HUNTSVILLE, Utah — As ski season approaches, Utah’s mountain resorts are once again earning national attention — with several landing near the top of Ski Magazine’s 2025 “Top 30 Resorts in the West” rankings released Tuesday.
Leading the charge for the Beehive State, Snowbasin Resort in Weber County ranked third overall, behind Big Sky Resort in Montana and Banff Sunshine Village in Alberta, Canada. Snowbasin held the top spot in 2024 but continues to be recognized as one of the most well-rounded ski destinations in North America.
Despite dropping two spots, Ski Magazine described Snowbasin as a “crowd-pleaser” and “hidden gem” that impresses visitors with its varied terrain, modern lifts, easy parking, and exceptional guest service.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our guests recognize the heart and hard work that goes into making Snowbasin such a special place,” said Davy Ratchford, general manager of Snowbasin Resort. “Being ranked among the very best in the industry reflects the passion of our entire team and community.”
Utah Resorts Dominate the Top Rankings
Utah didn’t just land one resort in the top five — three resorts made the top ten:
- Snowbasin Resort – No. 3
- Alta Ski Area – No. 6
- Deer Valley Resort – No. 10
Alta, located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, was celebrated for offering what readers called “the best snow on the planet” and terrain “that will test even the most confident skiers.” Known for its deep powder and challenging bowls, Alta remains a bucket-list destination for purists who value natural snow and steep runs.
Meanwhile, Deer Valley Resort climbed from No. 14 to No. 10, praised for its luxury service, high-quality dining, and family-friendly atmosphere. Reviewers noted its consistently well-groomed trails and staff attentiveness, though some marked it down for cost and difficulty level.
Other Utah Resorts Make the List
Utah’s ski reputation extends beyond its elite trio. Several other resorts also earned recognition in the Top 30:
- Snowbird Resort – No. 14
- Solitude Mountain Resort – No. 26
- Powder Mountain – No. 27
- Park City Mountain – No. 30
That means nearly half of Utah’s ski resorts were ranked among the West’s best — further evidence of why the state’s slogan, “The Greatest Snow on Earth,” continues to hold true.
Utah’s Ski Industry Remains Strong
According to Ski Utah, the state’s 15 resorts recorded 6.5 million skier visits during the 2024–25 season — a slight 3.6% dip from the record-breaking year before but still 3.3% above the five-year average.
With Brian Head Resort in southern Utah set to open on Nov. 7, the 2025–26 season is just around the corner, and tourism officials are optimistic that another strong winter will bring in both new and returning visitors.
“These rankings highlight the incredible variety and quality of skiing across Utah,” said a spokesperson for Ski Utah. “From family resorts to expert-only terrain, the state continues to set the bar for mountain experiences.”
Top 5 Ski Resorts in the West (Ski Magazine 2025)
- Big Sky Resort – Montana
- Banff Sunshine Village – Alberta, Canada
- Snowbasin Resort – Utah
- Aspen Snowmass – Colorado
- Grand Targhee Resort – Wyoming
As Utah’s resorts prepare to welcome skiers next month, the rankings reaffirm what locals and visitors already know: the state remains one of the premier ski destinations in North America — where luxury, adventure, and legendary snow converge on every run.
