I find that spring is a great time to get the littles out on the slopes. Why? The tiny humans seem to do better when it’s warm out and the sun is shining (making it easier to see) – it’s as simple as that! As with most things involving kids, easy and fun access to food and drink (kid and adult beverages) is a must. So, I went in search of kid-friendly après spots the whole family can enjoy at some of Utah's resorts really any time of the year.
Brian Head Ski Resort
Outdoor Patio of the Giant Steps Lodge: This is a great place for skiers and boarders to kick back and enjoy refreshments from the Last Chair Bar and Patio. Guests are also allowed to bring their own food. As you and the kids relax, you can watch skiers make their way down the mountain or get your inspiration from looking out at the peak.
Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley Ski Beach: A beach on snow? Why, yes! Just outside the Silver Lake Restaurant (mid-mountain) is an open area known as the ski beach. With dozens of lounge chairs lined up, it’s a great spot to enjoy resort-favorite bites (did someone say turkey chili?!) and keep an eye on the kids at the same time. Make sure the sunscreen and shades are on for this perfect après ski hangout.
Stein Eriksen Champions Club: With a variety of high-tech to old-school games, the Champions Club at Stein Eriksen Lodge is a family’s dream après ski location. Adults enjoy the relaxed dining restaurant space, casual food options, and beer and wine selection, while kids delight in the free, unlimited arcade play and kid-friendly menu (which includes milkshakes with plenty of sprinkles).
Park City Mountain
Umbrella Bar: Don’t let “bar” in the name fool you. While this is a great spot for adults (who love the 360-degree views outside), its open outdoor setting in the Canyons Village has ample seating, space for kids to run around, and a large fire pit prime for marshmallow roasting fans.
Snowbasin Resort
If you (or the kids) prefer refreshments outdoors, just outside the Cinnabar Lounge is the plaza with big fire pits, gorgeous views, and space for the littles to work out their wiggles.
Snowbird
Plaza Deck: If you need to refuel after a steep and deep ski day at Snowbird, The Subie Surf Shack and Snowbird Birdfeeder on the plaza deck serve food and drink every day until 5 p.m. Plazapalooza every weekend in the spring dishes up free live music and dancing in ski boots is highly encouraged for skiers and snowboarders of all ages.
Sundance Mountain Resort
The base of Outlaw Express: Between The Lookout and The Foundry Grill, guests will find a fire pit near the base of Outlaw Express chairlift. Families can enjoy their grab-and-go snacks from The Lookout or Deli and warm up outside, just steps from the lift line and spectacular views of Mount Timpanogos.
Woodward Park City
The Grind: Located upstairs in the Action Sports Hub, this spot serves a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, full coffee bar, and food service all day. Seating overlooks the action zones downstairs, so parents can enjoy après while keeping an eye on their kids nailing new tricks.
The Hive: The Hive offers a selection of beverages from beer to cold canned bubbly to complement traditional ski lodge favorites plus a variety of healthier vegan and vegetarian alternatives. With food and drink in hand, guests can head outdoors to refuel while getting a dose of inspo overlooking the skatepark plazas and outdoor mountain parks.
