The ABCs of Summer Activities at Utah Ski Resorts

We all know about meandering hiking trails and the thrill of scenic chairlift rides during the summer months at Utah's ski resorts. But there are so many more diversions to enjoy beyond these basics! Use our primer, the ABCs of Summer, to see what kind of unique activities you might stumble upon when you head for the hills (and cooler temperatures) this summer...

ALPINE SLIDES

• Park City Mountain: Not only is the Park City Mountain Alpine Slide the longest slide in Utah, it's also one of the longest in the world with over 3,000 feet of hair-bending turns on two its luge-like tracks! Utah locals with a valid ID can save 10% on both the Mountain Coaster and Alpine Slide when you visit Park City Mountain this summer.
  
  
• Brian Head: Try the Avalanche Tubing lanes at Brian Head Ski Resort, which feature multiple tubing lanes with a conveyor belt to bring riders back to the top. The smooth, fast ride is sure to get the adrenaline pumping and the two lanes allow friends and families to thunder down the mountain simultaneously.
  
  
• Utah Olympic Park: The alpine slide at the Utah Olympic Park features smooth straightaways and 11 banked turns spanning over a half mile of thrilling track. If that's not enough adrenaline for you, try the zip line, bobsled rides or take a class that teaches aerial ski jumping into the huge plunge pool where the Olympians train. 
  
  

BUBBLES, BEER & WINE

• Solitude: The Big Cottonwood Brew Fest is back at Solitude for another run this summer with Utah's best local beer from June 13-14, 2026 running 1PM–7PM. Sample beer from beloved breweries from all over Utah and enjoy summer vibes, yard games, live music and great food. This is a family-friendly event but a valid ID is required to purchase beer.
  
  
• Deer Valley: Pop a bottle (or two) of bubbly at the Deer Valley Creative Academy Class session for Bubbles Around the World on July 35, 2026. Explore sparkling wines from around the world with import expert Brad Jensen, founder of Bon Vivant Imports. Sample and enjoy a refreshing selection ranging from Champagne to Prosecco and Cava. Class is for ages 21+, advance registration is recommended. 
  
  
• Deer Valley: The 5th annual Deer Valley Mountain Beer Fest will transpire Sept. 19-20, 2026. Enjoy scenic chairlift acccess, live music and family-friendly activities while sampling a curated offering of Utah's best craft beers (including full-strength options). 
  
  
• Park City Mountain: Savor fall foliage while exploring a tempting showcase of wines sourced from around the world at the annual Park City Wine Fest. The Grand Tasting will take place in the vibrant Canyons Village featuring live music and tasty small bites. Immerse yourself in expertly paired meals, dinners and classroom seminars to build up your wine savvy on October 2-3, 2026. 
  
  
• Woodward: Think beer and yoga can't possibly be a blissful pairing? Think again and join Woodward's bi-monthly Summer Beer Yoga series co-hosted by Eventful Yoga and Offset Bier. Gather together with like-minded mountain yogis to bust out a 60-minute flow practice followed by a friendly aprés session to meet and mingle with new friends. Entry is free and beer is just $5 for 21+ adults. Check Woodward's event calendar for dates and details. 

• Snowbird: Since 1972, Utah's oldest and largest Oktoberfest has reigned at Snowbird. Groove to live music, sample Bavarian fare, shop arts and crafts from local artisans, all while sipping the suds at altitude. The festivities run on Saturdays and Sundays from August 8 through October 11, 2026. Snowbird runs Oktoberfest lodging specials and the scene is especially vibrant during peak fall foliage. Note that there is a parking fee in all Snowbird lots during Oktoberfest weekends, admission is free.
  
  
• Brian Head: The annual Oktoberfest celebration at Brian Head Ski Resort will run Saturday and Sunday from September 5 through September 20th. Expect live music, great food, local vendors and a high-elevation beer garden in addition to Brian Head's summer activities. 
  
  
• Snowbasin: There are multiple ways to lift a beer and say "cheers" at Snowbasin Resort this summer. The popular Blues and Brews series will kick off June 20 and run through August 23, 2026 on Saturdays & Sundays from 12-6PM on the Earl's Lodge patio and lawn. Blues and Brews is a dog and family friendly celebration in the cool mountain air, featuring many beer options and Snowbasin's slate of fun summer activities. Parking is free and there is a $10 concert ticket fee; purchasing in advance is recommended. Discounts are available for season passholders.
  
  

• As the aspen trees turn yellow, Snowbasin will shift their weekend activities to the SnowWiesn Oktoberfest, a German-themed fall festival in the mountains. Amid the beautiful setting, guests can sip on a variety of craft beer, peruse an artisan market and groove to local music while chowing on Bavarian food. SnowWiesn occurs every Saturday and Sunday from 12-6PM beginning August 29th and running through October 11, 2026. Don't miss the entertaining Bavarian music from the Park City Polka Players which takes place on the plaza throughout the event, followed by the headline musical act on the concert stage at 4PM.

CINEMA NIGHTS

• Solitude: The Coca-Cola Sunset Cinema series returns to the Moonbeam Lawn in Big Cottonwood Canyon with classic family films each week such as Jaws, The Karate Kid, How to Train Your Dragon, Shrek and more. Pack a blanket or low lawn chair and head up for cooler temps; movies screen at 8PM on Thursdays from June 18 through September 3, 2026. The Little Dollie's waffle cabin will serve Coca-Cola and popcorn specials on movie nights and the Honeycomb Grill is open for dinner. The Solitude Bike Park, the Adventure Park and scenic lift rides will remain open until 8PM for Twilight Thursdays too! 2026-27 Ikon Pass holders and Big Cottonwood Canyon residents can enjoy half off one food item when buying another item at full price. Click here for the summer screening schedule. 
  
  
• Eagle Point: The last weekend of the month, Eagle Point will be screening family-friendly films on the grounds near the Canyonside Lodge. Enjoy free hot chocolate and popcorn but don't forget to dress warm at this high altitude summer paradise! Grab dinner at Canyonside Grill before the show begins at 6PM.  

CIRQUE SERIES RACES

The Cirque Series is the premier mountain running trail series in the United States. Traveling all across the states, competitors start at the bottom of a world-class ski resort and run, walk, skip or simply just suffer their way straight uphill to the top of the mountain. Power back down without busting your quads to arrive at the finish line to enjoy a lively scene of food, music, drink and vendors. The elevation and vertical add to the challenge and pros compete alongside first-timers as all enjoy the views and test their limits. Utah stops include Snowbird (July 11) and Alta (August 15). It is recommended to register early for the Cirque Series as these races typically sell out!

COOKING CLASSES 

Deer Valley: The Deer Valley Creative Academy encompasses a series of thoughtfully designed classes and workshops for those who love the art of cooking and wish to ignite inspiration with their food and drink creations. A diverse selection of cooking and wine pairing classes are led by industry luminaries and professional chefs throughout July and August. Learn the secrets of BBQ with Chef Ryan Arensdorf, kids can learn the basics of decorating cupcakes, adults can roll sushi and sip on sake or learn how to fashion whiskey cocktails with High West Distillery and Saloon. 

EVERESTING

Snowbasin: While you may not be familiar with Everesting, this popular event is returning to Snowbasin for hardcore endurance athletes from June 11-14, 2026. Participants must hike uphill for a total of 13 laps to collect 29,029 feet of vertical elevation gain, the equivalent of summiting Mount Everest. Competitors will enjoy a brief rest as they ride the gondola back down to the base area before commencing another lap.

FLEA & FARMERS MARKETS

• Park City Mountain: Wednesdays are your chance to score local produce, beautiful flowers, handmade jewelry and amazing flavors at Park City' Mountain's weekly farmers' market. The market runs every Wednesday from May 27 through October from 11AM to 5PM. Find the vendors in the First Time Chair parking lot at Park City Mountain. 
  
  
• Park Silly Farmer's Market: On select Sundays the beloved Park Silly Market on Main Street will offer live music, fun, arts and food. Park Silly is a FREE, ecofriendly open air artist market, street festival and community forum. Summer 2026 dates are as follows:  
  • June 7, 14, 21, 28
  • July 12, 19
  • August 30
  • September 6, 13, 20, 27
• Big Cottonwood Canyon Flea Market: Find a laid-back mountain market every Sunday in the parking lot at Brighton Resort. Peruse the scene for vintage, handmade, secondhand and artisan goods amid music and casual lunch offerings. Parking and admission for the BCC Flea Market are free and it runs each Sunday (weather permitting) from 10AM to 5PM from June 7 to October 25, 2026. Pair the trip with a hike, lift-served mountain biking, a scenic chairlift ride, disc golf or dining at Brighton Resort. 
  
  

HORSEBACK RIDING

• Sundance: Horseback rides are offered daily amid Sundance's jaw-dropping scenery beneath the shadow of Mount Timpanogos. Traverse mountain terrain to catch a view of Stewart Falls, enjoy the sounds of nature and share the experience with a cowboy guide. Sunset trail rides are offered on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and provide great opportunities for wildlife viewing and spectacular sunsets. Private rides are available. Don't miss the opportunity to see these trails in the full brilliance of autumn foliage, info here!
  
  
• Eagle Point: Explore the mighty Tushar Mountains by horseback at Eagle Point. Two-hour rides are offered at 9AM and 3PM, departing from the Canyonside Lodge. Your guide will talk story and share their knowledge about the local flora, fauna, history and geology. Availability varies so be sure to confirm a booking ahead of time.
  
  
• Deer Valley: Guided horseback rides through the Boulder Mountain Ranch offer a tranquil escape with beautiful views. Rides for individuals or groups are available with the option to add a savory mountain meal. 

MINI GOLF

• Snowbasin: The scenic yet tricky, 18-hole Wildflower Mini Golf course awaits you at the base of Snowbasin Resort. Enjoy the course from mid-June through early October on Saturdays and Sundays from 9AM–4PM.
  
  
• Park City Mountain: The whimsical 18-hole mini golf course at Park City Mountain is surrounded by great views and crazy critters to keep the kiddos (and adults) entertained. Cost to play is $17 per person.
  
  

PADDLEBOARDING 

• Deer Valley: Cool off at Deer Valley's quaint and sandy Pebble Beach, the perfect launching point to learn or enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding. Just steps from the Deer Valley Café, guests can sign up for classes, paddleboard yoga, lessons, demos or just rent a board and hit the water. A SUP 101 class with Park City SUP is perfect for beginners or experts looking to improve their paddling techniques. There are also yoga and surf fit classes to further dial your balance on the water and strengthen your muscles. 
  
  
• Eagle Point: Not far from Eagle Point and tucked into the Tushar Mountains, you'll find Kents Lake, Three Creeks Reservoir or Puffer Lake. The resort offers a $49 daily paddleboard package which can be reserved online and picked up at the Canyonside Lodge after 9AM. 
  
  

PAINTBALLING

Paintballing in a dynamic mountain environment takes on a whole new dimension at Eagle Point. Book a private session for a group of any size and play games such as steal the flag, tag and more. Gear rentals are available and paintballs can be purchased onsite as Eagle Point wants to ensure all paintballs used on their course are 100% biodegradable. 

SUNSETS, STARGAZING & S'MORES

• Eagle Point: At one of Utah's highest elevation resorts lies cool nights and unbelievably beautiful and dark night skies. The remote location and low humidity and dew point in the Tushar Mountains offers superior conditions to admire the cosmos. In fact, the Dark Sky Project considers the area one of the premiere stargazing locations in the United States, so there's no better place to plan for an evening of Stargazing and S'mores. Offered on most Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer, a guide will share fascinating information about outer space and point out important stars and constellations. 
  
  
• Snowbasin: Catch a scenic ride on the Needles Gondola to celebrate cool summer evenings in style at the mountain top. Groove to live music, enjoy a full bar with a custom cocktail list and take in the sunset from over 8,000 feet. This event series is for all ages and will run Thursdays 5-10PM. Food and live music will wind down at 9PM. Click here for event info. 
  
  
• Solitude: On select nights, Solitude will host stargazing with telescopes trained on Jupiter, Saturn, and deep sky objects. A free star talk will be hosted by the Director of the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex at dusk, around 9PM, followed by stargazing in the Moonbeam parking lot. Guests should pack blankets, chairs and binoculars.
  
  
• Snowbird: Each summer, Snowbird hosts an unusual and relaxing Lunar Sound Bath amid the luxurious setting of the rooftop Cliff Spa. Make a new intention under the new moon or release what is holding you back under the full moon as you lie back and listen to the soothing harmony of singing crystal bowls. Guests can drift off into a blissful state of relaxation during the 1-hour sound bath, followed by an hour of access to the spa facility with refreshments and treats. Don't forget to bring a blanket and warm layers for the cool mountain nights. Cost is $75 and registration is required. 
  
  
• Sundance: Experience the mountain in a new light, with a scenic chairlift ride under the full moon at Sundance. The lift will be spinning at a far slower pace to allow for enjoying the moonlit landscape for 30-45 minutes on Outlaw Express. Don't forget to dress warmly! Season passholders at Sundance can enjoy this activity for free. Dates are as follows: 
  • June 29th & 30th - Strawberry Moon
  • July 28th & 29th - Buck Moon
  • August 26th & 27th - Sturgeon Moon
  • September 24th, 25th & 26th - Harvest Moon

WILDFLOWERS

Since 1996 the annual Wasatch Wildflower Festival, hosted by the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, has celebrated Utah's incredible, high elevation wildflower bloom. Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird and Alta all participate in this 4-day event covering two weekends each July. The festival is totally free and family friendly with hikes and presentations by volunteer naturalists. Registration is encouraged and guests can expect guided walks, crafts for kids, music, food and scenic views. Learn more about the most common wildflowers in the Wasatch and then register for the event here. Remember, our alpine environments are incredibly fragile, please take pics and never pick wildflowers! 

YOGA

• Solitude: Free yoga can be enjoyed on the Inn at Solitude lawn in the Mountain Village on Saturdays from 9-10AM. Classes are free and will run from June 20 through August 29, 2026. Bring your own mat.
  
  
• Alta: Enjoy free yoga and the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Superior at Alta on the lawn of the Peruvian Lodge thanks to the Alta Community Enrichment organization. Classes take place each Monday at 5:30 PM. Participants should register and bring their own mat; this event is weather-dependent. Click here for info and registration.
  
  
• Eagle Point: Yoga classes are offered in the serene setting of Eagle Point's Canyonside Lodge on most Saturday mornings at 10AM.

ZIP LINES

• Sundance: Soar above Sundance and take in the views of Mount Timpanogos at high speed with Sundance's unique, multi-stage ZipTour. This memorable tour drops over 2,100 feet in elevation and features America's 3rd longest span of zip lines. Riders can control their speed, reaching a maximum of 65 miles per hour. Specialty tours are available for full moon evenings, Halloween and tours with lunch.
  
  
• Park City Mountain: Park City Mountain features two exhilarating zip lines. The ZipRider, a traditional zipline with a harness, allows guests to race 110 feet above the trails at up to 45 mph. Suitable for smaller children, the Flying Eagle Zip Line is a seated zipline that whisks above the alpine slide.
  
  
• Utah Olympic Park: Soar above the K120 Olympic Nordic ski jumps on the Utah Olympic Park's Extreme Zipline. Scream down the mountain up to 50 mph as you watch summer practice unfold on the ski jumps below.
  
  
• Snowbird: Not quite a zip line, but equally as exciting, Snowbird's ZipWhipper and Vertical Drop will have your heart pounding and your pulse racing. 
  
  
• Brian Head: For smaller children or those who would prefer to ease into things, check out the Mini Zip Line at Brian Head on summer weekends. Tickets are just $15 for ages 3+ and include 2 zip laps.