What Makes a Ski Resort Family Friendly?
Before snowboarding became popular, most people would agree that Alta was the most family-friendly resort in Utah. With free lift rides after 3 p.m., and an unpretentious ambiance, it's hard not to love Alta. Except if you are a snowboarder. Snowboarding is prohibited at Alta. Most kids are more interested in riding than skiing, so choose a ski area that offers both. Aside from looking at resorts that offer snowboarding, look for resorts that allow kids to be kids. For example, you may love the gourmet lunches offered by Deer Valley, but your kids would be happier with a simple hamburger. Additionally the pricing of Deer Valley lift tickets, lodging, meals and ski lessons is rather steep, and the unwritten dress code means purchasing expensive ski clothes. Terrain factors should also be taken into consideration. Look for resorts with varied terrain, and decent terrain connectivity. Snowbird boasts the steepest green run in North America. Its trails are connected by a series of extremely narrow cat tracks, which can be danger zones for small children.
Solitude
Solitude is in Big Cottonwood Canyon. It's pedestrian-only village, which offers an abundance of family-style restaurants, makes it a viable choice for families. Parents won't worry about their children running in front of cars. At random times throughout the year, Solitude offers special promotions that allow kids under 12 to ski free with the purchase of an adult lift ticket. Check the Solitude website for details. Solitude is known for its wide-open trails, with varied terrain for all levels.
Solitude Resort
12000 Big Cottonwood Canyon
Solitude, Utah 84121
(801) 534-1400
www.skisolitude.com
Brighton Ski Resort
Brighton is not the first resort you see when you research Utah skiing. The locals would not have it any other way. Not only are the lift tickets cheaper than those of other Utah ski areas, kids under 10 always ski free with a paying adult. The resort offers night skiing and riding, which is always a plus for kids. Families can find on-mountain lodging at the Brighton Chalets.
The Brighton Resort
12601 Big Cottonwood Canyon Road
Brighton, Utah 84121
(800) 873-5512
www.brightonresort.com
Wolf Creek Ski Resort
Affordable lift tickets, night skiing and a popular terrain park make Wolf Creek an excellent choice for families. On Thursday evenings, the resort offers $15 lift tickets, which include a slice of pizza and a small drink for students from kindergarten to graduate school. Sunday and Monday nights are family nights. A family of four pays $40, with an additional $10 for each additional kid. On Tuesday, buy one full-price ticket and the second person pays $10. The cubs carpet is a conveyor belt for anyone who is learning to ski or ride. On-mountain lodging is available.
Wolf Creek Ski Resort
2301-2465 N 3500 E
Liberty, Utah 84310
www.wolfcreekutah.com
(801) 745-3511
