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.
Utah Valley University/Brigham Young University
Headed down into Utah County, you have two great universities that love to get their students involved in the ski and board community. If you’re a Wolverine, first things first, you must join the Ski Club UVU. From club merchandise to a stellar group of athletes, and even discounted student passes, this is a great club to be a part of. I also recommend heading over to the Outdoor Adventure Center on campus, where you can get top-of-the-line gear to rent at very low prices. From skis to boards, and even avalanche gear for backcountry tours.
If you attend BYU, it should be obvious that if you were to join any club on campus, the Freeride Academy club is the one you need to follow. Not only will you surround yourself with a great group of riders and students, but the benefits are endless. From tons of giveaways, to hosting awesome events, to even getting you settled with some great student pass discounts. The Freeride Academy Club knows how to take care of college students who love to be up in the mountains. And I don’t just mean Squaw Peak.
Just a 20-minute drive from both UVU and BYU’s campus, you have Sundance Mountain Resort Ski Resort. Sundance is an absolutely beautiful mountain resort that allows you to ski and board on weekdays for as low as $69 a lift ticket. Also at Sundance, you can get a great deal for a season pass called the Young Adult Unlimited Pass. So if you’re anywhere from ages 18-26 and you love a good discount on a season pass, then you definitely need to check it out!
Southern Utah University
Southern Utah is known for the heat, but don’t get confused when I tell you that its mountains receive up to 300 inches of snowfall each year. This makes going to SUU even better, especially in the winter! For gear, check out SUU Outdoor Basecamp, where you can get good deals on rentals. And just 40 minutes south to St George, UT, you can attend local ski swaps where there are up to 80% off on gear deals. Brian Head Ski Resort is just a 40 minute drive from campus and they are famously known for having great lift ticket deals. Starting in November, you can shred it all day, anywhere from $19-39 for a lift ticket. Even better yet, their night skiing is a blast and starts in December for as low as just $9 a ticket. So yes, even in the desert, you can still hit the slopes!
Across the state there are amazing deals, incredible discounts, student packed clubs, and snow lover groups everywhere. So don’t let prices, time, or energy stop you from having a great winter. So get your buddies, get your gear, and get your tickets...the mountains and snow are waiting.
Utah Ski Resorts that offer student/college discount passes
Alta Ski Area - Offers a college season pass: full-time students enrolled in 12+ undergraduate or 9+ graduate credit hours.
Beaver Mountain - Has a Student Season Pass (ages 12-college). Proof of registration required.
Brighton - College student season pass available for students enrolled 8+ credit hours.
Brian Head Ski Resort - Young adult (19-24) season pass, not explicitly “student”
Cherry Peak - Offers Student Annual Pass (Ages 13-College). No blackout dates noted.
Deer Valley Resort - Offers College Student Season Pass for full-time students.
Park City Mountain - Under the Epic-pass system: Lists a college (17-99) pass category for students.
Solitude Mountain Resort - While not always explicitly “college”, but student clubs promote discounted multi-resort passes via Solitude access.
Sundance Mountain Resort - Offers Young Adult Unlimited Pass (ages 18-26) which works well for college students.