Brian Head Resort, Utah, plans to open for the 2026–27 ski season on November 6, potentially making it the first ski resort to open in Utah and one of the earliest in the country. The early target comes as the resort invests more than $2 million in upgrades, including a major expansion of its snowmaking capacity.
At the same time, Brian Head is entering a potentially transformative chapter, with the Dixie National Forest currently accepting public comments on a proposed 1,651-acre expansion that could nearly triple the resort’s size.
The resort is also putting more than $2 million into upgrades this summer ahead of the 2026-27 season. About $1 million is earmarked for snowmaking. Brian Head Resort is installing a new pipeline on Navajo Mountain, allowing up to 24 snow guns to run simultaneously (up from 18). The added capacity will take advantage of cold snaps and build terrain more quickly at the start of the season, hence the early projected opening. Other improvements include upgrades to critical components on four lifts, as well as RFID lift passes and self-service ticket pickup kiosks.
The resort is also offering heavily discounted advance-purchase tickets. As of August 20, some dates during the coming season are available for $9. Skiers and snowboarders 12 and under can ski free throughout the season, with no blackout dates.
Public Comment Period on Massive Expansion
Additionally, the Dixie National Forest has opened a 90-day public comment period ending October 28, 2026, for the Brian Head Resort expansion project. It’s the latest chapter in the ongoing saga of one of the largest U.S. resort expansions in recent years. If approved and built out according to the current master plan, the expansion could nearly triple the size of Brian Head Resort, potentially making it the 7th-largest in Utah. The proposal also includes plans for a smaller expansion if the full build-out is rejected. The resort is targeting an annual skier visit count of 500,000 to 1 million, a 200-300+% increase over current numbers.
The draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) evaluates adding 1,651 acres of national forest land, 14 new lifts, and 359 acres of ski trails. Readers can submit comments online via the USDA Comment Portal or mail them to the Dixie National Forest. You can access the project summary and DEIS document (current draft checks in at 200 pages) on the Forest Service website here.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, a decision is expected in July 2027. Following approval, Brian Head Resort has described the buildout as a decades-long project, with new developments opening in stages. It’s unclear how much of the project currently has committed financial backing. However, the Aspen Meadows base areas are already under development and real estate is currently on the market.
Brian Head Background — An Underrated Utah Gem
Brian Head is one of Utah’s least-known resorts. Founded in 1964, the ski area currently inhabits a modest 650 acres of lift-served terrain. However, they receive ~360 inches of snow in an average season. That puts them well ahead of most Colorado resorts in terms of snowfall.
In a warming world, Brian Head could offer some salvation. The resort has the highest base elevation of any Utah ski resort, at 9,600 feet (2,926 meters).
Terrain-wise, Brian Head is family-friendly. The resort has plenty of terrain for beginner to advanced skiers. Excellent intermediate glades are a playground for budding (and accomplished) off-piste skiers to splash through the powder. However, the resort lacks expert terrain, which may have limited its appeal compared to resorts in Little Cottonwood Canyon further north in Utah, as well as in Colorado.
For those coming from afar, Las Vegas is 3.5 hours by car and offers a wealth of relatively affordable flights. Additionally, Salt Lake City is 4 hours by car. Note that the drive to the base village will require snow tires at a bare minimum.
- Related: Skiing Options Near Las Vegas, NV
