The Best Ski Resorts in Utah for Families to Visit

Family having fun skiing in Utah Utah ski resorts are some of the best in the country at catering to families. From ski schools and terrain parks to kids programs and winter activities, families (and kids) won't get bored at these ski resorts in the Beehive State. Read on to discover the best ski resorts in Utah for families to visit on their next winter vacation.

Why Should You Ski In Utah?

Utah is a skier's paradise, no matter the age or experience level. It's the perfect place for your next family ski vacation, and we're here to tell you why.

First, almost all mountains are family-friendly, offering various activities and difficulty levels on slopes.

Second, lift ticket prices are affordable, and at some resorts, kids can ski for free!

Finally, ski resorts are located close to major cities, so you can find affordable accommodations without straying too far from the resort.

Family Friendly Ski Resorts in Utah

Solitude

This ski resort's name says it all. Solitude is a hidden gem for families looking for calmer, crowd-free slopes and a slower pace. Skiing and snowboarding are allowed at this resort, and lessons are available.

Solitude is located just 30 minutes from Salt Lake City, making it convenient for day trips from the city. The resort has several lodging options available, as well as condos and townhouses with spectacular views of the slopes.

This resort is best suited for intermediate and advanced skiing families; however, you can find some beginner terrain at the Link and Moonbeam lifts.

Plus, kids under 6 get to ski for free.

Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude

Number of Runs: 82 (10% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 50% Advanced/Expert)

Snowbird

Snowbird is an excellent resort for advanced skiing families. It has steeper slopes that your kids will love zipping down. There are also some beginner and intermediate slopes for newer skiers (check out the Chickadee, Wilber, Mid Gad, and Baby Thunder lifts).

This resort is located 30 minutes from the Salt Lake City Airport. It offers all-inclusive packages and deals, making it an affordable option for families. Apart from skiing, parents can relax at the Cliff Spa, and kids can enjoy tubing and games.

Snowbird is an IKON pass destination. It's also located next to another resort, Alta, and lets skiers move between both with the Alta-Bird pass.

Location: Little Cottonwood Canyons, Salt Lake County

Number of Runs: 144 (8% Beginner, 25% Intermediate, 67% Expert)

Deer Valley Resort

Deer Valley is a family-friendly ski resort known for its outstanding customer service and luxurious experience. You won't have to lug the entire family's heavy equipment because there's a valet service.

Its rental properties are spacious and large to accommodate families. In addition, the resort has a daycare option for kids aged two to 12 years old.

Keep in mind it's a ski-only resort, so snowboarding isn't allowed. These slopes are best suited for beginner and intermediate skiers as the terrain is gentler.

Location: Park City

Number of Runs: 103 (27% Beginner, 41% Intermediate, 32% Expert)

Park City Mountain Resort

Park City Mountain is known for its varied terrain, accessibility, and excellent snow quality. It offers canyon-side skiing (a family favorite) and plenty of activities for non-skiers, like dog-sledding, snowmobiling, and snowboarding.

Park City is a lively ski town with a fun vibe; it has a little bit of everything. However, due to its popularity and appeal to diverse audiences, it's also one of Utah's most crowded ski resorts.

It's perfect for kids learning to ski as the resort offers small group lessons, so kids get constant supervision, and tweens and teenagers will love it!

Location: Park City

Number of Runs: 330+ (8% Beginner, 42% Intermediate, 50% Expert)

Powder Mountain

Powder Mountain is one of the least crowded ski resorts in Utah. It's commonly referred to as Utah's best-kept secret because its crowd mainly consists of locals rather than tourists.

This resort limits the number of lift tickets daily, so it's perfect for families who want to avoid long lift lines. In addition, kids can take ski and snowboard lessons here with The Powder Club or Powder Tykes program.

Half of the ski area is lift skiing, while the other half is cat skiing. Additionally, the resort opens one lift, the Sundown Lift, for night skiing from 3-8:30 pm. The mountain varies in difficulty level, so each family member can find a run that suits their level.

Location: Eden

Number of Runs: 154 Runs (25% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 35% Advanced)

Snowbasin

Snowbasin has some of the best snowmaking in Utah. It has a wide range of kids programs, including a daycare center, making it a total family ski resort. It's located about 45 minutes north of Salt Lake City.

Though this mountain has hosted Olympic skiing events, there are still plenty of beginner (Little Cat and Becket lifts) and intermediate (Wildcat and Porcupine lifts) trails for your little ones.

After a long morning on the slopes, you can chill out at the Snowbasin main lodge to warm up.

Location: Huntsville

Number of Runs: 104 runs (20% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 30% Advanced/Expert)

A family of skiers posing on the slopes.

Alta

As previously mentioned, Alta is a mountain right beside Snowbird. However, unlike Snowbird, Alta is a ski-only resort. The mountain is blanketed with high-quality snow and full of adventurous terrain. Some people say Alta has the greatest snow on Earth.

Alta has an old-school, European-ski-resort-style charm. It is another good spot for families looking to avoid crowds. Its lack of crowds makes it a great place for kids to learn to ski.

The resort has game rooms, hot tubs, and pubs - something for everyone.

Location: Little Cottonwood Canyons

Number of Runs: 119 (20% Beginner, 30% Intermediate, 50% Expert)

Brighton

Brighton appeals to families as children under 10 can ski for free. It also has some of the best terrain parks in Utah and is an all-around fun resort for children and families.

Your kids will have a blast on the windy trails through the trees with jumps and curves. There are also tons of beginner terrains. In fact, many people learn to ski or ride at Brighton. Beginners can try the Explorer and Majestic lifts to start.

The resort is very ski and snowboard friendly; some locals say it has the best snowboarding in Utah.

Location: Brighton

Number of Runs: 66 (21% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 39% Expert)