The leaves have fallen and the air is cold enough to see your own breath. It is finally time to put away pumpkin flavored treats and break out the peppermint hot chocolate. Winter is upon us. With the holiday season approaching, ski resorts, including southern Utah’s Brian Head, are now open to the public.
Brian Head officially opened Nov. 16, right before Thanksgiving break and is expected to close midway through April or early May.
Sitting comfortably between Cedar Breaks National Park and Parowan, Brian Head resort attracts thousands of skiers and snowboarders each year. Being only a 40 minute drive from SUU’s campus, students can hit the slopes and be back before homework is due at midnight.
The mountain is home to eight different lifts ranging from double to triple seaters and even offer a high speed quad. Although not all eight lifts are currently open, they are expected to open by the next snowfall. Between the various lifts, the resort covers over 650 acres with the peak elevation of 10,970 ft. (which is the top of Giant Steps, or lift #2).
Although snowfall has been scarce this season, there has been just enough to open the resort. As of Thursday Nov. 29th, there is about a 3” snow level but 24” accumulated throughout the season. The rest of the lifts are expected to open as the state receives more snow in the coming days.
Prices for the main lifts range from $20-$60 depending which day of the week is visited. Whether there’s time for a full day of powder or just a quick night time shred session after class, the resort will be ready. If students don’t have gear of their own, SUU’s Outdoors offers students a cheap way to rent gear while the snow lasts. SUU Outdoors can be contacted at (435) 865-8704 or suu.edu/outdoors.
Brian Head is throwing a New Year’s Eve Bash which will involve food, live music, a torchlight parade and fireworks to welcome in the new year. Those interested can make dinner reservations for the New Year’s Eve Bash by applying online at brianhead.com.
Story By: Cade Higbee
outdoors@suunews.net
Photo By: Mitchell Quartz and Shawn Bagley on Unsplash
