At the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon sits Brighton Resort, one of the oldest ski resorts in the nation and home to some of the best terrain and most abundant snow Utah has to offer.

Started in 1936, Brighton still has a feel of community and “local” that attracts both the local and ski visitor alike. I made it up there for 4 days of skiing last winter and found powder stashes, glades, long groomers and even a few cliff drops with plenty room to turn. I’m looking forward to getting back there this winter.

What’s New this season at Brighton Resort?

This past summer, if we’re talking dollars spent, Brighton’s investment of a $6 million face-lift of Mt.Millicent is now completed with the new Milly day lodge.

• 100% of Brighton’s terrain is accessible by high speed Quads.
• Brighton receives over 500” of incredible Utah powder annually.
• Affordability and Terrain make Brighton Utah’s #1 family friendly resort.
• Brighton’s 3 terrain parks are perfect for both seasoned pros and first timers.

Lodging Options for Brighton

About 15 minutes from the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton Resort is easily accessible from many of Utah Vacation Homes’ properties. Even those that stay in Park City it’s only a 45 minute drive if roads are clear, an hour if it’s snowy.

Here are a couple of options if you’re going to be skiing and snowboarding Brighton this winter.

Canyon Racquet Club - there are 8 including Canyon Racquet Club 3a and 4b which was recently remodeled.

Bengal Park - Centrally located between Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons is Bengal Park, a 1300 square foot, 3 bedroom, 2 bath vacation condo that sleeps 9.

This is part of our “Hot Tub with a View” series which features properties whose hot tub has a view worth talking about.

The Grand Cabin is very likely the most beautiful luxury home available for rent near the Cottonwood Canyons, from any property management company.  It’s just minutes from Big Cottonwood where Brighton and Solitude are located or minutes from Snowbird and Alta in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

But after looking at the views, especially those from the hot tub, I’d contest that the primary vacation destination may in this case be the home, not the ski resorts.

The other night with the sun setting and a series of storms moving across the Salt Lake Valley, we were able to capture this image from the hot tub.

Here is a view of it as winter sets in.

Aside from the amazing view, other ammenities include:

The Grand Cabin comfortably sleeps 12 within 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. With 3 separate living areas it is easily one of the best locations for a couple of families to stay together.

Check out the Grand Cabin for your family’s next ski vacation to Utah.  It may be the highlight, despite how much snow Utah gets while you’re here to ski and snowboard.

When a dove started softly cooing while setting up for our second shot on the sixth fairway, it seemed to confirm that the Homestead Resort in Midway was indeed a peaceful location to golf.

Golfing has always been an escape for me. I don’t take the game too serious, but I do take the time away from “life” so I can “live” seriously. Time on the links is a rare occasion to leave the cares of the world behind and focus on a simple game in a quiet location.

Whether due to location or course design, some golf courses don’t always provide the escape that I desire. A busy road adjacent to the course or a view of office buildings and homes nearby can often detract from the feeling of serenity or escape that you seek. At the Homestead Resort Golf Course I found a quiet course that winds it’s way uniquely through a resort village, mountain foothills and farmlands speckled with wetlands. It isn’t contrived like many courses but fits well with the relaxed feel of the Heber Valley.

After meeting up with Jeremy Roberts, Director of Sales who would be my golfing companion for the day, we started off not with the first tee but with one of the Homestead’s delectable homemade oven-fresh cranberry scones. I couldn’t help but take a picture of one as they are as good as they look! My mouth is watering seeing the picture again!

The Homestead Resort Golf Course

Admittedly, golfing at the Homestead Resort is priced about $15 - $20 more than the neighborhood courses, but for around a $1 per hole more the experience is a world apart.

Take for example the bag drop off and check in location upon arrival. Jeremy was down at the pro shop and although I offered to walk down there with my bag the greeter insisted I take a cart and leave it down at the pro shop if it wasn’t needed.

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Earlier this week I posted on how to beat the summer heat by going to Park City and Big Cottonwood Canyon.  The activities in those areas are not limited to what was in the post and you can easily spend more time in either place. 

One thing I love about Big Cottonwood Canyon is the wildlife.  On several occasions I’ve seen moose, deer, and beavers.  This photo of a moose crossing a driveway was taken from Bear Trap Lodge.  

Bear Trap Lodge is a 5 bedroom cabin located approximately 13 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon not far from Guardsman Pass which takes you into Park City and the Heber Valley.   It is close to hiking, biking, fishing, and Frisbee golf and also has an abundance of activities on site including a game room with Pool Table and Ping Pong.  This cabin is ideal for a weekend getaway and works well for Family Reunions, Girlfriend Getaways, and Man-cations.

Another reason to stay at Bear Trap Lodge this summer is the hot deal running for the rest of the summer, which is $100 off the nightly rate.  This makes the nightly rate, $499,  hard to beat on accommodations for 24 people.

Springtime is an amazing time to be in Utah. Snow-capped mountains give way to green fairways and mild evening temperatures in Salt Lake City. It’s the perfect time to get away for a spring ski trip, especially when Utah has enjoyed record snowfall as it has this season.

If you’re bringing the family or teaming up with another family, one of the most accommodating and ideally located vacation properties in the Salt Lake Valley is at the Canyon Racquet Club. It was completely remodeled in 2007 and has a slough of upgrades including:

• All new Furniture & Lighting
• All new Kitchen Appliances, Washer & Dryer
• Incredible new Hardwood Flooring & Upgraded Carpeting
• Granite Counter-tops
• New Hot Tub Spa with 86 jets
• New Plasma & LCD TV’s

Considering the 25% off of the nightly rate special that is currently happening, this property can’t be beat.

Located adjacent to Wasatch Boulevard at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains this property is just 15 minutes from Snowbird Resort and 20 minutes from Brighton. Since it’s spring time the Old Mill golf course which is now open is just a short 4 minutes down the road. The reality of skiing in the morning and playing a round of golf in the afternoon is easily accomplished when staying here.

Unit B-4 at the Canyon Racquet Club is very comfortable, sleeping 10 with 4 bedrooms in a contemporary setting. A private hot tub and spacious living room with a 50″ plasma TV makes going out a tough decision.

Keep your eyes on the specials page for other hot deals on ideal vacation properties in the Salt Lake and Park City area.

– Check out the rest of the specs and details for the Canyon Racquet Club B-4 property.

The Canyons went all out this spring with their Spring Gruv that included free concerts, on hill events and the always enjoyable and somewhat famous Pond Skimming Contest. As the longest running event at The Canyons, being held each year since 1997-98 season, it’s become a “not to miss” spectacle and celebration of the season.

For skiers and snowboarders who were here this spring the weather was superb and the spectacle was full of laughs and spills. Check out the video from The Canyons.

Check out other videos from this past season at The Canyons

This ski season has been unbelievable! You need to get out to Utah now. Reserve your vacation home now with us and enjoy the best ski vacation of your life.