Family Ski Resort Guide | Cherry Peak

By Local Lexi Sep 8, 2021
Located in the Bear River Mountains, Cherry Peak is a quiet resort with short lift lines and the greatest amount of night skiing vert in the state of Utah.
Family Ski Resort Guide | Cherry Peak

Cherry Peak is one of Utah’s newest mountain resorts. It’s unpretentious and affordable and visiting this mountain just makes you feel like family. The cozy lodge welcomes patrons with a fireplace and beautiful views. Though this resort may be smaller and less developed when compared to various ski areas in the region, Cherry Peak is close and convenient to those living in Logan and Cache Valley. It's an awesome place to learn, hunt down untracked powder or enjoy crowd-free slopes.

The focus on locals gives Cherry Peak an unpretentious and welcoming air and the clientele primarily consists of local families and Utah State University students. Cherry Peak is also proximally located to highly regarded snowmobiling, cross country skiing and ice fishing in Northern Utah.

Terrain at Cherry Peak has recently been expanded with the addition of the Summit Lift, adding more acreage and additional vertical drop. Cherry Peak is a fantastic place to bring younger children, as they can easily navigate around the entire resort while confidently exploring the terrain and honing their independence. 

Catch a beautiful Cache Valley sunset and enjoy Cherry Peak’s expansive night skiing operation. In the summer months, Cherry Peak offers a jam-packed concert and festival schedule.

Cherry Peak Resort is located in Northern Utah in the Bear River Mountains east of Richmond. Approximate driving times (in favorable driving conditions) and distances are listed below:
Logan: 17 miles – 20 minutes
Ogden: 65 miles – 1.5 hours
Salt Lake City: 100 miles – 1 hour, 40 minutes
Provo: 142 miles – 2 hours, 30 minutes
St. George: 400 miles – 5 hours, 30 minutes


In a 5th Grader’s Words:  “This is where I learned to snowboard and it’s the greatest. Me and my brother always race, sometimes I win. I like the fireplaces inside when I get cold.” - Ruby, Age 10


TERRAIN & MOUNTAIN STATS

Skiable Acres: 400+ Acres
Vertical Drop: 1,265 Feet
Number of Runs: 29, 1 Terrain Park
Terrain: 30% Beginner, 45% Intermediate, 25% Advanced
Chairlifts: 3 chairlifts and 1 Magic Carpet Surface Lift
Night Skiing: Monday – Saturday from 5:00 – 9:00 PM (hours may vary - check website)
Deals for Kids: 5 and under are free with purchase of adult ticket

For those just learning the art of skiing or snowboarding or perhaps seeking slopes off the beaten path, Cherry Peak is the place. With three chairlifts and one surface lift, this resort is easily navigable for families with young children. A mix of groomed and off-piste terrain is offered. Cherry Peak is crowd free and you’ll seldom wait in line at this resort. There are also ticketing options for those who just wish to access the magic carpet, saving true beginners a ton of money.

From the main lodge, guests can quickly access either the Gateway lift or the Magic Carpet surface lift. New skiers or boarders can test the water on the green-rated Base Camp trail, serviced by the Magic Carpet. The Gateway lift transports skiers and riders from the lodge up to the top of Canyon Ridge. From here, you can access either the Summit or Vista lifts.

Gateway features a nice mix of green through black diamond terrain. Warm up on green-rated Long Mozy and then step up to True Blue or Think Twice. If you’re ready to venture off-piste, check out Downfall or Velocity. The area’s terrain park is located here along the True Blue run.

The Vista lift is best suited for beginners or intermediates. It features four greens and four blues for families to explore.

The newly-installed Summit lift has greatly expanded Cherry Peak’s terrain and vertical drop. It runs along the south side of the mountain’s ridge and services long blue and green rated trails and a handful of black diamonds. Stronger skiers and snowboarders will want to spend time exploring the terrain off this lift.

The straightforward navigation at Cherry Peak makes it a solid destination for families managing children of different ability levels. Beginners or intermediates can move around the mountain at their chosen pace while advanced skiers and riders can venture further afield on the off-piste terrain. There are lots of wide open groomers and nicely gladed trees to score a powder pocket or two. Because Cherry Peak lacks the crowds of other resorts, it may be your best bet for learning how to ski powder.


PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

There is no public transportation system in place to access Cherry Peak.


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BASE AREA & MAIN LODGE

Navigating around Cherry Peak is a cinch. There is one main parking area and lodge. The facilities in the lodge include a grill/restaurant, a full-service ski and snowboard rental shop, the Snowsport School and ticketing.

The ticket windows are located outdoors on the west side of the lodge. The lower level of the lodge houses ticketing, rentals, the retail shop, ski patrol and restrooms. The main level of the lodge features the Peak Grill, an ample seating area and restrooms. The upper level of the lodge houses group reservations, additional overflow seating and restrooms.


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SNOWSPORT SCHOOL

The Cherry Peak Snowsport School keeps it simple by providing lesson types for any age and experience. Incredibly affordable lessons are offered and represent some of the best deals available in Utah to learn. From basics to refined techniques, the Cherry Peak Snowsport School can tackle it all. Note that night lessons are also available, making this a flexible option for kids in school, university students or parents with day jobs.

It is recommended to call ahead and reserve your spot.

First Timer Lesson
For a very approachable price, Cherry Peak will offer a half-day beginner lesson and a full-day equipment rental and lift ticket; an awesome value! This offer applies to any age and can be converted into the 5 First Timer Superpack.

5 First Timer Superpack
Supercharge your learning curve with a pack of five half-day group lessons. This amazing deal also includes five full-day equipment rentals and five full-day ski passes. Upon completion of the program, a Cherry Peak Season Pass is awarded. Discounts are available if you purchase early before the ski season. 

Group Lessons
Offered in half-day, full-day or night formats, the group lessons are an affordable way for skiers or boarders to refine their fundamentals and techniques. They can also be purchased at a discount in a pack of four lessons. (Lesson pricing does not include lift ticket or equipment rental.)

Private or Semi-Private Lessons
For a great rate on private lessons, head to Cherry Peak. Lessons can be booked hourly (though two hours at minimum are recommended) or in half-day, full-day or night blocks. Bring your family or close friends and convert your private lesson into a semi-private lesson (up to four guests). See Cherry Peak’s website for pricing.

Women’s Lesson
Cherry Peak will happily accommodate women’s groups of three to six who want to form their own private lesson. Advance notice is required to reserve the instructor of your choice.


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SKI SHOP & EQUIPMENT RENTALS

In the lower level of the lodge, Cherry Peak operates a complete rental department with very reasonable rates. Ski rental can be paired with boots and poles or cross-country skis. Snowboard rental includes boots. Goggles and helmets are also available to rent. Active duty military will be awarded a 5% discount.

There is also a ski shop where essentials, gear, and logo wear can be purchased.


LODGING AND DINING OPTIONS

Since Cherry Peak primarily caters to a local crowd, there is no lodging located at the resort. There are many choices in Cache Valley and even more options in nearby Logan, Utah.

The cozy lodge offers food from The Peak Grill, fireplaces and lots of seating for patrons. The welcoming staff will make families feel right at home and guests are also welcome to bring their own brown bag lunches. The family-friendly menu includes lots of ski lodge favorites like pizza, grilled food, sandwiches and burgers.


POINTS OF INTEREST

For a memorable visit, consider these unique points of interest when planning a trip to Cherry Peak.

Cherry Peak Snow Tubing
On any day excluding Sunday, swoop down the Snow Tubing slopes of Cherry Peak. With deals offered to families, this is an affordable outing that provides high adrenaline and safe fun across five tubing lanes. A moving sidewalk called Little Bit deposits tubers atop the hill to maximize tubing laps. Night tubing is an option too! 


The Bluebird, Logan
No trip to Logan is complete without a stop at The Bluebird Candy Company. Since 1914, this Logan institution has been hand-dipping and crafting the most delicious candy around. Visit their iconic soda fountain and order a classic milkshake or an ice cream cone. Dinner and lunch are also served. Kids love this nostalgic stop! 


VISIT CHERRY PEAK'S WEBSITE & LEARN MORE -  CLICK HERE


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