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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“Emily and I (Nolan) are very grateful you all gave us the opportunity to work here. We had excellent experiences with management, caregivers, and our clients. We are thankful for your patience with our schedules and experience. We have learned a lot from being here, and we hope that our experiences from being here can be for our future benefit. We’d recommend working at ABC to our friends because of the great experiences we’ve had her. Emily and Nolan”
“I have used this company for a few of my residents. They take such good care of their clients and do such a good job at taking the time with each and every one of them. They go above and beyond for their clients. I’d definitely recommend them!”
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“I work with Always Best Care and it's been an amazing experience for me. I have learned so much about not only our patients we help, but the compassionate hard working people that are behind it all. I'm so grateful to work with such a caring, kind and helpful company they really do treat you like family❤. Not only are they giving back each day to patients who need them they are kind and caring to their employees as well. I love working for this company!”
“Amazing staff! I am so glad to have found Always Best Care, it is a blessing. I live 300 miles away from my elderly parents and cannot always travel, it’s comforting to know that my parents are in great hands and that I don’t have to worry about them. The staff is well trained and the management goes above and beyond to meet your needs. I think of them as angels in disguise!”
“I’m so glad we found Always Best Care to help our family take care of my grandpa! They have been amazing to work with. It’s such a relief to find a company that has open communication and cares about their clients and the clients family, too!”
“I have used the services of Always Best Care since Sept. 2021. I have been very pleased with the attentive care they have given my husband. They have been flexible, accommodating, and gone the extra mile helping with my husband's needs. As an example, I was away for the day and I was called by the caregiver that my husband was not doing well. I came home and we decided to take him to the emergency room. The caregiver came with us and stayed at the hospital for hours. He was released with the medication he needed for his recovery and she helped bring him home and get him settled before she left. This was way into the night and passed her normal working hours. One of my requests before hiring on a Senior Service was that the caregivers enjoyed their job and enjoyed working with challenging patients. I use their service six days a week and every caregiver has been kind, compassionate, and hard working. I really have been pleased.”
“Always Best Care is amazing! All of the caregivers are professional and provide the best care. I have tried multiple different agencies in the area for help with my grandmother and none have been as attentive and helpful as ABC”
“Great staff. Working around my schedule and always there when I need them.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and beyond providing amazing care for the elderly with the help of trustworthy caregivers! They work as a team which makes the environment of there company so unique. Thank you always best care you have been amazing.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and beyond providing amazing care for the elderly with the help of trustworthy caregivers! They work as a team which makes the environment of there company so unique. Thank you always best care you have been amazing.”
“They really care about their clients and staff, fast turnaround and superb care”
“The owners and staff at Always Best Care are so professional and friendly! With aging parents, it’s so nice to have the staff here to step in and help with caring for them. They are able to set everything up so quickly and provide the care when we need it! We are so happy we found out about them!!”
“The staff are exceptional and truly have their patients best interest in mind. Grateful to have found a company that will care for my loved ones in a way I would myself. Thank you!!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have organized and caring faculty and staff. They genuinely care for their clients and want to help them in the best way possible. We are so happy with the services they provide.”
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“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we need more help with our aging parents. The office staff and owners are very professional and kind and they seem to be extremely careful in hiring staff that reflect the same values. I feel safe in trusting the caregivers. It's a huge relief to know that we have someone else who can help fill in when we can't be there or our parents just need more help than we can give.”
“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take time to understand needs to accommodate the best way to help! They are trustworthy, dependable and a business you can count on!!????”
“The caregivers and staff at Always Best Care of St George are top notch. I highly recommend them for in home senior care services!”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we need more help with our aging parents. The office staff and owners are very professional and kind and they seem to be extremely careful in hiring staff that reflect the same values. I feel safe in trusting the caregivers. It's a huge relief to know that we have someone else who can help fill in when we can't be there or our parents just need more help than we can give.”
“Friendly and knowledgeable staff!”
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.
Sure, you can go to Salt Lake City and ski all the amazing resorts in the Wasatch Range with all their deep powder and great terrain. They are awesome and the skiing is first class.But if fighting for parking in Park City or dealing with all the NIMBYs in Little Cottonwood Canyon (yes, you should build the Canyon Gondola… just saying!) is not your thing, then do I have a place for you. It’s a place at the other (wrong?) end of Utah.The southern end! A place known for amazing National Parks (Bryce, Zion, or M...
Sure, you can go to Salt Lake City and ski all the amazing resorts in the Wasatch Range with all their deep powder and great terrain. They are awesome and the skiing is first class.
But if fighting for parking in Park City or dealing with all the NIMBYs in Little Cottonwood Canyon (yes, you should build the Canyon Gondola… just saying!) is not your thing, then do I have a place for you. It’s a place at the other (wrong?) end of Utah.
The southern end! A place known for amazing National Parks (Bryce, Zion, or Moab anyone?) and amazing vistas. It is also host to one cool little ski area. A ski area that last year received 311 inches of the white stuff and stayed open deep into May! I am talking about Brian Head Ski Resort. A place that is on the wrong end of Utah, a place you probably never heard of, but a place that maybe you should have.
At 9,600 feet above sea level, Brian Head surprisingly has the highest base elevation in Utah (take that Wasatch!). This elevation enables the high snow fall level, but it is not the normal mountainous alpine environment you might expect.
Instead, the ski area is located on a high mesa surrounded by other mesas filled with lush pine forests and amazing red rocks. The same red rocks that make Zion National Park, just 60 minutes away, beautiful are here as well. Just three hours north of Sin City (Las Vegas), and five hours south of No Sin City (Salt Lake), it is a “remote” location in some sense, but also a mere 30 miles from the interstate so also easily accessible from either location.
I took advantage of this ease of access from Las Vegas and caught a late-night flight into Sin City last spring. Once I secured my rental vehicle, I took a lap down the Strip to take in all the glitz and glamor, then headed out into the desert.
It is best to grab the glitz and glamor of Vegas before you get to Brian Head because the base area is a bit sparse. There is no real town or village outside of a few shops and a coffee shop near the parking lot. The main lodge is a bit smaller than most but has all the required services. This is a very family friendly resort. There is no real night life, so head back to Vegas if you need that.
The resort has had a multitude of owners and lots of starts and stops over the years. You can find pretty much any flavor of ski town home you would like. 1960s duplexes? Yes, they have that. 70s timber-walled condos? Check. And also plenty of 90s-era McMansions.
Like most ski towns, the pandemic brought on a bit of a real estate boom as many folks left the city and moved to the mountains. Alas, the boom has still not brough much additional infrastructure.
On arrival, I was surprised to find that the slopes don’t open until 10 a.m. weekdays in the spring. So, I found a spot in the sole coffee shop and got some work done, before booting up and heading to the slopes. A lack of infrastructure also meant I parked for free right in front of the lodge.
Why the 10 a.m. start? Given the high altitude and dry desert location, the slopes tend to freeze hard overnight. This is great for snow preservation, but it can make the slopes bulletproof in the morning. Giving the sun an extra hour to loosen the snow made for a fine surface the day I was there.
The resort sits in a wide valley and spreads trails across both sides. The main slopes are on Brian Head Peak itself. These are mostly served by the Giant Steps high speed quad. Off this peak are some great wide blue cruisers and some steeper blacks. However, with only 1,500 feet of drop, this terrain is not that challenging, but there is plenty of variety of pitches and trails to fill the day.
Across the valley sits Navajo Peak. There is a road bisecting the two, but there is a chair to get over going one way and a tunnel on the way back. This side is largely beginner terrain with its own lodge. It is served by a few fixed lifts and a high-speed quad accessing primarily green and blue terrain. This is the family area and ski school area. It is also home to the interestingly named Maryland Parkway trail, a green run full of beginner traffic. Draw your own conclusion on this.
Oh, did I mention the prices? Brian Head is not on either of the mega passes. It is on the Power Pass, which is a Mountain Capital Partners product. It combines an odd mix of thirteen mostly similar-sized western resorts. Nearby Arizona Snowbowl and Las Vegas’s Lee Canyon are on the pass, so if you live in Las Vegas this could be a good pass for you.
It should be noted that Mountain Capital Partners is famous for their surge pricing model, once charging over $300 for a powder day at Arizona Snowbowl. However, surge pricing works both ways, so by planning my trip well in advance and on a weekday, my lift ticket was only $30. That’s right — $30 for an amazing day at an amazing location.
I hit one of the many sunny “bluebird” days this resort often sees. The snow was soft, and the crowds were nil. It was so worth the effort to get there. If you are looking for something different or just need to escape that convention you are attending in Las Vegas, I would recommend putting Brian Head on your radar.
Photo by Robbie Allen.
Robbie Allen is an avid small hill skier. He has written several articles on the many small hills he has sought out.
DCSki Sponsor: Canaan Valley Resort
p Brian Head Resort kicked off Utah’s ski season as the first resort to open for the 2024-25 season, welcoming skiers and snowboarders to the mountain on a beautifully sunny day. (Photo: Liv Kelleher, KUTV) /pBRIAN HEAD, Utah (KUTV) — Brian Head Resort kicked off Utah’s ski season as the first resort to open for the 2024-25 season, welcoming skiers and snowboarders to the mountain on a beautifully sunny day.Excitement was high as eager snow-lovers lined up to hit the slopes, with some arriving as early as 7:15...
p Brian Head Resort kicked off Utah’s ski season as the first resort to open for the 2024-25 season, welcoming skiers and snowboarders to the mountain on a beautifully sunny day. (Photo: Liv Kelleher, KUTV) /p
BRIAN HEAD, Utah (KUTV) — Brian Head Resort kicked off Utah’s ski season as the first resort to open for the 2024-25 season, welcoming skiers and snowboarders to the mountain on a beautifully sunny day.
Excitement was high as eager snow-lovers lined up to hit the slopes, with some arriving as early as 7:15 a.m.
“The energy on opening day is over the top," said General Manager Tom Pettigrew. “People have been waiting for this day, and now that it’s here, it’s all that excitement, enthusiasm, fun and passion.”
MORE:National Weather Service meteorologist anticipates wetter, colder temps coming to Utah
This season, Pettigrew said the resort is focusing on three initiatives to enhance the visitor experience: presentation, mountain knowledge and safety. He also noted that setting this early opening day target nearly seven months ago required extensive preparation.
“To be the first resort to open, we have to coordinate snow-making, mountain operations and vegetation management,” he said. “I’m proud of the whole team for making this day possible.”
The resort launched with two lifts and eight trails open. Visitors celebrated the opening by getting on the slopes as soon as the lifts started running.
“We’ve been coming to open day for the last four years, but this is the first time getting first chair,” said skier Brian Torkelson, who joined his young daughter in being among the first to ride up the mountain.
To make the experience more accessible to more families, the resort is maintaining a focus on affordability. Pettigrew said Brian Head’s Power Pass is a great value and that children 12 and under ski free all season long.
As snow conditions continue to improve, the resort plans to open additional lifts and trails.
This early opening sets a strong start for the Utah ski season, with Brian Head welcoming both local and out-of-state visitors back to the mountain.
Other resorts opening in the state include Solitude on Friday, Nov. 15 and Brighton on Thursday, Nov. 14.
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BRIAN HEAD, Iron County — The Brian Head Resort is the first ski resort to open its slopes to Utahns for the 2024-2025 season, thanks to the weather and planning ahead of the season.Brian and Rom...
BRIAN HEAD, Iron County — The Brian Head Resort is the first ski resort to open its slopes to Utahns for the 2024-2025 season, thanks to the weather and planning ahead of the season.
Brian and Romina Torkelson were the first in line at 7:15 a.m. to hit the slopes, even though it was a short day.
“We come up every opening day, and the best we’ve done is the fourth chair. So, we wanted to get that first chair this year, and it’s pretty special. We’ve been talking about it for a while,” Brian Torkelson said. “We’re probably just doing one or two runs and then, going to head to work.”
But it’s one example of the ski season excitement and the push to be the first in Utah to open for the skiers.
“Opening on Nov. 8, as something that we decided we were going to do over six months ago,” said Brian Head General Manager Tom Pettigrew.
While managers can’t predict what Mother Nature will do, Pettigrew said they can still take action as they have the means to be the first to open in the state.
“Remember that the base of Brian Head is over 9,500 feet. The top is nearly 11,000 feet. So, we’re the highest base altitude or elevation in Utah,” Pettigrew said.
Pettigrew said the snow machines at the ski resort came over three weeks ago, which helped with the early opening.
“It’s so lit, because we get to snowboard and warm up, you know,” said skier Drake Roberts
Kevin Iijima, a snowboarder, said he drove from Los Angeles to hit the slopes.
“My wife is actually gambling in Vegas. And I’m not really that big of a gambler, so I figured I’d rather ski,” Iijima said.
Whatever the excuse, people are more than happy to help start the Utah Ski season, as those first runs are magic.
“Oh, it was so good. It’s been way too long since I’ve been on the slopes,” said another skier, Tayvin Peterson.
The ambition of the ski resort and its crews makes days like these happen.
“This year, we fully expect to be open for more than 180 days. So you have to stretch. And, you know, there’s realism in that goal, too,” Pettigrew said.
This is Brian Head Resort’s second earliest opening ever, which might seem like an anomaly, but Pettigrew said they are looking to plan early openings like this in the future.
“You know, our aspirations are to be open as early in November as possible and to ski as late in May as possible,” he said.
And it’s an idea that the visiting skiers can get behind.
“Oh, the sooner, the better,” Iijima said.
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BRIAN HEAD, Utah — After a summer that seemed to go on longer than usual, Utah’s ski season has officially started, with skiers and snowboarders celebrating being back on the snow.While Solitude Mountain Resort was the first to spin a chair lift, their official opening day isn't until next Friday. It was actually Brian Head Resort in southern Utah that was the first to welcome crowds for daily skiing.“Doesn't matter who you are, where you're from, how old you are, everyone can try skiing,” said Brian Tor...
BRIAN HEAD, Utah — After a summer that seemed to go on longer than usual, Utah’s ski season has officially started, with skiers and snowboarders celebrating being back on the snow.
While Solitude Mountain Resort was the first to spin a chair lift, their official opening day isn't until next Friday. It was actually Brian Head Resort in southern Utah that was the first to welcome crowds for daily skiing.
“Doesn't matter who you are, where you're from, how old you are, everyone can try skiing,” said Brian Torkelson.
Torkelson and his daughter, Romina, were first in line for the first chair season.
“It's just a milestone for her to say, 'Hey, I got first chair,'” Torkelson added.
Friday was Brian Head’s second-earliest opening day in its 60-year history.
“A high base elevation, a phenomenal snow-making system, and an amazing team," said general manager Tom Pettigrew, explaining how the resort was able to open so early. "Because our base is 9500 feet, or slightly higher, we have access to water cold temperatures.”
In addition to always trying to get the ski season started early, Brian Head’s goal is to make skiing accessible and affordable to everyone.
“We really believe strongly that people need to be able to experience skiing to grow the sport," Pettigrew said.
Lift ticket rates at the resort are as low as $19 dollars on some days, and kids under 12 and adults older than 75 can ski for free. Pettigrew believes Brian Head’s variable pricing model helps more people get on the slopes.
“Brian Head is one of the most spiritual things, almost, that I feel than the resorts that I've been to, the expansive view into the desert. You can see over 50 miles from the from the top of the chairs, you can see the red rock. You can see we're close to national parks,” Pettigrew gushed.
Utah's other resorts are also scheduled to open shortly, with Brighton welcoming skiers Thursday, and Alta and Park City the week after next.
Whether your favorite part of skiing is getting a warm treat or just the feeling of sliding on snow, everyone can find something they love about being on the slopes.
While the United States ski season is underway in Colorado, with numerous resorts already open (or soon to open), Utah has remained on the sidelines. This Friday, that changes.In the southern reaches of the state, Brian Head Resort will open its lifts on November 8th, 2024 marking the resort’s second-earliest opening ever (the ...
While the United States ski season is underway in Colorado, with numerous resorts already open (or soon to open), Utah has remained on the sidelines. This Friday, that changes.
In the southern reaches of the state, Brian Head Resort will open its lifts on November 8th, 2024 marking the resort’s second-earliest opening ever (the previous, still-standing record is November 4th, 2022).
It all starts at 10 a.m. with a first-chair celebration on Navajo Mountain, where skiers and snowboarders will find top-to-bottom skiing that features the Paradise, Strip, Fremont, and Easy Time trails—all serviced by the Navajo Express lift. As usual, hidden early-season obstacles may exist, and Brian Head urges visitors to avoid closed areas.
From November 8th onwards, Brian Head will be open daily through May 4th, 2025. The lifts run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends and peak days. The resort aims to open more terrain as soon as conditions permit.
Tickets for November 8th currently cost $48, but they may increase over the next two days. Brian Head, like several other resorts, uses a demand-based pricing system—generally, the earlier you pull the trigger on a ticket, the better. The cheapest November lift tickets available at the resort are $19—kids 12 and under ski free season-long.
Salt Lake City-area destinations like Alta Ski Area and Snowbird will wait a few more weeks before starting the season. Alta is aiming for November 22nd—Snowbird will open on November 28th.
Of the Utah resorts that have announced their opening dates, November 22nd is the soonest first chair aside from Brian Head, giving the ski area a significant lead (Solitude Mountain Resort and Park City Mountain also plan to open on November 22nd alongside Alta Ski Area).
In September, Brian Head announced it had undergone more than $1 million worth of capital investments ahead of the 2024-2025 ski season. These improvements include three new trails, replacing over 2,400 feet of snowmaking line, and adding new ramps at the Giant Steps Express and Navajo Express lifts.
At the beginning of next year, during the week of January 7th, 2025, Brian Head will celebrate its 60th anniversary with on-mountain activities and events.
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