The unpretentious Alta Ski Area describes itself as dedicated to "the pureness of the skiing experience." Though Alta and adjoining Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort were Ski Magazine's number one U.S. resort in 2002 and 2003, the honor doesn't seem to have gone to Alta's head. Laid back Alta Lodge welcomes many of the same families annually, and its emphasis on common areas is conducive to making (and keeping) friends. Meals are served family-style around large tables.
Rooms are without TVs, though there is a big-screen in the common area. In traditional ski lodge form, Alta's five lodges include breakfast and dinner in their prices. The Alta experience is a refreshing break from the party atmosphere that affects other ski resorts, though those who like a little luxury will appreciate the newly-remodeled Rustler Lodge, an all-inclusive hotel complete with workout room and spa. But most of all, the skiing is top-notch. Think 500 inches annually of powdery heaven. Snowboarders, sorry, one tenet of Alta Skiing is a skiers-only policy. Only 45 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport, Alta Ski resort is ideal for a relaxing Salt Lake City ski weekend.

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, along with Little Cottonwood Canyon neighbor Alta Ski Area, towers atop numerous ski resort top ten lists. When the two resorts teamed up to offer dual lift tickets in 2002, Ski Magazine named the pair the number one ski resort in the U.S., and number two in North America (after Whistler Blackcomb), an honor that was repeated in 2003. Mind-boggling vertical drops and tremendous variety of runs notwithstanding, Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort owes its greatness in large part to the snow. With 500 inches annually of the driest, most powdery snow around, skiers and snowboarders everywhere long to hit these slopes. If that's not enough to make a person jump on a plane, consider this: a mere 29 miles from the Salt Lake City Airport, Snowbird is one the country's most accessible ski resorts. This golden boy of resorts is hard to beat, except in one area: the apres-ski activity is decidedly lackluster. The resort does its best to amend this with a full entertainment calendar, including murder mystery dinner theater, movies in the lodge, and nearby Utah Jazz games. They even throw in free night skiing three nights a week. And that is hard to beat.

Solitude Mountain Resort is a great bet for intermediate-level skiers and riders, and for cross-country enthusiasts. The resort is family-owned and intimate, and Solitude's on-site lodging tends toward luxury. Recently completed is an imitation European ski village, which boasts high-speed wireless internet access. Skiiers into golfside condo style will like the looks of this master-planned resort (for some, might seem a little too planned). The skiing, however, leaves little to complain about. Solitude has won awards for its trail and lift system and shares the same powdery snow as its Cottonwood Canyon neighbors. On the pricing front, Solitude is something of a trailblazer. Those who like a lot of options will enjoy the flexibility of the resort's ride passes, all available in ten-ride increments. These ski passes deduct one ride each time the skier boards a lift and can be carried over to another day or passed on to someone else. No more than ten-rides can be deducted in one day, making it possible to ski all day if you change your mind. A snowboarding terrain park is brand new for the 2003 ski season.

One of the nation's largest ski resorts, The Canyons adds more acreage each season to its eight-peak park. The resort is often praised for the variety of its terrain, including an 18-acre terrain park for snowboarders, wooded ski areas and top-notch challenging ski runs, and a recently-improved beginner's area. This Park City ski resort was the first in the Park City area to allow snowboarding, back when it was considered blasphemous by staunch skiiers the resort was known as Park West. As a result, many boarders have retained loyalty to The Canyons. And the resort keeps giving back. For the 03/04 season, it relocated the terrain park to higher elevation, meaning more snowfall and better boarding. As another shout out to the younger crowd, Utah college students get the best deal around at The Canyons, paying only half the cost as adults for a season pass. And those with their hearts set on pampering won't automatically flock to nearby Deer Valley Resort anymore. Regal accommodations at the newly-expanded Grand Summit Resort Hotel now feature several penthouses and numerous suites, most with a balcony, fireplace and whirlpool tub. The future is likely to bring further expansion and even more features to The Canyons, as it transitions from its former cult status to that of world-class resort.

Deer Valley Resort is the Park City area's best bet for skiers who want the chance to challenge their skills, experience fine dining and extra pampering, and enjoy the chance to get away from zooming snowboarders. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by curbside attendants who unload skis and other gear, and those who plan ahead can find pre-ordered groceries awaiting them. Fuel up for the manicured slopes with Deer Valley's renowned gourmet cuisine, including the new Thursday night fireside dining option, which boasts three courses cooked and served from the grand fireplaces in the spectacular Empire Canyon Lodge. Put those competitive urges to rest with the race and cross courses, including the chance on Saturdays to challenge three-time Olympian Heidi Voelker's weekly times. Though expert skiers may feel more at home here, kids and beginners have the chance to polish their skills in the beginner and family ski areas. And the pampering comes at a cheaper price for novices: lift tickets for the beginner's area only are a mere 20 dollars.

Of the trio of ski resorts that make up the Park City Mountain ski area, Park City Mountain Resort stands out as the best option for families and beginning skiiers. Parents will appreciate the affordable prices, and while little brother learns to ski, big sister can enjoy the four terrain parks, including two pipes, that make Park City's "Urban Playground" a snowboarder's paradise. Skiing distance from the former silver mining town of Park City, this ski resort offers the best access on the mountain to the restaurants, shops and nightlife of one the country's best skiing towns. After skiing into town, catch a free city shuttle back up the mountain. Once called "Treasure Mountain" and home to numerous mines and other now-historic sites, skiiers in the 03/04 season will enjoy signs posted about the mountain denoting historic landmarks put up by the Park City Historical Society in honor of the resort's 40th Anniversary. Only 30 miles from Salt Lake City, the Park City Mountain Resort hosted many events during the 2002 Winter Olympics and is home to the U.S. Ski Team. Even with all-around glimpses of ski hall of famers, snow seekers don't have to be experts to find their skiing niche on Park City Mountain.