Nordic Valley is family skiing – like it used to be

Nordic Valley was one of the resorts I visited most often when I was learning to ski, so I was excited to have the chance to return with my 9-year-old son last year. The resort was a lot like I remembered.

We played hooky on a gorgeous Wednesday after a long holiday weekend, and we practically had the resort to ourselves. No lift lines ever!

Nordic Valley is one of three resorts in the Ogden, Utah area. It's small, and great for families because of its low prices and excellent learning hills. I'll definitely be back.

Here is what you need to know before you go.

The good old days

If you can count the years since you learned to ski in decades, Nordic Valley is a lot like the resorts you remember. It's low frills and low fuss and that's the way it intends to stay.

We arrived early and snagged a parking spot right next to the the big white barn, where we found tickets, rentals, bathrooms and the grill. Nordic has just three chair lifts and a “magic carpet” for beginners. They still use paper lift tickets that we attached to our coat zippers.

Nordic Valley does have a few new features. The resort welcomes snowboarders and a terrain park has been built near the Crockett lift. A snow tubing park is also available.

Learning and training

Nordic Valley owns its reputation as a learning and training hill. Its trails are more or less evenly divided among green, blue and black. My son and I spent most of our day on the easy Little Bear run and I thought it was a great confidence-building hill. Later, we moved to Old Barn, which is a long, but easy trail from the top of the mountain.

I learned from Nordic Valley's PR representative that Nordic Valley is also popular among competitive skiers in training. She said that the Park City ski team sometimes trains here because they can ski more runs in less time at Nordic Valley than at their home resort.

Night Skiing

Nordic Valley lights 100% of the resort at night. Low prices and easy access from Weber and Davis Counties make night skiing a popular option for locals. It's how I learned to ski.

Just for kids

Nordic Valley hosts school clubs one night a week and hosts its own after-school ski club for kids three days a week. For about $200, your child gets rentals, lessons and lift passes once a week for four weeks. Parent passes are just $12.50 on these nights. Learn more about Nordic Valley's after school programs HERE.

Happy Holidays

Nordic Valley hosts a family-friendly New Year party on December 31. Celebrate with Northern Utah's biggest New Year fireworks show at 10:00 pm, then party 'til the New Year or get a good night's sleep before spending the next day on the slopes.

When it comes to skiing, we are “lifelong learners” and like a laid-back day on Utah's fantastic powder. Nordic Valley is just our speed. I look forward to spending more time here this ski season.

Disclosure: We received complimentary day passes to Nordic Valley for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

Good to Know

Where: 3567 Nordic Valley Way, Eden, Utah. Nordic Valley is located right in Eden, about 30 minutes east of Ogden.

When: December – March, weather permitting. Nordic Valley has a summer season with hiking, mountain biking and disc golf as well.

How Much: Weekday passes start at $30 for adults. Get all current prices HERE.

How Long: All day! The resort opens at 9 or 10 am, depending on the day, and closes at 8 pm most nights. Half and full day tickets are available.

Amenities: rentals, lessons, grill, snow tubing, terrain park

Website: www.nordicvalley.com

How else can I help?

Need a place to stay? There is no onsite lodging at Nordic Valley, and few nearby hotels. However, there are lots of rentals in this scenic area. Check HomeAway or VRBO for rentals in Eden, Liberty or Wolf Creek. Read our tips for renting a great vacation home HERE.

If you want more urban amenities and easier access to the interstate, there are many hotels in Ogden, about 15 miles away. Check rates and reviews at TripAdvisor.

Need winter clothes and gear? Get my list of must-have ski clothes for families HERE. 

Allison

Hi there! I am the founder of Tips for Family Trips. I am a married mom of two children, ages 14 and 17, living near Salt Lake City, Utah. We took our first child on a two-week road trip when she was four weeks old and we have been traveling as a family ever since. We love to get out of the house to see and do fun things, both far away and in our own neighborhood.