Crest Lift Upper Station in Brighton (Utah) — Online Webcam

Brighton Ski Resort — the Gem of Big Cottonwood Canyon

Brighton is one of Utah's most renowned ski resorts, nestled in the scenic Big Cottonwood Canyon. The resort draws skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from across the country thanks to its unique location in the Wasatch Mountains and abundant snowfall. The area receives approximately 500 inches (1270 cm) of snow annually, making Brighton one of the snowiest resorts in the region. Big Cottonwood Canyon is just a short drive from Salt Lake City, making the resort easily accessible for residents and visitors to Utah's capital.

Brighton is known for its laid-back atmosphere and diverse terrain for all skill levels. The resort offers over 1,000 acres of skiable terrain, including gentle slopes for beginners and challenging black diamond runs for experienced skiers. But Brighton isn't just a winter destination. In summer, the resort transforms into an outdoor recreation hub, offering hiking, mountain biking, and leisurely walks along scenic mountain trails.

Crest Express Lift — From Base to Summit

The Crest Express lift, also known as Crest 6, is one of Brighton's key lifts. This high-speed chairlift carries guests from the base area to the upper slopes. The lift's upper station is located at Preston Peak, offering panoramic views of the canyon and surrounding Wasatch Mountains. Crest Express provides access to some of the resort's most exciting terrain and is a vital part of Brighton's infrastructure.

The upper station features a modern glass structure with metal railings and a wooden deck for passenger loading. Nearby stands a log lodge building that serves as a shelter and rest area. The gravel and dirt area near the station typically has parked vehicles, metal barriers, and informational signs on wooden posts. Together, these elements create a distinctive mountain scene that can be observed via the online camera.

Mountain Biking and Hiking at the Upper Station

During the warm season, the Crest lift upper station becomes a starting point for numerous activities. A mountain bike lift operates near the upper station — lift-served mountain biking that allows cyclists to ride up the mountain and descend on specially prepared trails. This activity is actively developing at the resort and attracts adventure seekers from across the region.

For hikers, the Crest Express upper station is the starting point for a trek to Preston Peak. The trail begins right at the lift's upper station and leads to the summit east of the station. This is a popular route among hiking enthusiasts, offering panoramic views of Big Cottonwood Canyon and the surrounding mountain ranges. The Crest 6 lift operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the summer, providing access to these activities. It is one of two Brighton lifts that operate during the summer season for hiking and mountain biking.

Surrounding the Upper Station — Silver Lake and Preston Peak

Near the upper reaches of Big Cottonwood Canyon lies Silver Lake — one of the most popular family hiking destinations in the Brighton area. Silver Lake is a popular family hiking route with views of wildlife, mountain wildflowers, and opportunities to spot animals. This destination is ideal for those who want to enjoy mountain nature without long and strenuous climbs.

Silver Lake Nature Trail is a 0.9-mile (about 1.4 km) route with just 55 feet (about 17 m) of elevation gain. The trail difficulty is rated as "easy" and takes approximately 20 minutes. The trail is located 0.1 miles west of Brighton, making it easily accessible for resort guests. A walk around the lake offers views of surrounding mountain slopes, coniferous forests, and alpine meadows. During the warm season, visitors can encounter wild animals and enjoy the blooming of mountain wildflowers.

Climate and Weather at Altitude

Brighton sits at a significant elevation in the Wasatch Mountains, giving it an alpine climate. In winter, the resort receives heavy snowfall — about 500 inches (1270 cm) annually. This is one of the highest snowfall totals among Utah's ski resorts. Such abundant precipitation ensures excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions throughout the winter season.

In summer, the climate at the Crest lift upper station is a moderate mountain climate with cool nights. Daytime temperatures are comfortable for hiking and mountain biking. Elevation changes and mountain terrain create unique weather conditions: slopes may be shrouded in fog in the morning, while by midday the sky is usually clear and sunny. Temperatures drop quickly in the evening, which is typical for high-altitude areas. The upper station webcam allows you to observe changing weather conditions in real time.

Neighboring Resorts and the Solbright Pass

Brighton doesn't exist in isolation — it is part of the larger Cottonwood Canyons ski region. Nearby is Solitude Mountain Resort, which borders Brighton's terrain. The two resorts offer guests a shared "Solbright Pass" that allows skiing at both resorts. This significantly expands opportunities for skiing enthusiasts, providing access to over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain on a single pass.

This proximity makes the Crest lift upper station an even more appealing spot — from here you can not only enjoy views of Big Cottonwood Canyon but also plan a route to the neighboring resort. Both resorts' infrastructure includes restaurants, shops, and equipment rental, making the experience as comfortable as possible. The upper station webcam allows you to assess slope congestion and choose the best time to visit.

What the Camera Shows

The online camera at the Crest lift upper station in Brighton streams a live feed from the ski resort in real time. In view is the modern glass structure of the upper station with metal railings and a wooden deck for passenger loading. To the right of the station is a log lodge building that serves as a shelter for resort guests.

The gravel and dirt area near the station shows a parked dark pickup truck, a yellow trash bin, and metal barriers. Informational signs and directional markers for visitors are mounted on wooden posts. The camera's backdrop is a mountain slope densely covered with coniferous forest — spruce and pine trees characteristic of the Wasatch Mountains. The webcam allows you to assess weather conditions at the resort, snow coverage on the slopes, and the overall atmosphere at the Crest lift upper station in Brighton, Utah, in real time.