Brian Head’s getting bigger — maybe a lot bigger

Brian Head Resort. Photo: Brian-Head-Resort-photo

CEDAR CITY, Utah — If you’ve ever lapped Giant Steps on a powder day or caught the alpenglow from the top of Navajo, you know Brian Head Resort is a sleeper favorite with some big-mountain energy. Now, one of southern Utah’s largest ski areas is planning to nearly triple its footprint—and the U.S. Forest Service is seeking opinion about it.

The resort has unveiled an ambitious proposal to add 1,651 acres of National Forest land to its Special Use Permit (SUP), expanding its operational boundary from 887 to 2,538 acres. The plan includes adding 14 new lifts to the eight it already operates, 382 acres of new trails, expanded snowmaking, and a handful of new on-mountain facilities like restaurants and more ski patrol bases.

A Notice of Intent was published this week in the Federal Register, officially kicking off a 45-day public scoping period as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The public has a limited window to weigh in before the multi-year environmental review process gets underway.

“Brian Head Resort is proposing an expansion, some of which would take place on National Forest System lands,” said Dixie National Forest Supervisor Kevin Wright. “We encourage the public to share their input on this important process.”

If approved, the expansion would not only change the scale of Brian Head—it could elevate its status as a true regional destination while raising questions about impacts to public lands, nearby communities, and environmental resources. The Forest Service expects to complete the full review by June 2028.

The Forest Service has opened a project webpage where people can review maps, dig into the details, and submit comments.

What’s Included in the Proposal?

The planned expansion would significantly diversify Brian Head’s terrain offerings, particularly for advanced skiers. Among the proposed additions:

• 14 new lifts, including 3 surface lifts, across multiple new terrain pods
• 19 miles of snowmaking lines and 10 miles of new roads
• 4 new dining facilities and 8 ski patrol stations
• Direct lift connections between Forest Service land and Aspen Meadows, a nearby private development planning its own 850-acre ski expansion

Notably, the Sid’s Peak to East Ridge Pod would include five new lifts and some of the resort’s steepest terrain. Tree removal in that zone would target areas already damaged by the 2017 Brian Head Fire, supporting both ski access and forest restoration, project officials say.

Another proposed pod, Giant Steps to Brian Head Peak, would expand terrain near existing lifts like Roulette and Giant Steps. Many of the runs in this area are currently only reachable by hiking.

According to Brian Head’s 2023 Master Development Plan, the resort is already operating beyond capacity. The plan cited shortages of 606 dining seats and 375 parking spaces, underscoring the need for infrastructure improvements.

Environmental Review Underway

The Forest Service’s environmental impact analysis will explore potential effects on wildlife, groundwater, cultural resources, recreation access, and dark skies, especially given the project’s proximity to Cedar Breaks National Monument. The agency will also examine how the expansion could affect nearby communities and existing forest health.

Three informational open houses are scheduled to provide the public with opportunities to learn more and ask questions. For more information on public involvement click here.