Located 30 miles north of Cedar City on SR 143, off of I-15 which runs between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, the resort sits at an elevation of 10,000 feet. If you are not from a mountain climate, give yourself time to acclimate or the elevation will bite you, especially if you are "flatlander" from Florida, like me. The chamber's motto for the town is "America's Highest Little Resort Town." The resort is about a three hour drive across the desert from Las Vegas.
Skiing, Snow Boarding & Snow Tubing
Skiing is the major attraction at Brian Head. There are 50 runs on 500 acres, not including cat accessed expert terrain: 40% is designated as Easier, 40% as Intermediate and 20% Most Difficult. There are eight lifts including five triple chairlifts, one double chairlift and two surface lifts to get you where you want to go with a minimum of waiting. During my visit, there were literally no lines at all on the lifts. Skiing under the stars -- night skiing -- is also available on select days. An adult full day lift ticket is a very affordable $39; for children 12 and under, $26.
Brian Head, however, is not only about skiing. There is also snowboarding, snowmobile rentals and a tubing hill. The tubing hill is a favorite of those who don't have the athletic prowess to the ski or those who want to have fun with their kids. Basically you race down the side of a side a mountain in an inflated vehicle-like tire tube – it is also a tremendous hit with kids! You don't even have to walk back up the mountain; you ride the tube back up to the top of the mountain and do it all over again. No athletic ability required. Again, virtually no lines when I visited.
Helicopter Rides & Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides
To take in the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, on select days helicopter rides are offered. There are also horse drawn sleigh rides around the resort, which would definitely help set the holiday mood for the family if you happen to be visiting during the Christmas holidays.
Biking, Hiking & Nearby National Parks
As I mentioned, Brian Head is not only about skiing. Leaving the winter theme, there is also much to do in the summer, spring and fall. There are more than 200 miles of single track trails within the Brian Head Resort. The resort also claims it is one of the few places in America where you can drop over 5,000 feet on a mountain bike trail.
With an abundance of national parks nearby, most within a two hour drive, the resort is a great base if you want to just take in the sites of some of the nation's most spectacular national parks - Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument and Zion National Park are just a few that you may want to visit while at Brian Head.
Accommodations
My first recommendation would be to stay at a property in Brian Head, not down the mountain. Once you've driven the road up to the resort, you'll know why. It is a winding, mountain road that is easily closed due to snow storms or ice during the winter. You don't want to ski all day and be stranded at the resort without a room and without a way to get off the mountain.
For more information on the Brian Head Resort, visit www.BrianHead.com or call 435.677.2035.
Copper Chase Condominiums
Copper Chase is one of the largest accommodations located in the Brian Head village. The village itself is connected by a free shuttle bus service which stops at various condominiums and the different ski lodges. Just check to make sure the shuttle stops at or near your choice of lodging. That way you can park your car and take the shuttles which run nearly every 15 minutes.
Affiliated with RCI, the timeshare company, Copperchase provides completely outfitted spacious privately owned condos, most equipped with fireplaces. All of the units are non-smoking and pets are not permitted. Amenities at Copper Chase include an indoor swimming pool, weight room, underground parking, Brian Head Bike Trail, spa (hot tub), saunas and dressing rooms, and its impressive signature lobby with fireplace.
For more information Copper Chase Condominiums, visit www.copperchase.com or call 888.677.2890. For more information on other accommodations, visit www.brianheadutah.com or call 866.677.2810.
