Back in the day, a certain circus company tried to sue the state of Utah for bragging about having The Greatest Snow on Earth ®. But when the powder truly is that epic, there’s no fighting it. Utah won.

The state has other brag factors when it comes to skiing, including prices that are easy on the wallet and mountains that are a quick drive from Salt Lake City airport.

So when you're ready to hit the slopes, our guide will steer you to the right resort and hook you up with the perfect hotel, whether you’re looking for a bargain or a bucket-list splurge.

WHERE TO SKI: Park City Mountain Resort

If you want to go big, Park City Mountain Resort is the place. It’s the largest ski resort in the country. It also has the largest snowmaking system in Utah, which pretty much guarantees top-notch powder, no matter the weather. What we love most: The resort’s ambitious solar project (aiming for zero waste to landfill, zero net emissions, and zero net impact to forests by 2030) and that you can ski right into buzzy Park City from the slopes. Yes, really. Just imagine when the sun goes down and you're ready for that après ski beer (or two), you can hit one of the many cool restaurants and bars downtown without having to lug your gear. We’re sold.

Stats: 7,300 acres, over 330 trails, and 43 lifts

Pass info: Calling all Epic Pass holders—you get unlimited access.

Where to Splurge

Waldorf Astoria Park City - Waldorf Astoria is code word for luxury—and that’s exactly what you’ll get at this ski-in/ski-out property. Everyone gets pampered here, even dogs. For humans, there are ski valets and ski butlers to get you booted up.

Pendry Park City - It’s going to be California cool at this new ski-in/ski-out hotel, poised to open any day now. But good luck peeling yourself away from the sleek rooftop pool and bar, it's shaping up to be this season’s new après-ski hot spot.

Where to Save

YotelPAD Park City - A tech-forward hotel with self-service check-in stations, ski valet service, and a 24/7 gym with the latest equipment (not that you need a Peloton at a ski resort).

AC Hotel Park City - Surprise: A sleek ski property hidden away in a shopping plaza.

WHERE TO SKI: Deer Valley Resort

Skiing isn’t just a sport in Deer Valley—it’s a lifestyle, so much so that snowboarders aren’t allowed. Guests are guaranteed quality ski time and plenty of room to roam, since the resort caps the number of daily lift tickets. The luxury levels run high: Think complimentary ski storage, so that you don’t need to shuttle your equipment back and forth, plus free tours with Mountain Hosts who will introduce you to new runs and secret powder sources, like bottomless turns in an expertly gladed aspen forest.

Stats: 2,026 acres, 103 runs, and 21 lifts

Pass info: Up to 7 days of access for Ikon Pass holders.

Where to Splurge

Montage Deer Valley Hotel - Ski-in/ski-out service. Craftsman-style luxury. A glam spa. It’s just what you’d expect from Montage, a luxe California group known for over-the-top properties. New this season: one-of-a-kind adventure experiences led by pro athletes and local experts, like a private heli-ski excursion with freeskier Mitchell Brower.

Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection - The old-world look of an Austrian-inspired ski chalet contrasts with a sleek new building, complete with a rooftop pool and infinity hot tub. And ski-in/ski-out access, of course.

Where to Save

The Lodges at Deer Valley - The Lodges packs a lot into a fair price: heated outdoor pool, breakfast and après-ski treats, free local transportation in a Cadillac, and a killer location right next to Deer Valley’s Snow Park base.

Deer Valley’s Signature Collection - Private homes and condos that are better than any Airbnb—bring on the free resort shuttles and housekeeping.

WHERE TO SKI: Sundance Mountain Resort

This star-powered resort about 45 minutes outside Park City is the brainchild of Robert Redford, whose annual Sundance film festival is a celebrity magnet. And yet, the mountain itself is surprisingly small. But what it lacks in size it makes up for with impressive runs, a terrain park, a winter zip line, and Sundance’s laid-back mountain version of white-glove service.

Stats: 450 acres, 44 runs, and 4 lifts

Pass Details: No national passes, but local passes are for sale

Where to Splurge

Sundance Mountain Resort - There’s only one game in town: Sundance resort, with fireplaces in the rooms and tons of freebies — guided hikes, nature walks, wellness classes, yoga. For Hollywood-level privacy, Sundance rents swank homes straight out of a design magazine.

WHERE TO SKI: Snowbird

Snowbird turns 50 this season, and the ski resort will be pulling out all the stops with parties and giveaways galore. Snowbird’s big claim to fame: the highest restaurant in all of Utah at 11,000 feet, plus jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks. Serious skiers are drawn to the steep runs, open bowls, and deep snow, but there’s terrain for anyone.

Stats: 2,500 acres, 140 runs, and 11 lifts

Pass Details: 7 days between Snowbird and Alta for Ikon Pass holders; Mountain Collective pass holders get two days at Alta and two days at Snowbird.

Where to Splurge

The Cliff Lodge Resort - The no-nonsense ski-in/ski-out property dazzles guests with its rooftop pool featuring mountain views and a cool gastropub.

Where to Save

The Inn at Snowbird Condominium - Set in Snowbird's pedestrian-only village, this condo will have you humming “there’s no place like home”—that is, if your home has a hot tub and heated outdoor pool for relaxing after a day on the slopes.

WHERE TO SKI: Alta Ski Area

Sorry, snowboarders. Like Deer Valley, Alta Ski Area is for skiers only. It’s small (just six lifts), but the powder is perfect. Another perk: The top of Sugarloaf Pass connects Alta and Snowbird, so the two can be combined and skied together with a joint ticket (a sly move when the conditions are better on one mountain).

Stats: 2,614 acres, 119 runs, and 6 lifts

Pass Details: 7 days between Snowbird and Alta for Ikon Pass holders; Mountain Collective pass holders get two days at Alta and two days at Snowbird.

Where to Splurge

Snowpine Lodge - You name it, Snowpine has it: ski-in/ski-out access, an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, a spa with an indoor grotto, a ski shop, world-class dining, the list goes on.

Alta Peruvian Lodge - One Tripadvisor user described it best: “This place is truly like going to stay at a big family-friendly lakehouse lodge, but instead of swimming all day, you ski in the best snow on earth.” Stop in the Peruvian bar for après and swap ski stories with the locals. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the room rate.

Where to Save

Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge - The rooms are basic at this unassuming lodge right at the base of Collins lift, but you’re not coming here to stay in your room. Goldminers is truly a ski-in/ski-out lodge, and the all-inclusive rate includes a full breakfast and a four-course dinner.

WHERE TO SKI: Solitude Mountain Resort

Soft powder. A quiet atmosphere. No wonder Solitude is a hidden gem among in-the-know locals. There are plenty of intermediate and beginner runs, but if you want a real challenge look to the legendary Honeycomb Canyon. If you’re not a skier, you'll find groomed Nordic track and snowshoe trails. Hungry? There are 11 chef-driven restaurants and bars scattered across the mountain.

Stats: 1,200 acres, 8 lifts, and 82 runs.

Pass Details: Unlimited access for Ikon Pass holders.

Where to Splurge

The Inn at Solitude - Bavarian charm and massive rooms at a ski-in/ski-out hotel right in the center of Solitude Village.

Creekside at Solitude - A slopeside condo lodge in Solitude Village with exposed wood beams and a rooftop hot tub.

Where to Save

Hampton Inn by Hilton Salt Lake City Cottonwood in Holladay - A pet-friendly property that’s a short walk from UTA Ski Bus stops, which will whisk you straight up Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Residence Inn Salt Lake City Cottonwood Hotel in Holladay - Also close to the UTA Ski Bus stops, the Residence Inn has suites with full kitchens—a family dream.

WHERE TO SKI: Brighton Resort

There’s a lot to love about Brighton, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year. It’s a hit with families—kids 10 and under can ski for free. Serious skiers love that 100% of its terrain is accessible by high-speed quads. And night owls will go crazy for 22 runs on over 200 lighted acres.

Stats: 1,050 acres, 7 lifts, and 66 runs.

Pass Details: 7 days of access for Ikon Pass holders.

Where to Splurge

Brighton Lodge - Right at the base of Brighton’s Crest Lift, this alpine-style lodge has no TVs and is all about getting back to nature.

Where to Save

Silver Fork Lodge - A former general store, this rustic lodge has been hosting skiers since 1947. Don’t miss the sourdough pancakes, made with a starter that’s over 70 years old (in case you’re wondering: this is good, not gross).

WHERE TO SKI: Snowbasin Resort

One of the oldest ski resorts in North America, Snowbasin Resort was created by powder skiing pioneer and Norwegian ski champion Alf Engen. The mountain is expansive, with terrain for all ability levels. If you want a real challenge look to the legendary Grizzly and Wildflower Downhill trails, which hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic Downhill events. On the mountain, luxurious lodges serve award-winning dining. A note: There are no hotels right at Snowbasin, but there are good places to stay nearby. But that’s going to change. Snowbasin recently announced that there are significant enhancements on the horizon, including new lifts, expanded terrain, and more parking for this season. Next up, look for the introduction of overnight accommodations, including a hotel and a new village master plan.

Stats: 3,000 acres, 12 lifts, and 104 runs.

Pass Details: Up to 7 days of access via Epic Pass. Snowbasin season passes are also available.

Where to Splurge

The Compass Rose Lodge in Ogden - Just 10 minutes from Snowbasin, this family-friendly 15-room hotel has a modern farmhouse feel, along with some cool amenities. Take a Starwalk Tour at the onsite HALO Observatory and check out the pair of 20-foot Native American tipis on the grounds.

Where to Save

Comfort Suites Ogden Hotel in Ogden - This family-friendly all-suite hotel is as basic as it gets, but you can’t beat the indoor pool and the free breakfast.

WHERE TO SKI: Powder Mountain

Known locally as Pow Mow, Powder Mountain is the most skiable acreage in North America, at 8,464 acres. And yet, it’s intentionally uncrowded. Pow Mow caps the day passes at 1,500 and season passes at 3,000, allowing for an average of three acres per skier. Like Snowbasin, there are no hotels at Powder Mountain, but there are some good places to stay nearby.

Stats: 8,464 acres, 9 lifts, and 154 runs.

Pass Details: 2 days with the Indy Pass.

Where to Splurge

Snowberry Inn Bed & Breakfast in Eden - An eight-bedroom log cabin lodge, Snowberry provides quick access to Powder Mountain and beautiful views of the Wasatch mountains. Owner Andrea Southwick is a former ski racer for Snowbasin who went to culinary school and loves to pamper her guests with home-baked treats and gourmet breakfasts.

Powder Mountain Getaways in multiple locations - You’ll find something for every price point, from ski-in/ski-out mountain-top luxury home rentals to more affordable condos and townhomes located four miles from the resort base.

Where to Save

Hampton Inn & Suites Ogden - Just 25 minutes from Powder Mountain in downtown Ogden, this hotel is located in an historic building right on the ski bus route, in case you don’t want to drive.

Laura Begley Bloom is a travel expert and content strategist who writes for a wide range of magazines and websites and appears regularly on television outlets ranging from the Weather Channel to CNN. Journalism is part of Lauraâs heritage. Her great great grandfather was a Civil War correspondent for the Chicago Tribune. You can learn more about Laura on laurabegleybloom.com.