Skiing the World: Exploring the diversity of Utah's mountain ranges

As the winter season descends upon us, we'll take you around the globe to explore some of the best mountains in the world for skiing and snowboarding. First,

As the winter season descends upon us, we'll take you around the globe to explore some of the best mountains in the world for skiing and snowboarding. First, we'll break down the best slopes in the state of Utah.

You can hit the major resorts near Salt Lake City—we’ll get to those in a moment—or you can figure out which one of the 11 mountains less than an hour from the city most strikes your fancy. Here's a look at just some of the bounty that Utah skiing has to offer:

. Solitude

Distance from Salt Lake City: 37 minutes
Vertical: 2,047 feet
Snowfall: 500-plus inches
Runs: 40

With more than 1,200 acres of terrain in one of the snowiest canyons in North America, Solitude offers terrain for all levels of skier. A European-style village aims to give ski-in/ski-out ease.

. Brighton

Distance from Salt Lake City: 40 minutes
Vertical: 1,745 feet
Snowfall: 500 inches
Runs: 62

The family-friendly mountain allows kids 7 and under to ride for free. This focus on affordability and Krista’s Park, a terrain park designed for female riders, makes this a family destination.

. Powder

Distance from Salt Lake City: 60 minutes
Vertical: 3,400 feet
Snowfall: 500 inches
Runs: 144

Over 7,000 acres of skiable terrain offers variety that includes glades, chutes and open bowls. Additional adventures include a snowcat backcountry tour that opens up 8,000 more acres of skiing or the Super Loops adventure challenge at Powder Mountain, a mix of terrain offering new challenges.

. Snowbasin

Distance from Salt Lake City: 35 minutes
Vertical: 3,000 feet
Snowfall: 300 inches
Runs: 104

Wide-open bowls, glade runs, seven terrain parks and a high-end lift system to navigate the 3,000 vertical feet on 3,000 skiable acres has this resort getting attention from the snow-loving world.

. Snowbird

Distance from Salt Lake City: 40 minutes
Vertical: 2,900 feet
Snowfall: 500 inches
Runs: 85

Expect an evenly split choice at Snowbird, with terrain divided in thirds for the beginner, the intermediate and the advanced.

. Park City

Distance from Salt Lake City: 35 minutes
Vertical: 3,100 feet
Snowfall: 365 inches
Runs: 116

Recently bought by Vail Resorts, Park City Mountain has up to 50 groomed runs a day. Highlighted by Park City mining relics viewable from the slopes, snow riders can slide directly onto Park City’s historic Main Street. Extras include Adventure Alleys for kids, McConkey’s Bowl and Eagle Superpipe.

. Deer Valley

Distance from Salt Lake City: 40 minutes
Vertical: 3,000 feet
Snowfall: 300 inches
Runs: 101

With the high-end focus away from the slopes that prompted Deer Valley to become the first North American ski resort to receive a 5-star rating over 30 years ago, this remains a ski-only slope focused on luxury.

. Alta

Distance from Salt Lake City: 37 minutes
Vertical: 2,020 feet
Snowfall: 551 inches
Runs: 116

Another ski-only destination, Alta is known for the quality and quantity of snow across a wide variety of terrain and scenery.

. Canyons

Distance from Salt Lake City: 35 minutes
Vertical: 3,190 feet
Snowfall: 355 inches
Runs: 183

Utah’s largest resort has 4,000 acres and 182 trails across nine peaks. With nine hotels, the only heated-seat, enclosed chair lifts in North America and proximity five minutes from Park City’s historical Main Street, Canyons certainly aims for diversity of experience.

. Brian Head

Distance from Salt Lake City: 3 hours
Vertical: 1,320 feet
Snowfall: 360 inches
Runs: 72

An even distance from Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, this Southern Utah resort touches upon the famous Red Rock and Cedar Breaks National Monument. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Brian Head boasts scenery aplenty to go with its runs.

.

Tim Newcomb covers stadiums, gear and design for Sports Illustrated. Follow him on Twitter at @tdnewcomb.