There's much more to Utah's summer ski resort scene than hiking or mountain biking. Use this index to see what kind of activities you might expect to stumble upon when you head for the hills this summer...
ALPINE SLIDES
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Park City Mountain: Not only is the Park City Mountain Alpine Slide the longest slide in Utah, it's also one of the longest in the world with over 3,000 feet of hair-bending turns on its luge-like track!
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Brian Head: Try the Avalanche Tubing lanes at Brian Head Ski Resort which features multiple tubing lanes with a conveyor belt to bring riders back to the top. The smooth, fast ride is sure to get the adrenaline pumping.
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Snowbird: Find Snowbird's alpine slide winding down Chickadee Bowl as it whisks riders through a tunnel to the base of the Chickadee chairlift.
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Utah Olympic Park: The alpine slide at the Utah Olympic Park features smooth straightaways and 11 banked turns spanning over a half mile of thrilling track.
BEER FESTIVALS
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Solitude: The Big Cottonwood Brew Fest will drop on June 16 from 12–5PM at Solitude. Sample beer from over 10 Utah breweries and enjoy summer vibes, yard games, live music, and food.
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Deer Valley: The Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival will run Saturday and Sunday, September 14–15 from 12–5PM. Guests can enjoy scenic chairlift rides, outdoor dining, live music, and tons of kid-friendly activities. Attendees over 21 can sample many beer flavors and styles while learning about Utah's robust brewing culture amid stunning mountain scenery. Additionally, Deer Valley hosts Mountaintop Brews & Tunes every Saturday atop Bald Mountain from 12–2:30PM.
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Snowbird: Utah's oldest and largest Oktoberfest can be enjoyed at Snowbird. Listen to the haunting sounds of alphorns, groove to live music, sample Bavarian fare, and shop arts and crafts from local artisans. The festivities run on Saturdays and Sundays from August 10 through October 13. Snowbird runs Oktoberfest lodging specials with a 20% discount on all mountain activities. Note that there is a parking fee during Oktoberfest weekends.
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Brian Head: Brian Head's annual Oktoberfest will take place on Saturday, September 14 with live music, great food, and local vendors.
- Snowbasin: The lively SnowWisen Oktoberfest will again return to Snowbasin's slopes surrounded by groves of gilded aspen trees. The German-themed fall festival will run Saturdays and Sundays from August 17 through October 6 and feature delicious food, local beer, and heaps of local vendors and artisans.
DRIVE-IN MOVIES
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Brian Head: Escape the heat and revel in the cool evening atmosphere in the lofty heights of Brian Head's high elevation. Drive-in movies will be screened in the Giant Steps Parking lot from 9–11:30PM. Check Brian Head's event calendar for screening dates.
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Solitude: Classic and contemporary kid-friendly flicks screen on Solitude's Moonbeam Lawn at 8PM on Thursdays. The Cinema Series starts on June 27 and runs through August 29. In the event of inclement weather, films will screen indoors at the Moonbeam Lodge. Click here for movie screening details.
- Brighton: Enjoy free movie nights on the deck of the Alpine Rose. The restaurant will open at 5PM with a classic summer menu and yummy movie snacks. Movies will start when the sun goes down on Monday evenings throughout the summer. Seating is first come, first served.
DISC GOLF
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Solitude: Solitude's famous (and challenging)18-hole disc golf course begins at 9,000 feet in elevation and provides relief from the heat at high altitude. Click here for more info. Catch a scenic lift ride on the Sunrise Chair to reach Hole 1. There's a more beginner-friendly 9-hole course located near the Moonbeam Base Area.
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Brian Head: Winding through the mountains, Brian Head's 18-hole course incorporates multiple tee boxes and basket positions to allow players of all abilities to enjoy their round. Soak in the stunning visuals of the surrounding red rock as you tackle this incredible course. Disc rentals are available and pricing starts at $10-15 per round. Click here for more info.
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Park City Mountain: Fun for players of varying ability, the par-54 disc golf course at Park City Mountain is free to enjoy. Elevation changes throughout the course present tricky shots that will test a player's creativity. To access Hole 1, hike up from the Canyons Village Base Area (approx. 5 miles) or purchase a Scenic Lift Pass to hitch a ride on the Red Pine Gondola. Disc rentals are available. Click here for more info.
- Brighton: The new Disc Golf Bowl at Brighton features 2 challenging courses with beginner, intermediate, and advanced tee boxes to ensure all enjoy their round. A 9-hole course begins just above the Majestic Chairlift alongside the Lake Mary hiking trail and incorporates about a mile of distance alongside a stream. Enjoy nature scenes and challenging holes with elevation change and water hazards. The 18-hole course is accessible via a scenic ride up the Majestic Chairlift or by hiking the Lake Mary trail on weekdays. Some holes feature par 4 or 5 shots and the course winds around Brighton's lovely mountain. See the website for hours and info. Disc rentals are available.
CIRQUE SERIES RACES
The Cirque Series is the premiere mountain running series in the US. Traveling all across the states, competitors start at the bottom of a world-class ski resort and run, walk, skip, or suffer straight uphill to the top of the mountain. Power back down without busting your quads to arrive at the finish line and a lively scene of food, music, drink, and vendors. The elevation adds to the challenge and pros compete alongside first-timers as all enjoy the views and test their limits. Utah stops include Brighton (June 29), Snowbird (July 13), and Alta (August 17).
COOKING CLASSES
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Brighton: On Wednesdays at 6:30PM in the Milly Chalet, foodies can register for the Cooking in the Cottonwoods series. The talented team of chefs and bartenders at Brighton will lead guests in the creation of savory dishes while sharing tips and tricks. Registration is required and the class cost is $59. Courses include Italian cuisine, grilling basics, cooking with seafood, pizza, appetizer 101, and more.
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Deer Valley: The Deer Valley Creative Academy is designed for those who love the art of cooking and wish to ignite inspiration with their food and drink creations. A diverse selection of cooking and wine pairing classes are led by industry pros and local chefs. Build the world's best Bloody Mary, learn the secrets of BBQ, make your own beef jerky, savor a whiskey tasting, or learn how to make Deer Valley's famous chocolate chip cookies. Click here for full class offerings and registration.
EVERESTING
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Snowbasin: While you may not be familiar with Everesting, this popular event is returning to Snowbasin for hardcore endurance athletes. From August 8–11 participants will have 36 hours to climb a total of 29,029 feet in elevation, the equivalent of summiting Mount Everest. Competitors will hike uphill on Snowbasin's trails and ride the gondola down to commence their next lap.
FARMER'S MARKET
- Park City Mountain: Wednesdays are your chance to score local produce, beautiful flowers, handmade jewelry, and amazing flavors at Park City's weekly farmer's market. The market runs every Wednesday from May 29 through October 23 from 11AM to 6PM. Park in the First Time Lot and find the vendors located in the Silver King Lot at the Park City Mountain Village.
FINE DINING
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Sundance: The intimate and romantic Tree Room at Sundance is ideal for special occasions and memorable moments. The restaurant is a cabin constructed around an actual tree with beautiful Western decor and nature views. The award-winning food incorporates modern French techniques with American comfort food.
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Deer Valley: Though Deer Valley's fine dining restaurants close during the summer months, foodies can still revel in the Taste of Luxury Series. These star-studded events feature unmatched food and wine pairings in beautiful settings with Michelin-rated chefs. Multi-course meals are complimented by wine receptions with top winemakers in the industry. Click here for dates and times.
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Snowbird: Head to the top floor of Snowbird's Cliff Lodge to discover the Aerie and Snowbird's finest views. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the mountain to create a cozy atmosphere to enjoy modern American cuisine incorporating local and seasonal organic flavors. Start your evening with the award-winning wine list and cocktails in the adjacent Aerie Lounge which often features serene live music.
- Park City Mountain: Make a reservation for Park City's Legends Farm-To-Table-Dinners to sample a curated prix fixe five-course meal crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The event happens monthly and costs $90 per plate. Check the resort's event calendar to find dates and purchase tickets.
HORSEBACK RIDING
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Sundance: Horseback rides are offered daily amid Sundance's jaw-dropping scenery beneath the shadow of Mount Timpanogos. Traverse mountain terrain to catch a view of Stewart Falls, enjoy the sounds of nature and share the experience with a cowboy guide. Sunset trail rides are offered on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and provide great opportunities for wildlife viewing and spectacular sunsets. Don't miss the opportunity to see these trails in the full brilliance of autumn foliage!
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Eagle Point: Explore the mighty Tushar Mountains by horseback on 2-hour rides at Eagle Point. Morning, noon, or afternoon rides can be booked Thurs-Sat and depart from the Canyonside Lodge. Your guide will talk story and share their knowledge about the local flora, fauna, history, and geology.
- Deer Valley: Guided horseback rides through the Boulder Mountain Ranch offer a tranquil escape with beautiful views. Rides for individuals or groups are available with the option to add a meal.
KIDS CAMPS
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Woodward: The ginormous action sports complex that is Woodward Park City is basically a paradise for kids or kids at heart. There is a camp, clinic, or lesson on just about anything under the sun and kids (or adults) can learn alongside seasoned pros and past and future Olympians. Throughout the summer Woodward offers week-long day camps with specialized coaching in skateboarding, BMX, mountain biking, scootering, parkour, or multidiscipline combo camps. The supportive atmosphere and emphasis on safe progression is what makes Woodward's action-packed camps stand out. Camps are offered for kids ages 7-17 and it is recommended to book sessions early as they do sell out. Info here.
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Brighton: Kids ages 6-15 can immerse themselves in the natural splendor of Brighton's forested mountains. Themed weeks of camp keep kids active and outdoors ranging from S.T.E.M., to the Brighton Olympics, and Mountain Adventures. Transportation is now included in camp sessions and departs at 9:00 am from the base of Big Cottonwood with a 4:00 pm return. Kids will learn to appreciate the beauty of nature while participating in scavenger hunts, hiking, art projects, games, and more. Info here.
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Deer Valley: Day camp sessions are available at Deer Valley for children as young as 2 months on up to 12 years of age. Camp sessions are divided up into age groupings where children can enjoy age-appropriate activities with their peers supervised by state-licensed counselors. The fun isn't limited to just hiking, biking, scavenger hunts, nature walks, and water games. Click here for more info and pricing.
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Snowbird: Superior Summer Camp immerses kids ages 5-10 in STEM workshops, arts and crafts, and nature exploration in week-long camps. Sessions run from June through mid-August from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Info here.
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Solitude: Day or week-long camps at Solitude are designed to foster learning in the mountains for children ages 6-12. Kids will hike through the forest, swim at The Inn, and explore Solitude's many basecamp activities like the climbing wall and bungee trampolines. Staff will keep kids busy learning about Big Cottonwood with plenty of arts and crafts and scenic chairlift rides. Free canyon transportation is offered on a limited basis. Info here.
- Park City Mountain: Kids aged 6 weeks to 6 years can join the Little Adventures Children's Center at the Canyons Village for summer fun. This state-licensed year-round childcare facility provides indoor and outdoor play with fun and age-appropriate activities. The base village location provides access to gondola rides and swimming for preschool kids. Full-day and half-day sessions are available. Info here.
MINI GOLF
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Snowbasin: The scenic yet tricky 18-hole Wildflower Mini Golf course awaits you at the base of Snowbasin Resort. Enjoy the course from mid-June through early October on Saturdays and Sundays from 9AM–4PM. The cost is $8-12.
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Park City Mountain: The whimsical 18-hole mini golf course at Park City Mountain is surrounded by great views and fun features. Cost to play is $17 per person.
PADDLEBOARDING
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Deer Valley: Cool off at Deer Valley's quaint and sandy Pebble Beach, the perfect launching point to enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding. Just steps from the Deer Valley Café, guests can sign up for classes, lessons, demos or just rent a board and hit the water. A SUP 101 class with Park City SUP is perfect for beginners or experts looking to improve their paddling techniques. There are also yoga and surf fit classes to further dial your balance on the water and strengthen your muscles.
SCENIC CHAIRLIFT RIDES
A good number of Utah ski resorts offer scenic chairlift rides to feel a cool mountain breeze on your face and enjoy majestic views. Do note that in the presence of foul weather or active thunderstorms, the chairlifts will not run. Be sure to check the current weather forecast and operating hours as some resorts only operate on the weekend. The following resorts offer scenic chairlift rides and more info can be found here:
- Brian Head (Fri-Sun)
- Brighton (Fri-Sun)
- Deer Valley (Daily, kids 12 & under ride free!)
- Park City Mountain (Daily)
- Snowbasin (Sat-Sun)
- Snowbird (Daily on the aerial tram & Peruvian Chair)
- Solitude (Daily)
- Sundance (Daily)
THEATRE
- Sundance: True to the principles of its artistic founding, Sundance is a place where you can appreciate the arts. This summer a production of Newsies can be enjoyed in the cool mountain atmosphere. Kids will love the energetic songs and compelling story. A summer tradition since 1970, the Sundance Summer Theatre is fun for all ages. The production will run July 18 through August 10 with shows on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with a bonus show on August 6. Purchase tickets in advance here.
WILDFLOWERS
Don't miss the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation's annual Wasatch Wildflower Festival, a 4-day wildflower bonanza that takes place each July at Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, and Alta. Founded in 1996, the festival is a free, educational event designed to be family-friendly, approachable, and fun. Volunteer naturalists will share information about various wildflower species and canyon wildlife in our sensitive mountain environments. Registration is free and guests can expect guided walks, crafts for kids, music, food, and scenic views. Learn more about the most common wildflowers in the Wasatch and then register for the event here.
YOGA
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Solitude: Free yoga can be enjoyed on the Apex Lawn in the Mountain Village on Saturdays from 9-10AM. Classes are free and will run from June 29 through October 5. Bring your own mat.
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Deer Valley: Take your practice to a higher level with SUP yoga at Deer Valley's Pebble Beach. Facilitated by Park City SUP, which also offers surf fit classes, yogis will refine their balance and core muscles while floating in the serene waters. The cost is $45 which includes a board and paddle as well as an enjoyable paddling class around Osprey Island before and after yoga.
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Alta: Enjoy free yoga and the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Superior at Alta on the lawn of the Peruvian Lodge thanks to the Alta Community Enrichment organization. Classes take place each Monday at 5:30 PM. Participants should register and bring their own mat; this event is weather-dependent. Click here for info and registration.
ZIP LINES
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Sundance: Soar above Sundance and take in the views of Mount Timpanogos at high speed with Sundance's unique ZipTour. This memorable tour drops over 2,100 feet in elevation and features America's 3rd longest span of zip lines. Riders can control their speed reaching a maximum of 65 miles per hour. Specialty tours are available for full moon evenings, Halloween, and tours with lunch.
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Park City Mountain: Park City Mountain features two exhilarating zip lines. The ZipRider, a traditional zipline with a harness, allows guests to race 110 feet above the trails at up to 45 mph. Suitable for smaller children the Flying Eagle Zip Line is a seated zipline that whisks above the alpine slide.
- Utah Olympic Park: Soar above the K120 Olympic Nordic ski jumps on the Utah Olympic Park's Extreme Zipline. Scream down the mountain up to 50 mph as you watch summer practice unfold on the ski jumps below.
