Utah Has 15 Ski Resorts — and I Skied Them All in One Day

Why? Because I love a challenge. Because I wanted to prove it could be done. And, honestly, because the idea sounded hilariously crazy. The logistics were a nightmare, the timing was tighter than a freshly waxed ski, and the physical toll was significant. But the reward? Bragging rights for life.

The Route: A Whirlwind Tour of Utah's Ski Resorts

Planning was crucial. I mapped out the most efficient route, considering travel time, lift opening times, and the accessibility of each resort. I focused on resorts relatively close to each other, maximizing the number I could hit in the limited daylight hours. Prepping the day before included laying out my ski gear, packing snacks, and pre-purchasing lift tickets where possible to avoid delays. There was no room for error.

Here's the route I followed, and a quick summary of my experience at each location:

The Challenges: More Than Just a Ski Day

The biggest hurdle was time. Driving between resorts ate up valuable minutes, and any unexpected delays (traffic, lift lines, finding parking) could have derailed the entire plan. I minimized this by utilizing a stopwatch and setting alarms for driving. Furthermore, the physical exertion was brutal. Skiing, even for a few runs, at 15 different locations is taxing. My legs were burning by resort number five, and my energy levels were flagging by resort number ten. I kept hydrated, consumed protein bars, and mentally prepared myself for the long haul.

Another challenge was the variety of conditions. From perfectly groomed corduroy to deep powder, I encountered it all. Adjusting my skiing style to suit each resort's terrain was crucial.

The Highlights: Moments of Pure Ski Bliss

Despite the chaos and fatigue, there were moments of pure joy. Floating through powder at Powder Mountain, carving down a perfectly groomed run at Deer Valley, and taking in the breathtaking views from Snowbird were all unforgettable. The sheer variety of terrain and experiences I packed into a single day was astounding.

The Verdict: Was It Worth It?

Absolutely. While I wouldn't recommend this to the faint of heart (or the those with an aversion to sleep deprivation), it was an incredible experience. It gave me a newfound appreciation for the diversity and quality of skiing in Utah, and it pushed me to my physical and mental limits. I now have a unique understanding of what each resort has to offer, and I can confidently say that Utah truly is a ski paradise.

Would I do it again? Maybe. But next time, I might spread it out over two days!

Tips for your own Utah Ski Adventure (Slightly Less Crazy)

Even if you don't plan on attempting this particular feat of endurance, there are still valuable lessons to be learned. Here are a few tips for planning your own ski trip to Utah:

• Consider the Ski Utah Passport: If you have a child in 4th, 5th or 6th grade, the Ski Utah Passport provides you up to 3 days of skiing or snowboarding at each of Utah's resorts for free.
• Plan your route: Group resorts geographically to minimize travel time.
• Check snow conditions: Different resorts receive varying amounts of snowfall.
• Consider a multi-resort pass: The Ikon Pass and Epic Pass offer access to multiple Utah ski resorts.
• Don't forget the sunscreen: The Utah sun is strong, even in winter.

Happy skiing!