Family Ski Resort Guide | Nordic Valley

By Local Lexi Sep 8, 2021
The secluded slopes of Nordic Valley offer a budget-friendly refuge for families who hope to raise skiers and shredders with a lifelong love of winter.
Family Ski Resort Guide | Nordic Valley

Family-friendly vibes and a low-key atmosphere make Nordic Valley an ideal destination for those looking for a ski area where they can relax, espeically with young children. Primarily a locals’ hill, Nordic Valley is typically free of crowds with a price point that is easy on the wallet. Of all Utah’s resorts, Nordic Valley is one of the most budget-friendly options. For this reason, it is a particularly excellent place for kids or adults to learn the art of skiing or snowboarding and work towards proficiency with lessons.

The area’s abundant gentle terrain is approachable for skiers or boarders who have never ever tried the sport. For people new to winter sports, the slopes of Nordic Valley can be a lot less overwhelming than those of Utah’s larger, busier resorts. Kids can freely explore the main mountain without any fears of getting lost or disoriented. 

Pro Tip: Nordic Valley illuminates a huge portion of the mountain for night skiing so it’s an ideal spot to take some after-school laps.

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Nordic Valley's Location

Nordic Valley is located near Eden, Utah in Ogden Valley. Approximate driving times (in favorable driving conditions) and distances are listed below:

Ogden: 16 miles – 30 minutes
Logan: 52 miles – 1 hour, 10 minutes
Salt Lake City: 54 miles – 1 hour, 15 minutes
Provo: 98 miles – 1 hour, 45 minutes
St. George: 355 miles – 5 hours


In a 5th Grader’s Words:
“I like Nordic Valley because I can ski there with my little brother and ski all the runs. When we’re tired we go down and play cards or games and the hot chocolate is my favorite” - Jenna, Age 10

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Nordic Valley Terrain & Mountain Stats

Skiable Acres: 500+ Acres
Vertical Drop: 1,700 Feet
Number of Runs: 40
Average Snowfall: 300"
Terrain: 25% Beginner, 45% Intermediate, 30% Advanced, 1-2 Terrain Parks (Depending on conditions)
Chairlifts: 4 and 1 Surface Lift
Night Skiing: Yes, hours vary. Deals from as low as $9 available



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Deals At Nordic Valley

One of the best deals in Utah and beyond can be found at Nordic Valley in partnership with the resort's sister mountains. Kids 12 and younger qualify for an absolutely FREE Power Kids season pass. The pass offers no-strings-attached access to Nordic Valley and 12 additional mountains (see graphic below). Skiing and mountain biking are completely free for children 12 and younger at all 13 mountains. Click here for more information or to purchase a pass.

Nordic Valley offers very inexpensive weekday passes which may be a great option for parents who want to take children night skiing.

Nordic Valley operates with dynamic pricing. To secure the best rate on lift tickets, purchase well in advance, online.

Ski after 3pm for as low as $9 with Nordic Valley's effort to reduce Night Skiing costs.

Nordic Valley proudly hosts the 'World's Best Spring Break," with awesome deals on tickets, lessons and rental packages. The deals go down March 1 through 31st and you must purchase in advance to lock in huge discounts. Info here.


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Nordic Valley's Terrain
Nordic Valley is located in Ogden Valley near the small town of Eden, Utah. It’s just 10 miles from Powder Mountain and 18 miles from Snowbasin. Families visiting Nordic Valley won’t have a hard time sticking together because there is just one common base area. The wide-open groomers provide a great environment for learners gaining confidence or speed demons looking to rail some turns. 

Learners can start on the Cub surface lift adjacent to the base area which provides access to a very gentle slope. Here parents can keep an eye on youngsters while more experienced kiddos can lap the Crockett Chair.

 

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The Crockett chairlift serves up mellow slopes ideal for learners and those who want to lap the terrain park. Since nearly half the terrain at Nordic Valley is rated intermediate, there are plenty of options for those who want to refine their skills and gain confidence. Give the Little Bear green run a try.

For adrenaline junkies, Nordic Valley’s terrain parks can be accessed from either the Crockett or Bridger chairlifts. Over 40 features are incorporated into the freestyle terrain. Rails, box features, rollers and kickers will keep kids entertained for hours.

Catch the Apollo double chair to reach steeper and longer trails at Nordic Valley. The Old Barn run is a green-rated trail that encompasses the entire vertical of the hill and the crowning achievement for learners to conquer. Gold Rush is a bit steeper and rated blue. Powderhounds or experts should head for Falling Star (a Hollywood line beneath the lift), Ephraim’s Revenge or Buck Shot for face shots and steeper terrain.

Further yonder lies the Nordic Valley Express 6-pack chairlift which was installed for the 2020-2021 season. This new lift and terrain expansion represents the biggest change to Nordic Valley in 50 years! The resort continues to cut new trails and expand the terrain over on this side of the mountain so it's fun to come back and see what's new.

Kids will enjoy the sinuous Lolly Lolly Lolly trail with its banked turns through the trees. Experts will find the most challenging terrain at Nordic Valley on this side of the mountain and can test their mettle on 2020 or TBS. Intermediates can sample the big vertical drop along the Valkyrie groomer. The Flying Squirrel blue run has a great pitch with lovely views of Ogden Valley.

Take note, the frontside or 80% of the mountain is open for night skiing, so this is one of the premier spots in Utah to capture the joy and unique experience of skiing or shredding under the lights.


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Public Transportation & Parking

There are no public transit routes to Nordic Valley at this time but the resort has been working with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) in an attempt to establish routes. 

Nordic Valley has recently repaved and expanded their parking facilities. Parking is free and offered at a first come, first served basis. Folks are encouraged to carpool on weekends or holidays to ensure there is ample parking for everyone who wants to ski or shred. 

ADA parking is located in Lot 1, nearest to the slopes with a ramp to access the Cub surface lift and Crockett chairlift.


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Nordic Valley's Base Area & Main Lodge

Navigation around Nordic Valley is straightforward, which is why it’s such a great place to bring large groups, youngsters or the entire family. Young children can confidently navigate around the frontside of the mountain and it’s easy to meet up or ski together as a group. Nordic Valley is a great choice for fostering learning in very young children; its compact layout and easily navigable beginner slopes are perfectly suited for families who want to instill a love of sport and independence in young kids. 

Nordic Valley is currently in transition after a tragic fire destroyed their Old Barn base lodge in 2023. Near the base area Nordic will maintain temporary structures to house ticketing, rentals, admin, and ski patrol alongside a number of food trucks and a snack bar to keep families fed and happy. There is also a nearby tubing park (unaffilated with Nordic Valley) near the main base area. 

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Nordic Valley Ski Academy & Snowboard School

Nordic Valley is famous for the quality and affordability of their ski and snowboard school. Instructors will show tykes and adults alike how to excel on the mountain. The programs and packages with the school are some of the best deals in Utah and are a great value with a variety of formats. It is recommended to make reservations in advance by phone or online. With their unique 1st Timer Orientation, Nordic is the ideal place for a family to begin their ski or snowboard journey.

Don't miss their annual special: World's Best Spring Break! Throughout the month of March you can score resort credit and deals on rentals and $50 group beginner lessons. With the longer, sunnier days and warmer temps, March is a fantastic time for learning how to ski or snowboard.

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Group Lessons
Affordable group lessons are a great way to learn at Nordic. Lessons are offered in 2-hour blocks. For ages 13+ there are night lessons for beginners. Tickets are not included in the cost of a lesson.

Children’s Group Lessons
Book a 2-hour group lesson for skiers or boarders and learn on the mountain in a group setting. Lessons are organized by age and ability level. Note that skiers aged 7 or younger will need to enroll in a private lesson. Lift tickets and rental gear are not included.

Private Lessons
Nordic Valley offers some of the most affordable private lessons in the state of Utah. Work on personalized goals and rapid improvement. Private lessons are for ages 4 and up; children 7 or younger must be booked into a private lesson. Private lessons can be conducted in 2-hour, 3-hour, or 6-hour blocks or purchased in a package of 5 lessons. For a nominal fee you can add an aditional person or family member.

Multi-Week Programs
The most economical way to learn, Nordic Valley's multi-week programs promote steady progression and camradarie. There are a variety of programs and sessions available, check Nordic's website for current offerings.

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Valhalla Shred Academy
Enroll children in 4 consecutive lessons after school on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday nights for sessions that run in January, February and March. For ages 5-18 the Valhalla Shred Academy is a cost effective program for young riders to meet friends and build a strong foundation in skiing or snowboarding. If needed, the child will be moved to a more advanced group throughout the session, dependent on progress. 

Sunday Rookie Senders
This 2-hour group lesson on Sundays includes the cost of a lesson, rentals, and a lift ticket for an unbelievably low price. The Rookie Senders must be ages 17+ for a 2-hour afternoon lesson and the option to free ski for 1 hour on your own, utilizing your lift ticket. (Note: Holiday blackout periods are applied)

1st Timer Mountain Orientation
Nordic Valley is committed to fostering a love of winter sport. Their FREE mountain orientation is catered to those who have never ever skied or snowboarded. All the daunting basics are covered like Where to park? What are lessons like? Does my equipment fit? This 90-minute orientation is conducted daily and will cover the very basics of getting started as a skier or snowboarder. 

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Ski Shop & Equipment Rentals

Nordic Valley operates a rental shop and with some of the most reasonable rental rates around Utah, Nordic Valley again proves that it is an awesome place to try skiing or snowboarding for the first time. Gear can be rented for the entire day or an evening session.

Nordic Valley’s knowledgeable staff will help you grab the right gear and kit you out in the proper sizes. In addition to boots, skis, and boards, you can rent poles, helmets (which are included with rentals) and snowshoes for children and adults. It is recommened to reserve your rentals online in advance to save time and money. Proceed to the rental trailer near the main parking lot to pick up your gear. 

The shop also stocks a variety of winter essentials such as hats, goggles, gloves, sunscreen, etc. Basic tunes and hot waxing are available if your gear needs a little love.

Lodging & Dining at Nordic Valley

Nordic Valley does not feature any on-slope accommodations. There are lodging options in Eden or many vacation rentals at the nearby Wolf Creek Resort. Check out the lodging options for Powder Mountain or Snowbasin for ideas. We love the local Compass Rose Lodge in central Eden for a well-appointed and comfortable stay. The luxe rooms, friendly service and astronamy observatory make for a memorable time.

Consider the Ogden area for more budget-friendly rates on hotels or motels and more city-style diversions and dining options.

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For hungry bellies, head to the base area to load up on warm food. While Nordic Valley constructs a new lodge, the resort anticipates hosting a number of food trucks and a snack bar. Beer may be purchased at the snack bar and Nordic anticipates bringing back their popular Aid Room bar in the coming seasons. Like any true mom and pop ski area, brown bag lunches are totally welcome at Nordic Valley and many families opt to bring their own food and use the picnic tables scattered around the base area.


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Childcare

Childcare is not offered at Nordic Valley, but consider dropping the kids off for a lesson. Youngsters 4 and up can be enrolled in private lessons. Be sure to call in advance to complete a reservation. 

PRO TIP: Nordic Valley has tons of fun, family-friendly events like rail jams, duct tape derbies, denim races, costume days, pond skims and live music. Be sure to check out Nordic's event calendar if your family wants to get in on festive fun.
 

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Medical Facilities

Nordic Valley Ski Patrol is prepared to handle basic and minor injuries. In the case of serious injury, guests can be transported via ambulance to hospitals in Ogden approx. 18 miles away.


Points of Interest

For a memorable visit, consider these unique points of interest when planning a trip to Nordic Valley.
  • Ogden River Scenic Byway – SR—39
    If you’re coming or going to Nordic Valley you may chance upon the Ogden River Scenic Byway on State Road 39. The road winds up the narrow Ogden canyon beside a swift-moving river. There are several roadside restaurants if it’s time for a snack or meal.

  • Wasatch Parc Snow Tubing
    Just down the lane from Nordic Valley lies the Wasatch Parc snow tubing hill. Nicely groomed lanes, friendly staff and family fun await at this little hidden gem in Ogden Valley. Check the website for current conditions and hours of operation and be sure to book your session online to guarantee availability.

  • iFly Utah
    In Ogden is the iFly Utah indoor skydiving facility. No airplane is required and even if you have a fear of heights, you can safely experience the thrill of flying inside iFly’s vertical wind tunnel. Excitement and pure adrenaline are practically guaranteed and no experience is necessary. 

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Visit Nordic Valley's Website & Learn More
Click Here

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