Brian Head, Utah — A lot of change is coming to Brian Head Resort in the years ahead. For now, though, the ski resort remains focused on improving the existing skiable footprint.
This week, Brian Head Resort announced more than $2 million in offseason investments.
The major project is completing a two-year snowmaking project. A new snowmaking pipeline will drastically increase the snowmaking capabilities on Navajo Mountain. It will allow them to use 24 snow guns simultaneously at Navajo, compared to 16 to 18 before. Areas that will now see faster snowmaking coverage include Paradise Trail and beginner terrain near the Kids Camp Conveyor and Pioneer lift.
Keeping the lifts functional is another important focus. Lift projects include replacing the gearbox on Giant Steps Express, the bullwheel and bearings on Blackfoot, the haul rope on Roulette, and the communications line on The Dunes.
The ski resort is also transitioning tickets to RFID. This will improve compatibility with other Mountain Capital Partners properties, including Lee Canyon. However, the ski resort won’t (at least initially) have RFID gates, as it will stick with ticket scanners.
¿El Niño = Buena Nieve?
After a well below-average ski season in Utah, this upcoming winter shows a lot of promise. With El Niño being predicted, Brian Head has the potential to not only see above-average precipitation, but also colder-than-average temps. This combination isn’t as certain yet for other Utah ski resorts. Add in the fact that Brian Head has the highest base elevation in Utah, and it’s bound to be a great winter there.
“Early forecasts give us reason to be optimistic about the winter ahead, and our capital improvements put us in a stronger position to make the most of the conditions we receive,” said Tom Pettigrew, general manager at Brian Head Resort. “With a more efficient snowmaking system on Navajo Mountain, we can take advantage of favorable temperatures, open beginner terrain faster and build on natural snowfall when storms arrive.”
The season is expected to run from November 6th to May 9th. Brian Head is typically among the first to open in Utah and was the first to do so last winter. Events guests can look forward to include the Bank Slalom, Mountain Goat, and Love Lift. If you buy ahead of time, lift tickets are available for as low as $9. As always, kids 12 and under ski for free at Brian Head Resort.
Future Expansion
The news follows the ongoing work at Aspen Meadows, which will become part of the Brian Head Resort. The community has been working on its first chairlift, Stefanie’s, which will be completed. Another chairlift is planned for installation next offseason, and this area will officially become part of the ski resort and open to the public during the 2027-28 ski season.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Forest Service continues its review of Brian Head’s multi-decade expansion project. While the lifts being worked on at Aspen Meadows have been approved, additional lifts proposed on U.S. Forest Service land will need approval. Last month, the U.S. Forest Service released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. It outlined four alternatives: one full buildout, two partial buildouts, and no buildout. You can read through the report here.
Image Credits: Brian Head Resort, Life of Brian Head, Utah
