The primary reason for a ski vacation is the skiing, but it’s also the ability to get away from your daily routine and relax in the mountains. Everyone may have their own definition of what it means to chill out — whether it’s retreating to a remote resort or staying somewhere in the thick of the action — but that’s why there are plenty of varied lodging options near Utah ski resorts.

With the seemingly endless opportunities for families to create their own Utah ski vacation, starting at the beginning may be intimidating, but it’s almost impossible to go wrong. Consider four different home-base options in the state, and then choose your perfect trip from there.

The history of Utah is filled with female pioneers, politicians, professionals, and parents banding together to move the State and country in exciting and even historic ways. Today, you can find many such women on the ski lifts at Snowbird. They draw inspiration and strength from the mountain and one another to make great things happen and thoroughly enjoy themselves along the way.

Here’s what you can expect at one of Ogden’s most popular winter events, the Wasatch Yeti Bash. This event is free to attend and a big draw to the area celebrating Ogden’s role as a winter destination, art hub and overall fun place to be.

Past experience isn’t necessary. Neither is prime athletic ability. All you need to raft 44 miles on the Green River through the Gates of Lodore and Dinosaur National Monument is a willingness to go, listen, and truly see. From rafting and kayaking to hiking and wildlife-viewing, a river rafting trip in Utah will open your eyes to the beauty and irreplaceable importance of the world’s wild places.

To outsiders, Utah’s liquor laws might seem a little archaic. And that’s despite a recent amendment that allowed beer of up to 5% ABV (alcohol by volume) to be sold in grocery stores and poured on draft, up from its previous limit of 4% (aka 3.2% by weight). It was such a momentous change by Utah standards that Anheuser-Busch brought in the Budweiser Clydesdales to parade through downtown Salt Lake City. (As a point of comparison, most nationally distributed beer is in the 4% to 6% range, usually hovering close to 5%.)

Sitting at the foot of the Wasatch Range north of Salt Lake City, Ogden is known for its proximity to trails and ski areas. However, Ogden’s lively historic district gives visitors plenty of other reasons to visit. Follow this detailed itinerary to pull off the ideal 48-hour escape in Ogden.

Winter brings perfect hiking weather in Utah’s Dixie, a fantastic landscape of mountains, cliffs and canyons in the state’s southwestern corner. With sunny skies, little rain and snow, and daily temperatures in the 60s, the area around St. George offers ideal winter conditions to explore trails that follow twisting canyons, scramble over sandstone domes and climb to breathtaking overlooks. During winter hikes, you’ll not only benefit from excellent weather, but you’ll also find plenty of parking at trailheads. Plus, you’ll find that the trails aren’t crowded, there are plenty of hotel accommodations from throughout the region and the days end with spectacular sunsets.

Southern Utah is known as a summer paradise, but the winters are also fantastic. When cool temperatures roll in, the crowds roll out, and visitors can find solitude while hiking trails and relaxing at overlooks to enjoy stunning sunsets.

Utah has long been home to The Greatest Snow on Earth®. Now, it has become the epicenter for Epic Pass, Ikon Pass and several other multi-resort ski passes. With 15 world-class venues in the State and dozens more within a day’s drive, Utah should be your gateway to adventure on and off the slopes. Discover from Utah locals how to max out your pass, chase the powder, and live the dream. Yes, we get a little excited about our snow. Discover why when you visit Utah.