There are very few ski resort areas in the world that can boast access to thousands of skiable acres within an hour of stepping off an airplane. Utah, aka Ski Heaven, is this blessed. Eager powder hounds can easily move from baggage claim to claiming dibs on some of the finest Utah’s ski resorts. These include Alta Ski Area’s 2,200 skiable acres, Sundance’s old-school lifts and new age yoga yurts, or Deer Valley’s six mountain ranges and 101 runs.
Whether your ski style is double-black powder shredding, sedate verticals with mountain views and potential sightings of Hollywood icon Robert Redford, or slope-side access to luxe Verve Cliquot yurts, Utah’s ski resorts can fulfill any and all winter vacation fantasies. So what’s new for winter at Utah ski resorts for the upcoming season?
In a word, lots. But first, let’s enjoy this tempting glimpse of the snowtastic winter fun that exists in Utah’s ski playgrounds.
Ski Utah! Epic Snow Play Fun at Utah Ski Resorts
What’s New for Winter at Utah Ski Resorts
Here’s a sampling of what’s brand, spanking new at Utah ski resorts this winter 2016-2017. And good news! The weather gods are predicting a doozy of a snow year for the west – yippee!
- Ski Utah’s 5th and 6th Grade Passports Program is offered to kids nationwide. Fifth graders receive three free lift tickets at each of Utah’s 14 resorts. Sixth graders receive one free lift ticket to each resort, with a $35 administrative fee.
- Ski Utah Silver Pass, which offers 30 days (60 days at Park City Mountain) to all 14 resorts for $3,150. Limited supply available.
- Ski Utah Yeti Pass, which offers one day at all 14 Resorts for $649. A perfect pass for any skier or rider looking to explore the state. The Yeti Pass is also great option for parents to complement their child’s 5th or 6th Grade Passport.
- Park City Mountain launched Epic SchoolKids in Utah. A program offering five free days of skiing and riding at Park City Mountain for all of Utah’s Kids, Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. It includes a free first-timer lesson and rentals during the month of January.
- Stay at Sundance Resort and Ski Free. Book your stay in a luxurious cottage at Sundance Mountain Resort and receive two free lift passes per night. This package also includes ‘First Tracks’ skiing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Tickets are also good for the Sundance Nordic Center.
- Park City Mountain, the largest resort in the United States, is operating all 7,300 skiable acres under the Epic Pass. This gives skiers and snowboarders unlimited days at Park City Mountain and twelve other Vail Resort properties. New this year, the Epic Pass will also provide access to six iconic ski areas in Europe for the 2016-17 season. For the best deal, purchase your Epic Pass early.
- Solitude Mountain Resort, is owned and operated by Deer Valley Resort. They’ve renovated the Roundhouse and will be expanding the Himalayan and Wasatch-inspired mountain cuisine. With one of the best and sunniest views in the Wasatch, it is worth stopping by for lunch.
- If you can only make a few turns in the afternoon, Alta Ski Area offers a $10 ticket to ski after 3 p.m. on Sunnyside lift. If you want to make it a season-long adventure, purchase a $35 Sunnyside Season Pass.
- The Montage Deer Valley has launched a new Montage Expeditions. This program allows guests to experience skiing the famed slopes of Deer Valley while celebrating the centennial of the National Parks in Southern Utah all in one stay. Guests can take a break from skiing during their trip and take a once-in-a-lifetime day-trip adventure to southern Utah. Enjoy a hiking or biking excursion led by a Montage guide, complete with private flight aboard a Pilatus-12 and a gourmet Chef-prepared lunch within one of four National Parks.
Remember that fall is THE time to prepare and plan for your family’s winter ski holiday. Think snow!
Credits: Claudia Laroye
Disclosure: My Utah ski resort experiences were generously hosted by Ski Utah. As always, my opinions are honest and my own. And yes, I LOVE skiing in Utah.
Have you visited and skied Utah? What is your favorite ski memory? Share your comment below!
