- All Photos Credit: Visit Salt Lake
Ever stared at your calendar on Wednesday and thought, “I could sneak in a ski trip if this were easier,”? If so, then a Salt Lake ski weekend is your answer.
I’ve skied a lot of places, chased après all over the map, and tried just about every version of the quick-hit ski trip. No destination delivers more consistently than Salt Lake City. You get ridiculously easy access to world‑class terrain combine with and après ski and food scene that should not be overlooked. And, you can do it all without needing a full week off or a logistical headache.
Don’t believe me? Here are seven reasons why Salt Lake City is the best base for quick ski‑and‑après weekends.
1. You Can Land and Be Skiing Faster Than Almost Anywhere
When it comes to quick ski trips, access matters more than almost anything else. Salt Lake City wins time and time again.
Salt Lake City International Airport is the cheat code of the ski trip flight world. You land, grab a bags, and within 35–45 minutes you can be in any one of the many world‑class ski resorts Utah has to offer. No windy elevation climbing mountain passes, no sketchy 45 mph two‑lane roads that take hours to drive on.
Touchdown to first chair can realistically take under two hours. Ultimately this makes Friday afternoon skiing a reality, not a pipe dream.
2. Four Iconic Resorts Within Easy Reach
Aside from the efficiency of the airport, Salt Lake City stands out as an excellent yet still underrated homebase. You can stay in the city and still be within striking distance of:
- Alta Ski Area – Pure, old‑school skiing and legendary powder
- Snowbird – Steep, technical terrain with long seasons
- Brighton – Laid‑back vibes, night skiing, and locals who actually smile
- Solitude – A fitting name with sneaky‑good terrain and fewer crowds
This means that you don’t have to commit to one mountain. You can choose your own adventure based on the day’s conditions. Flexibility like this is clutch when you’re squeezing the most out of a short weekend.
3. Powder Days Are Actually… Reliable
Okay, the snowy weather in Utah may not be cooperating this year, but Utah’s snow reputation isn’t hype. The Wasatch regularly delivers deep, light snow that coined the phrase, “the greatest snow on earth.” With Salt Lake City sitting right at the base of the range, capitalizing on powder days is quite easy
When storms hit, locals know: get up early, pick your canyon, and go. You’re not stuck two states away watching Instagram stories of blower turns. Instead…you’re the one posting them.
For weekend warriors chasing quality over quantity, this matters.
4. Après Ski Without the “Resort Bubble” Price Tag
This is where a Salt Lake ski weekend really separates itself.
Après ski isn’t confined to a single base lodge or overpriced resort bar. You ski hard, drive back into the city, shower like a civilized human, and then head out for a night on the town.
Some favorites that consistently hit after a ski day:
- Hog Wallow Pub – Okay, this is technically in Cottonwood Heights but it’s worth hitting up on the ride back for its delicious pub food, craft beers and live music on most nights.
- Beer Bar – An extensive list of local brews, tasty brats, and an easygoing après vibe that actually feels ski‑adjacent
- TF Brewing – Big space, excellent beer, and food trucks this a go‑to meetup spot after canyon laps
- Fisher Brewing Company – Low‑key, friendly, and perfect when you want to keep things casual
SLC is après ski without feeling confined, and without paying $28 for a burger because you’re “on mountain time.”
5. Real Food Scene > Resort Food Courts
Not known as a foodie destination (yet), Salt Lake City’s food scene is low key good.
A few post‑ski standouts:
- Eight Settlers Distillery – Again, not technically in SLC but well worth it for their fine spirits, craft cocktails and elevated dining experience.
- White Horse – Damaged by a fire this past summer but hopefully reopening this year, their relaxed setting offers up cocktails, whiskey and fine food that is well worth it.
- Copper Onion – Consistently excellent and ideal for a few friends or large group dinners
- Red Iguana – Legendary Mexican food that somehow tastes even better after skiing, plus it was on Diners, Drive ins and Dives, not once but twice.
From elevated comfort food to international spots that feel wildly out of place (in the best way), you can eat incredibly well after skiing. Whether it’s you and your significant other, a crew trip, or rolling deep with kids who need something better than fries again, Salt Lake City has all avenues covered.
For me, good food is part of the après equation. Salt Lake City delivers every time.
6. It Works for Families and Core Skiers
This is a big one. Well, at least it is for me.
Salt Lake City is one of the rare ski destinations that works equally well for all types of skier, snowboarders and groups. This includes:
- Hardcore skiers and snowboarders chasing vertical
- Parents juggling kids, logistics, and sanity
- Mixed‑ability groups that don’t want drama
Easy drives, great ski schools, comfortable lodging options, and plenty to do off‑mountain make it approachable without watering anything down.
You can ski bell‑to‑bell and still make dinner reservations. That’s a win in my book.
7. You Don’t Need a Week Off to Make It Worth It
This reason brings us full circle and right back to my overall point.
Salt Lake City doesn’t require a full vacation commitment. A Friday morning flight, two strong ski days, proper après, and a Sunday return home can actually feel satisfying and not rushed.
That’s rare occurrence in the ski world, even on trips you drive to
As a result, Salt Lake City is the kind of place that turns “maybe once a season” into “we should do this again next month.”
Salt Lake City Ski Weekend: The Ultimate Ski-And-Après Base
If your goal is to maximize skiing and riding while minimizing hassle and still enjoying proper après ski, Salt Lake City checks every box.
Easy access. Elite terrain. Reliable snow. A real city with real food and drink. And the flexibility to make even a short weekend feel full. They have it all.
For quick ski‑and‑après getaways that require a flight, Salt Lake City is not just one of the best options it might be the best.
See you in the canyons!
About the Author
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Après All Day Podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, travel, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres