Brian Head Resort is one of the easiest winter getaways from Las Vegas — high-elevation snow, manageable crowds, and a hometown vibe that feels refreshingly different from the mega-resort scene. We first came for the “free lodging” promo and left wanting to come back for the skiing itself.
If you’re planning a winter trip to Southern Utah, here’s what a day on the mountain actually looks like.
This article is part of our Brian Head Travel Series –> See all Brian Head Guides
Quick Takeaways
- Brian Head has two ski areas (Giant Steps + Navajo) with mostly blue runs, a few mellow blacks, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Most visitors start at Giant Steps — it has better hours, faster lifts, and more variety.
- The elevation is real. Most people feel it, especially if they’re coming from sea level or the desert.
- Rentals at the Giant Steps Lodge are efficient if you pre-book; lines form early on weekends.
- Lunch seating at the Giant Steps Café is small — plan to eat early or late to avoid doing the awkward “hover and wait” routine.
- Crowds are usually lighter midweek; weekends and fresh-snow days spike.
- It’s a great mountain for casual skiers, returning skiers, and anyone who prefers a mellow, blue-run kind of day.
Fast Facts about Brian Head Resort
- Location: Brian Head, Utah (about 3 hours from Las Vegas)
- Elevation: Base around 9,600 ft, summit around 11,000 ft
- Terrain: Two mountains (Giant Steps + Navajo) with mostly blue runs and mellow blacks
- Season: Typically winter through early spring (varies by weather)
- Parking: Free
- Vibe: Low-key, friendly, less chaotic than large resorts
- Good For: Beginners, intermediates, casual skiers, and relaxed ski days
- Website: Brian Head Resort (for current hours, pricing, and trail maps)
Why We Chose Brian Head
Living in Las Vegas means winter skiing options are limited. Brian Head is about three hours away, roughly twice the size of Lee Canyon, and far easier (and cheaper) than driving to Tahoe or Park City. Add the lodge promotions and easy access off UT-143, and it’s a simple weekend trip.
What to Expect at the Resort
Brian Head has a laid-back, locals-first feel with well-groomed runs, friendly staff, and straightforward terrain. The resort is split between Giant Steps Mountain and Navajo Mountain, connected by a cat track.
We spent our entire visit on Giant Steps, it’s the larger of the two and the one most returning skiers gravitate toward.
The vibe is relaxed, lines are usually reasonable, and the runs are forgiving. If you’re chasing double black diamonds and steep chutes, this isn’t your mountain. If you want comfortable blues, fun cruisers, and manageable crowds, you’ll be happy here.
(And no, we’re not sponsored, we fully paid our way in.)
Parking, Shuttles & Getting Around
Parking is free, but fills quickly on weekends or after fresh snow. A shuttle runs throughout the area, and it’s worth using if you’re staying at a nearby lodge or visiting on a busy day.
If you’re driving up in winter, keep in mind that Utah storms can blow in fast at 10,000 feet. Roads and pullouts change by the hour.
Rentals & Gear Pickup: Our Experience
We rented gear at the Giant Steps Lodge. The rental area opens earlier than the lifts, and when we arrived a few minutes before opening, a line had already formed.
Pre-booking helps. If you purchase rentals online, staff will scan your barcode and walk you through a surprisingly efficient boot fitting system right at the counter.
After boots, you grab skis or boards from another staff member, stow anything you don’t need, and head out to the lifts.
There are lockers available for a fee, but if you parked at the lodge, leaving extras in your car is easier (assuming you don’t arrive on the shuttle).
Lifts, Runs & Difficulty
Brian Head’s sweet spot is blue runs. We stuck to Giant Steps and found most runs well-groomed, wide, and confidence-boosting — perfect for anyone who hasn’t skied in a while.
Our favorite long run chain was:
Sunburst → Bearpaw → Blackfoot → Overtime
A great mix of scenery and flow, and a nice warm-up loop.
We also liked Last Chance and Daybreak. The lifts near The Dunes area are older and a bit slower, which had the unexpected benefit of fewer people skiing there.
If you’re an advanced skier looking for double blacks, Brian Head won’t scratch that itch. But if you enjoy fast blues, moderate blacks, and a more relaxed mountain environment, it’s a solid fit.
Trail maps are updated frequently on the Brian Head Resort website.
Food at the Resort
The Giant Steps Cafe has decent food and a quick-service layout, but the seating area is tiny for the number of skiers trying to use it. On our visit, non-skiing family members and hungry ski crews filled nearly every table.
If you want to eat at the café, the trick is simple:
don’t go at noon.
Aim for early lunch (10:45–11:15) or post-rush (1:15+). Otherwise, plan on grabbing something at the full-service restaurant upstairs or bringing your own snacks.
Is skiing at Brian Head worth it?
Rating: 4.5 Mooses
What we liked:
- Fun, forgiving terrain that’s great for cruising the slopes
- Manageable weekday crowds
- Well-groomed runs
- Rental process was smooth once we were inside
- Food was reasonably priced (rare for a ski resort)
What we didn’t like:
- Seating at the café is very limited
- The website can be frustrating and requires a little patience
- Lift layout encourages staying on one mountain unless you commit to exploring both
FAQs About Skiing at Brian Head
Is Brian Head good for beginners?
Navajo Mountain is where most beginners start. We didn’t ski it ourselves, but it’s widely described as the gentler, more beginner-oriented side of the resort.
How crowded does it get?
Weekends and powder days get busier, but midweek is generally calm.
Is the terrain challenging?
Most runs are blues or mellow blacks. It’s not a double-black destination.
Do you need 4WD to get there?
We drove in our sedan without chains, but storms can change conditions quickly. Check forecasts and road updates.
How high is Brian Head?
The base of Brian Head sits around 9,600 feet. Most visitors feel the elevation, especially during their first few runs.
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