8 Things Not To Miss at Utah Ski Resorts This Fall

Autumn is officially here. The blast furnace temps of summer have finally mellowed into mild days and cool nights. This is the perfect time to play at local ski resorts before snow blankets their hills. From beer festivals to marathons, there is a lot going on during the “shoulder season” between summer and winter!

Harvest Market / Full Moon and Halloween Lift Rides at Sundance -If you've ventured to Sundance before, you know the food is out-of-this-world delicious. Don't miss Sundance's Harvest Market, held September 27th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, featuring musical entertainment, amazing food, and myriad of artistic hand crafted items. 

For a beautiful and I’d also say romantic, experience, ride a Sundance lift by the light of the full moon. Full Moon lift rides are offered each month from May through October.  Bundle up for the cool evening temperatures and perhaps pack a thermos of hot cocoa.

Perfect for kids, Halloween lift rides run the last two weeks of October. Soar high over Halloween themed scenes and be greeted by costume-clad lift operators.

Catch the Full Moon on October 9, 10 & 11, 2014

8:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. 

2014 Halloween Dates

October 23 – November 1 (closed Sunday)
Weekdays 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Weekends 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Oktoberfest at Snowbird (Saturday – Sunday, August 16th – October 12^th, 2014) - Held annually since 1973, Snowbird’s event is one of the largest festivals in Utah. Nosh on German food, dance, and sample some of Utah’s finest local brew. While you’re there, be sure to ride the tram to the top of Hidden Peak, especially at sunset.

Hours: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Price: FREE

Blue Grass at the Canyons Red Pine Lodge (September 27^th, 2014) – Take a break from hiking or mountain biking the extensive trails at Canyons to grab a bite and listen to local band, Porch to Porch, a six-piece bluegrass band.

Hours: Porch to Porch plays from 12:00 – 3:00pm

Location: The Red Pine Lodge, located mid-mountain, at the top of the Red Pine Gondola

Guided Historical Hike at Deer Valley (October 12^th, 2014) – Explore the areas rich mining history on this roughly 6-mile hike. Participants meet near the base of Sterling Express chairlift, located mid-mountain at Silver Lake Lodge. Hikes depart at 9:30 a.m. Reservations are not required, however group size may be limited.

Price: Complementary

North Face Endurance Challenge at Park City Mountain Resort (October 4^th and 5^th, 2014) - Get your running shoes on folks!

“The North Face Endurance Challenge introduces a first-time expansion into Utah! Trail running events include: 50M, 50k, Marathon and Marathon Relay races on Saturday, and Half Marathon, 10k and 5k races on Sunday.  The course cruises through the trails of Park City Mountain Resort, offering a mix of terrain and elevation!”

Use PCMR14 for 20% off discount.
Click HERE for more information and to register. Or, call 469-475-1317.

Ride the Paiute ATV Trail from Eagle Point Resort - Eagle Point is located along the 275-mile long Paiute ATV Trail, rated as one of the top 5 trails in the country by ATV Illustrated magazine. Due to its length, it’s suggested that you spend 3-4 days exploring the trail. Stay at Eagle Point for a convenient and comfortable beginning and end to your loop-trail adventure. Bring your own wheels, no ATVs are available for rent.

2014 Snowbasin Beer Fest (Saturday, October 4^th, 2014) – “Celebrate the fall & summer passing into the cold hands of ‘Ol Man Winter with cold beer and Bavarian inspired cuisine like bratwurst, schnitzel and knackwurst.”

Price: Tokens will be for sale at $2 each during the event.

12 oz. beer = 2 tokens
16 oz. beer = 3 tokens
6oz High Point Beer = 2 Tokens
12 oz. High Point Beer = 3 Tokens

Deals:

Brewmaster’s Kit: A 2014 Beer Fest 12 oz. mug to take home with 4 tokens – $20
A take home reusable Beer Mug (no tokens): $15
‘DAS BEER KIT’ (the best deal).  A Beer Mug, 10 Tokens – $30.
Only 300 Mugs Available, First Come First Serve.

Mountain Bike at Solitude – With over 20 miles of single-track trails, Solitude is another worthy biking destination for a day or weekend. The lifts operate three days a week, Friday thru Sunday 10:00am -6:00pm. A full line of Cannondale mountain bike rentals are available by the hour or day.

Lift Ride Price:

Single Ride - $10
All Day - $20
Season Pass $79
Children 6 and under – FREE

Check Out Brian Head’s New Bike Park – Brian Head opened the new Navajo Peak Bike Park for the 2014 summer season. Other trails in their line-up include:

Descender – A Flow Style Trail for intermediate and advanced riders. Descender features large banked turns, jumps and rhythm sections. It’s a perfect trail for those looking for a thrilling ride. 

Dream Catcher - Classic single track for all riders. Dream Catcher takes you through beautiful aspen forests and high alpine meadows.

Paradise – Classic single track for beginner riders.  Paradise is the easiest way down the mountain. Take in a stunning view of Brian Head Peak while riding with the whole family.

Dates:

June 27, 2014 – September 28, 2014 (Weather Permitting) June, July and August – Friday through Sunday September – Saturday and Sunday Special Holiday Openings: June 27th – July 6th July 24th September 1st (Labor Day)

Hours:

Lifts operate from 10:00am – 5:00pm on Saturday and 10-4 on Sunday. Bike Shops, including rentals, are open from 9:30am – 5:30pm.

Price:

Full Day Lift-Served Bike Pass- $29
Single Ride - $12.50
All Day Upgrade (After Single Ride) - $16.50

Hike to Cecret Lake at Alta Ski Area – I had to include one of my favorite hikes on this list. I’ve visited the lake three times this summer already, including last week. It’s a short hike with stellar views! Make sure to watch for the strange salamanders swimming just under the surface; they look like dragons. Here is a post I wrote on the hike last year with details and directions: Hiking Alta: A ridgeline picnic above Cecret Lake.

Before you pull out the boots and goggles, give these Utah ski resort summer activities try. See you on the slopes in 59 days…