Willow Fork Ski Tour – Park City to Brighton
Willow Fork Ski Tour leaves Canyons resort via the ninety-nine ninety backcountry gate, follow the ridge south to Silver Peak, and then skis the West Willow Ridge to Silver Fork bus stop. Bus ride or hitchhike up to Brighton Resort, ski it, turn around, and head back.
- 2,200 Vertical climb
- Distance 2 miles (each way)
- 1/4 mile hike
- bus ride
1.) Canyons Resort ninety-nine ninety Backcountry Access Gate
(Orange) Canyons Resort Boundary
(Green) Willow Fork ski tour – Park City to Brighton (downhill section)
(Purple) Flat section – skinning required
(Red) Hitch Hike – Bus ride $2
(Blue) Uphill portion
(Yellow) Side Country ski back to Park City / Canyons
(Numbers) Transitions from Skinning to Skiing
Transitions are numbered. Transitioning from skiing to hiking or vice versa. Transitions take time and is a significant marking point of each tour.
Willow Fork Ski Tour – Park City to Brighton
Willow Fork Ski Tour Park City to Brighton tour is one way to connect the ski resorts of Canyons and Brighton. The lure of skiing on the other side of the range is as great as the 40-mile drive from Park City. Skiing from Canyons to Brighton is possible, but on this tour, I use the bus to help link the two.
Canyons is the largest ski resort in Utah and one of my favorites. Accessing the backcountry from Canyons is done from the top of 9,990. Brighton is located southwest of Canyons. When atop ninety-nine ninety follow the ridgeline south, then bootpack to the summit of Silver Peak.
Transition on the summit of Silver Peak. Then head right, Southwest along the West Willow Ridgeline. Ski the ridgeline down to the beaver pond. Now you’re on the flats in the Willow Fork drainage. Transition back to skins, to cross the flat terrain.
Once you’re across, all that’s left is a quick transition back to ski mode, then follow the trail a short distance to the road. (Moose Track Ln) .
Hike your way down to the highway, then turn right and head down to the Silver Fork Lodge. This is where the Bus stops and for $2 it will get you the rest of the way to Brighton. I chose to stick my thumb out and got a ride that way. (thanks Karen from NY)
Turn Around
Turn around and go back to Park City. This is where you get to climb 2,000 vertical. The weather cleared for me so I was able to pick a different route up. Going back to the Canyons there is only 1 transition. That happens atop the Park City Ridgeline. Take off your skins and ski the Canyons.
Click Here -Park City to Brighton Ski Tour Photos