Summer on the slopes

Where to stay

The Cottonwood Canyons are about 30 miles southeast of downtown Salt Lake City.

Little Cottonwood Canyon
 FOR RESORT-Y FUN
On summer weekends, the village at Snowbird draws day-trippers from Salt Lake City. With a zipline, alpine slide, and mechanical bull, it has a festive feel. At night, though, the resort is left to the few who’ve come from elsewhere, snapping up Web specials that offer rooms in Snowbird’s four lodges for less than half of what they go for in winter. The Cliff Lodge has top-of-the-line hotel rooms; the Iron Blosam has kitchens. Every lodge has a pool. From $59 per person per night, including breakfast and tram ride; snowbird.com
 FEEL LIKE CAMPING? Pitch a tent on the slopes at Alta with trailheads right at your Albion Basin Campground site. From $15; reservations required; recreation.gov

Big Cottonwood Canyon
 FOR A QUIET HIDEAWAY
Virtually no one seems to have gotten the news that Solitude ski resort (from $125 per condo per night, third night free in summer; skisolitude.com) built a village and rents condos year-round. The few who stay overnight have the run of the joint. Choose from newish studio, one-, or two-bedroom condos with kitchens, patios, and gas fireplaces. A mile down the road, Silver Fork Lodge ($$$; 11332 E. Big Cottonwood Canyon; 888/649-9551) is a locals’ favorite for dinner.
 FEEL LIKE CAMPING? Spruces Campground lets you sleep under the stars up Big Cottonwood Canyon. From $18; reservations required; recreation.gov