Utah's Kid Ski Culture
Supporting Tiny Skiers for a Lifetime of Fun
Watch the tiny grommets barrel down the mountain on miniature skis and snowboards with no fear, their parents trailing their tracks screaming, “Pizza, pizza!” Entry to snow sports for kids is simple, and family-based deals and amenities keep growing and evolving with every ski season. Utah loves teaching kids to ski and snowboard while keeping things fun for parents, too (Read: Parents Head for Powder).
Ski schools abound at resorts throughout the state, and their instructors teach with loads of patience to help skiers of tomorrow start out right. Many families place their child in ski school for the morning to learn the basics and to give parents some quality ski time alone, and then all ski together as a family in the afternoon. (And don't forget, adults can always get better, too).
In some cases, it helps to be a Utah resident, because a few deals are geared especially to those living in state. But don’t get discouraged if you live elsewhere. Helpful programs such as Alta Ski Area’s season-long “Learn to Ski” program also counts for destination skiers. First-time skiers can choose up to four days of discounted lessons and rental packages, which can be used any time during the season. At Brian Head, the risk-free "Learn to Ski in 3" program gives first-time skiers and riders of any age a guarantee that the Terrain-Based Learning program will have you skiing or snowboarding in just three lessons or you’ll get a full refund.
"Their energy on the slopes may seem endless, but eventually, even the most dedicated young learner needs a break."
More Snow Sports
If your family is Nordic-sport inclined, plenty of spots around the state are happy to support your adventures. Nordic Centers, often with family-friendly tours available, can be found at Alta Ski Area, Park City Mountain's Canyons Village side, Cherry Peak Resort, Snowbasin Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort and Sundance Mountain Resort. Sundance Mountain Resort has more than 9 miles of dedicated cross-country terrain and another 6 miles for snowshoeing. Snowbasin is a prime spot, featuring 16 miles of cross-country trails from beginner to advanced. Learn more about cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Off-the-slopes fun
Their energy on the slopes may seem endless, but eventually, even the most dedicated young learner needs a break. Check out top local picks for off-the-slopes winter fun.
Switch up the activity to something fresh like tubing. Ski resorts such as Brian Head, Cherry Peak and Snowbasin have lift-served tubing hills, making it easy to break up the day’s itinerary of activities. Woodward (at the site of the former Gorgoza Park) is between Salt Lake City and Park City.The resort is a world-class facility offering kid and adult training and camps centered around action sports. In addition to terrain parks, half pipes and ski runs, Woodward includes lighted and lift-serviced tubing. Soldier Hollow has 1,200-foot-long tubing lanes — the state’s longest. Slide there during the day or night, and lifts will allow you to get in as many runs as you can take.
Former Backcountry.com CEO Jill Layfield's Tips for Preventing Mid-Slope Meltdowns
- Layer up. A cold kid is a grumpy kid. Bring plenty of extra layers, dry socks and hand warmers.
- Embrace the bribe. Offer gummy bears for a mid-run reward and promise hot chocolate at the end of a good day.
- Bring a backpack. Great for extra layers of clothing, gear, accessories, snacks and sneakers for last minute boot changes.
- Make an early exit. Calling it a day before they run out of steam will mean more energy and enthusiasm for tomorrow.
Read more tips on how to pack
When Ski School's in Session, Parents Head for the Powder
Utah offers the best winter vacations for families at some of the best ski resorts for kids. With plenty children’s programs, activities and ski school. Let’s ski!
Discover More
-
A Biking Guide to the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail
Winding 28 miles through Northern Utah’s Summit County, the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail travels through some of the state’s most scenic terrain, from the storybook streets of Park City to rolling farmland and wildlife-rich wetlands near Silver Creek Canyon.
-
A Classy Warm-Weather Weekend in Park City
When it comes to spending time in Park City — Utah’s snow sports —mecca I prefer the sunny, urbane side of mountain life. Happily, there’s plenty of fun to be had for those who are looking to experience the “city” side of Park City, sans snow.
-
A Quick and Dirty Guide to Brian Head Area Mountain Biking
Whether you’re visiting the area for Brian Head’s seemingly endless bike options or making it part of a multi-stop Southern Utah adventure (Cedar Breaks National Monument is just five miles away), it’s a must-see for bikers of all abilities. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
-
A Trail Town Where Social Distancing Was Always the Point
Park City’s unique blend of trails and trail culture lends itself to safe road tripping.
-
Getting Back on the Mountain
Adaptive recreation puts everybody in the game, regardless of age or ability.
-
Harnessing Passion: The Arctic Rescue Sled Dog Team
Maren and Racer Gibson of All Seasons Adventures in Park City, Utah rescue "unadoptable" Huskies and Malamutes. The dogs participate in a dog sledding operation to help find their purpose. Book a dog sled tour with the pups and witness their story as they pull your sled through the area's snow blanketed open spaces.
-
How To Get the Most Out of the Park City Annual Gay Ski Week
At Park City, Utah's annual Gay Ski Week, officially known as Elevation Utah, visitors will be surrounded by like-minded athletes and folks who want to crush it out on the slopes and have fun dancing the night away.
-
Insider's Guide to Park City
Kaylin Richardson, Olympic athlete, and a friend share their favorite Park City experiences to encourage you to add the city's culture-enriched valley, scenery, food, art and access to all-season adventure to your bucket list.
-
Mountain Lifestyle Calling
Make your chocolate fantasy into reality by including on your itinerary a visit to the Ritual Chocolate Factory, one of Utah’s premier chocolate makers.
-
Park City Area: 1 Destination, 3 Resorts
-
Ski In, Never Leave
Manger of Alta Lodge and a citizen of Mountain Time, Marcus Dippo hitchhiked to Alta four decades ago and hasn’t left.
-
Spring City en Plein Air
En plein air artist, Doug Fryer enjoys painting cloudscapes and landscapes. Sharing captured moments in time around Spring City, Utah.
-
Sundance, Full Circle
Come for the films but stay for ... everything else. Whether you’re an out-of-state visitor or a local looking for celebrity sightings; staying at the Waldorf Astoria or driving up from your apartment set-up in your mother’s basement; on a marathon screening schedule or mixing in fine dining and the area's wintry recreation, Sundance Film Festival boasts films and experiences for everyone.
-
The Fly Girls of Park City
Kick off your ski trip by visiting Utah Olympic Park and reliving the fight for gender equality in the Olympic Winter Games with Park City’s very own women changemakers.
.jpg?w=450&h=597&mode=crop&quality=65)