‘Provo Scenic Skiway:’ New scenic route designation promotes ski travel through Provo Airport
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- A Deer Valley mascot unveils the “Provo Scenic Skiway” designation Thursday Dec. 18, 2025, at Provo Airport.
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- Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi (left) and a mascot for Deer Valley Ski Resort unveil the “Provo Scenic Skiway” designation for U.S. 189 Thursday Dec. 18, 2025, at Provo Airport.
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- Sundance President Chad Linebaugh speaks during the “Provo Scenic Skiway” announcement Thursday Dec. 18, 2025, at Provo Airport.
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- Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi announces the “Provo Scenic Skiway” designation for U.S. 189 Thursday Dec. 18, 2025, at Provo Airport.
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- Cosmo the Cougar is pictured at the “Provo Scenic Skiway” announcement Thursday Dec. 18, 2025, at Provo Airport.
Of the state’s two busiest commercial airports, Salt Lake City International is better known for its close proximity to ski resorts, boasting sub-45 minute drive times from the terminal to Park City and the Cottonwood Canyons.
So when Explore Utah Valley Executive Director Lee Adamson told Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty that the nearest Utah commercial airport to a ski resort is actually Provo, Rafferty said he didn’t believe him.
“So I did a quick Google Map Search,” Rafferty said. “(Provo Airport) is 33 minutes to Sundance, and then from Salt Lake International to Canyon Village in Park City is 39 minutes. Also 39 minutes to Snowbird.”
That close proximity is something local travel stakeholders decided to lean into, as the Provo Airport continues to grow.
Inside the Provo Airport Thursday, Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi declared U.S. 189 “Provo Scenic Skiway.”
The scenic route designation, which was made official by Kaufusi’s signature, will apply to U.S. 189 from its starting point at University Avenue in Provo, through Provo Canyon and Heber Valley, and up to Park City.
The initiative was furnished through a partnership between Provo, Utah County, Explore Utah Valley, Sundance Mountain Resort, Visit Heber Valley, Deer Valley Ski Resort, Visit Park City and Ski Utah.
“You can have a great ski vacation in Utah County and Utah,” Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran said. “Start at the Provo Airport, go to Sundance, stop by Heber, go to Park City. It’s a change in going from Salt Lake, dealing with the Salt Lake Airport, the size, and going through Parley’s Canyon. We want it to be a more enjoyable vacation from the minute you get off the airplane, to the minute you get back on the airplane.”
The announcement rides the momentum of Provo Airport’s rise as viable second option for air travel in the state.
Airport director Brian Torgerson said Thursday more than 3.6 million visitors have passed through the building in the last three-and-a-half years. Officials expect that figure to grow as investments continue to pour into the facility.
The airport announced earlier this year a $140 million project to expand from four gates to 10 gates, add ticketing and baggage space and accommodate for international travel. The project was backed by support from several governmental entities, including $78 million from Utah County funds, and started in April with the construction of a new apron for airplanes to park.
“We have fantastic access through Salt Lake City International, but we’re doubling down now with the great things that are happening in Utah Valley and Utah County,” Rafferty said.
“We are excited to introduce skiers to another option for Utah,” Adamson added. “As Nate mentioned, anywhere in Utah has incredible access to skiing. This is just another option, and we’re excited to promote this to people, especially in the markets with direct flights to Provo.”
The ski resorts were happy to get involved.
Sundance President Chad Linebaugh said the collaboration across county and organizational lines highlighted the importance of the announcement.
“We’re so grateful to work with Deer Valley on this Provo Scenic Skiway. So we are excited to welcome the world to come in through Provo airport and drive the Provo Scenic Skiway,” he said.
Carly Driscoll, the director of marketing for Deer Valley Resort, called it “an honor” to partner with Sundance to launch the scenic byway.
“The Provo airport is just absolutely gorgeous and amazing,” Driscoll said. “And it’s really an honor to be part of the ski industry in Utah and how collaborative we are.”
