Brian Head Big Expansion Plans

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Big Dreams in the Mountains: Brian Head Resort’s Bold Expansion Plan Could Reshape Southern Utah

Southern Utah’s beloved Brian Head Resort is on the brink of a transformation unlike anything the region has seen before. A visionary new proposal unveiled by the U.S. Forest Service outlines a dramatic expansion that would quadruple the resort’s size, promising to make Brian Head one of the most impressive winter destinations in the West.

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The proposed plan would incorporate 1,651 acres of the Dixie National Forest and thousands of acres of private land owned by both Brian Head Resort and third-party developer Aspen Meadows. The expansion envisions:

  • 26 new lifts

  • 382+ acres of newly cut trails

  • 19 miles of snowmaking infrastructure

  • 15 miles of new mountain roads

  • Four on-mountain dining venues

  • A new Art Village base portal featuring a pulse gondola, conveyors, and direct resort access

If approved, the resort’s Comfortable Carrying Capacity would skyrocket from 4,330 to a whopping 13,250 guests, accommodating the growing demand for outdoor recreation in Utah.

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A Closer Look at the Vision

Brian Head Resort was acquired in 2019 by Mountain Capital Partners (MCP), a company known for its rapid growth and big ideas. MCP currently operates 13 ski areas across the Western U.S. and South America, and this expansion marks another bold chapter in its story.

The master plan includes:

  • A new lift to replace and upgrade Roulette with a high-speed quad

  • Lifts and terrain servicing Brian Head Peak (11,310 ft), including a detachable quad called Dragon’s Back

  • Five new lifts in the Sid’s Peak to East Ridge area, offering challenging terrain for expert skiers

  • Expansions into Navajo Ridge and Dry Lakes with additional lifts and a focus on learning terrain

  • A new skier portal and development hub at Aspen Meadows, including the proposed Art Village with its pulse gondola and six additional lifts

What makes this vision so compelling is the potential for 360-degree skiing around the mountain — a rare and exhilarating concept for a North American resort.

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Environmental Review & Community Input

Because of its scope, portions of the expansion that touch public land will undergo a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) review, which could take three or more years to complete. Public input will play a crucial role, with three open houses scheduled for late July 2025:

  • July 29 – Brian Head Lodge, Brian Head, UT

  • July 30 – Parowan City Office, Parowan, UT

  • July 31 – Southern Utah University, Cedar City, UT
    (All from 6:00 to 8:00 pm)

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What This Means for Homebuyers & Investors

This proposed expansion positions Brian Head as one of the most exciting emerging ski destinations in the country. With enhanced access, new terrain, expanded infrastructure, and a dramatic increase in guest capacity, demand for vacation homes, second properties, and investment opportunities is expected to rise significantly.

Whether you're dreaming of a cozy ski chalet, a modern mountain retreat, or a smart investment property, now is the time to explore your options in this fast-growing region.

Thinking about investing in Brian Head or exploring second home opportunities in Southern Utah?
Let’s connect and find the right property for your lifestyle or portfolio before demand soars. Reach out today to schedule a consultation!