There’s nothing more iconic than spending the holidays playing in snow and sipping cocoa by the fire, so if you’re planning a ski holiday in Utah, get ready for a treat.
The key to a perfect holiday visit is planning. I suggest planning a mix of on-snow and off-snow activities. Also reserve time to relax by the fire and enjoy some good holiday meals.
On Snow Fun
Skiing & Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding are the first snow activities most people plan when visiting Utah. Because the holidays are a popular time to visit, book lessons, rentals, and tours in advance. Also, consider hitting the slopes in the afternoon when crowds naturally thin. An afternoon visit will also make parking easier if you are driving to the mountain. Another tip, once you are on the mountain, head to the mid-mountain lifts and lap those. The lines will often be shorter and faster moving. See resort opening dates here to ensure the resort you plan to visit is open!
Saddle up a Fat Bike
Mountain biking doesn’t end when the snow falls, just ride. Fat bikes are a ton of fun and you’ll be amazed at how well they ride over snow. A great introduction is booking a Fat Bike Tour with White Pine Touring. They’ll provide the bike and will get you on trails suited to your ability. It’s a no-fuss way to give fat bikes a try!
Explore the Backcountry
Feeling adventurous? Book a backcountry guided tour. There are a variety of backcountry tour options, but they all have one thing in common: they are strenuous and require strong skiing skills, so read the descriptions carefully before deciding to book. Here are a few great options:
- Ski Utah Interconnect Tour
- Powder Mountain Backcountry Tour
- Guided Backcountry and Snowcat Skiing with Snowbird Mountain Guides
- PC Powder Cats & Heli-Ski
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a slow, chill, snow activity that gets you out into landscapes surrounded by birds, trees and views. A snowshoeing guide is a great “one-stop shop” if you’re visiting. You can also rent snowshoes at several locations, including Canyon Sports, White Pine Touring, and at many resorts.
Off-Snow Dining and Events
Enjoying a ski vacation over the holidays doesn’t mean you have to miss out on festive holiday meals. In fact, many Utah ski resort restaurants offer gourmet spreads with paired traditional favorites.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Utah's Ski Resorts
Date and Time: November 27, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Price: Not listed.
Menu Overview: Holiday brunch and “Family Feast” options. Includes a buffet and plated holiday dishes with seasonal desserts.
Other Details: Reservations required. Brunch will be hosted across three locations in the Resort Village. Parties of 14 or fewer will be seated in the Foundry Grill or Tree Room, while parties of 15 or more will dine in the Rehearsal Hall.
More information
Date and Time: November 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Price: $94 for adults. $44 for children ages 5 to 12. Free for children under 4.
Menu Overview: Large holiday buffet featuring prime rib, roasted turkey, steamed ham, Atlantic salmon, omelet and waffle stations, plus seasonal sides and desserts.
Other Details: Reservations required.
More information
Date and Time: November 27, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Price: $70 for adults. $30 for children ages 4 to 12. Children under 4 eat free.
Menu Overview: Three course meal. Appetizer board, soup or salad, entrée choice of turkey, salmon, or vegetarian acorn squash. Dessert includes pumpkin pie, pecan pie, or gluten free chocolate cake.
More information
Date and Time: November 27, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Price: $79 for adults ages 12 and older. $49 for youth ages 6 to 11. Free for children 5 and under.
Menu Overview: Holiday buffet at Milly Chalet with carving station and seasonal sides. Way too much to list here… check out the link below!
More information
Date and Time: Thanksgiving Day, generally 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Price: $87 for adults ages 13 and older. $50 for youth ages 5 to 12. Free for children 4 and under.
Menu Overview: Elevated Thanksgiving menu that includes turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes, soups, salads, and specialty items.
More Information
Date and Time: November 27, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: $115 for adults ages 13 and older. $55 for youth ages 3 to 12. Free for children 2 and under with adult purchase.
Menu Overview: Thanksgiving buffet hosted in the Grand Summit Hotel ballroom.
More Information
Christmas Eve Dinner At Utah Ski Resorts
Date and Time: December 24, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Price: $100 per adult. $50 for children ages 4 to 12. Children under 4 eat free.
Menu Overview: Buffet that includes shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque, winter salads, a meat and cheese board, and a variety of breads. Entrée options include beef tenderloin Oscar style, pan roasted salmon, or grilled lion’s mane mushroom (vegan). Desserts include warm apple pie with ice cream, warm chocolate torte, gingerbread trifle, and vanilla ice cream.
More Information
Snowbasin Resort at Earl's Plaza
Date and Time: December 24, 2025. Buffet seatings begin between 4 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. Public festivities run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Price: $109 per adult. $59 for youth ages 5 to 12. Children 4 and under eat free.
Menu Overview: Large buffet including carved prime rib, steamship ham, brown sugar brined turkey, pan seared salmon with coconut shiitake broth, loaded mashed potatoes, white cheddar mac and cheese, grilled asparagus, roasted vegetables, Caesar salad, grain salads, charcuterie boards, fresh fruit, and shrimp cocktail.
More Information
Date and Time: December 25, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Price: Not yet published for 2025.
Menu Overview: Elevated Christmas Day brunch served buffet style at Foundry Grill. The 2025 menu is forthcoming, but the resort notes it will include seasonal holiday dishes and upscale brunch selections.
More Information
Events and Parades
- November 27 - Solitude - Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
- November 27 - Solitude – Thanksgiving Day Turkey Scavenger Hunt on the Mountain
- November 28 - Park City Mountain Canyons Village Tree Lighting
- December 12 - Tree Lighting at Sundance Mountain Resort Stay for complimentary cookies, cocoa, and a visit from Santa!
- December 12 - Solitude – 12 Days of Cheer – Fun daily events beginning December 12
- December 13 - Brunch with Santa at Sundance Tree Room
- December 14 - Hanukkah Candle Lighting at Snowbird December 14-21
- December 20 - Santa Comes to Town (Lift) at Park City Mountain
- December 20 - Ugly Sweater Party at Sundance
- December 24 - Deer Valley – Santa Visits Deer Valley
- December 24 - Park City - Christmas Eve Tourchlight Parade Canyons Village
- December 24 - Santa's Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade at Snowbird
- December 26 - Snowbird – Kids Torchlight Parade
- December 30 - Deer Valley Resort Torchlight Parade
- December 31 - Snowbird – New Years Eve Torchlight Parade – Hang out by the fire pits after!
- December 31 - Solitude Mountain Resort - New Years Eve Torchlight Parade
- Sundance Mountain Resort - Lots of holiday activities!
Worship
- December 14 - Hanukkah Candle Lighting at Snowbird December 14-21
- December 24 - Snowbird – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Getting Around
Planning your transportation in advance makes a big difference when visiting one of Utah’s larger resorts.
Renting a Car
If you rent a car, consider booking one with All Wheel Drive (AWD) in the event it snows. If you don’t opt for AWD, plan to use other forms of transportation when traveling to/from the resorts on a snow day. Be sure to check the weather to ensure a storm won’t move in while you are up a canyon as 2-wheel drive vehicles won’t be allowed to drive down. More info on canyon driving can be found here.
Parking is another consideration. Some resorts require parking reservations, especially Friday-Sunday. If you plan to drive yourself, read this article which has all the beta: Utah Ski Resort Parking.
Shuttle Services
An alternative to driving yourself is to book a shuttle. There are lots of options, both public and private. If you are staying up a canyon, consider booking a ride that has 4WD or AWD vehicles as your ride from and to the airport if snow is in the forecast. If you are staying in a valley and the weather is nice, any Uber will do.
Matt Griff with Utah Mountain Shuttle shared this advice, "Built on the understanding of any weather condition at any time, reserve ahead transportation will manage any amount of passengers and the gear they present. Try to avoid the click-to-ride 4am departure in a possibly unprepared vehicle."
Traveling from your hotel to the mountain, first check to see if there are any free shuttles. For example, Park City Transit is free and will shuttle you to resorts and around town without the hassle of traffic or parking. Other options are the Utah Transit Authority Ski Bus, or a private shuttle service. Shuttles allow for the easiest transition from room to slopes.
Don’t let getting around intimidate you. With planning you won’t have any issues!
Holiday ski vacations in Utah are a great way to relax, connect, and have fun. There are plenty of events and meals that deliver traditional holiday cheer on and off the snow. Hopefully this guide gives you plenty of ideas to plan the perfect stay!
