Here’s how it all went down.
Travel Day: Hello, Ogden
We kicked things off with a travel day up to Ogden. Just 45 minutes north of Salt Lake City, we were able to load up and head out around 4 p.m. This gave the kids enough time after school to get a snack and double check their duffle bags.
After settling into a cute (and very reasonably priced) little Airbnb (the kind with cozy blankets and just enough space for ski gear chaos), we headed out for dinner at Rovali’s, a family-owned Italian restaurant right on Ogden’s historic 25th street. Despite very generous portions of pasta, my daughter and her two friends were able to find space in their stomachs to cap the night off with ice cream for dessert.
Day One: Powder Turns & Sushi Rolls
Morning at Powder Mountain
From our Ogden Airbnb, Powder Mountain (affectionately referred to as “Pow Mow”) was a quick 34 minute drive. The Passport holders loved the fact that the base areas were at the top of the mountain rather than the bottom. That meant we got to rip our first run right when we got there before getting on a chairlift. That definitely got the blood pumping! The snow was fantastic and the wide-open runs were perfect for a crew of confident fourth graders who love a little speed and a lot of space. There’s something about Pow Mow’s expansive terrain that makes it ideal for kids – room to explore, room to carve, and room to feel independent.
We enjoyed lunch with an amazing view, and I was pleasantly surprised by their food options. While the kids gobbled up the usual kid fare (chicken tenders and fries), I wasn’t expecting chicken tika masala on the menu, which was delicious!
Afternoon at Nordic Valley
In true resort-hop fashion, we headed over to Nordic Valley for the afternoon. At a lower elevation, the snow was a bit slushy – but if there’s one thing fourth graders excel at, it’s adaptability. They embraced the softer turns, laughed through the sticky patches, and had fun. Because, when you’re skiing with your friends, conditions are secondary.
Evening: Revolving Sushi, First-Timer Edition
Having worked up a solid appetite, we enjoyed a first-time experience: a revolving sushi bar. Plates cruising by on a conveyor belt? Instant entertainment for three 10-year-olds (and even this much-older gal). There were a couple spills and a lot of analysis paralysis on what to try, but the girls ate their money’s worth and left carbo-loaded for the next day.
Day Two: Bluebird Dreams & Bear Lake Views
Skiing at Snowbasin Resort
Just 26 minutes from our Airbnb, and being a single resort day, we took our time heading to Snowbasin Resort for day two. With sun shining, skies bright, and views stretching for miles, it was one for the books. The girls soaked up every second: cruising groomers, stopping for panoramic photos, and patiently humoring me while I requested, “just one more video shot”. Snowbasin’s combination of terrain, sunshine, and scenery made it an absolute highlight!
It was fun talking about Snowbasin’s role in the 2002 Olympics, home to the alpine speed events, and how those courses will be the venue again in the 2034 Winter Games in Utah!
Evening Drive to Garden City
After skiing, we loaded up (our gear and on car snacks) and drove north to Garden City, where our Airbnb overlooked wintery views of Bear Lake. After the hour and 50-minute drive, everyone was ready to stretch their legs. While winter is not in-season for Garden City, a handful of restaurants were open and we enjoyed a satisfying Mexican dinner.
Day Three: Fresh Corduroy & Making Our Own Fun
Early Turns at Beaver Mountain
For our third and final day of this epic ski weekend, we were up early for Beaver Mountain and it paid off. The drive from Garden City was just 21 minutes. Fresh corduroy and nearly empty runs meant we had stretches of the mountain completely to ourselves. There’s nothing like those quiet, crisp morning laps when your skis hum across perfectly groomed snow. By now, the girls were getting more adventurous, and they had fun skiing off into little pockets of trees and finding terrain off the groomers.
Knowing we had another long drive ahead, we stopped for lunch in Logan before making our way to Cherry Peak. Drive time between the two resorts was just over an hour.
Bonus Stop at Cherry Peak
When we arrived at Cherry Peak in the afternoon the resort happened to be closed but that didn’t stop the girls. A little creativity, a few hikes, and they managed to squeeze in some bonus turns anyway.
Why the Ski Utah Passport Is a Game-Changer
For families with fourth through sixth graders, the Ski Utah Passport opens up the state in a way that’s hard to beat. Instead of sticking to one home mountain, they can:
- Explore different terrain
- Experience varying elevations and snow conditions
- Enjoy different ski area cultures
- Turn skiing into a true adventure
This Northern Utah loop – Powder Mountain, Nordic Valley, Snowbasin, Beaver Mountain, and even a creative Cherry Peak stop – was more than just a ski trip. It was independence-building, confidence-growing, memory-making magic.
And the best part? We still have passport days left. Check out my other blog for more info on the Passport.
