Brian Head Resort

About

Brian Head Resort sits at 9,600 feet in southern Utah's Markagunt Plateau, making it the state's highest base elevation ski resort. With over 70 runs across two peaks and 650 acres of skiable terrain, it draws visitors year-round for skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides.

What sets Brian Head apart is its commitment to making mountain recreation available to everyone. The resort's Winter Sports School includes instructors with specialized training beyond standard PSIA and AASI certifications, offering adaptive lessons for guests of all abilities. Whether you're a first-time skier with a physical disability or an experienced rider looking to try something new, the adaptive program is designed to meet you where you are.

Brian Head Lodge, the resort's on-mountain lodging option, puts you within a stone's throw of the slopes. The property meets ADA standards and offers accessible rooms, so you can stay right in the heart of the action without long transfers from off-site hotels. Lift ticket and lodging packages make planning straightforward.

Beyond winter sports, the area offers plenty to explore. Cedar Breaks National Monument is just minutes away, with dramatic red rock amphitheater views at over 10,000 feet. Summer brings wildflower-filled meadows, mountain biking trails, and cooler temperatures that provide welcome relief from Utah's desert heat below.

The resort town itself is small and relaxed. You won't find the crowds or complexity of bigger destination resorts. Dining options, rental shops, and services cluster close together, keeping everything manageable. The drive from Las Vegas takes about three hours, and Cedar City's regional airport is roughly 45 minutes away.

For families, the resort offers lessons and programs geared toward younger skiers and riders. The learning terrain is gentle and separate from more advanced runs, creating a comfortable environment for building confidence on the mountain.

Brian Head proves that world-class mountain experiences don't require massive resorts or massive budgets. It's a genuine, welcoming place where the focus stays on getting people outside and onto the slopes.

Accessibility

Brian Head Resort offers several specific accessibility features for visitors with disabilities. The resort's adaptive ski program is a standout feature, with Winter Sports School instructors who hold specialized training beyond standard PSIA and AASI certifications to provide adaptive lessons for guests of all abilities.

Brian Head Lodge, the on-mountain lodging option, meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 standards. Specific accessible features include designated accessible parking spaces with proper signage for both cars and vans, parking spaces that are 96 inches wide with appropriate access aisles, and rooms designed for physically challenged guests.

The lodge's location directly at the base of the slopes minimizes the distance between accessible lodging and ski lifts, which is a practical advantage for guests with mobility limitations.

For visitors interested in adaptive skiing or snowboarding, it's recommended to contact the Winter Sports School in advance to discuss specific needs and arrange equipment or instructor accommodations. Adaptive programs may require advance booking, especially during peak season.

Contact the resort directly for current details on accessible restroom locations throughout the base area, wheelchair accessibility of specific dining venues, sensory accommodations or quiet spaces, accessibility of summer activities like chairlift rides and mountain biking, and the specific types of adaptive equipment available for winter sports lessons.

The resort's compact layout is generally favorable for accessibility, as most services and facilities are clustered near the base area rather than spread across a large village. However, mountain terrain is inherently variable, so visitors with specific mobility needs should call ahead to confirm current conditions and available support.

More accessible places in Utah

• Natural History Museum of Utah (Salt Lake City)
• Arches National Park (Moab)
• Bryce Canyon National Park (Bryce)
• Canyonlands National Park (Moab)
• Red Butte Garden (Salt Lake City)
• Dinosaur National Monument (Jensen)