There’s nothing more iconic than spending the holidays playing in snow and sipping cocoa by the fire, so if you’re planning a ski holiday in Utah, get ready for a treat.
The key to a perfect holiday visit is planning. I suggest planning a mix of on-snow and off-snow activities. Also reserve time to relax by the fire and enjoy some good holiday meals.
On Snow Fun
Skiing & Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding are the first snow activities most people plan when visiting Utah. Because the holidays are a popular time to visit, book lessons, rentals, and tours in advance. Also, consider hitting the slopes in the afternoon when crowds naturally thin. An afternoon visit will also make parking easier if you are driving to the mountain. Another tip, once you are on the mountain, head to the mid-mountain lifts and lap those. The lines will often be shorter and faster moving. See resort opening dates here to ensure the resort you plan to visit is open!
Saddle up a Fat Bike
Mountain biking doesn’t end when the snow falls, just ride. Fat bikes are a ton of fun and you’ll be amazed at how well they ride over snow. A great introduction is booking a Fat Bike Tour with White Pine Touring. They’ll provide the bike and will get you on trails suited to your ability. It’s a no-fuss way to give fat bikes a try!
Explore the Backcountry
Feeling adventurous? Book a backcountry guided tour. There are a variety of backcountry tour options, but they all have one thing in common, they are strenuous and require strong skiing skills, so read the descriptions carefully before deciding to book. Here are a few great options:
- Ski Utah Interconnect Tour
- Powder Mountain Backcountry Tour
- Guided Backcountry and Snowcat Skiing with Snowbird Mountain Guides
- PC Powder Cats & Heli-Ski
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a slow, chill, snow activity that gets you out into landscapes surrounded by birds, trees and views. A snowshoeing guide such as All Seasons Adventures is a great “one-stop shop” if you’re visiting. You can also rent snowshoes at several locations including Christy Sports Salt Lake City, Jans Mountain Outfitters, and many resorts.
Off-Snow Dining and Events
Dining
Enjoying a ski vacation over the holidays doesn’t mean you have to miss out on festive holiday meals. In fact, many Utah ski resort restaurants offer gourmet spreads with paired traditional favorites.
Christmas Eve Dinner
- Snowbird at The Aerie
- Snowbasin Christmas Eve buffet at Earl's Lodge
Events and Parades
- November 28 - Solitude – Thanksgiving Day Turkey Scavenger Hunt on the Mountain
- November 29 - Park City Mountain Canyons Village Tree Lighting
- December 13 - Tree Lighting at Sundance Mountain Resort Stay for complimentary cookies, cocoa, and a visit from Santa!
- December 14 - Solitude – 12 Days of Cheer – Fun daily events beginning December 14
- December 14 - Brunch with Santa at Sundance Tree Room
- December 21 - Santa Comes to Town (Lift) at Park City Mountain
- December 24 - Deer Valley – Santa Visits Deer Valley
- December 24 - Torchlight Parade and Fireworks on Christmas Eve at Snowbasin
- December 25 - Brian Head Ski Resort - Ski with Santa Christmas Day
- December 25 - Brighton – Santa Skis FREE – First 200 in Santa or other full holiday costume ski free on Christmas Day. Meet up at the Majestic Lift at 11AM for a Santa run!
- December 27 - Snowbird – Kids Torchlight Parade
- December 30 - Deer Valley Resort Torchlight Parade
- December 31 - Eagle Point Canyonside Lodge New Year’s Eve Party
- December 31 - Snowbird – New Years Eve Torchlight Parade – Hang out by the fire pits after!
- December 31 - Solitude Mountain Resort - New Years Eve Torchlight Parade
- Sundance Mountain Resort - Lots of holiday activities!
Worship
- December 24- Snowbird – Christmas Eve Service
- December 25–January 2- Snowbird – Hanukkah Candle Lighting
Getting Around
Planning your transportation in advance makes a big difference when visiting one of Utah’s larger resorts.
Renting a Car
If you rent a car, consider booking one with All Wheel Drive (AWD) in the event it snows. If you don’t opt for AWD, plan to use other forms of transportation when traveling to/from the resorts on a snow day. Be sure to check the weather to ensure a storm won’t move in while you are up a canyon as 2-wheel drive vehicles won’t be allowed to drive down. More info on canyon driving can be found here.
Parking is another consideration. Some resorts require parking reservations, especially Friday-Sunday. If you plan to drive yourself, read this article which has all the beta: Utah Ski Resort Parking.
Shuttle Services
An alternative to driving yourself is to book a shuttle. There are lots of options both public and private. If you are staying up a canyon, consider booking a ride that has 4WD or AWD vehicles as your ride from and to the airport if snow is in the forecast. If you are staying in a valley and the weather is nice, any Uber will do.
Matt Griff with Utah Mountain Shuttle shared this advice, "Built on the understanding of any weather condition at any time, reserve ahead transportation will manage any amount of passengers and the gear they present. Try to avoid the click-to-ride 4am departure in a possibly unprepared vehicle."
Traveling from your hotel to the mountain, first check to see if there are any free shuttles. For example, Park City Transit is free and will shuttle you to resorts and around town without the hassle of traffic or parking. Other options are the Utah Transit Authority Ski Bus, or a private shuttle service. Shuttles allow for the easiest transition from room to slopes.
Don’t let getting around intimidate you. With planning you won’t have any issues!
Holiday ski vacations in Utah are a great way to relax, connect, and have fun. There are plenty of events and meals that deliver traditional holiday cheer on and off the snow. Hopefully this guide gives you plenty of ideas to plan the perfect stay!
