Brighton Ski Resort has long been a favorite among snowboarders, and in 2025, that reputation received national recognition. Located in Utah’s scenic Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton was officially ranked the best snowboarding resort in the United States by USA Today, confirming what riders have believed for decades.
A Pioneer in Snowboarding History
Brighton stands out as one of the earliest ski resorts in Utah to welcome snowboarders, opening its slopes to boarders in the late 1980s. At the time, snowboarding was still considered a risky and unfamiliar sport. Resort management initially hesitated, but safety concerns—especially snowboarders hiking into avalanche-prone backcountry areas—led Brighton to officially allow the sport.
That decision proved historic. Over time, the resort evolved into a snowboarding hub, helping shape Utah’s modern snowboard culture.
Why USA Today Ranked Brighton No. 1
According to USA Today, Brighton’s appeal lies in both its natural snowfall and terrain diversity. Situated high in the Wasatch Mountains, the resort receives an average of 500 inches of dry, powdery snow each year, creating ideal riding conditions.
Snowboarders at Brighton can enjoy:
- Smooth, groomed runs suitable for beginners and experts
- Ungroomed areas that highlight natural terrain
- Terrain parks filled with man-made jumps, rails, and features
Brighton topped USA Today’s list of the 10 best snowboarding resorts in the U.S., a ranking created by a panel of experts and editors, then finalized through reader voting.
A Resort Built by Riders and Powder
Reacting to the honor, Brighton described the recognition as a “huge honor,” but emphasized that the real pride comes from its riders. The resort credits its success to the people, the powder, and the long-standing snowboarding spirit, stating that the award simply made official what the community already knew.
Today, Brighton is widely considered a mecca for snowboarders, known for its intense and playful terrain. Professional snowboarder JP Walker once described the resort’s layout as exceptional, noting its dense concentration of jumps, cliffs, and pillows, which makes it especially attractive to advanced riders seeking creative lines.
Snowbird: Another Utah Snowboarding Powerhouse
While Brighton earned the top spot, USA Today also highlighted Snowbird Resort as a premier destination for snowboarding in Utah.
Snowbird boasts:
- Over 500 inches of annual snowfall
- 3,000 vertical feet of elevation
- 2,500 acres of rideable terrain
- 140 total runs, with more than 70% designed for intermediate and expert riders
The resort also offers guided backcountry snowboarding in the Wasatch Mountains, along with lessons and camps through the Snowbird Mountain School, catering to snowboarders of all ages and skill levels.
