Brighton has a well-deserved distinction of being the resort where most Salt Lakers learn to ride and ski. Why? A combination of lower lift-ticket prices, free skiing for kids ages 6 and under, an appealing mix of beginner and expert terrain, wide, forgiving runs, and a mellow attitude. It’s also home to Salt Lake's only night skiing -- and this season there's more to celebrate. Let's explore what makes night skiing at Brighton a unique and memorable experience.
What to Expect
Brighton is unique in Salt Lake, offering the sole night skiing experience in the region. Learn all about night skiing to prepare to enjoy the magic of the star-lit slopes with fewer crowds. Night skiing is typically open from mid-December to mid-March across well over 200 acres of groomed runs and terrain parks, creating an unforgettable nighttime winter playground. New for this season, the runs off of Milly lift will have lights for night riding. Come experience Night Riding at Brighton with new lights at Snake Creek bringing you a total of 24 runs and over 250 lights. This resort has over 200 acres, four lifts and the main terrain park open for night skiing. They even offer lessons and rentals.
Brighton offers a 12 hour lift ticket with lifts open from 9 am to 9 pm. You can start with early morning powder and enjoy all that Brighton has to offer.
Brighton Resort is well-known as the place where Utah learns to ski and ride. Start your kids out on the slopes early with two free* 6 & under ticket per paying adult.
Day and Night Skiing at Brighton - December 2022
Dining and Amenities
Brighton’s laidback vibe is most evident in its base area, a no-frills mix of family cabins in full-on alpine A-frame style and its friendly watering hole, Molly Green’s Tavern. Brighton keeps it simple-burger, beer, nachos on a sunny patio for your midday reprieve. Because, after all, you came to Salt Lake to ski, board, and have fun.
Read also: Ultimate Guide to Brighton Skiing
Several dining options are available:
- Alpine Rose: The main cafeteria with all the foods hungry skiers and riders crave from daily breakfast specials, to hearty lunches, and dinners for night skiers. Located at the base of the mountain just beyond Brighton Center lodge and accessible by non-skiers on foot who want to join you. Nothing fancy, just good chow. Lots of grab-and-go snacks too.
- Molly Green’s Tavern: Brighton's full service bar and grill, complete with a cozy fireplace, magnificent views of the mountains and full table service - the perfect place to socialize after, or during, an amazing day of skiing. Molly's is located slopeside on the upper floor of the Brighton Manor, the A-frame at the base of the mountain. Accessible by non-skiers on foot who want to join you. From hand tossed pizzas to its most famous nachos, the menu is sure to please everyone. If you want to remember your special day on the hill, pick up some Molly's merch.
- Blind Miner Coffee: New for the 2023-24 season, a mid-mountain dining option just above the Snake Creek lift. Located on the main floor of the Brighton Center. Blind Miner Coffee serves up a variety of tasty treats to warm the spirit. Head on up for some breathtaking views and delicious food!
- Milly Chalet: Located right at the base of the Millicent Lift, the Milly Chalet is the perfect place to grab lunch while enjoying Milly Laps.
Important Information for Visitors
Parking is limited. Reservations are required before noon, Friday - Sunday and holidays. The parking lot is closed from midnight to 7 am for snow clearing.
Brighton is open daily during the ski season from 8 am to 4 pm. Brighton opened for the 2024/25 season on November 8, 2024 with limited runs and lifts. Brighton typically closes lift operations in mid- to late-April.
Located up Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton is Utah's only resort that can boast that 100% of its terrain is accessible by high speed quads. Brighton is a 31.5 mile drive from downtown Salt Lake City.
Other Utah Night Skiing Options
Looking to change things up one evening with a friend or the kids? Night skiing has been a fun “go-to” for us when the timing is right. Especially over those Christmas, winter, or spring breaks. A number of resorts in Utah offer night skiing. Some with some pretty killer deals and lots of fun to be had. The kids dig night skiing too as it seems to transform the resort. The runs have a different feel, new features seem to come to light, and riding the chair at night can be spooky, but cool in some spots.
Read also: Wolf Ridge Lodging & Activities
If you are looking to go more of the private party route, Beaver is the ticket! The majority of their night operations are for private parties but they do have some evenings open to the public. You can find the dates and more info here.
Heading further south? Brian Head is your option here. Rates range between $25 - $30 for a ticket depending on the time of year. They offer rentals and you can upgrade your full-day lift ticket to keep going through the night for only $12-$14. They spin their Blackfoot chair from 4:00 - 9:00 pm so you can get in those extra turns!
Offering the most vertical of any resort for night skiing, you can get a pass from $18-$29. If you have a little tike, you can even take advantage of their magic carpet for only $10 to get them out on the mountain after a day at preschool. Lifts spin Monday through Saturday from 5 - 9 pm.
Cherry Peak's Night Skiing passes start at just $21. Cherry Peak also offers rentals during evening hours at no additional cost if needed.
Nordic Valley offers night skiing on 23 trails in the central part of the mountain. Night skiing is available 3pm-8pm, Monday - Saturday. Click here for more information.
Read also: In-Depth Sundance Snowboarding
Sundance Mountain Resort has the majority of the front mountain open for night skiing during the winter season on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. The terrain park is also open for night skiing! Night skiing runs from 4:30 - 9 pm and the cost is between $45-$55 depending on skier and date.
Further north, Powder Mountain is another go-to spot for night skiing for just $19, any age, any day! Night skiing is open at Powder Mountain everyday from 4-9pm.
Woodward offers night skiing in their terrain park and night tubing too! Enjoy a night out with the family in their tubing park or skiing/riding the progression zones or catch some laps in their iconic park after work or school for some extra practice on that trick you've been working on this season. Prices vary greatly here depending on the day, how far ahead you book, and the time of season.
Brighton embraces skiing and snowboarding along with other ways to get down the mountain like a Sno-Go. If you want to stay at the Resort, check out The Brighton Lodge. Other options near Brighton are through private home rentals like AirBnB.
All said and done there are a number of great opportunities and locations for you to get out for some night skiing.