Brian Head Winter Getaway: Itinerary and Things to Do

Brian Head is one of the simplest winter escapes in southern Utah, high elevation snow, small-mountain charm, and a relaxed vibe. We only had 24 hours on our winter visit, but it was enough to ski Giant Steps, explore the area, and get a realistic feel for what a short winter getaway here actually looks like.

Quick Takeaways

• Best for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and quiet downtime, not winter villages or nightlife.
• A strong 1–2 day winter getaway, especially if you want mellow terrain and light crowds.
• Restaurant and service hours are limited year-round; don’t assume anything is open late.
• Most visitors ski Giant Steps or Navajo; we focused entirely on Giant Steps.
• Weather shifts fast at ~10,000 feet. Check the pass before driving up.
• Weekday visits feel calmer; weekends jump after fresh snow.
• Parking fills quickly, but the free shuttle actually helps.
• Cedar Breaks access is very limited in winter, most overlooks close after storms.

Visting Brian Head in the Winter

Brian Head is a compact destination with a small number of restaurants, a few lodging options, and one primary ski resort. The winter trip pattern is usually the same: arrive in the afternoon or evening, get settled, ski the next day, and optionally explore nearby viewpoints or grab a second half-day on the mountain.

Day 1: Arrival and Settling In

Check in and get your bearings
Winter evenings are quiet here. Restaurants and lodge dining rooms often close earlier than expected, so arriving with a plan (or snacks) helps. Most people settle in, wander the lodge, or prep gear for the next morning’s ski session.

We ended up eating soggy sandwiches we packed because we arrived too late with the time-zone change; definitely plan ahead.

Optional: Cedar Breaks Sunset Viewpoints
If the roads have been plowed and conditions are stable, the nearby Cedar Breaks overlooks can offer a dramatic winter scene. Access changes constantly with storms, so treat this as a bonus rather than part of the core plan.

Day 2: Ski Day at Brian Head Resort

Morning: Arrive early for rentals or parking
We found that the rental shop at Giant Steps opens before the lifts. Arriving early helped us avoid longer lines. If you are renting gear, pre-booking speeds things up and often saves money on lift tickets.

Skiing on Giant Steps
We spent our entire day at Giant Steps. Trails were well groomed, and the terrain leaned toward blue runs with a few gentle blacks. It’s a comfortable place to warm up early in the season or rebuild confidence if you haven’t skied in a while.

Lunch timing matters
The indoor seating at Giant Steps Café is limited. Eating early or late is the easiest way to avoid wandering around with a tray. There’s also a full-service restaurant upstairs, but its winter hours vary.

We avoided the peak lunch rush and were glad we did.

Afternoon options
You can continue exploring Giant Steps, switch to shorter runs, or call it a day and enjoy a slower afternoon. Many visitors finish earlier in winter because temperatures drop quickly and weather can shift.

Read more about what to expect skiing at Brian Head Resort.

Optional Add-Ons for a Longer Stay

These options may make sense if you’re staying two nights or have flexible time:

• Short winter walks or scenic pullouts: Some roadside pullouts offer snowy views of the surrounding plateau, but access depends on plowing and conditions.
• Tubing: Brian Head typically runs winter tubing lanes. Hours shift throughout the season.
• Snowmobiling: Guided snowmobile tours operate in the region when snow levels allow. These typically take you into backcountry areas with wide-open meadows and panoramic viewpoints. Holiday periods book quickly.

• Snowshoeing: Brian Head’s high-elevation forests make for quiet, scenic snowshoeing on ungroomed trails and forest service roads. Gear availability varies by lodge and rental shop.
• Cross Country Skiing: There are occasional groomed routes in Dixie National Forest, though availability changes from year to year.
• Ice Skating: Some winters feature a small outdoor rink in Brian Head. Availability depends entirely on temps and maintenance.
• Exploring neraby Cedar City or Parowan: Both towns offer more dining variety and easy winter access when the pass is clear.

What We Learned From Our Visit

• Planning meals ahead helps; hours are shorter than you might expect.
• One full day of skiing was enough for us to have a satisfying winter escape.
• Weather shifted several times during our visit, it is a mountain after all.
• The resort feels approachable and easy to navigate, even if you haven’t skied recently

FAQs

Is Brian Head good for a short winter getaway?

Yes. Its size, simple layout, and mellow terrain make it ideal for a 1–2 day ski trip.

Which side is better: Giant Steps or Navajo?

Giant Steps usually appeals to intermediate skiers. Navajo caters more to beginners.

Do I need chains to reach Brian Head?

It depends on recent storms. The road climbs to ~10,000 feet, and conditions change quickly. We drove a sedan and found the roads well plowed, but there was minimal recent snowfall during our visit.

Is Cedar Breaks accessible in winter?

Access is extremely limited. Many overlooks close after storms or for the season.

Is Brian Head crowded in winter?

Midweek tends to be quieter. Weekends and fresh-snow days are the busiest.

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