Ski Bryce, Ski Zion National Park

Southern Utah and Southern Navada receives an annual average snowfall of over 400 inches of dry, light Utah powder. Climate in Bryce Canyon offers some snow in Spring and Fall, but much more consistent conditions during winter months. Cold winter days are offset by high altitude sun and dry climate. Winter nights are below freezing. March is the snowiest month in Bryce, but the area does get snow October through April. Average snowfall is 95 inches and offers excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

At Zion National Park, sharp changes in weather occur within the park due to the rugged terrain and change in elevation. Seasonal snowfall averages 156 inches, with much heavier snowfalls in high mountain areas. The high country trails — West Rim, Wildcat Canyon and East Rim — receive up to 36 inches of snow in winter. Kolob Canyon trails are often very snowy, with snow depths varying from 12 inches to several feet or meters of snow; we recommend snowshoes for easier travel. Beware of avalanches from the steep canyon walls during and shortly after snowstorms. Cross-country skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers would do well to focus their time and effort on the higher elevations at Zion, as well as nearby Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Note: While Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park are a cross-country skier and snowshoer paradise, and we have seen some skilled and creative snowboarders try to make the most of what they get at either park… in our estimation, unless you have a sense of humor, snowboarding would be less frustrating at the winter peaks elsewhere.