Brian Head, Utah (November 20, 2014) – This Friday’s season opener at Brian Head Resort promises to be one of excitement and discovery with the addition of a high-speed quad chairlift, millions of dollars of facility upgrades and a state-of-the-art Terrain Based Learning center.
“It’s a whole new Resort,” said Burke Wilkerson, general manager at Brian Head Resort. “Families are going to love the speed and convenience of the new quad, along with the new look of our lodges and restaurants.”
The 2014-2015 season also marks the 50th anniversary for Brian Head Resort. As part of the anniversary celebration, the Resort is focusing on its roots as a premier destination for families looking for affordable and accessible winter sports activities.
“We’ve lowered mid-week lift ticket prices even though we’ve spent upwards of $6 million to improve the experience,” Wilkerson said. “We’ve come a long way from our first chairlift in 1964, and today we provide guests with a better ski environment than resorts charging three times as much.”
Installation of the new Giant Steps Express high-speed quad chairlift took place over the summer and replaces the previous Giant Steps lift. The new lift will zoom skiers and snowboarders to the top of the mountain in half the time it took on the old lift.
In addition to moving more people more quickly, the quad will also save time by limiting stoppages. The detachable chairs will slow to a crawl during loading and unloading, so that the four passengers can easily get situated before the chair reattaches to the high-speed cable.
“We’ve always been known for giving people more time on the slopes, and the high-speed quad takes us to the next level,” said John Grissinger, president of Brian Head Resort. “At Brian Head Resort, you don’t waste time on a chairlift or in a long line.”
The golden anniversary celebration at Brian Head Resort also brings a new philosophy to the slopes to help both the young and old learn how to ski and snowboard. The Terrain Based Learning program uses sculpted snow to make the beginner experience more fun and natural.
“Terrain Based Learning results in faster learning and more confidence,” Grissinger said. “Bringing this revolutionary program to Brian Head Resort shows our commitment to providing first-time guests with an over-the-top experience.”
Other recent improvements include updated public spaces, shops and restaurants, a new tubing park, additional lighting for night skiing, and more amenities at the advanced terrain park.
The BlackFoot Lift No. 3 will open Friday, Nov. 21, at 10:00 a.m. Pricing will be discounted to $25 for adults and $18 for children/seniors until adequate snow coverage allows additional terrain/lifts to open. Night skiing will also be available. To check conditions and operating lifts/runs, visit: www.brianhead.com.
Opening weekend festivities include a Rail Jam on Saturday, Nov. 22, with prizes for both competitors and those in the crowd. The Last Chair Saloon will feature live music, $5 dinner specials and hourly prize drawings on Friday and Saturdayfrom 4 to 7 p.m.
About Brian Head Resort:
Established in 1964, Brian Head Resort offers access to 650 acres of lift-served trails with an average snowfall of nearly 400 inches of Utah powder. Brian Head Resort is located approximately three hours from the neon lights of Las Vegas, and its international airport. The 1,320 feet of lift-served vertical is accessible by eight chair lifts—including a new, high-speed detachable quad. The area features a ski and snowboard school, terrain parks and tubing. Brian Head Resort is tucked away in one of the world’s most scenic environments surrounded by famed national parks, monuments and recreation areas. For more information, please visit www.brianhead.com.
