Spring Family Skiing - From Late Season Powder to Kid-Friendly Dining

No, the fun hasn’t melted, in fact, Utah’s ski resorts blossom with the arrival of spring, emerging from beneath months of crowds and storms, to bask skiers and boarders in the glow of longer days and warmer weather. It’s the perfect time of year to load up the family, cash in spring discounts, lather on the sunscreen and loosen up those layers.

And if late-season powder and ice-less groomers are giving you and the kiddos some serious FOMO, we have a few tips to keep everyone moving well past leap year (we know, not until 2024), St. Patrick’s Day and April Fool’s Day.

Snow + Weather

Folks think that January and February are known to be the snowiest months in Utah, but a few well-informed searches will have you and your fearless brood laying first tracks in March and April. Our best advice? Hit higher elevation resorts like Alta Ski Area, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude Mountain Resort, all of which are known to average 50”+ of spring snow thanks to their preponderance for North-facing terrain.

And while the storms may keep rolling in, so does the sunshine, giving you that elusive combo of fresh powder and bluebird days. Bring your dark lenses, suncreen and enjoy a little free vitamin D with every turn.

Family-Friendly Dining

What do we love about spring skiing with the whole family? One word – patios. As the sun warms, so does our affinity for soaking it in. Try a few of our favorite on-mountain eateries, complete with views and fresh air.

Park City Mountain – Mid-Mountain Lodge

Located just off the Bonanza chairlift, this refurbished restaurant boasts food for all tastebuds, from poke bowls to French fries.

Alta Ski Area – Alta Alf's Restaurant

If the stunning peaks of Little Cottonwood Canyon don’t have you drooling, Alf’s just may. From local brews to grilled cheese sandwiches, we love this location and menu for the whole family.

Sundance Mountain Resort – Food Truck

Sundance is known for its food and views. As Mt. Timpanogos presides in the background, treat your family to a few authentic tacos while you rest your tired feet on the edge of a fire pit watching skiers load the chairlift.

Snowbird – The Summit

If you like ambiance with a side of Mediterranean Focaccia then may we suggest The Summit, Snowbird’s restaurant at 11,000’. Choose from two levels on which to dine, and a menu that’s about as diverse as the terrain.

Dress & Protect

Spring skiing only has one rule – don’t overdress. Sunny and 40 degrees is a lot different than snowy and 25. Keep it light and lose the heavy insulation. This means for those of you with little ones who in January and February needed an extra hour to wrap them in down before even touching your poles, hitting the mountain in warmer weather should buy you some time, and sanity.

But before you hop out of the car in shorts and a tank top, don’t forget your sunscreen. Between the higher elevations, increased sun exposure and the reflection off the snow, you don’t want to get caught driving home with a raccoon on your face. 

For more spring tips on mountain safety, we recommend checking out our guide to Spring Break & Beyond.

Spring Discounts & Activities

Resorts know the value of spring skiing – easier parking, soaring through lift lines and general enthusiasm for changing seasons. But they don’t rely on opportunity alone, which is why many offer competitive pricing as temps warm.

• Alta Lodge - Alta Ski Area will continue to offer their Kids Stay Free program through spring. Book a 4-night minimum stay in a standard room or better, and children ages 12 and under stay in your room at no additional charge. View available dates and learn more on their website here.  
• Spring Season rates go into effect starting Sunday, April 4 through the end of the season.
  

Brighton

• Spring Season Pass goes on sale in March. 

Nordic Valley

• Tickets available online for as low as $9 in March. Limited quantities are available.
• Pond Skim and Party March 20.

Powder Mountain

• Nightly ticket specials
• Military Appreciation Days on March 26 and April 2 include a free day ticket for Active Duty Military and Veterans with ID. Spouses, immediate family and civilians with base ID will receive 50% off day tickets. 
• Last-minute Utah Locals Deals can be found during slower weeks. Follow the Powder Mountain social feeds for more up-to-date info.

Snowbasin Resort

• Buy your season pass now for the 2021–22 season and ski free the rest of the spring. More details here.

Solitude Mountain Resort

• Early- and Late-Season Value Package for lodging beginning Friday, March 26.
• April 4, 2021 – Ride with the Easter Bunny + Egg Hunt. Ready to hit the bunny hill? Hippety-hop up to Solitude for some spring ski runs with the Easter Bunny. On-mountain egg hunt starts at the Solitude Ski & Ride School. Ages 2-10 are welcome.
  

Sundance Mountain Resort

• Stay and Ski Free through spring. Get two free lift tickets for each night of lodging booked at Sundance

Woodward Park City

• Spring Camps for ages 7-17. Choose from 3-day camp ($399)  or a 5-day camp ($599). Camp includes indoor and outdoor instruction, daily activities, visiting pros and more! You can find more info on Woodward Camps at their website.