3 Utah Ski Resorts for Families

Skiing in Utah’s “Champagne Powder” is the stuff of legends. But that perfect snow and rugged mountain terrain isn’t just for experts. You’ll find ski resorts catering to skiers of all abilities, and the proximity of these three to Salt Lake City’s airport makes family travel easy.

Deer Valley
In a class by itself, Deer Valley sits high above Park City and is known for its customer service and family-friendly vibe. The daily number of skiers is limited, so lines are short. The resort also offers a fully licensed day care center for children, in addition to lessons for all ages. Luxury family accommodations are right at the base.

While experts in the family will find plenty of challenge in the 100-plus runs spread across six mountain faces, major improvements for this season seek to make more terrain available to less-experienced skiers. A new $10 million chairlift carries skiers from Snow Park base to the gentle slope of Little Baldy Mountain, and the ski school and beginner area has been upgraded.

Alta
It’s hard to beat the more than 500 inches of annual snowfall at Alta, located in Little Cottonwood Valley, near Salt Lake City. Like Deer Valley, Alta is for skiers only, with no snowboards allowed. Although the terrain is tilted to intermediate and advanced skiers, newer skiers find plenty of beautifully groomed trails. There’s also a good ski school, as well as a day-care program for youngsters.

A plus for families is the availability of hotels at the base, offering family-sized rooms and suites, as well as all-inclusive meal packages, allowing families to spend a ski holiday right at the resort.

Brighton
Like Alta, Brighton is about skiing, not the apres-ski life. With the same annual snowfall as Alto, Brighton has the advantage for families with riders, as snowboards are also welcome here. Riders and free-style skiers will find five separate terrain parks with some of the best rails, jumps, jibs, pipes and other features in the industry.

A plus for families with young children, those 10 years old and younger ski free. And skiers with limitless energy can extend the day on lighted slopes six nights a week.