Written by Mike Von Lunen

When debating about places to stay for your upcoming ski trip to Utah, one of the most important questions is “Where is it located?”  Imagine being 20 minutes from Salt Lake International airport, 15 minutes from the nightlife and restaurants of downtown, and within 25 minutes from 4 world class ski resorts.  The location is Cottonwood Heights, UT.

 Nestled between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon, Cottonwood Heights offers skiers easy access to the freeway, ski areas, restaurants and alternate activities, often at a meaningful discount from the prices in Park City.  Skiers can find everything they need close by, including public transportation to Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird and Alta, ski rentals at the Lifthouse and AJ Motion Sports, grocery shopping at Smiths, Dan’s and Whole Foods, as well as restaurants like Porcupine Pub and Grill, Market Street Grill and Café Trio. 

 Staying at the mouth of Big Cottonwood is a convenient way to ski the Cottonwood Canyons, as well as having access to ski in Park City at the Canyons Resort, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley.  These resorts are a 35 minute drive away.  However, locals know that on powder days, the best stashes lie in the Cottonwood Canyons at Solitude, Brighton, Alta and Snowbird. These resorts receive over 500 inches of snow on average and often times it’s the light and fluffy kind pictured in ski magazines.  Deep powder, scenic terrain and worldclass skiing make these two canyons favorites for residents and visitors alike.

Light and Fluffy Snow

By staying in Cottonwood Heights, visitors have access to a wide range of restaurants, bars, and coffeehouses. Local favorites include Lone Star Taqueria (famous for their fish tacos), Bean’s and Brew’s Coffee (great cup of French Roast) and the Cotton Bottom Bar (world famous for the Garlic Cheeseburger).  These places are within a 5 minute drive of Big Cottonwood Canyon.

 Not only for skiers, Cottonwood Heights offers activities for visitors year round, including golfing, hiking, climbing and mountain biking.  Here the outdoor trifecta is possible, that is to ski, golf and bike in the same day. Late winter and early spring weather permit a morning of carving turns, an afternoon turning the back nine, and an evening ride on the Little Cottonwood Trail. It is an outdoor lovers dream, with the conveniences of the city close by and the outdoor playground of the mountains across the street.  The Cottonwood Canyons are a unique corner of the world and offer everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.  Explore for yourself!

Climbing in Little Cottonwood Canyon