I like Brighton, but I've never been all that excited with their snow unless you're there during or immediately after a storm. One nice thing about Brighton is that most of the huckers tend to stay close to the terrain park anymore.
About 10 years ago the only place I'd ever go was Snowbasin. Always good snow, great terrain, and almost never any lines. Oh and it was also cheap. Then, a couple of big magazine write ups and the Winter Olympics and suddenly it's $50+ for a daypass and 20 minute lift lines.
I grew up with Big Cottonwood passes. Two resorts unlimited for $175 per year. Went up to $225 the last year right before I joined the Air Force. Those days are long gone.
Brighton is still a good deal for us though. Unlimited passes for two kids totaling $185 plus a book or two of discount passes for myself and the missus. Keeps us up there 2-3 days per month for about $700 for the season.
It's a good mountain. I know the Milicent side like the back of my hand and I'm learning the new (well, relatively new) lifts on the Majestic side. After 25 years of skiiing I started boarding a couple of years ago and needless to say I'm not as good at the latter. But I'm getting to where nothing on the mountain scares me too much.
Snowbasin is literally 19 minutes from my door. We evaluated their deals and what costs us $700 at Brighton is $1800+ at Snowbasin. Simply not worth it. It's a fine mountain and all our friends ski there (military discount is da bomb - about 50% off or more) but Brighton suits us just fine for the $$$$.
