Powder Power

A guide to Utah's legendary resorts.

Without even getting into Utah's claims about "greatest snow on earth," the numbers for Salt Lake City and skiing speak for themselves. Utah has 14 ski resorts to choose from, 10 of which are within an hour's drive of downtown Salt Lake City. Transportation is easier than ever this season, with the Utah Transit Authority now sending buses from Salt Lake City to Park City (Route 902). If you haven't accepted the fact that you're in one of the ski capitals of the world, then it's time to wake up and smell the fresh powder. Here's a guide to what's new at each of the resorts for 2012.

Alta
Little Cottonwood Canyon—30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City
Highway 210, Little Cottonwood Canyon, 801-359-1078, Alta.com
Adult Day Pass $72
What's New: This skiers-only resort has added a smartphone app that allows guests to purchase tickets or reload their Alta Card on the phone.

Beaver Mountain
Logan Canyon—two hours north of Salt Lake City
40000 E. Highway 89, Garden City, 435-753-4822, SkiTheBeav.com
Adult Day Pass $45
What's New: Beginners will have more terrain to work with, thanks to the new Little Beaver lift, which is 400 feet longer than the previous version.

Brian Head
Near Parowan—four hours south of Salt Lake City
329 S. Highway 193, Brian Head, 866-930-1010, BrianHead.com
Adult Day Pass $49
What's New: Utah's southernmost resort with the highest base elevation (9,600 feet) now has real-time snow alerts, weather reports and driving conditions. Those driving to the resort or looking for a ride can use TheSkiLift.org, a social-networking and carpooling site. The new Chair 9 Deli & Pub offers a variety of foods along with great views of the runs.

Brighton
Big Cottonwood Canyon—30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City
8302 S. Brighton Loop Road, Brighton, 801-532-4731, BrightonResort.com
Adult Day Pass $62
What's New: The resort spent $500,000 on snowmaking upgrades. There will also be more demonstration equipment available as the resort celebrates its 75th season.

Canyons
Park City—35 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City
4000 Canyons Resort Drive, Park City, 435-649-5400, CanyonsResort.com
Adult Day Pass $89
What's New: Canyons has undergone a multimillion-dollar "re-creation" under new ownership by Talisker, including North America's first heated chairlift, in which riders are enclosed in an orange bubble with a view like those out of a pair of ski goggles. The resort is also unveiling the "Ski Beach," a gathering place complete with lifeguard stations and beach chairs. Canyons also has seven new dining options, including The Farm, which features foods that have all been grown or sourced within 200 miles of Park City, as well as Bistro, the first American restaurant at a ski resort to focus on kosher cuisine.

Deer Valley
Park City—45 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City
2250 Deer Valley Drive South, Park City, 435-649-1000, DeerValley.com
Adult Day Pass $96
What's New: After being ranked the No. 1 ski resort in North America by the readers of SKI Magazine for an unprecedented fifth year in a row, the unparalleled service will now be adding services for families who ride on the slopes where skiers only are allowed. The new Wide West ski run for beginners will feature a SunKid surface lift. Animal mascots will teach different areas of skiing, along with the 500 instructors available on staff.

Eagle Point
Near Beaver—four hours south
of Salt Lake City
150 Southwest Village Circle, Fishlake National Forest, Beaver, 435-438-3700, SkiEaglePoint.com
Adult Day Pass $45-$50
What's New: After opening for the first time last season, Eagle Point's second season sees 200 new skiable acres on the mountain.

Park City Mountain Resort
Park City—40 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City
1345 Lowell Avenue, Park City, 435-649-8111, ParkCityMountain.com
Adult Day Pass $96
What's New: The resort has dedicated a one-acre area for students. The new 3 Kings lift can handle twice the number of passengers going up the mountain. Extensive dirt work was done over the summer on the Eagle Superpipe. The resort continues its emphasis on the environment with a wind turbine and solar panels.

Powder Mountain
Ogden Valley—one hour north of downtown Salt Lake City
8000 N. 5100 East, Eden, 801-745-3772, PowderMountain.com
Adult Day Pass $60
What's New: An additional snowcat is available this season to take guests to fresh powder on the outer edges of the resort, increasing the skiable area by 350 acres.

Snowbasin
Ogden Valley—one hour north of downtown Salt Lake City
3925 Snow Basin Road, Huntsville, 888-437-5488, Snowbasin.com
Adult Day Pass $72
What's New: When some of the greatest snow athletes in the world visit the resort on the Dew Tour stop in February, they will find a 22-foot half-pipe to perform tricks on, as well as a slopestyle course. Whether pro or amateur, riders will enjoy the increased grooming capabilities that come with two new snowcats, and will also be able to warm themselves at a new outdoor gas fireplace on Earl's Patio.

Snowbird
Little Cottonwood Canyon—30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City
Highway 210, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Snowbird, 801-933-2222, Snowbird.com
Adult Day Pass $78
What's New: Make room for another app on your iPhone, as the new Snowbird app will provide info on snow and roads as well as views from cameras on the mountain.

Solitude
Big Cottonwood Canyon—30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City
12000 Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude, 801-534-1400, SkiSolitude.com
Adult Day Pass $68
What's New: Skiers and snowboarders can now tweet or post photos and reports on their Facebook pages between runs, thanks to free Wi-Fi provided throughout the Solitude Village.

Sundance
Provo Canyon—two hours southeast of Salt Lake City
8841 N. Alpine Loop Road, Sundance,     866-259-7468, SundanceResort.com
Adult Day Pass $49
What's New: The resort has both moved and expanded its terrain park. Besides having more room and added features, skiers and snowboarders will also be able to enjoy nighttime rides. Sundance is also adding the ticketing option of punch-pass cards, and unlimited UTA service to the resort can be added for one low price.

Wolf Mountain
Ogden Valley—one hour north of downtown Salt Lake City
2400 N. 3500 East, Eden, 801-745-3511, WolfCreekUtah.com
Adult Day Pass $31
What's New: The resort has made improvements to several runs and added new snowmaking machines.