options that are solid but overall, everything in PC is just more expensive, even more than before.
 
Whats up all, got an update on the reservations thusfar:

Monday - Alta

Tuesday - Alta & Snowbird (cant decide)

Wednesday - Snowbird

Thursday - Solitude

Friday - Solitude

The fiancé realllly wants to do Deer Valley so I may take her out there on Thursday. I think we have most of the logistical questions figured out besides what we are going to do for dinner Christmas day. I am hoping we can eat a late lunch at Alta or something, or just find a Chinese restaurant, lol.

The only thing I haven't figured out how to work into the mix was I wanted to do some night skiing at Brighton one of the nights. Alas, I don't think It'll be in the cards but I guess I will have to leave it for next time!

Thank you all for the information and recommendations, now I just need the shop to hurry up and mount the ARV 106s @ohjay was so kind to sell me. Stoked to ride those puppies this trip.

Merry almost Christmas
 
14572900:eheath said:
Park cafe is still pretty good, but SLC has so many diners/brunch places, love Ruths, Millcreek Cafe, Sharons, Over the Counter.

Red Iguana definitely holds it down, but I've been to a couple random mexican places recently that are super good too, don't remember the names but there is one by the smiths in rose park that is fire.

Ozoro is a newish sushi place in sugarhouse that is super good, mom kitchen or one more noodle house for some delish noods, la cai noodle house is fire too.

There are a few bomb ass expensive places i've been to recently as well, Eva is a mediterranean restaurant/tapas place thats super good, went to Current recently for some oysters and seafood, and you cant go wrong with a place like Market Street. Im missing a few places too, just cant jog the memory right now.

There are a ton of super good restaurants in SLC and I feel like I keep finding new ones all the time.
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Sergios in PC. That shit straight up embarrasses Red Iguana. Every time I go, I'm the only English speaking dude there, it's in the strip mall sort of behind BK I think. It's the place all of the laborers and landscapers go from the massively upscale neighborhoods
 
14574510:Schoess said:
Sergios in PC. That shit straight up embarrasses Red Iguana. Every time I go, I'm the only English speaking dude there, it's in the strip mall sort of behind BK I think. It's the place all of the laborers and landscapers go from the massively upscale neighborhoods
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Sergios is quite good, but Red Iguana has booze.
 
14574492:C.R.E.A.M said:
Whats up all, got an update on the reservations thusfar:

Monday - Alta

Tuesday - Alta & Snowbird (cant decide)

Wednesday - Snowbird

Thursday - Solitude

Friday - Solitude

The fiancé realllly wants to do Deer Valley so I may take her out there on Thursday. I think we have most of the logistical questions figured out besides what we are going to do for dinner Christmas day. I am hoping we can eat a late lunch at Alta or something, or just find a Chinese restaurant, lol.

The only thing I haven't figured out how to work into the mix was I wanted to do some night skiing at Brighton one of the nights. Alas, I don't think It'll be in the cards but I guess I will have to leave it for next time!

Thank you all for the information and recommendations, now I just need the shop to hurry up and mount the ARV 106s @ohjay was so kind to sell me. Stoked to ride those puppies this trip.

Merry almost Christmas
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Make a restaurant reservation for Christmas if possible. Friends and I once drove around to the 3 places open and everyone else in the city had the same idea we found out.
 
We found a buffet at the Little America hotel that doesn't take reservations it is just first come first serve. I can't for the life of me find anything that is worth it that has open reso's for Christmas lol.
 
had the hottest ever Himalayan food there in downtown SLC. owner of the place used to be a sherpa and moved to be SLC to chill out and go hang gliding
 
14574519:C.R.E.A.M said:
We found a buffet at the Little America hotel that doesn't take reservations it is just first come first serve. I can't for the life of me find anything that is worth it that has open reso's for Christmas lol.
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Ive heard little america is pretty fire on thanksgiving/christmas
 
14574492:C.R.E.A.M said:
Whats up all, got an update on the reservations thusfar:

Monday - Alta

Tuesday - Alta & Snowbird (cant decide)

Wednesday - Snowbird

Thursday - Solitude

Friday - Solitude
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Was at Solitude yesterday. Coverage is getting thin, although they opened up a honeycomb gate which was fresh. I wouldn’t recommend 2 days there in current conditions. Not sure any other resort except Alta/Snowbird will be any better though.
 
I've been in Utah for a while now and here is what I can tell you.

Brighton - Might be the most "chill" place and usually has a decent park if you are into that. It doesn't have the steeps though. I have heard the parking is on the crazy side this year.

Solitude - Unlimited days on IKON full. Paid parking. Is a good all-around mountain. Can also get super busy and people will park on the road a lot.

Deer Valley - Maybe easiest to get to and parking is free/no reservations. You do need to reserve via IKON though to ski. I skied there recently and it was bliss. Laid back but older crowd/kids.

Bird - Great mountain overall but very hard to get to on weekends and holidays. Has decent steeps.

Alta - Haven't been myself but hear that it is good if you like steep stuff.

Ski season is off to a slow start out here, but im sure you'll find some good stuff. hmu if you have any questions!
 
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