Utah’s Brighton Resort is all about the Snow & Kids under 10 ski free!

It’s important to me to spend the holidays skiing with my boys. We choose difference resorts all year round and like to highlight the special features of each place to make our readers enticed to visit. Brighton is small town resort, is utterly glorious and is only 35 minutes drive from downtown Salt Lake City and the Salt Lake International Airport. We frequently ski Utah as it is the most convenient airport experience and no hassle route to some of the best skiing in the US.

Brighton gets such great dry snowfall because it’s tucked all the way up in Cottonwood canyon, where snow is never ending! It is a skiers dream come true. The mountain averages 500 inches of snow a winter.

We found the snow to be light and dry making it perfect skiing conditions. Brighton is located directly in the path of winter storms and it is also at the very top of Big Cottonwood Canyon so it gets the very best of the “greatest snow on earth,” and lots of it. You’ll need a 4 x 4 since the snow is plentiful and you’ll get stuck if you’re not prepared. They plow the roads but driveways to cabins get stacked with snow within hours of a storm.

Zen Sunrise at Brighton … PHOTO COURTESY OF @Tannerdobbins on Instagram

Why is this place to special for families? Brighton Resort does minimal advertising, so you’ll hear about the mountain from friends or word of mouth. You’ll ski like a local here, there’s no fancy lodge and only two low-key food places at base of mountain. This place is perfect for those who like to rent cabins and ski & dine family style. Since it’s a no-nonsense experience, lift ticket and ski rental prices are bit lower than other ski resorts. Grab your groceries, wine and beer and head up the canyon, because Brighton is calling your name.

Head to Brighton and find out why it has earned the reputation as “The Place Where Utah Learns to Ski and Ride.” Brighton is the perfect mountain for intermediate skiers. My boys are intermediate & advanced skiers and we skied Solitude last year, which was more advanced, however, I didn’t let the boys ski alone. At Brighton I felt they could do most of the runs without me. Brighton Resort has classes for all ages and abilities: specialty multi-week camps, daily group lessons, workshops and private lessons for all levels from beginners to experts.

Chic black ski jacket w/belt provided by Fera Style.

BRIGHTON MOUNTAIN SPORTS RENTAL SHOP

This is the first rental shop I’ve experienced that already has all boot sizes adjusted to all ski sizes… It made the rental process move along more quickly. They have fantastic equipment, like Burton, Head, Rossignol, Dalbello, Nitro, Surface, Liberty and Lib-tech. They have what’s right for you whether you’re a first-timer, hotdog tot, or you crave park, pipe, powder or women’s specific equipment. The tech staff were so friendly and helpful. We appreciated them all. We know when it’s crowded, guest can be demanding on the tech crew. The staff kept on trucking with great attitudes and helpful demeanors. They truly rock.

COTTONWOOD LODGING HAS THE PERFECT SNOW CHALET FOR YOU!

We worked with Cottonwood Lodging in Brighton, Utah’s largest selection of privately owned luxury homes, ski in / ski out properties, and cabins. They have many amazing family ski houses, we recommend you check them out. There are no places to stay at Brighton other than the Brighton vintage lodge at the base or in a private home. Call or visit their website to see the selection of homes. They are a tremendous help, and are super responsive during your stay.

We stayed in the cabin pictured above, called Rivamonte. It was large and very luxurious. The snow play spaces for kids was unlimited! It was about a 13 minute walk to Brighton, so we drove and did kiddo drop off most days.

Sophia cross country skiing at Solitude’s Nordic Center.

The walk from Rivamonte to Brighton Resort is okay for adults, but not for kids. Just up the street and about a 5-8 minute walk is Solitude’s Nordic Center.

Even though Rivamonte was large (fits 10 easily!) it had a very cozy vibe. Our family fit perfectly and it was just the ideal place to celebrate the new year and our family’s first visit to Brighton. We loved having a downstairs living room for the teens! This house is so well laid out. Great bathrooms and wonderful laundry room. These are things that impress a ski mom!

My sis (and social media photographer) on wonderful wrap around balcony and in back yard of Rivamonte Cabin, engaging our Instagram followers with matching après ski outfits!

PERFECT FIT BLUE AND BLACK SKI PANTS PROVIDED BY FERA STYLE.

The back yard was plush with fluffy snow. After skiing the kids would go out back and played until the sun set. It’s truly a stunning home.

Blue men’s ski parka and white Danielle jacket provided by Fera Style!

Watching from our deck the serene and beautiful snow fall.

FEEDING THE KIDS

Since the Brighton is all the way up Cottonwood Canyon, the only place to buy a good amount of food for a large family is at Smith’s Market, Whole Foods or Dan’s. We ordered our groceries online, two days prior to our trip. We worked with Smith’s on 3470 Bengal Blvd in Salt Lake City and picked them up on the way to the cabin. One car drives the family to the cabin and the other picks up 10 bags of goodies… and course we make a stop off at the state liquor store for mama and dada beverages. You don’t want to run out of food and have to head down the canyon at any point. During a storm, it would take hours to get down. Be prepared! Smiths does a fabulous job! Or you can ask Jess at Cottonwood Lodging who you can pay to drive the food up to the cabin prior to check-in.

PACK A SLOPESIDE PICNIC

For lunch if the kids didn’t want to head back to cabin, we’d bring a picnic bag/spread for them. There’s an area to bring your own food. The other food places prefer you keep you own food in that area.

MOLLY GREEN’S

Cute rustic place for après ski, but NO KIDS ALLOWED! Located slopeside on the upper floor of the Brighton Manor, the A-frame at the base of the mountain. Molly’s has old school charm and is a full service bar and grill with a cozy fireplace, magnificent views of the mountains and full table service.

Molly’s hand tossed pizzas, to its most famous nachos and menu is sure to please everyone. If you want to remember your special day on the hill, pick up a Molly’s pint glass or a long or short sleeved Molly’s shirt. Ask your server for details!

MILLY CHALET

With a new Smokehouse / B.B.Q. inspired menu, the Chalet is offering food that almost competes with the views! Grab a rack of ribs and enjoy a beer or iced tea on the deck while taking in the majesty of Mount Millicent in the background — During the winter, hang out on the deck and have a beer while watching some of the best skiing in the Wasatch happen just feet away. FYI, they don’t serve wine here, only beer. You’ll have to head to Molly Green’s for wine.

My son and I cozied up by the huge fire place in Rivamonte cabin.

We have found that each resort has a ‘best kept secret.’ It is a thrill for us all to vote on what the secret is! At Brighton, we agreed, that the homes are so huge and welcoming and close enough to walk to the resort. Since there’s no traditional commercialized village, you need to be self-sufficient. This place wins most charming ski neighborhood in our book. Please feel free to mention us if you book at Cottonwood Lodging! Tell Carole and Jess we say hello!

PERFECT FIT SKI PANTS PROVIDED BY FERA STYLE.

It was a pleasure and treat to visit this family mountain. I’d like to thank Brighton’s Communications Director for setting up complimentary lift tickets and rentals for my family. I will only promote, endorse and support companies that have the highest standards in products and/or services that contribute to the well-being of families. Book the ultimate family style ski vacation at Brighton.