This time of the year always brings such great memories. Getting to see everyone back on campus again, tailgating the football games on Saturdays, and going on breathtaking hikes in the incredible Utah mountains. Let's just say breathtaking because of how pretty the red, orange, and yellow leaves are, and not because of how out of shape I am. Being a Salt Lake City local, the real take on why this season is a real dopamine booster is because we all know that the ski season is just around the corner. Aren’t you pumped?! Well, you should be because when it comes to student passes, skiing with your buddies after class, or joining your school's ski/board club, Utah does it best.
Here are some insights into all the student passes, deals, and ski clubs that you absolutely cannot miss out on if you’re a college student in Utah!
Utah State University
Up North, you’re either a Utah State Aggie, or you live for the Beav, either way, you know great snow. At USU you can find the USU Snow Club. Their mission? “We're here to provide the community of USU snowgoers with opportunities and events to enjoy nature and the snow.” (ususnowclub.com). This club provides members with some sweet deals on an Ikon pass, a Beaver Mountain pass, and even discounts on gear. Not to mention they host giveaways, scavenger hunts, food events on campus and on the mountain. How could you attend Utah State and NOT be a member of the USU Snow Club! Another Cache Valley find, as someone who’s lived in Logan, is taking advantage of Cherry Peak. This resort does not shy away when it comes to getting their local Aggies and college students a great deal on a student pass and low-priced lift tickets!
Weber State University
Let me tell you what’s highly underrated...living in Ogden, UT. Here is the ultimate hack for having a legit winter. Fifteen miles from Nordic Valley, where you can get a day pass for anywhere from $19-49. Nineteen miles from Powder Mountain, where you can take a friend, or a date out for some amazing night skiing for as low as $19 a ticket. And then 20 miles from Snowbasin Resort, which is part of the Ikon pass. At Basin, you will get some of the best powder and terrain in all of Utah. Three FANTASTIC resorts all within just 15-20 miles from campus. Not only are you in a great location, but Weber State has you covered with a 30% student discount on ski/board rentals from their campus center Outdoor Program Rental Center. On top of that WSU has an annual gear sale every October on campus. And last but definitely not least, don’t forget to take an academic ski/board class because not only does this provide you with academic college credit, but you also get to save money on passes by taking the class. I mean, c’mon, it’s like Weber State was established just for college students to rock it all winter.
University of Utah/SLCC/ Westminster
In the heart of Salt Lake City, we have the University of Utah, Westminster College, and Salt Lake Community College. And yes, the perks just keep rolling.
Starting at Utah, you have one of the greatest and largest snow clubs in all of North America, the One Love Ski and Snowboard Club. Regardless of your skill level, you can join and gain access to discounted student passes, local brand events, tailgates, and even the clubs ski trips! There is also the oldest club on campus which is the Utah Freeskier Society and their mission is, “We exist on campus to help students get involved with the local Utah ski community and help students get out on the mountains for reasonable prices.” (UtahFreeSkierSociety.com) so not only are you surrounded by a great community but you also get student discount passes on Ikon, Epic, and Brighton, as well as sweet gear discounts.
If you attend Salt Lake Community College, Brighton is hooking the Bruins up with a student discount pass. They offer the Twilight, Base, and Unlimited passes with full benefits. Their college season pass is currently on sale now! So don’t miss out.
If you attend Westminster, I highly recommend joining the Westminster Ski and Snowboard Club. They are always posting on their socials about upcoming events, awesome deals, and discounted student passes. They have deals with Ikon and Epic, as well as local resorts such as Brighton and Alta Ski Area.