Family Ski Resort Guide | Beaver Mountain

By Local Lexi Sep 8, 2021
For the past 80 years, family-owned Beaver Mountain Ski Area has instilled the importance of family fun in the outdoors throughout the local community in Northern Utah. Hop out of the fast lane and discover uncrowded slopes, a cozy lodge, amazing food, and unforgettable memories at "The Beav".
Family Ski Resort Guide | Beaver Mountain

Tucked away in the quiet Bear River Range, Beaver Mountain is a resort to get away from it all. The cell service is poor, the snow is deep, the slopes are uncrowded and the food is delicious and affordable. The Beav’ is the perfect place for families looking to unwind, enjoy skiing and snowboarding together, and reconnect. In fact, Beaver Mountain has been owned by the Seeholzer family since 1949 and it's the longest continuously-owned family resort in the United States!

Consider escaping to Beaver Mountain for the weekend with a stay in nearby Garden City or Logan. With a mellow night skiing scene and affordable ticket prices, The Beav' offers a low-key and family friendly atmosphere with excellent beginner terrain and 2 magic carpets.

beaver-mountain-on-a-powder-day.png

BEAVER'S LOCATION
Beaver Mountain is located along scenic Highway 89 in Logan Canyon in Northern Utah. Approximate driving times (in favorable driving conditions) and distances are listed below: 

Logan: 30 miles - 35 minutes
Ogden: 77 miles – 1 hour, 30 minutes
Salt Lake City: 112 miles – 2 hours
Provo: 155 miles - 2 hours, 45 minutes
St. George: 412 miles – 6 hours

In a 5th Grader’s Words:
"Beaver Mountain is the most fun!" - Jonah, Age 10

beaver-mountain-family.png

Beaver's Terrain & Mountain Stats

Skiable Acres: 828 Acres
Vertical Drop: 1,700 Feet
Number of Runs: 48
Average Snowfall: 400"
Terrain: 35% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 25% Advanced, 2 Terrain Parks
Chairlifts: 4 Lifts and 2 Surface Conveyors
Night Skiing: Yes, a few public nights offered throughout the season from 5:00-9:00 PM - more info here

Deals at Beaver Mountain
Children 5 and under qualify for a FREE season pass. After Dec 1, prices increase to $100. Beaver's 'Learn to Turn' program is an incredibly affordable option for first-timers looking to try out skiing and snowboarding that includes rental gear, a lift ticket, and your lesson fee for under $100. 

beaver-mountain-trail-map.png

The wide variety of terrain and overtly family friendly atmosphere makes Beaver a suitable destination for families with differing ability levels. Expect to find steep and deep powder runs, swooping groomers, exciting backcountry access, terrain parks, and a sizable beginner’s area serviced by 2 magic carpets and gentle terrain. There is enough varied terrain at the ski area to keep everyone smiling. The resort's intimate feel fosters independence for kids in a safe way.

The best zones for beginner and intermediate terrain are the Little Beaver Lift and the LittleEEZY and BigEEZY conveyor lifts. The runs Cottontail, Little Beaver, and Tiny Tim are all gently sloping green runs that are perfect for exploring after a warm-up lap on the BigEEZY conveyor. True beginners will want to check out Eezy-Peezy and Wee Beav adjacent to both conveyors.  

Beaver-mountain-night-skiing.png

The Beav’ is all about creating a fun and relaxing environment for young children to learn the art of skiing or snowboarding. You'll find friendly faces and a very approachable atmosphere to introduce children to winter sports. When the need for a snack or hot chocolate arises, head down the Little Beaver run to catch the Goat Trail cat track back down to the Beaver Mountain Grill or walk back up to the Main Lodge.

Note that Beaver Mountain is also home to a fantastic program with lessons for adaptive skiers with Common Ground Outdoor Adventures. Contact Common Ground for more information, scholarships, lesson availability, and volunteer opportunities. 

beaver-mountain-sun-kid.png

Road Conditions & Parking

Parking is free at Beaver Mountain and is offered on a first come, first served basis. Do note that on sunny weekends and during holiday periods, the parking lot can fill so carpooling is encouraged. Park as near to the Main Lodge as you can, which is a cinch on weekdays. If it does happen to be busy, there is short-term parking directly in front of the small ticketing office and the Main Lodge for gear drop off and unloading. On busier holiday weekends there is a lower lot available for overflow parking. It is not permitted to camp overnight in any of the Beaver Mountain parking lots. 

THE UDOT TRACTION LAW
Occasionally, in times of heavy snowfall, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) will implement a mandatory Traction Law. It is required by law to ensure you have appropriate traction devices or tires for winter driving in Logan Canyon. For current road status, you can check the UDOT Twitter Account.

UDOT-traction-law.png

Beaver's Base Area & Main Lodge

Note that Beaver Mountain has BIG plans for the future of the resort. A massive construction project is currently underway to upgrade the base area and greatly expand the amenities for guests. Projected for completion sometime in 2025, Marge's Cabin will feature a large rental shop, an outdoor plaza, indoor dining, and an improved drop-off zone. The original A-frame lodge will remain in operation until the new lodge is completed at which point the A-frame will be closed for renovations. 

beaver-mountain-new-lodge.png

For now, the old A-frame lodge near the base area includes ski school, restrooms, the rental shop, the retail shop, and the Beaver Mountain Grill. Note that the lockers on the lower floor are reserved for the season by locals and passholders. There are cubbies for guests to stash gear or bags both inside and outside of the Main Lodge. All public amenities can be accessed in the Main Lodge adjacent to the parking lot and the small cabin where ski tickets are purchased. 

Up near the Harry’s Dream chairlift there is also a small lodge for Ski Patrol and the Common Ground Lodge where adaptive students gather for their lessons.

Head to the main floor of the Main Lodge with its two roaring fireplaces and big windows to find plenty of room to don all your layers and equipment for the day’s adventure. If there are family members who don’t plan to ski or snowboard, this is a fantastic area to enjoy the scenery, relax, or read a book.

The Beaver Mountain Grill offers huge portions at a great value in a cafeteria style setting. On weekends in the spring, Beaver will often serve grilled food outdoors and you'll occasionally find a food truck too. The Grill is open 8AM to 4:30PM and you won't want to miss their delicious French fries and Beaver Sauce. Only the brave will attempt the infamous Big Beav Double Bypass Burger. Good luck! 

Beaver Mountain Ski School

Beaver Snowsports School

Beaver Mountain offers certified ski and snowboard instructors in addition to a variety of group lesson options or private lessons. Lessons are available for all ages, ability levels, and interests. Click Here for further information and lesson FAQs. What we like most about Beaver is the fantastic beginner's zone and how affordable the lessons are; this is a fantastic spot to learn! 

Private Lessons
Private lessons are available in hourly increments for all ability levels. Reservations are required and for a nominal fee it's possible to add an extra guest to the private lesson. Telemark lessons are available upon request. 

Kids' Weekend Series (Ages 4-18) 
This group lesson series is held on Saturdays and Sundays from January through March in full-day or half-day formats with lessons running for 4 weekend sessions. All levels of experience and ability are welcome and children are assigned to a class within levels 1-6. This intro to skiing and snowboarding focuses on basic techniques, safety and progression. Skiers and snowboarders aged 4-6 are sorted into the "KitCats" age group with a max class size of 2 students. Skiers and snowboarders aged 6-18 are placed in the Mtn. Adventures series with a max class size of 8. Both programs offer full or half-day bookings.

Kid’s Holiday Lessons (Ages 4-18)
This drop-in group lesson is available during holiday periods. All levels are available and you can decide how many classes you’d like to attend. Lessons are offered daily over the Christmas holiday, Civil Rights Day, and President’s day in full or half-day formats.

Beaver Mountain's Annual Snoopy Carnival for Kids
This annual celebration typically held each March at Beaver Mountain is intended to motivate kids to ski and celebrate the season's progression. A long snow maze, a ski race, balloons, a tree luge and a BBQ keep the vibes high. Lunch is served and costumes are encouraged. Be sure to check the date and register for this memorable family event.

Snoopy-carnival-at-beaver-mountain.png

Learn to Turn Beginner's Package for Kids & Adults
This all-inclusive package is ideal for the first-timer or someone who can’t remember the last time they picked up skis or a snowboard. Lesson includes equipment rental, lift access, and a 2-hour group lesson. Progressive lessons are offered for levels 1, 2, and 3 for students who wish to return and continue honing their skills. Students who have never skied or snowboarded before and complete all 3 levels of the Learn-To-Turn 1-2-3 Program are awarded a certificate and a season pass to use the Little Beaver chairlift for the remainder of the season. 

Wild Women (Ages 16+)
These classes for ladies are designed to welcome women to the mountain in an inclusive learning environment free from pressure and anxiety. Top instructors lead students in effectively managing risk, facing fear, and confidently exploring the mountain in a small and supportive group setting. This half-day clinic is available for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels on Wednesdays.

USU Ski & Snowboard Class (Ages 18+)
Join this series of adult lessons supported by Utah State University (USU). Adults are welcome to join the 7-week series with USU at the cost of $150. You do not need to be a USU student participate but you can still enjoy this affordable student rate. Classes run for an hour and a half, Tuesday-Friday afternoons and do not include the price of passes. Rentals and passes can be purchased directly from Beaver Mountain. 

Adult Beginner Package (18+)
Similar to their beginner package for kids, the Adult Beginner Package offers single group lessons or a series of group lessons for true beginners or those who cannot remember the last time they tried skiing or snowboarding. If a student completes all 3 lessons in the series, they will earn a pass to the Little Beaver lift for the remainder of the season. The price for a lesson or series will also include equipment rentals and a ski pass for the Little Beaver lift. 

Adaptive Lessons 
In 2017, Beaver Mountain opened the The AMK Foundation/BIO-WEST, Inc. Adaptive Center for the Common Ground Outdoor Adventures group. This amazing facility offers lessons, equipment rentals, and classes daily for those with adaptive requirements. Options include two-track skiing, assistance with visual and hearing impairments, 3-track & 4-track skiing, ski legs/slider carts, bi-skis, mono-skis, and nordic skis. Click here to learn more and book lessons.

Beaver-Mountain-Ski-Rentals.png

Ski Shop & Equipment Rentals

Beaver Mountain offers a full-service ski and snowboard shop, equipment rentals, and repairs in the Main Lodge. The knowledgeable staff at Beaver Mountain Rental and Repair can help you find the perfect rental gear for a memorable day at The Beav. Skiers and snowboarders of every age may select gear from a number of different brands of high-quality equipment. Try several different models during the day at no added charge. The shop offers rental packages by the day or the season. The rental shop offers the following accessories in addition to skis, poles, boots, and snowboards:

  • Goggles
  • Helmets
  • Gloves
  • Socks
  • Cold-Weather Gear
  • Teaching Harness 
  • Tip Clip for Young Children

The ski shop at Beaver Mountain offers tons of fun and unique logo gear including tees, hoodies, beanies, stickers, souvenirs, and more. A visit to The Beav’ wouldn’t be complete without grabbing a fun sticker or some logo gear.

BeaverMt_yurt2jpg

Lodging & Dining

In the Main Lodge, the hearty Beaver Mountain Grill offers hamburgers, grilled food, salads, and sandwiches without the sticker shock you’ll see at most ski resorts. The "Underground Taco" stand will also be open in the lodge. On weekends and holidays Beaver will supplement food options with a couple of food trucks. Families often gather on the patio and enjoy the sunshine or circle up chairs in the parking lot for an informal BBQ or camp meal. Tailgating in the Beaver Mountain parking lot is a popular pastime among locals and regulars.

There is only one lodging option directly on the slopes of Beaver Mountain. Book the Beaver Mountain Yurt for first tracks with its convenient slopeside location. The entire yurt is available to rent for a reasonable fee and is big enough to host family reunions, company parties, meetings, retreats, etc. The yurt features communal sleeping beds, a kitchen, and a bathroom facility.

The closest town is Garden City, Utah (13 miles to the east) where a handful of lodging options can be found. Additional options and budget motels can be found 27 miles to the west in Logan. Click HERE for current options. In terms of logistics and driving time, it is easiest to stay in Garden City.

Mom and daughter at Beaver Mountain

Childcare

There are no childcare services at Beaver Mountain, however, children as young as 4 may enroll in lessons with the Snowsports School. Book a lesson and watch a youngster’s confidence and love for the mountains grow at The Beav’. 

Medical Facilities

Beaver Mountain is proud to be patrolled by one of the largest all-volunteer ski patrols in the nation. Volunteers undergo rigorous training process and are prepared to administer basic first aid and can safely transport injured skiers or snowboarders down to the mountain's base. More serious injuries will be treated in Logan.
 

beaver-mountain-little-beav.png

Points of Interest

For a memorable visit, consider these unique points of interest when planning a trip to Beaver Mountain.

Antelope Island State Park
If traveling north to Beaver Mountain, this exciting state park is an easy side trip to view bison and antelope in their natural habitat. There are several hiking trails, a scenic drive, campgrounds and a marina. Views of the lake at sunrise or sunset are unparalleled. Winter is the perfect time to pay Antelope Island a visit while avoiding the notorious bugs that plague the island in warmer months. Expect to pay a daily fee to access the park as well as a nominal charge to use the causeway.

Bear Lake
A 15-minute drive up Highway 89 deposits you atop the stunning Bear Lake Overlook. Bear Lake is often fondly dubbed “The Caribbean of the Rockies” due to its striking turquoise blue color. The unlikely hues result from the refraction of limestone particles suspended in the lake water, though it may be iced over in the depths of winter. 

The American West Heritage Center
Southwest of Logan lies a 160-acre center for families to experience living history. The preserve celebrates the lifestyle and history of the Old West from 1820 to 1920. Hands-on workshops, festivals, and exhibits offer non-stop diversion for children, families and history buffs.

VISIT BEAVER MOUNTAIN'S WEBSITE & LEARN MORE - CLICK HERE


RELATED ARTICLES
The Seeholzers: A Family Story of Beaver Mountain - Click Here
Ski Utah Resort Histories | Beaver Mountain - Click Here
Fixed Grip Series | Beaver Mountain - Click Here