It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Brian Head Property gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Brian Head, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“MUST READ!! This is the best company to hire for your loved ones who need ongoing caregiver and companion services. Very thoughtful and experienced caregivers and admin staff who care deeply about the details and about customer satisfaction. Brent and Lea have been incredibly supportive and flexible, and caregivers Aarylyn, Sabrina, Lydia, and Hailie have been accommodating, patient, professional and safe. They regularly take my loved one on outings in the community to help her claim her independance and have become a vital part of her healthcare and happiness. LOVE THIS PLACE!!”
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“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah for my husband. We got somebody coming in to help. The caregivers are good. They provide total a.m. care help like getting up and getting dressed. We have different ones and so they're trying to get us some steady people coming in. The scheduling is a little bit hard right now. The care has been good, though.”
“Absolutely the best company here in St George! The care goes above and beyond what any family could ever ask for when handling care. They only have the best of the best caregivers that love to help! Their training and communication is top notch. Love this company! I refer all my friends and family! Couldn’t be more proud of an exceptional company!”
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“I've been with ABC 3 years now. They have been gracious and kind whenever I have had to change my schedule or not be able to work a shift. They make me feel like family, and they strive to help the clients feel the same. We love our clients, caregivers and staff.”
“Love working here! Brent and lea are so sweet and understanding towards everyone! They work very hard! Great pay and amazing communication!”
“This is a great company to work for if you’re interested in a flexible schedule. Management is so supportive and will do what they can to make everyday at work a good day. They communicate effectively and quickly to ensure nothing is miscommunicated or misunderstood. Working here as been so rewarding and educational.”
“Always Best Care of Southern Ut is a great company. In November I will have worked with them for three years. I am a senior myself and absolutely love working with them. They always try to make sure the client and the caregiver have a good relationship with each other. They are family owned and genuinely care about both client and employees.”
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“1. Stay active. Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when your arthritis hurts, but many studies show that physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life. 2. Eat a balanced diet. Studies show that a variety of nutrients may help ease arthritis symptoms. 3. Lose weight. Being overweight puts undue strain on weight-bearing joints such as your knees, spine, hips, ankles, and feet. 5. Use hot or cold packs. By increasing blood flow, hot compresses can ease pain and stiffness. 6. Keep pain under control. Over-the-counter medications can help ease arthritis pain. 7. Talk to your doctor about supplements and complementary medicine. Many supplements have been tested for the treatment of arthritis. 8. Try splints, braces, and other aids. Devices that support painful joints, such as splints, braces, and canes can help ease your discomfort and prevent injury. 9. Seek support. Living with arthritis isn’t easy. Finding other people that you can talk to and share ideas with can help. Check out arthritis support groups online or in your area. 10. Stay positive. Your mental outlook can have a big impact on how you feel, and how well you function. #SelfCare #Osteoarthritis #Arthritis #Disability #GoodHealth #PainRelief #SeniorCommunity #Caregiver #Caregiving #WECANHELP #OlderAdult #SeniorCare #SeniorLiving #SeniorServices #SeniorHousing #AlwaysBestCare #Exercise #SelfManaging #Tips”
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“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn & eager to assist. Great schedulers who are on top of managing the schedules & keeping their employees accountable. I sure appreciate all the help they give!”
“I can leave a long review if I wanted to . I can talk about always best cares credentials and talk about mine. But What’s the point of leaving a review if it sounds like everybody else’s. The bottom line is , that they are great at their jobs from the bottom to the top. They have a process and people in place . They keep accountability and are communicative . Ive represented many companies in the past and still do till this day contract with only the best.. If you feel you want to hear more about this company on a deeper level just lmk. Happy Healthy Safe”
“I like working for ABC because it works well with my busy nursing school schedule! I also like how I get to work on my own, but there are options to work with other CNAs for the care of some of the clients. It’s the best of both worlds! I’ve been with Always best care since 2021 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the clients I work with!”
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Bristlecone park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Double Black Diamond Restaurant or visit Cedar Breaks National Monument, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Brian Head, UT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Brian Head, UT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Brian Head, UT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
July 27, 2023 "Brian the Bear" public art sculpture installation is unveiled at Brian Head, Iron County, Utah on July 24, 2023. Reported by Jeff Richards.0 seconds of 1 minute, 19 secondsVolume 0%BRIAN HEAD — Brian Head’s newest residents, a quartet of metal bear sculptures, were officially welcomed to town on Monday.The commissioned public art piece features a 12-foot-high steel sculpture of a bespectacled bruin reading a book. Surrounding him are three young cubs on benches who appear to be...
July 27, 2023 "Brian the Bear" public art sculpture installation is unveiled at Brian Head, Iron County, Utah on July 24, 2023. Reported by Jeff Richards.
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BRIAN HEAD — Brian Head’s newest residents, a quartet of metal bear sculptures, were officially welcomed to town on Monday.
The commissioned public art piece features a 12-foot-high steel sculpture of a bespectacled bruin reading a book. Surrounding him are three young cubs on benches who appear to be listening to the larger bear.
Brian the Bear’s storybook is titled “The Tales of Brian Head.” Its stainless steel cover has a shiny mirror-like finish that reflects the image of someone standing near the base of the sculpture.
“You literally see your reflection within the book, and that’s what it’s meant to do,” said sculptor Terrence Martin, who created the piece along with his wife and business partner, Mari. “Brian is meant to reflect the people in the community around him.”
Martin’s remarks came during the sculpture’s unveiling ceremony Monday morning, as a crowd of approximately 150 people gathered at Brian Head’s Bristlecone Park.
Town Manager Bret Howser said when he first came on the job a decade ago in 2013, there was “one big field” next to a pond and little else at the site.
“The mayor and I were talking the other day about how they came in here and stuck this pavilion in the middle of this giant field, and probably everybody thought that was a little nuts,” he said, adding, “Most of the projects we do in government are a little bit nuts, at first, and then people kind of start to see the value of it.”
Howser thanked all those who had been involved with the project from its conception to its completion, a process that spanned two years.
“The Town Council, of course, I’ve got to thank them for their vision, in taking that sort of leap of faith forward into the realm of public art,” Howser said. “You know, you can take some lumps for spending public dollars on art projects. A lot of people have philosophical differences with that. And so I want to thank them for their courage in taking that step forward.
“Hopefully, it’ll be so well received by the community that I think we’ll keep taking steps forward in the public art process,” he added.
Howser said the winning proposal emerged after a rigorous selection process, with more than 40 artists nationwide submitting their qualifications.
“The council did a great job of going out in the community, getting people’s opinions and coming back and deciding what would really fit in this space and what would really be a first great step into public art for the Brian Head community,” he said. “And we ultimately decided on Brian the Bear.”
Martin said the idea was to create an “iconic character” that would resonate with people.
“That’s what we like to do is give you something that when you walk away, you have something to remember,” he said. “That’s what we tried to do with Brian. We wanted to make him a character that reflects Brian Head and the activities and the things that you can do here.”
Martin also spoke of a planned interactive feature.
“As you can see the little baby bears that are engaged in listening to the story that Brian has to tell,” he said. “Eventually, the plan is to create a small pocketbook that can be found at local eateries and establishments, that children and adults can come back and sit down at the benches.”
On the back of the book will be a QR code visitors can scan with their phones, which will take them to a YouTube video, where the stories will be read aloud along with closed captions for the hearing impaired, he said.
“And the stories will be related to the community and from the community’s input, for everybody to enjoy,” he added. “So, it is an actual spot where you get to learn something about your community.”
Also speaking at the ceremony was R. Scott Phillips, a member of the Iron County Public Art Commission, who spoke of the importance and value of public art.
“The nice thing about public art is it can bring a sense of community understanding,” he said. “ It can illuminate its surroundings. It can work to cultivate an identity by setting the community apart, and attracting a stronger sense of place.”
“When a community sees themselves reflected in social settings, they feel a sense of respect, understanding and I hope pride,” he added. “Ultimately, this allows people to identify with the place they are from, where they live and/or are visiting.”
Although Terrence and Mari Martin’s business, Jagged Edge Metal Art, is based in the Sacramento area, Terrence spoke of his Utah roots during the ceremony, noting that his mother was born in Mount Pleasant and that he is a University of Utah graduate.
Mari Martin said each of the benches (with a cub affixed) weighs about 450 pounds, while Brian the Bear’s estimated weight is around 2,500 pounds. They had transported the sculptures on a flatbed trailer from their workshop in California a few days earlier, making the trip in about 14 hours.
The Martins said the bears themselves are made of stainless steel that won’t rust, while the benches and Brian’s tree stump seat, along with his backpack and shoes, are made of a special type of weathering steel.
“It does rust, but after about five years, it stops rusting for life and becomes dark and rich, and it makes the wood, the faux wood, look almost real,” Terrence Martin said, referring to the metal benches.
“So when you just see his neck sticking out of the snow, the rest of him that is underneath there, has a skin that is very resilient to these conditions,” he said. “We put a lot of thought and effort into making him last as long as he possibly can in this environment.”
Martin also said the stunning tree-covered mountains and pond that frame Brian the Bear provide one of the most exciting backdrops he’s seen in his 20 years as a sculptor.
“I don’t know how many sculptures are above 10,000 feet on this planet, but there’s not many,” Martin added.
Added Brian Head Mayor Clayton Calloway, “This bear rekindles a little bit of imagination that I’ve lost as I get older.”
The total budget for the project, including installation, was $120,000.
At the conclusion of his remarks, Phillips reiterated the benefits that can be derived from public art.
“There can be long-term economic growth as a result of public art,” he said. “Engaging in public art generates excitement and can lead to increased foot traffic within the community or travel from outside the community, which tends to benefit business.”
Added Phillips: “May this exciting piece of public art in Brian Head bring joy, wonderment, understanding and economic prosperity for years to come.”
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The Cedar City resort says El Niño weather pattern, snowmaking will allow for its second-earliest start to season.| Updated: 9:41 a.m.Last year, Brian Head Resort broke the seal on an exceptional ski and snowboard season when it started its lifts churning on Nov. 4 — the earliest ever for the resort and the estimated fifth earliest in Utah history.If this season’s projected opening da...
| Updated: 9:41 a.m.
Last year, Brian Head Resort broke the seal on an exceptional ski and snowboard season when it started its lifts churning on Nov. 4 — the earliest ever for the resort and the estimated fifth earliest in Utah history.
If this season’s projected opening date is any indication, operators of the state’s southernmost ski area are optimistic that 2023-24 will be just about that good again.
Brian Head announced Thursday that it expects to begin winter operations on Friday, Nov. 10. That early opener, according to a news release, will be the product of “a forecasted El Niño weather pattern, combined with the highest base elevation of any Utah ski resort and improved snowmaking systems.”
To open Nov. 10 would likely match the Cedar City ski area’s earliest opening prior to last year. General manager Marilyn Butler last year told The Tribune she looked back through 22 years of data and couldn’t find an earlier opening date. The last time the resort opened Nov. 10 was in 2000.
When Brian Head beat Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Resort to the bell last year, it was the result of a gutsy move banking on an incoming storm after the resort received 17 inches of late-October snow.
Park City Mountain is the only other resort in Utah to have announced its predicted opening date. It is eyeing Nov. 18.
Lift tickets at the resort cost $29 in advance for opening day and various days throughout the season. Kids 12-under ski for free. New this season, first-time skiers and riders age 13 and older are free with the purchase of an adult ticket.
As part of $1 million in improvements, Brian Head has expanded snowmaking coverage on the Lower Aught trail and added a new snowcat for grooming. It also thinned trees to add gladed trails under the Wildflower lift and on the Shotgun trail located near the Giant Steps Express.
Construction has already begun on a new 2,000-acre ski-in, ski-out development at Brian Head that will add a third lodge and 850 acres of skiable terrain.
Utah’s southernmost ski area expected to add 850 acres, seven lifts in the next 30 years.| Updated: 6:55 a.m.Off the road to nowhere, something big is springing up.Construction has already begun on a development that could more than double the skiable acreage at Brian Head Resort — Utah’s southernmost ski and snowboarding playground — not to mention the population of tiny Brian Head Town. The 30-year plan for Aspen Meadows...
| Updated: 6:55 a.m.
Off the road to nowhere, something big is springing up.
Construction has already begun on a development that could more than double the skiable acreage at Brian Head Resort — Utah’s southernmost ski and snowboarding playground — not to mention the population of tiny Brian Head Town. The 30-year plan for Aspen Meadows, a 2,000-acre ski-in, ski-out community, includes adding a third ski lodge to the resort as well as 850 skiable acres. That area would be situated to the northeast of the 650 acres on which the resort currently sits. Plans also include seven new lifts, some fixed and some high-speed, in addition to the eight already in place.
(Christopher Cherrington | The Salt Lake Tribune)
The expansion would make Brian Head, with 1,500 total acres, the seventh largest resort in the state in terms of skiable acreage. It would jump ahead of both Solitude (1,199 acres) and Brighton (1,048). It would still be just a fraction of the size of Park City Mountain (7,300) and Powder Mountain (6,999) — the two largest ski areas in the nation.
Flint Decker, president of the Aspen Meadows Group, called it a “legacy project.”
“It’s really going to be the best legacy project for Southern Utah, collectively,” he said.
Aspen Meadows Group is a subsidiary of Utah-based Gardner Plumb LC. That group bought the property from former Brian Head Resort owner John Grissinger in 2021, two years after Grissinger sold the resort to Durango, Colo.-based Mountain Capital Partners. MCP has an agreement with the Aspen Meadows group to run mountain operations on the new terrain, including lifts, snowmaking and ski patrol.
(Aspen Meadows) Flint Decker, president of the Aspen Meadows Group, surveys in March 2021 the nearly 2,000 acres his company would later buy and turn into a luxury ski-in, ski-out community adjacent to Brian Head Resort. Brian Head and has plans to add 850 acres and seven chairlifts to the resort, in addition to luxury homes.
Plans for Aspen Meadows also include hiking and biking trails and, according to the conceptual master plan, the “world’s first bike-in neighborhood.” Brian Head Resort already offers 54 miles of lift-accessed mountain biking.
“Together, we will advance our purpose of giving people the freedom to ski,” Marilyn Butler, Brian Head’s general manager, said in a news release, “while expanding both our winter and summer operations in the future.”
Brian Head, which boasts the highest base elevation in the state at 9,600 feet, was the first Utah resort to open this season. Its Nov. 4 start was also the earliest in its 58-year history.
Decker said when Burt Nicols and Homer Vasels founded Brian Head in 1964, they envisioned the development of the Aspen Meadows area as part of the resort. In fact, according to local lore, Nicols could often be seen atop his bulldozer, building a road into the aspen glade that locals began calling “Burt’s Road to Nowhere.”
(Mike Saemisch | Aspen Meadows) Prospective homebuyers at Aspen Meadows at Brian Head Resort can enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding followed by a gourmet lunch in the ski-in, ski-out development's yurt. Aspen Meadows sits on 2,000 acres adjacent to Brian Head and has plans to add 850 acres and seven chairlifts to the resort, in addition to luxury homes.
“What we’re developing,” Decker said, “that 30-year master plan of the project of Aspen Meadows, is what Burt always envisioned sitting on top of that bulldozer back in the ‘60s.”
Decker added that the road into the development would retain the name Burt’s Road to Nowhere.
The development will be similar to The Colony at White Pine Canyon on The Canyons side of Park City Mountain Resort, Decker said. Skiers and snowboarders will be able to park near the Aspen Meadows lodge, which will be surrounded by restaurants, rental services and the like. Ski runs, meanwhile, will wrap around individual residences, which will be part of a gated community.
Three such communities are planned for Aspen Meadows. Decker said he expects them to draw interest from teleworkers, national park enthusiasts and people wanting to relocate from Los Angeles and Las Vegas — the two metropolitan areas from which the resort draws many of its visitors. The development will more than double the residents of Brian Head Town, population 155. Yet, according to Decker, the Aspen Meadows Group, MCP and town leadership have been working together to create a master plan to help Brian Head Town manage the growth.
(Mike Saemisch | Aspen Meadows) Prospective homebuyers at Aspen Meadows at Brian Head Resort can enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding followed by a gourmet lunch in the ski-in, ski-out development's yurt. Aspen Meadows sits on 2,000 acres adjacent to Brian Head and has plans to add 850 acres and seven chairlifts to the resort, in addition to luxury homes.
“It’s been a very collaborative effort together, very transparent,” he said. “And one where we’ve held different public meetings so far, and will hold future public meetings as well.”
Trail building on the new parcel will begin this summer, Decker said, and the first lifts are expected to be added by the 2024-25 season. For those who can’t wait, Decker said they’re offering prospective homebuyers snowcat tours of the property followed by a gourmet lunch in a heated yurt … in the middle of nowhere.
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Spice up your next spring ski trip with some southern flavor at Brian Head Resort. It’s the ultimate scenic destination resort where you can cruise down the Greatest Snow on Earth®, surrounded by snow-capped peaks contrasted by southern Utah’s famous red hoodoos and spires. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for empty lift l...
Spice up your next spring ski trip with some southern flavor at Brian Head Resort. It’s the ultimate scenic destination resort where you can cruise down the Greatest Snow on Earth®, surrounded by snow-capped peaks contrasted by southern Utah’s famous red hoodoos and spires. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for empty lift lines and quality spring snow or planning your next family spring break ski trip, Brian Head Resort has something for everyone.
There are over 650 skiable acres of terrain, served by eight chair lifts and three surface lifts accessing over 70 runs ranging in difficulty: 30% easy, 35% more difficult, and 35% most difficult. With an average of 360 inches of snowfall, Brian Head Resort’s snowpack shouldn’t be underestimated. In fact, the resort’s base elevation is the highest of any other Utah ski resort at 9,600 feet. Such a high base preserves snow well into the spring. Combine pristine spring conditions with empty lift lines, and Brian Head Resort is an ultimate spring skiing destination.
It’s springtime, the sun is out longer, days are warmer, and snow is soft and slushy – but the lifts stop turning at 4:00. Except they don’t. At Brian Head, the fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down. The resort offers night skiing, Friday-Saturday, and other peak periods throughout the season. Keep skiing and riding as late as 9 pm!
Maybe skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, but don’t worry, Brian Head has something for you to enjoy too. The resort features two tubing hills, one at the base of each peak. Perfect for those looking to get out on the snow and enjoy the mountain air, and beautiful scenery, without strapping skis or a board on.
The resort itself is perfect for families and those just getting started on the slopes for so many reasons. While there is only one resort, it’s laid out across two separate peaks, Navajo Mountain and Giant Steps Mountain. Each peak has its own base area with amenities. This separates beginner-friendly terrain from the more advanced terrain, making it perfect for families and those still easing into skiing. It’s hard to get in over your head.
Don’t own your own gear? Don’t stress! Rental shops are located at the base of both Navajo Peak and Giant Steps Peak. In fact, complimentary overnight gear storage is offered with each rental. All you have to worry about is showing up, grabbing your gear, and getting out on the slopes. Avoid the hassle of lugging it back to your hotel room at the end of the day.
A trip to Brian Head is not just another ski trip. It’s more than just a ski resort, the town of Brian Head, founded around the original resort, is rich in southern culture and has some of the country’s best national parks right out its backdoor. Take a day off from the slopes and explore the surrounding terrain, from slot canyons to hot springs, adventure is around every corner. Snowshoe or hike through Cedar Breaks, a naturally formed coliseum containing colorful hoodoos, arches, towers, and canyons. Enjoy the pristine mountain air, whether it’s a hike among the red spires of Bryce Canyon, exploring the slot canyons of Zion National Park, or soaking in the Meadow Hot Springs.
What started in 1964 with a single chairlift has turned into the ultimate ski vacation destination. Adventure is waiting at Brian Head, whether it’s skiing and riding at the resort or exploring southern Utah culture and the national parks. Shake things up, and head south this spring to the most underrated spring skiing resort in Utah, Brian Head.
Hidden in plain sight halfway between Las Vegas, NV and Salt Lake City, UT lies one of the best-kept secrets of the Utah skiing world: Brian Head Resort, nestled on the edge of Southern Utah’s Dixie National Forest. Home to The Greatest Snow on Earth®...
Hidden in plain sight halfway between Las Vegas, NV and Salt Lake City, UT lies one of the best-kept secrets of the Utah skiing world: Brian Head Resort, nestled on the edge of Southern Utah’s Dixie National Forest. Home to The Greatest Snow on Earth® (think deep, consistent, and fluffy, with just the right density to give the illusion that you’re floating), Utah’s reputation as one of the most revered skiing destinations in the country has led the state to welcome over 5 million skiers and riders to its resorts per season in recent years, leaving only a handful of spots undiscovered and uncrowded. Luckily, Brian Head Resort is one of the few that have still managed to keep lift lines short and tickets affordable, making them a great way to experience the magic of Utah skiing without having to navigate the drawbacks of tourist-frequented mega-resorts.
Thanks to its dual-peak layout over Navajo Mountain and Giant Steps Mountain, Brian Head provides an even spread of different levels of terrain, so everyone from families to beginners to experts will feel at home. Brian Head is also known for providing a spectacular view of the red rock hoodoos sprinkled with snow in the neighboring National Parks, and even all the way into Great Basin National Park, NV on a clear day!
The nearest airport to Brian Head is in Cedar City, UT, located 35 minutes away by car. You can fly directly into Cedar City from Las Vegas, NV or Salt Lake City, UT, both of which are major international airports, or drive directly from Las Vegas in only 3 hours and Salt Lake City in under 4 hours. As an added bonus, you’re guaranteed a traffic-free and stress-free commute since many tourists will be heading north towards the Wasatch Mountain Range.
It’s also good to know that the Brian Head Express Shuttle Service offers a round-trip ski shuttle from Cedar City or Parowan to Brian Head for only $30. And if you’re staying in the town of Brian Head you have it even easier, since Brian Head Resort provides a free shuttle between the resort and town!
Despite being a smaller resort, Brian Head has a great variety of lodging options, ranging from being right on the hill to trying out one of the hotels in nearby Cedar City.
Whether you stay on the hill or not, Brian Head offers complimentary ski and snowboard equipment storage for any gear rented from either of their rental shops, so you’ll have an easy and convenient start to your morning and not have to transport everything to the hill.
You have lots of options for food in the Brian Head area, both on the slopes and off, so here are some of our top picks to give you a few ideas!
Tickets can be purchased online, or on the hill at Navajo Lodge or Giant Steps Lodge. If purchased in advance, one-day passes can be as low as $29, and can even additionally be coupled with promotions like store credit or discounts on any merchandise available on the hill.
Beginner: In general, Navajo has easier terrain than Giant Steps so start your day on the Pioneer chair on Navajo Mountain, and move on to the smooth slopes of Sugarloaf and Sun Dog to also enjoy beautiful views of Brian Head Peak.
Intermediate: Once you’re ready to try out Giant Steps Mountain, you can either take the free ski shuttle across to the base of Giant Steps or cross via the skier bridge from Wildflower lift (Navajo) to Alpen Glow lift (Giant Steps). Giant Steps Express provides access to many enjoyable long intermediate runs that are also especially good on powder days, so be sure to head there early to score great fresh tracks.
Advanced: In addition to intermediate terrain, Giant Steps Express can also take you to some of the most advanced terrain on the mountain, particularly via going up Roulette lift or The Dunes. If you want to say that you’ve skied Brian Head’s steepest pitch, head up The Dunes and hit Engens, it’s a steep, wide-open run that’s especially perfect on a powder day. Finally, the ultimate power move is hitting Georg’s Rock Run, off of Giant Steps Express. This run was named after one of the most iconic original Brian Head ski instructors, Georg Hartlmaier, and it contains a mandatory air obstacle in the form of a rock outcropping that you must hit in order to get down. Georg’s Rock Run is not for everyone, but if you’re up for it you’re guaranteed to hit a sweet line.
Night Skiing: Night skiing is a classic activity for Brian Head Resort, thanks in part to the beauty of the Utah night sky (more on stargazing below). Offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and additional days throughout peak season, it’s the type of thing everyone needs to try at least once in their life.
One of Brian Head Resort’s most loved attractions is the tubing hills on each mountain. Whether you have kids or not, this is a great way to spend an afternoon, or even go for some night tubing under the stars if you’re in Brian Head on a Saturday night!
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Brian Head’s proximity to Cedar Breaks National Monument and Dixie National Forest makes it the perfect place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Cross-country trails can take you right from Brian Head Resort to the National Monument, where you’ll then have the option to go on a guided snowshoe walk around the area as well.
Another staple activity in Brian Head is snowmobiling, and the community is well set up to support your snowmobiling adventure, whether it’s your first or if you’re a seasoned pro! Snowmobiles can be rented from Brian Head Powersports for you to take out on the trails independently (see trail map here), or Thunder Mtn. Motorsports also offer guided tours if you’d prefer to be shown the ropes by a local first.
For something slightly less high speed, there’s always sledding (there’s a hill on Vaseels Road by Evergreen Condos), ice skating, and sleigh rides, or even just enjoying a spa day at Noorish Spa (in the Brian Head Lodge).
If you want to venture further into the surrounding area, ice fishing at Panguitch Lake or taking a day trip to nearby Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park are all well worth your time. Lastly, if you’re able to stay out after dark for one of your nights in Brian Head, this region of Utah boasts some of the best stargazing you’ll ever experience thanks to the high altitude and low light pollution.
Since you’re at the highest base altitude of any resort in Utah at 9,600 ft (and you’re only going up from there!), being aware of how high altitudes can affect your health is crucial. The most important way to prevent altitude sickness while enjoying your trip is to stay hydrated by drinking water consistently throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Cool air at high altitudes can suppress feelings of dehydration, so make sure to take lots of breaks for water and to recharge the stamina that the altitude can zap from you.
Sunscreen is your other crucial health and safety tool when skiing at Brian Head. The resort typically gets the most sun of any resort in Utah, and much of the hill is open groomers that make for beautiful views but little sun protection, so be diligent about applying your sunscreen in the morning and reapplying at lunch.
This year Brian Head Resort made the news for opening their ski season on November 4th, the earliest opening day in Brian Head history and one of all Utah’s top five earliest. February typically is the month with the overall best snow quality, but the ski season lasts into April, so there’s plenty of time to make your way out to this locally-loved classic and you’re certain to find some fun spots to enjoy!
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