History — Brighton's story begins around the same time as Alta's. For Brighton, it all started in 1936 when members of the Alpine Ski Club, which would later be renamed the Wasatch Mountain Club, designed and built a "skier tow" out of half-inch wire rope and an old elevator drum. Brighton became the first tow-serviced ski area in Utah and was one of only a few operating in the nation. Two years later, in 1938, the group built a new T-Bar lift, which was owned by Kay Smith, a member of the Alpine Ski Club. The onset of World War II and other economic changes led to the sale of the T-Bar to Zane Doyle. In 1949, Doyle was joined by his father-in-law, Willard Jensen, and a second T-Bar was built.
Finding the area had popular terrain and accessibility, it was only a matter of time before skiing got its first solid foothold in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Seven years after Alta introduced skiers to a chairlift, a group called Brighton Recreations built the first chairlift in Big Cottonwood Canyon in 1946. The single-chair lift accessed the terrain on Mt. Millicent. In 1955, Doyle and Jensen purchased the first double chairlift in the Intermountain Region. The success of the double chair was so overwhelming that a second double, the Mary lift, was soon added.
In 1963, all of Brighton Recreations' operations were purchased by Doyle and Jensen. This meant that all lift operations were accessible with one pass under one U.S. Forest Service permit.
The next big step in Brighton's development came in 1987 when Boyne USA, a family owned corporation established in 1947 by Everett Kircher, purchased the resort. Kircher has taken Brighton to where it is today. Kircher's son, John, now oversees the continued development of Brighton as well as Crystal Mountain in Washington, Big Sky in Montana and Cypress Mountain in British Columbia.
Under Kircher's direction Brighton introduced its first high-speed quad in 1991. The new Crest Express replaced the Mary chair, adding more terrain for skiers. During the following summer the Great Western high-speed quad and Explorer triple chair were installed, adding new advanced and beginner terrain. Other improvements include expanded night terrain, more than 200 acres of snowmaking, a new base lodge facility, a remodeled ski and snowboard school and the addition of state-of-the-art grooming equipment.
In the summer of 2000, the Snake Creek Triple Chair was replaced with a new high-speed detachable quad — the Snake Creek Express. The historic Majestic double chair, the first double chair, was replaced with a fixed-grip quad in the summer of 2004.
What you know — Brighton Resort is known as the place where locals learn to ski and ride. What isn't known is that it has great terrain for all levels of snow enthusiasts. Seven lifts offer access to 1,050 acres, more than 66 runs and more than 200 acres of lighted terrain for night skiing and boarding. The three terrain parks offer a huge variety of rails, jumps and fun boxes plus a half pipe, which is 350 feet long and 15 feet deep.
The Brighton Center is home to the ticket office, a full-service rental shop and the Sports Desk. The Alpine Rose cafeteria and the ski and snowboard school are next door. Molly Green's Pub, a private club for members, is near the base of the Crest Express Quad, the most popular lift.
The most popular runs at Brighton are Pioneer, accessed from Snake Creek lift, and Golden Needle on Great Western lift. Typically, the busiest times on the mountain are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What you should know — The Millicent double chair rarely has a lift line, but it accesses some great advanced runs like the Scree Slope and Lone Pine. Powder tends to hang around Brighton and can usually be found days after a storm from the Millicent chair under Evergreen as well as through the trees off of Snake Creek Express.
For the intermediate guest, uncrowded runs like Thor or Thunderhead are a good choice. For late risers, Brighton offers a Twilight ticket that is good from 12:30 to 9 p.m. The Brighton Night Ticket is considered one of the best values in skiing or snowboarding. With more than 200 lighted acres and three chairs, it is a great option for the daytime worker or person who wants to enjoy an evening in the night air.
The new Majestic quad offers access to, and a great view of, the large terrain park and half-pipe at the resort. It can be entertaining for those who want to watch rather than jump into the park to jib and ride.
Brighton is home to three dining establishments. The Alpine Rose offers cafeteria-style dining daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekends the wrap and salad bar is a particular favorite. Molly Green's Pub is a full-service restaurant open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. In addition to varied daily specials, the fish tacos are a treat. On the Millicent side of the resort, the Chalet offers the chance to grab a quick bite and get back to the powder. For those looking to get away from the resort, the Brighton Store and Cafe is a short walk away.
Skiers and non-skiers alike have found the Brighton Lodge a nice get-away year-round.
Ski School — Brighton ski school offers the "Intro Package" for beginners for $60. It includes a Majestic/Explorer pass, rentals and a two-hour lesson. The Burton Method Center's specially designed snowboards and instruction help people new to the sport master the skills more quickly and enjoy the sport more. The Method Center Learn to Ride package includes equipment, Majestic/Explorer pass and lesson for $90. Intermediates can try a $30 group lesson to improve their skills. New this season is the Specialty Clinics that helps experts improve their skills. Pipe and Park, Telemark Challenge and the Brighton Challenge are available daily for $40.
Locals can also enjoy a multi-week lesson package. For five weeks in a row, skiers can learn with the same instructor and the same group of students each week. Children's programs are for ages 4 to 15. Adult programs include Women's Workshop, Adult Workshop, Senior Workshop or Telemark Workshop.
Review — Since 1936 Brighton Resort has been considered the local favorite for families and those learning to ski or snowboard. Utah Family Magazine reader's poll has consistently rated Brighton at the top of its ski resort list for five years running in the areas of family skiing and learning.
Facts
Number of lifts: Seven — 3 detachable quads, 1 quad, 1 triple, and 2 doubles
Vertical drop: 1,745 feet
Skiable acres: 1,050
Terrain: 21 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate, 39 percent advanced/expert
Number of runs: 66-plus
Night skiing: Monday through Saturday
Snowboarding: Yes
Terrain park: Three — one beginner, one intermediate, one advanced
Halfpipe: Yes