Why bring your groomsmen to The Greatest Snow on Earth® or your bridesmaids to the Beehive State this winter? As a veteran of many Utah-based bachelor parties, I’m here to give you plenty of reasons why you should bring the celebration to Utah this winter!
1. The Greatest Snow on Earth®, of course!
A total no-brainer here – in Utah, we’ve got snow, and a LOT of it. You may have heard that Alta Ski Area is coming off consecutive 700+ inch snow years, or this may be news to you! Either way, those jaw-dropping numbers are quite common around these parts. You have to experience it for yourself to believe it!
Of course, there’s the powder. But there are many other beautiful canvases for you to ski – the longest groomer in the state, for example, at Deer Valley, called Green Monster. Bump runs abound for a bride or groom who is working on their moguls – try Alta, Park City Mountain, or Deer Valley Resort. Snowboarders or ski bikers’ paradise with plenty of park? Head to Brighton or Woodward Park City. Steeps? You’re going to want to visit Snowbird. Venture south of Salt Lake for sweeping red rock views of Brian Head Ski Resort and Eagle Point and a stop in one of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks, or head north for the quiet and untamed feel of Beaver Mountain or Cherry Peak.
That’s part of what makes the snow so great – there are so many ways and so many places to ski it.
2. A vibe for every kind of bach party
Whether you’re the crunchy granola or high-class type, or fall somewhere in between – Utah’s ski scene has a bach party for you. Book accommodations in Park City, Deer Valley, or Sundance Mountain Resort to pursue some of the finer things in life – champagne toasts, world-class dining, Euro-style après and more. Explore rowdy Main Street favorites like the iconic No Name Saloon or the always-happening Spur, or book a tasting at High West Distillery and Saloon.
For a Salt Lake-based bash, go divey or big city with local favorites – from the always-live-music spots like the Hog Wallow to off-the-beaten-path gems like Garage on Beck, or late-night clubs like Lake Effect. Go full cowboy at the Westerner – featuring line dancing, a mechanical bull, and karaoke. Keep the party going après-ski in the Cottonwoods with soulful ski bars like the Alta Peruvian, Snowbird’s Tram Club, Solitude’s Thirsty Squirrel, and Brighton’s Molly Greens. Or take the party to the beach and tailgate your heart out at some of Utah’s well-known parking lot girl-out spots: Brighton, Alta, Beaver Mountain, and more.
Just as you can take your snow and skiing style as you’d like, celebrate your upcoming nuptials by curating the kind of vibe you are looking for. The advantage of Utah is that there are so many places to ski, many of which are proximate to one another, and a major city in Salt Lake.
3. Come for the skiing – stay for live sports, music, and more!
Earlier this winter, I wrote a piece about how easy it is to catch professional and college sporting events while in town to ski – which definitely applies here! There are also great places for live music. Try the State Room, the Commonwealth Room, or Granary Live for tunes. Plan an evening at Wiseguys Comedy Club, catch a drag show at Why Kiki – the list goes on. Basically, consider an activity you might look for in a well-known bachelor/bachelorette destination like New Orleans, Austin, or Nashville, but add skiing! It’s hard to argue with that.
4. Not all skiers? No worries!
Perhaps your future sister-in-law or your college roommate isn’t a skier. While we can’t relate, we forgive them – which is why it’s great that Utah has many more winter sport options for folks in your crew who may not be as into sliding on snow as you are. Try tubing at Woodward Park City, or schedule a day of snowmobiling outside of Park City. Try cross-country skiing at Solitude, or enjoy a scenic tram ride and the Cliff Spa at Snowbird. Enjoy lower-elevation hikes around Salt Lake, or visit a state or National Park! Opportunities in the outdoors extend far beyond the slopes in the Beehive State – so whatever form of winter movement is your style, we have that!
5. Logistics
In many places, a ski trip featuring 5-10 (or more) of your best buds who will be a part of your wedding could pose some logistical hurdles. Rental cars, long drives from an airport, limited lodging options…
Not in Utah! With 10 ski areas within an hour of Salt Lake, many of which are less than 40 minutes from our brand-new airport, planning is a breeze. Public transit, shuttle services, and rideshares serve as an alternative to car rental, and the lodging options are plentiful. This makes it easy for folks to arrive and depart the weekend at different times, mitigating the costs and transportation headaches associated with other ski destinations.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're carving up the slopes or kicking back with your crew, Utah offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and easy access for a memorable bachelor or bachelorette party. With its unbeatable snow, lively après-ski culture, and diverse activities, you'll be sure to create lasting memories. So, why wait? Make Utah the destination for your ultimate winter celebration!
