I've been a skier and snowboarder for over thirty years, and in all that time, I've never gone night skiing. I've heard how magical skiing under the stars is. I've heard how the crisp, cold mountain air hits a bit differently. I've seen photos and videos of the glowing lights reflecting off the trails. I've been told that the serenity of the slopes makes night skiing a bucket-list-worthy experience. Sold on the idea and wanting to experience this firsthand, my nine-year-old daughter Makena and I went to Brighton on a recent Friday evening after school. My daughter has (obviously) never gone night skiing, and we were excited to experience it together.
Here's a recap of our experience, takeaways, favorite things about the evening, and tips and tricks we learned to keep the stoke high, especially when it's dark and cold.
Arriving at Brighton: First Impressions
Brighton is renowned for its laid-back vibe and welcoming atmosphere; that charm is just as present at night. The drive up the canyon was sprinkled with mountain lights from the snow cats grooming the runs for the next day. As we pulled into the parking lot, there was no shortage of open parking spots, many just steps away from the chairlifts at the base of the mountain.
Unlike the organized parking process during the day, with resort staff directing traffic, the night vibe is more "fend for yourself." Again, we had no issue finding a spot, but be prepared to take things a little slower and ramp up your patience and courteousness to prevent any unwanted parking battles.
The Importance of Layering
Even as a night skiing novice, I knew the most important rule: layer up! Temperatures drop significantly once the sun goes down, and the combination of cold air and wind can make for a chilly experience if you're unprepared. On the night we went, a storm was rolling in, and it was much colder and windier than the daytime temperatures we're used to
We wanted to err on the side of too warm rather than too cold, so we both put on a base layer, followed by another layer, an insulated mid-layer, and an additional sweatshirt—all under our Stio outerwear. Gators and buffs were a must. With some hand warmers, we were both comfortable in the nighttime elements.
Choosing the Right Goggles and Lenses
Proper eyewear can make or break your night skiing experience. With the varying light conditions on the slopes, having the right goggles and lenses is critical. We both stuck with our Smith Optics goggles and swapped the installed lenses with the bonus lenses ideal for low light. We found those lenses worked fine for areas of the mountain with more lighting. I recommend using clear lenses if you have them. The lights on the trails at Brighton are well-placed, but there are still areas with shadows that can make depth perception tricky.
My daughter loved seeing other skiers with lights wrapped around their poles, headlamps, and lighted necklaces. It's a fun way to increase visibility so others see you better on the mountain.
Fueling up (your stomach, not the car)
With night skiing at Brighton running from 4–9PM, it can be odd timing navigating kids around dinner time. Knowing I wanted us to maximize the daylight and get in some runs before taking a break, I loaded my daughter with snacks on the ride up. Think juice box, chips or granola bar, and some fruit. I knew this would be solid after-school and pre-dinner calories to keep her energized on the slopes.
When we were ready for dinner and a warm-up, we grabbed hearty burgers, sandwiches, and a table without lines or awkwardly hovering over others who looked like they would leave soon—another perk of night skiing. With our stomachs full and bodies warm again, we enjoyed a few more runs before heading home.
A Few Favorites
My favorite things/moments:
- Uncrowded runs and no lift lines
- The feeling of being hyper-present, experiencing a thrill for the first time
- Sharing a new experience with my daughter
My daughter's favorite things/moments:
- Seeing lit runs at night for the first time
- Watching other skiers with fun lighting equipment (lighted poles, light sabers, lighted necklaces, etc.)
- Food! (She loves a resort burger)
The Takeaway
Night skiing at Brighton was everything I hoped it would be: thrilling, serene, and uniquely beautiful. It made the environment and elements feel grander and more expansive. If you've never tried skiing after dark, I highly recommend it. Just remember to dress warmly, prepare yourself with the right equipment, and embrace the adventure. There's nothing quite like gliding through the night on snow-covered slopes.
For more information on night skiing offerings across the state, check out this blog.
