Brian Head Resort, Brian Head

Rising above the Markagunt Plateau like the ramming prow of an ancient oared ship, Brian Head Peak commands the surrounding landscape as the highest point in Iron County. Originally dubbed Monument Peak because of its looming height, unique shape, and the 19th century's superstitions against building actual monuments, the peak now presides over a namesake resort, a 660-acre spread with the highest base elevation in Utah and all the great snow that comes with it. But although the winter snow is cold and dry—its average moisture content is just 4%—the resort isn't just a one-season playground. And its climatic adaptability means that even though Brian Head Resort is located on a national scenic byway within hours of five national parks, its eight lifts remain the most enticing way to explore the outdoors.

In addition to 71 ski trails, the resort's slopes—divided between Brian Head Peak and the slightly smaller Navajo Peak—offer features such as the bag jump, which allows guests to try out jumps, tricks, and homemade parachutes safely before touching down on a giant inflatable pillow. Regular night skiing opens up lower slopes for evening runs while those tired of shredding can hit up the tubing lanes for carefree descents. Rentals outfit casual downhillers with all the equipment they need, complementing private and group lessons for all ages on Navajo Peak. The resort's experienced professionals also cultivate the next generation of skiers by combining lessons with daycare for wee ones aged 3 and older.

As the seasons change, the melting snow exposes Brian Head Resort’s summer identity as a bustling hub for hikers, mountain bikers, and disc golfers. Views of towering red rocks abound as guests ascend the resort’s chairlift, from which they can shred down to the base by bike or enjoy the scenery during a more leisurely hike. For bikers, trails shaped by natural terrain share the mountain with terrain parks, where they can perform grinds, stalls, and airborne acrobatics. An 18-hole disc golf course descends from the summit to the base, covering a total of roughly six miles, the length of a squirrel marathon.