BRIAN HEAD RESORT: Who Knew? - EXPLORING ELEMENTS

Who knew that not too far off the interstate in Southern Utah, just up a beautiful steep canyon road, there lie a bastion of mountain adventure? If you love to play in the mountains, especially with family and friends, Brian Head Resort is a REALLY good place to visit! I’ll start off by saying that I didn’t get nearly enough time to take in all that this little gem of a resort, and its surrounding mountainous outdoor playground, have to offer, as I was only there for about a day and a half. The vibe and hospitality at this little mountain resort in Southern Utah is all positive and full of smiles. The people that work, live and visit here are all enthusiastic about outdoor mountain sports, and that passion is evident everywhere you look.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 2 — Lots of wide open intermediate terrain. The unique “giant steps” make for a interesting multi-pitched experience.

BRIAN HEAD RESORT STATS:

Elevation: Base 9,600 ft (Highest in Utah), 10,970 Top of Giant Steps

Vertical Drop: Lift-Served– 1,320 ft, Hikeable– 1,548 ft

Terrain: 71 Runs over 650 Acres on 2 Connected Mountains: 30% Green, 35% Blue, 35% Black

Access: 8 Chair Lifts (1 High Speed Quad, 6 Triples, 1 Double)

Terrain Parks: 3 Terrain Parks- Bypass, Detour & Foundation

Average Annual Snowfall: 360″

Standard Operating Hours (MST): 10-4 Mon-Fri, 9:30-4:40 Sat/Sun/Holidays, 4-9pm Night Skiing & Tubing on Fri & Sat

Lift Tickets (Adult): $54 Weekend Day / $35 Weekday / $20 Night / $60 Holiday Day / $679 Annual Pass

Snow Tubing: 2 Hills that run 90 min sessions for $18- Navajo Tube Hill is a 75’ vertical drop with a 550’ slope length & The Giant Steps Tube Hill is a 100’ vertical drop with a 600’ slope length

Zip Line: $12 for 2 Zips

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 3 — Due to low traffic and lots of snow you can almost always find fresh turns.

Hopefully the following pictures will provide you with a taste of what Brian Head Resort is all about. I’m looking forward to visiting again soon, both for the winter adventure opportunities and the summer ones, like the lift accessed mountain biking trails and a visit to the neighboring Cedar Breaks National Monument.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 4 — Tons of great intermediate tree skiing all over the mountain.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 5 — The resort offers fantastic grooming, and with the low crowds you are sure to find some corduroy to lay some ruts.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 6 — Did I mention that you can find fresh snow nearly all the time?

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 7 — The tiny town of Brian Head sits at the base of the resort, offering lots of lodging options and all the necessities.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 8 — With two well developed terrain parks you’re sure to find a freestyle feature or two that you’ll want to hit.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 9 — Kids are growing beards young these days 😉

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 10 — The park crew is a skilled and passionate bunch.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 11 — Get steezy.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 12 — Big, little and everything in between in the terrain parks.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 13 — Wall ride fun.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 14 — So many options on how to attack some freestyle obstacles, which makes them all that much more fun.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 15 — Brian Head Resort is family approved!

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 16 — The fire pits outside both base lodges are a great place to gather and warm up with a hot chocolate.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 17 — The Giant Steps Lodge is a 3 story building. The Last Chair Saloon is on the top floor, Giant Steps Cafe on the middle and rentals/tune shop/retail on the lower.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 18 — The Giant Steps Cafe offers a quality cafeteria style menu offering.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 19 — The Last Chance Saloon offers a full service bar, featuring their signature Chair 9 Lager by Wasatch Brewing.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 20 — The Navajo Lodge base area is a newer larger lodge area that is geared towards families and beginners. This is where you want to be if you’re just starting out.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 21 — The front of the Navajo Lodge looks small compared to the volume you experience inside.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 22 — Yes, they offer Starbucks coffee.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 23 — Terrain based learning is great for the whole family. Berms, a tiny half pipe and other easy obstacles elevate the learning curve.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 24 — Quality instruction for all ages.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 25 — Snowboarding is fun!

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 26 — Time on the mountains brings families together.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 27 — You can see the “giant steps” on Giant Steps Mtn from atop Navajo Mtn.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 28 — Skiing and snowboarding are the real draw here. Don’t underestimate the quality of the snow and the terrain at Brian Head Resort.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 29 — Tubing is a great way to enjoy the snow with everyone.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 30 — Cedar Breaks Lodge is the closest hotel lodging to the mountain, just a short walk across the parking lot from the Navajo Lodge.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 31 — It is a really nice hotel, which offers a ton of amenities, and includes time share and private condos.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 32 — Cedar Breaks Lodge as seen from high up Giant Steps Mtn.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 33 — The one-bedroom grand villa rooms are VERY spacious and well appointed.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 34 — A fireplace in each room makes for great ambiance.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 35 — The indoor pool and hot tubs are a great way to sooth those sore muscles after a long day on the slopes.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 36 — The Cedar Breaks Lodge also has a full service restaurant and bar. I highly recommend one of their great steak offerings.

BrianHeadResortExploringElements 37 — There are also condos and cabins all over the mountains, around and in the resort, so you’re sure to find a lodging option that meets your needs.

Have I mentioned that Brian Head Resort is worth a visit? Seriously though, I’ve driven by this place on the highway so many times without stopping, and now regret those decisions. I look forward to skiing here again soon and visiting in the summer for some quality lift accessed mountain biking.

PS: If I can have this much fun photographing snowsports in flat light, with no recent fresh snow and on a holiday weekend, just imagine Brian Head Resort on a midweek bluebird pow day!!!

(A huge thanks goes out to Ski Utah for making the connections, Cedar Breaks Lodge for the quality accommodations and the entire team at Brian Head Resort for the amazing hospitality.)