With world-class ski resorts, miles upon miles of flawlessly manicured slopes and the lightest powder around, it’s no wonder guests come back year after year. Offering the driest and lightest powder around, Utah may have some of the best snow for skiing and snowboarding in the world. Whether you’re just starting out, or trying to build your individual strengths on the mountain, there are a number of different terrains for all skill levels.
Gently rolling hills offer novices the perfect terrain for learning and building skills. Of course, there are numerous runs for expert and experienced riders, as well, in addition to terrain parks, superpipes and halfpipes. With numerous ski resorts throughout the area, you can easily find the perfect one to visit for your next Utah family ski vacation.
Written by Kristin Franks
Deer Valley Ski Resort
This massive ski resort expands over six mountains, with more than 2,000 acres of skiable area. Experience Utah's light dry powder as you carve down any of the 100 trails available ranging from beginner to intermediate and expert terrains. Families will love the luxurious amenities offered at Deer Valley including ski valets, lesson and rental packages, on site childcare facilities and an award winning ski and snowboarding school. The Children's Ski School starts for ages 3 and up and offers a low student to instructor ratio for the best learning experience possible.
For families looking to get away from the slopes, the ski resort offers a wide range of other activities including sleigh rides, snowshoeing and hot air ballooning. Families can also visit the historic Park City area, which is full of theaters, shopping, art galleries, dining and more.
If you are looking for a place to stay, Deer Valley offers it all. From private homes to hotel-style lodges and spacious condominiums there is something for everyone. With the wide range of accommodation styles, sizes and amenities at Deer Valley, you can easily find the right place to fit your family's needs.
Park City
When the lifts stop rotating, or you're just looking for a day away from the slopes, there are plenty of things for families to do in Park City. Zip down and around the mountain on the Alpine Coaster, grab a tube and get ready to speed down the snow-covered hill at Gorgoza Park, enjoy the local scenery by a traditional horse-drawn sleigh or bundle up and head to the resort's ice skating rink.
For overnight accommodations, guests can choose from a wide range of hotels, condos, private homes and luxury ski-in/ski-out properties. Check out our Park City Family Resorts and Kid Friendly Hotels page for more information on lodging and accommodations.
Sundance Mountain Resort
Ski, slide and ride in Sundance at Utah Olympic Park and create at the Art Shack Studio. Enjoy rustic accommodations with cozy fireplaces at the Sundance Resort during the winter, or stay at the Zermatt Resort & Spa for a ride on the European-style carousel in the spring. The resorts are often housing directors and camera men looking to use the landscape as the backdrop to the next great film.
Visit during the famous Sundance Film Festival in January if you can get a room, or wait until the ski season dies down and venture to the area in the spring or fall for the best rates. Either way, families will always find something to do in the Sundance area. And if you're lucky, you might find yourself an extra in a film with some of Hollywood's finest!
Alta
When you've had enough downhill runs, check out the Cottonwood Canyon Snowshoe Tour, which takes guests to remote spots in the mountains. The free, guided tours are educational and will teach families about wildlife in the region and how animals prepare for hibernation.
After a long day, head back to your home-away-from-home. The lodges and hotels in the area offer nightly movies, game rooms and more. Look into staying at the Alta Peruvian Lodge or the Goldminer's Daughter Lodge.
Solitude Mountain Resort
The Solitude's Snowsports Academy offers private and group lessons for adults, as well as group lessons for children. Supervised activities are available for children 5 and under including storytelling, coloring, snow play and more. Children's play-and-ski packages are also available with semi-private ski lessons during the day.
The charming European-style village at Solitude offers great dining experiences, family activities and cozy accommodations. The resort offers families convenient lodging right on the mountain. The Inn at Solitude is a luxurious full-service hotel, with a perfect ski-in/ski-out location in the heart of the village. The Powderhorn Lodge, Eagle Springs Lodges and Creekside Condos offer one-, two- and three-bedroom units with fully equipped kitchens and gas fireplaces. If you are looking for a little extra room for the family, the Crossings feature spacious townhomes, or there are several luxury homes just steps from the slopes and village.
The Canyons
Whether you're just starting out, trying to build your individual strengths on the mountain or looking to take on new skills, the resort offers a ski and snowboarding school for all ability levels. The school offers specialty clinics and private and group lessons for adults, as well as full- and half-day lessons, private lessons and a full-day daycare for children. For families looking to explore the area, take a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride or go dog sledding through the meadows.
With convenient slopeside accommodations, the Canyons offers families the perfect winter getaway. Featuring six hotels conveniently placed on the mountains, families can enjoy comfortable accommodations in the heart of it all. The Canyons Grand Summit Hotel offers an outstanding ski-in/ski-out location, featuring standard hotel rooms, studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. Families can also choose from the mountainside all suite Escala Lodges, the intimate Sundial Lodge, the luxurious Silverado Lodge or the elegant Vintage on the Strand, with spacious townhomes in a perfect ski-in/ski-out location. Located at the base of The Canyons, the Waldorf Astoria Park City offers families elegant and luxurious accommodations with standard guest rooms, deluxe guest rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites.
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