Looking to learn more about Utah’s mountain ecology? Ski with a ranger
Mar 4, 2025, 9:00 PM
A forest ranger talks to guests at Brian Head Ski Resort about the area's geology and culture heritage during a 'Ski With a Ranger' event. (Brian Head Resort)
(Brian Head Resort)
SALT LAKE CITY — ‘Ski with a Ranger’ programs offered by some Utah ski areas invite guests to learn more about the history and science of the state’s famous mountains.
Brian Head Resort is hosting a ‘Ski with a Ranger’ event on Mar. 7 at 1 p.m. The southern Utah ski resort has teamed up with Dixie National Forest, the Zion National Park Forever Project, and the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah to bring information about the area’s geology and heritage to visitors.
The resort isn’t the only one to offer such activities — Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, and Solitude also advertise offerings on their websites. The four resorts, located in the Cottonwood Canyons, partnered with the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation to present similar programs.
According to Cottonwood Canyons Foundation’s website, their rendition of Ski with a Ranger is presented in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service.
Volunteer rangers lead the tours, which last about 45 minutes. During the events, their presentations cover a range of topics, including geology, history, ecology, and wildlife.
Additionally, the tours take place on beginner and intermediate runs, meaning they’re accessible to skiers of most ability levels.
Alta Ski Area is pictured in Little Cottonwood Canyon on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. The area is one Utah resort that offers Ski With a Ranger events. (Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)
When can I ski with a ranger?
The scheduled tour days depend on the resort. For example, Brian Head hosts them on the first Friday of each month at 1 p.m.
In contrast, Snowbird hosts them at 1 p.m. each Saturday, from January to March. Solitude and Alta host them at 1 p.m. every Thursday.
Brighton also hosts tours, which are referred to as Ski With an Arborist. In addition to their partnership with the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, the resort also partners with Tree Utah, an organization that works to plant trees in public areas across the state.
Each resort website explains that the presentations are free and open to anyone who has a valid lift ticket or season pass.
For resort-specific details on where the tours begin, visit their websites.
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