Ski season is here! My family lives within an hour of 10 of Utah ski resorts, and it's a fun way to spend a winter day. Thankfully, nearly every Utah resort offers ski deals for families.
We all know that this season will be a little bit different. The good news is that skiing and snowboarding are well suited to face masks and social distancing that help keep us all safer during a pandemic. Here's what you can expect at most resorts.
- Face masks are required, indoors and out.
- Limited ticket sales (and lighter crowds). Buy early for best availability.
- Limited access to restaurants and other services to reduce crowding. Considering bringing your own lunch and eating it in your car.
- Be sure to visit the official website for updates.
Here's a roundup of Utah ski deals for families for the 2020-2021 season.
Kids Ski Free
Kids under age 5 ski free at most resorts in Utah. Some resorts raise the “Kids Ski Free” age to 6, 7 or 10!
The Ski Utah 5th and 6th Grade Passports are the best ski deals for kids in Utah. You pay an upfront fee of $45, but then kids can ski or snowboard at every resort in Utah for no additional charge.
5th Graders can visit every resort up to 3 times. 6th graders can visit every resort one time. You do not have to live in Utah to get this deal. Some resorts have blackout dates (Christmas Break), and some have other restrictions, so be sure to read the fine print.
Learn more and sign up at https://www.skiutah.com.
Related: Winter Clothes – Everything You Need to Stay Warm and Have Fun
Alta
Little Cottonwood Canyon, just east of Salt Lake City
Alta is known for its steep hills and deep powder, but it also has some good beginner trails. Love it or hate it, Alta is among a few resorts that do not allow snowboarding.
- Ski @ Three – Lift tickets cost only $15 after 3 PM. Sunnyside and Albion lifts only. Due to DOVID-19 restrictions, this deal is only available as part of a $59 season pass in 20-21.
- Get a Ski @ Three season pass for $59 – online only
- Family season passes available.
Beaver Mountain
Northern Utah, near Logan
Beaver Mountain has been family owned and operated since 1939. This family-minded resort caters primarily to locals, and offers affordable day and season passes.
- Day passes $50 and under
- Student Season Passes (6th grade through college)
- Ages 5 and under get a free season pass with each paid adult season pass
Related: Tips for Visiting Beaver Mountain Resort
Brian Head
Southwest Utah, near Parowan and Cedar City
Brian Head's Southern Utah location makes day trips to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks a breeze. It's remote location means that lift tickets cost a lot less than at bigger resorts near Salt Lake City.
- Children age 5 and under ski free with a paid adult
- Off-Peak weekday lift tickets for under $50
- Night skiing for $25
Brighton
Big Cottonwood Canyon, just east of Salt Lake City
Brighton Resort prides itself on being an old school resort that caters to locals. It has an average of 500 inches of powder per year and a diverse range of terrain and ticketing options.
- Kids age 10 and under ski free! Two children per paid adult.
- Bright-N-Early Season Pass – Unlimited skiing through December 22 for a lower price.
- Night skiing from $13.
Related: Our Review of the Ski Utah 5th and 6th Grade Passport
Cherry Peak
Northern Utah, near Logan
Cherry Peak is one of Utah's newest resorts. This resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing for some of the lowest prices in the state.
- The most expensive day pass is just $40!
- Night skiing from $18
- Kids ages 5 and under ski free with paid adult
- Discounts for students and military
Deer Valley
Park City
Deer Valley is arguably the finest winter resort in the United States. For luxury skiing, lodging, dining and services, look no further.
- Discount season passes for Utah residents. Visit www.deerlocals.com for details.
- Find information about Ski/Lodging packages at www.deervalley.com/plan-your-trip/packages-specials
Related: Our Review of the Deer Valley Seafood Buffet
Eagle Point
Southwest Utah, near Beaver
Eagle Point is an up and coming resort near Beaver, Utah. Eagle Point's rural location keeps prices down, while its facilities are new and growing.
- Kids age 6 and under ski free every day
- Every day low prices on lift tickets – save even more when you buy online in advance.
Nordic Valley
Northern Utah, near Ogden
Nordic Valley is an outstanding resort for beginning skiers. I spent many hours learning to ski here. It's a small, family-oriented resort.
- Lift tickets cost $50 or less every day
- Kids age 7 and under ski free
- Night skiing $35 or less
Related: Tips for Visiting Utah's Nordic Valley
Park City Mountain Resort
Park City
Park City Mountain Resort is the largest winter resort in the United States. The options are endless, with easy access to an exhaustive list of lodging, dining and shopping opportunities. If you want the whole package, it's in Park City.
- Kids age 4 and under ski free.
- Epic SchoolKids Utah Pack is a free program for Utah Kindergarten through 5th graders that provides five days of skiing and riding at Park City. If the program has closed for the season, check back in September! Details at www.epicschoolkids.com/utah.
- Low price guarantee on lift tickets when you buy online 7 days in advance.
Related: Tips for Visiting Park City Mountain Resort
Powder Mountain
Northern Utah, near Ogden
I grew up skiing at Powder Mountain, and when I took my kids there for the first time, I was thrilled to see that it hasn't changed at all. Powder Mountain limits the passes it sells to ensure an average of two acres per skier.
- Family Pack – 6 tickets for $82 every Tuesday night. Blackout dates apply.
- Kids age 6 and under and seniors age 75+ ski free every day.
- See Ladies Night, Military, College, and other promotions at www.powdermountain.com/resort/tickets-passes/discounts-and-specials
Related: Tips for Visiting Powder Mountain
Snowbasin
Northern Utah, near Ogden
Snowbasin was an Olympic venue in 2002. It has one of the easiest hills in Utah for beginners and plenty of challenging terrain for advanced skiers. And… the bathrooms are gorgeous. Seriously.
- Learn and Earn – $899 for 3 lessons, lift tickets and rentals. Get a season pass and all-season rentals upon completion.
- Kids age 6 and under ski free.
Related: Tips for Visiting Snowbasin Resort
Snowbird
Little Cottonwood Canyon, near Salt Lake City
If you can ski Snowbird, you can ski anywhere. This world class resort is where my kids took their first lesson. It gave them a great opportunity, not only to learn to ski, but to meet kids their age from all over the U.S.
- Kids age 6 and under ski free.
- Learn about all current Snowbird deals at www.snowbird.com/specials
Related: Our Review of Snowbird Mountain School
Solitude
Big Cottonwood Canyon, near Salt Lake City
Solitude lives up to its name. This resort is close to the city, but feels like a million miles away. It's an excellent resort for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
- Kids under age 6 ski free.
- Look for lodging deals at www.solitudemountain.com/plan-your-trip/deals-and-packages
Sundance
Provo Canyon, between Provo and Heber Valley
Sundance offers a balance of natural beauty, world class facilities and a variety of activities. I came this close to trying Sundance's Winter Ziptour last year.
- Kids age 5 and under ski free.
- Find current specials at www.sundanceresort.com/mountain-activities/hot-deals.
- The following deals were available in past years, but we could not confirm for 20-21. Contact the resort for more information.
- Family Night – 4 lift passes and gear rentals for $156 on Monday nights. Add $39 per additional family member.
- 2-for-1 night skiing on Wednesdays
- Night skiing with rentals for $48/person
Conclusion
There are lots of ways to save money at Utah's ski resorts. I hope this list gives you lots of ideas that will make your next Utah ski vacation more affordable.
andrew
Thanks for sharing the great deals. I was planing for a skiing in Utah, your tips are really helpful and made my planning easier.