Utah, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and winter sports, boasts some of the best ski resorts in the country for families! With their beautiful mountains, world-class facilities, and diverse terrain suitable for all skill levels, these resorts cater perfectly to families seeking adventure on the slopes. From Park City Mountain Resort with its historic downtown area to Powder Mountain, known for its intimate atmosphere, each resort offers unique features that make it stand out. For families seeking convenience, some resorts even provide childcare services while parents take advantage of world-class skiing opportunities or indulge in luxurious spa treatments. We’ve compiled some of the best ski resorts in Utah for families, plus where to stay with kids and things to do off the slopes. Keep reading to plan your next winter adventure!
Click here to find out 12 Of The Best Ski Resorts In America For Families Of All Ages!
Why Ski In Utah With Kids?
When it comes to planning a family ski trip, Utah shines as an outstanding destination with its abundance of top-notch resorts catering specifically to families. Known for its exceptional snow quality and vast terrain, it offers some of the best ski resorts in the country that provide unforgettable experiences for children and adults alike. It’s also fairly affordable compared to nearby destinations like Colorado. By utilizing the Ski Utah Passport program, families with kids in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade can enjoy three free ski days at each of Utah’s fifteen participating resorts. This includes complimentary lift tickets! Plus, you don’t have to be a Utah resident to take advantage – anyone with kids of age can apply!
Best Ski Resorts In Utah For Families
Now that we’ve covered why you should go skiing in Utah with kids, let’s go over the best ski resorts in Utah for families! All within an hour’s distance of Salt Lake City, these Utah ski resorts offer terrain for all abilities and other amenities to make your trip memorable. Keep reading to find out more!
Snowbird Ski Resort
Advancers skiers and snowboarders can’t get enough of Snowbird Ski Resort! Located around 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City International Airport, it’s famous for its challenging terrain, which is predominantly suited for those who are more experienced. Even so, the resort offers a great ski school program with learn-to-ski lessons and ski-in, ski-out childcare. And, the easy green runs here have an interactive mining twist, making them ideal for kids who love history. With over 2,500 acres of terrain, it’s fairly spread out as well, making it less crowded.
There are only four accommodations at Snowbird. Families particularly enjoy The Cliff Lodge, which has childcare facilities, and a spa, and is within walking distance of the Snowbird Village. Families who want bigger, condo-style accommodations can check out The Lodge at Snowbird instead. Or, book your stay at The Inn at Snowbird for something more affordable or The Iron Blosam. For options nearby, check out Airbnb or Vrbo.
Ski School + Terrain
Snowbird has 140+ trails, including 8% beginner, 26% intermediate and 66% advanced. While there isn’t a ton of beginner terrain here, they do have a specific Baby Thunder Family Area with green runs like Mini Miners’ Camp, Alice Avenue, and Easy Street, which pay homage to Snowbird’s mining history. Kids will love learning to ski while passing through old jail houses, mining towns, and more! They’re also all wide and accessible by a double chairlift. For something more intermediate, check out the slopes off the Gadzoom Express.
At the Snowbird Mountain School, kids as young as 3 years old can learn to ski with fun youth ski & snowboard lessons. Different groups include the Chickadees (ages 3-4), Kinderbirds (ages 5-6), and Youth & Teens (ages 7-15). Snowbird also offers adaptive skiing through Wasatch Adaptive Sports.
Activities For Non-Skiers
Off the slopes, families can explore the shops and restaurants in Snowbird Village. Or, if you’re staying at one of the on-site hotels, enjoy amenities such as heated pools. The Cliff Lodge Game Room also has vintage video games, foosball, and a pool table. For incredible views of the mountain, ride the Tram to the top of Hidden Peak. If you’re feeling confident, you can even ski back down! Families can also learn more about the ecology, history, and geography of Snowbird and Little Cottonwood Canyon by taking a complimentary Mountain Tour led by a Mountain Host.
Also read: Where To Ski In Europe With Kids: The Best Countries And Why!
Snowbasin Ski Resort
If you’re searching for the best ski resorts in Utah for families, Snowbasin Ski Resort is worth considering. Located near the Ogden Valley, this family-friendly ski resort is about 50 miles (around an hour and a half) north of the Salt Lake City Airport. It’s also part of the Ikon Pass Program, and features terrain for all skill levels, including challenging expert trails and some intermediate and beginner runs. Combined with an excellent ski school, picturesque lodges, and fantastic dining options, it’s an obvious choice for a no-frills ski vacation in Utah with kids. Plus, it’s often less crowded than more popular ski resorts like Snowbird or Park City.
While there are no accommodations on-site at the moment, plans for some are in progress. In the meanwhile, families can book accommodations in nearby towns like Eden, Huntsville, Salt Lake City, and Ogden.
Ski School + Terrain
Across 106 trails and three distinct areas, families will find runs that are 10% beginner, 60% intermediate, and 30% advanced. The Needles section provides access to beginner and intermediate runs, as well as three terrain parks. For beginners, Powder Puff at the base of the mountain is gentle enough for kids who are learning. You can take the Littlecat Express and then ski back down to the base. The Family Zone starts at the top of Bear Hollow, winds down through Snow Shoe, and continues down Powder Puff to the base area. For more challenging slopes, check out the John Paul or Strawberry section, home to runs like Sister’s Bowl, Middle Bowl Cirque, and Lone Tree.
Youth group lessons start for kids as young as 3-4 years old in the Busters Program, where kids can enjoy lessons in small groups of two. There’s also the Little Busters Program for ages 5 and 6, the Basin Busters Program for ages 7 to 12, and the Adventure Team for ages 13 to 15. Private lessons and adaptive lessons are available too.
Activities For Non-Skiers
Families looking for things to do off the slopes can go fat biking on the mountain. Or, visit nearby Ogden for ice skating at Weber County Ice Sheet. The Monte Cristo area near Huntsville is also a fantastic place to go snowmobiling, boasting views of the Ogden Valley.
Brighton Resort
One of the best ski resorts in Utah for families is Brighton Resort! Located just 35 miles southeast (around an hour) of Salt Lake City International Airport, it offers convenient access to visitors arriving by air. Known for its exceptional tree skiing and night skiing, this winter wonderland boasts an average annual snowfall of over 500 inches, ensuring excellent skiing conditions throughout the season. It’s also part of the Ikon Pass Program, features a great ski school and slopes suitable for all skill levels, including families, and remains a favorite destination for both locals and out-of-towners alike. Not to mention the fact that up to two kids ages 6 and under can ski for free per paying adult! (One paying or Season Pass/Go Card holding parents only.)
Families looking for somewhere to stay can book slopeside condos. Check Vrbo or Airbnb to find your best fit!
Ski School + Terrain
Brighton Resort is a fantastic place for beginners visiting the Cottonwoods, showcasing 21% beginner terrain, 40% intermediate, and 39% advanced. Kids who have mastered the magic carpets at the mountain’s base can try the Explorer Lift and maybe take a trail or two through the trees. Once you’ve mastered the Explorer Lift, you can also check out the Majestic Lift – Mary Back and Lost Maid are both great beginner options. Intermediate skiers will love the thrills of Thunder Road or the calmer Pacific Highway. Plus, there are four terrain parks for all abilities, including a Pee-Wee Terrain Park for young kids and beginners.
The Brighton Snowsports School offers group skiing lessons for kids ages 4 and up, divided into different age groups – Child (ages 4 to 7), Grom (ages 8 to 12), and Adult (ages 13+). There are also private lessons for kids ages 3 and up, including half-day and full-day options. Brighton also has an adaptive skiing program.
Activities For Non-Skiers
Brighton is a quaint village with a few shops and restaurants to explore. For Nordic or cross-country skiing, The Solitude Nordic Center has Nordic and snowshoeing trails that connect to Solitude. Here, you can also rent a variety of skis and snowshoes. Across the street, the Brighton Store and Cafe provides a unique dining and shopping experience.
Alta Ski Area
Alta Ski Area is widely recognized as one of the best ski resorts in Utah for families! Part of the Ikon Pass Program, this iconic destination is approximately 27 miles southeast of Salt Lake City International Airport, making it accessible within a 45-minute drive. Alta primarily caters to intermediate and expert skiers, since it’s renowned for its challenging and legendary terrain with deep powder. Still, it has a good ski school with programs for various skill levels, including specialized areas for children, so it’s a great choice for families. However, Alta has limited base amenities and lacks the typical ski town vibe. Instead, it prioritizes the skiing experience, emphasizing exceptional terrain and reliable snow conditions.
Accommodations at Alta include ski-in and ski-out options like the luxury Snowpine Lodge or the Alta Lodge, which has a kids’ club, an airport shuttle, and whirlpools for parents. Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge also has ski-in and ski-out access and a game room for kids to entertain themselves. Families also like the Alta Peruvian Lodge or Atla’s Rustler Lodge. Keep in mind you have to be a blue-level skier to truly take advantage of the ski-in, ski-out access.
Ski School + Terrain
While Alta features challenging terrain (55% expert runs, 30% intermediate, and 15% beginner), families can still find suitable options for all skill levels. You’ll find most of the green runs in Albion Basin off the Albion Lift. Once you’ve tackled these, you can try some more intermediate trails off the Sugarloaf Lift. The Alf Engen Ski School offers beginner group skiing lessons for kids ages 4 to 12. For advanced and expert-level children’s lessons, children need to be 7 years or older. During some holidays, Alta also offers a Teen Camp for advanced and expert-level skiers ages 13 to 17. Kids will love all the fun areas around the resort, like the bird-feeding stations where you can stop and watch.
Activities For Non-Skiers
Families who want to explore off the slopes at Alta can check out the resort’s various naturalist tours. You can learn more about the area’s bird populations, its native trees, and more fun facts as you venture through the winter landscape on skis or snowshoes. On Saturdays, the resort also offers racing so skiers can show off their skills!
Deer Valley Ski Resort
Deer Valley Ski Resort offers an exceptional winter vacation experience for families! Part of the Ikon Pass Program, it’s situated around 38 miles east of Salt Lake City International Airport, providing easy access within an hour’s drive. As a ski-only resort (no snowboarding allowed), Deer Valley offers meticulously groomed, wide slopes suitable for all levels of skiers. It’s usually less crowded than nearby Park City Mountain Resort, and offers more beginner slopes, making it ideal for families with kids. Still, it’s suitable for all skill levels, with intermediate trails and even tree forts. With an emphasis on quality service, it’s also more luxury/high-end than Park City, though it doesn’t offer a typical ski town packed with amenities.
If you’re looking for a luxury resort, try the St. Regis Deer Valley. This huge, high-end resort offers ski-in/ski-out access, ski valets, and even ski butlers! Families also love the Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley for its amazing staff and great location. Kids will love the outdoor waterslide at the Silver Baron Lodge, and parents can appreciate the convenient shuttle service. Montage Deer Valley also has ski-in/ski-out access, and is only 5 minutes from the Park City Main Street. With only a three-minute walk to the nearest chairlift, you can’t go wrong with The Chateaux Deer Valley, either!
Ski School + Terrain
Kids who are new to skiing may prefer Deer Valley Resort, which has its own wide beginner ski area. Unlike other resorts where blue and green runs are scattered throughout, the beginner area lets little ones practice safely without other skiers zooming by at high speeds. Try the Bandana off the Ruby Express lift, Ontario off of the Quincy Express lift, and Homeward Bound from the top of Sterling Lift. Since there’s no snowboarding at Deer Valley, the area is calmer in general. Plus, there’s an Adventure Trail Map for kids that explains the mascots and their different houses.
Families with extremely young children love the Deer Valley Ski School, ideal for kids under seven. Since there’s no snowboarding, the area is a bit calmer and easier to learn your way around. Skiing lessons include the Fawn Special for three-year-olds, the Bambi Club for four-year-olds, and the Reindeer Club for kids between five and six. Older kids and teens can take lessons too.
Activities For Non-Skiers
Non-skiers can spend time at the Deer Valley Children’s Center while everyone else hits the slopes. Catering to kids between two months and twelve years old, it’s located within the Snow Park Lodge at the Deer Valley Resort. Or, visit nearby Park City for other winter sports such as snowmobiling, sledding, ice skating, and more.
Park City Mountain Resort
Park City Mountain Resort is the biggest ski resort in the United States, boasting more than 7,000 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain. Located around 36 miles southeast of Salt Lake City International Airport, it’s easily accessible within an hour’s drive. Part of the Epic Pass Program, it also has extensive tree skiing, numerous trails, and historical sites such as old mining areas, making it a unique skiing experience. Plus, Park City is a favorite among families because it has an actual ski town nearby, featuring restaurants, shopping, and plenty to do off the slopes.
In terms of where to stay with kids, Park City boasts affordable accommodations like the Hyatt Centric Park City. For condominium-style accommodations, stay at the Lodge at Mountain Village, located right next to the chairlifts. Or, try the Washington School House Hotel. For luxury hotel options, the Waldorf Astoria Park City is located at the base of the Canyons ski area and even has its own private gondola! Westgate Park City Resort and Spa is also located at the Canyon Base. The Grand Summit Hotel is another fantastic option within Canyons Village, plus it’s ski-in/ski-out. For more options, check out our Guide To Skiing In Park City/Deer Valley With Kids!
Ski School + Terrain
With both skiing and snowboarding across 8 terrain parks, Park City Mountain Resort has terrain for a variety of skill levels, including 17% beginner trails. Many families particularly love the Canyons base area because it’s quiet and has a variety of terrain. Check out High Meadow Park, a dedicated learning area, for kids who want gentler terrain. For more easy runs, take the Crescent Lift or Payday Express to Bonanza and cruise down the Claimjumper. More intermediate skiers can enjoy multiple options near the King Con Express, Silverlode Express, and Motherlode Express. Another famous run, the 3.5-mile Home Run Train is great for intermediate and beginner skiers.
The Park City Ski School offers both skiing and snowboarding lessons, with smaller classes than other ski resorts nearby. Children between three and fourteen can split up into separate groups for ski or snowboarding lessons. There’s also an All Terrain Program for kids between seven and fourteen years old, featuring thrilling adventures for all skill levels! Plus, adaptive skiing is available too.
Activities For Non-Skiers
Park City boasts plenty of things to do off the slopes! Families can ride the Mountain Coaster to travel through the beautiful mountain scenery or go ice skating at the Resort Center Ice Skating Rink inside The Lodge at the Mountain Village. For other winter sports, check out Woodward Park City for tubing, snowmobiling at Thousands Peak Snowmobiling, or dog sledding with Luna Lobos Dog Sledding, All Seasons Adventures, and North Forty Escapes. Just outside of Park City, families can visit The Hogle Zoo, hop on the Heber Valley Railroad, or take a dip in the Crystal Hot Springs.
Solitude Mountain Resort
Solitude Mountain Resort provides an idyllic winter getaway, with its fantastic slopes and family-friendly atmosphere! Around 40 minutes southeast of Salt Lake City International Airport, this ski resort is part of the Ikon Pass Program. It’s known for its intimate and uncrowded atmosphere, reliable snow, and range of wide, well-groomed slopes suitable for various skill levels. It’s also manageable in terms of exploring, with a small village for convenient dining and a low-key experience. This makes it one of the best ski resorts in Utah for families!
Solitude Mountain Resort doesn’t have many luxury on-mountain accommodations. Families can stay at the Inn at Solitude or check out home rentals on Airbnb or Vrbo. Some visitors prefer to stay in nearby areas like Brighton, Salt Lake City, or other towns close to Solitude instead. Here, you’ll find more hotels, motels, and vacation rentals on Vrbo or Airbnb. Or, you can book your vacation to other Utah ski resorts and visit Solitude for a day trip.
Ski School + Terrain
While Solitude doesn’t have a lot of beginner terrain (around 20%), the areas it does have are great and separated from the rest of the more challenging runs, making it easy for kids to practice and get a hang of the slopes. True beginners can take advantage of the gentle, green runs surrounding the Link Chairlift. Or, after they’re a bit more confident, there are green runs off the Moonbeam Express or the Sunrise Chairlift.
The Solitude Ski School also offers half-day group skiing lessons for kids potty-training age and up, with separate groups for young kids, tweens, teens, etc. The resort also offers adaptive skiing through the National Ability Center.
Activities For Non-Skiers
Non-skiers have plenty to do off the slopes! Solitude’s Big Cottonwood Canyon also serves as a destination for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and backcountry adventures. There’s also a dedicated Nordic trail system on the left of the resort.
Powder Mountain
Families who want an intimate ski experience in Utah can look no further than Powder Mountain! Around 60 miles north (a little more than an hour) of Salt Lake City Airport, this family-friendly resort purposely limits ticket sales to provide skiers with an uncrowded experience. And, since it’s huge – around 8,000 acres and over 150 trails – you’ll feel like you have the entire place to yourself! This, combined with a variety of beginner trails spread across the mountain, makes it one of the best ski resorts in Utah for families. Keep in mind it may be hard to secure a season pass here, since priority is given to residents who own condos nearby.
Families looking for accommodations near Powder Mountain can check out Vrbo and options in nearby towns like Eden.
Ski School + Terrain
With two terrain parks, families can expect 25% beginner runs, 40% intermediate runs, and 35% advanced runs. Beginners will appreciate the easy terrain near the Sundown Base Area, with the Sundown Chairlift and Tiger Tow Surface Tow offering a variety of runs that all meet back at the Sundown Lodge. The Timberline Lodge also offers access to blue runs. More adventurous skiers can take the Timberline Chair for a warm-up on the Powder Keg or Sidewinder trails.
The Powder Mountain Ski School offers group skiing lessons for kids ages 7 to 12 and private lessons for kids as young as 3 and 4. Adaptive skiing is available too.
Activities For Non-Skiers
Powder Mountain offers lots to do off the slopes, from snowshoeing to backcountry adventures. Families can go ice fishing, take a sleigh ride, go snowmobiling, or check out the Nordic Center. For something indoors, there’s the Eccles Art Center or The Salomon Center, an indoor action sports hub in Ogden.
Happy Travels!
We hope you liked this article on the Best Ski Resorts In Utah For Families! From Park City to Snowbird, there are lots of options for all kinds of skiers. Enjoy your next family ski vacation in Utah!
*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.
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