Utah Ski Resort's Expansion Expanding

An expansion to Utah's Brian Head ski area may be even bigger than expected with another 14 new lifts announced for a second expansion, this time on National Forest land, on top of the 7 lifts and 850 acres on private land we reported back at the start of the year.

Brian Head Resort is proposing a major expansion that would nearly triple its current Special Use Permit area—from 887 acres to 2,538 acres. The updated plan outlines the addition of 14 ski lifts located on or connected to National Forest lands, distributed across several newly defined terrain sectors. Three of the lifts would be surface tows, while the remainder are designed to improve lift-served access to a broader range of slopes.

One of the most significant developments is the Sid’s Peak to East Ridge Pod, which would introduce five new lifts and enable lift access to some of the resort’s most demanding terrain. As part of the project, Brian Head plans to remove trees damaged by the 2017 wildfire to facilitate ski operations and support forest restoration.

Another major component, the Giant Steps to Brian Head Peak Pod, would build on existing infrastructure near lifts like Roulette and Giant Steps. This area also includes five proposed lifts and would expand access to currently hike-to advanced terrain.

Brian Head Resort is known for its high base elevation, long season and significant snowfall. It features two connected mountains, Navajo Peak and Giant Steps, offering a variety of runs and lifts.

Mountain Capital Partners (MCP), the third-largest ski resort company in the U.S. by resort count,acquired Brian Head Resort in 2019. The company also owns and manages other resorts like Purgatory and Arizona Snowbowl.

The plans are now subject to a 45 day period of public comment followed by several years of detailed analysis by the Forest Service with a decision on whether to grant permission for the expansion expected by 2028.