From Deseret News archives:
Head for the hills
Look at resorts shows Utah has a lot to offer
AltaVertical drop: 2,020
Skiable acres: 2,200
Terrain: 25 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate, 35 percent expert
Top elevation: 10,550 feet
Number of runs: 115
Snowboarding: No
Terrain parks: 1
Comment: It was in 1935 that legendary skier/ski jumper Alf Engen stepped into what was then a dusty bowl and proclaimed that this would become one of the greatest ski areas in the world. Two years later, Alta opened with what was then the second operational chairlift in the world.
Alta has long been called the "resort for skiers." Being in a natural bowl, passing storms tend to sweep in and circle around, dropping snow at record depths.
One of the fun parts about skiing at Alta is the history that comes with the resort. One run in particular, for the experts, is Alf's High Rustlers, once voted one of the best runs in the country because of its snow and "perfect pitch." If you can't ski it, at least you can see what a "perfect" run looks like. The new high-speed lift has also made it easier to ski the area with one lift, top-to-bottom.
Beaver Mountain
Number of lifts: 5 — 1 triple, 3 double, 1 surface
Vertical: 1,600 feet
Skiable acres: 664
Terrain: 35 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate and 25 percent expert
Top elevation: 8,800 feet
Number of runs: 30
Snowboard: Yes
Terrain Park: 1
Comment: Beaver Mountain is probably one of the few resorts left in the country that is completely family-owned. The area was founded by Harold "Harry" and Luella Seeholzer back in 1938, who, it was reported, "were looking for a fun winter recreation for their children and friends." A surface tow was soon installed, and Beaver Mountain became a labor of love for the family.
Beaver Mountain is comprised of two main mountains, along with an area set aside for teaching and beginners.
Beaver Mountain is known for having no lift lines on weekdays and very small, if any, lines on weekends and holidays. Which, of course, goes along with the feeling that Beaver Mountain is a ski area waiting to be discovered.
Brian Head
Number of lifts: 9 — 5 triples, 2 double, 2 surface
Vertical drop: 1,320 feet
Skiable acres: 540
Terrain: 40 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate, 20 percent advanced
Top elevation: 8,900 feet
Number of runs: 53
Snowboarding: Yes
Terrain parks: 3
Comment: The development of Brian Head Resort as a ski area began in 1964. The resort opened for business in January 1965 with a T-bar and warming house. It has been in continuous operation since.
