Top Five Utah Ski Resorts: The Best of the West, Including Park City and Powder Mountain

Although states such as California and Colorado often get a lot of attention for their skiing facilities, you'd be remiss to overlook Utah, which boasts a combination of wintry weather and welcoming communities that make it a top destination for skiers. Though the state may be most well-known for the Great Salt Lake, salt isn't the only white powder you can find in the state -- there's plenty of snow to be found on the slopes.

Of course, snow alone wouldn't make Utah a top skiing destination; top-notch facilities are vital as well. Luckily, Utah has impressive facilities and plenty of them, with 14 ski resorts in all, half of them located within an hour's drive of Salt Lake City International Airport.

A trip to any of the 14 would guarantee a great time, but there are several ski resorts in Utah that stand out among the crowd. No matter where you intend to go, it's best to plan well in advance so you can get the best rates and experience all of the skiing and other activities Utah's ski resorts offer on your desired schedule.

Park City Mountain: Even non-math majors can appreciate Park City Mountain's impressive ratio of skiing acreage to miles from Salt Lake City International Airport: 3,300 to 36. That means for every mile you travel from the airport, you get nearly 92 acres of skiing bliss -- not a bad exchange. Park City Mountain boasts 107 runs and four terrain parks, a friendly staff and lessons and rental equipment for visitors of all ages, so it's no wonder Park City is not just in the upper crust of Utah parks but is also among the elite across all of America. A major asset is the surrounding town, which -- despite the rampant popularity of the area -- provides a cozy, small-town feel.

Eagle Point: Eagle Point hasn't quite hit the mainstream consciousness, so you may not see it on the best lists of national trade magazines. However, that's what makes Eagle Point appealing; with the first skiers hitting the slopes in the 2010 season, Eagle Point is an undiscovered gem and is beneficial if you're looking to enjoy a more intimate, family-friendly experience. Eagle Point doesn't boast as many trails or acres as other parks, but it can feel just as large because it also lacks the overwhelming crowds of other areas. You can also find dining, lodging and shopping on the resort and in the surrounding area. Another benefit of Eagle Point -- it garners more snowfall than other Utah parks. This is a great option if you're looking for something off the beaten path but still established enough to offer a great experience.

Canyons Ski Resort: On the opposite end of the spectrum for Eagle Point is Canyons. You can be tossing out your plane ticket and picking up your lift ticket in about half an hour thanks to the resort's proximity to Salt Lake City International, but that's not the only appeal. With 163 trails spread out on nearly 4,000 acres, Canyons is one of the biggest -- and arguably, the best -- ski resort in Utah. While you'll never find a non-crowded day at Canyons, the popularity has its perks, as the resort is served by campgrounds, high-quality hotels and a ridiculous array of restaurants for every taste. Reyes Adobe is a delightful Mexican eatery, while Bandit's Grill & Bar is a great place to get a warm burger, a cold beer and a view of the big game.

Snowbasin: With a name like Snowbasin, how could this Utah ski resort not be good? This park hangs with Utah's heavy hitters thanks to 3,000 skiable acres, and any doubts about the quality of the resort is dismissed by the fact that Snowbasin was the site of events at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Snowbasin lives up to its name thanks to 400 inches of annual snowfall and 113 runs. Snowbasin has partnerships with a number of local hotels, and access to nearby Huntsville provides more than enough stimulation for the appetite and imagination. This cozy town offers many scenic views of the snow and Huntsville Barbecue Company, which will transport your taste buds to Texas with its authentic, slow-cooked barbecue.

Powder Mountain: Simply put, Powder Mountain is a must-see. This park's 7,000 acres comprise the largest ski area on the continent and the 500 inches of annual snowfall provide more than enough to go around. Powder Mountain's 135 runs can be crowded at times, but luckily there is enough room to spread out; a mountain this big can't feel cramped. Powder Mountain is also home to two terrain parks and you can enjoy a taste of something different thanks to the resort's guided tours and snow-kiting opportunities. The mountain is so impressive that you may be tempted to move here after the experience, which would be in your best interest -- the resort offers discounts for locals.

I do my best to make an annual pilgrimage to Utah to take in the sights and skiing.