The ABCs of Summer Activities at Utah Ski Resorts

There's much more to Utah's summer ski resort scene beyond hiking or scenic chairlift rides. Use the ABC's of summer to see what kind of activities you might expect to 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!
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Snowbird: Find Snowbird's alpine slide winding down Chickadee Bowl as it whisks riders through a tunnel to the base of the Chickadee chairlift.
  
  
• 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. 
  
  

BEER FESTIVALS

• Solitude: The Big Cottonwood Brew Fest will expand to a 2-day event this summer on June 14-15, 2025 from 11AM–4PM at Solitude. Admission is $20 for a Brew Fest mug and 4 drink tickets. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance. Sample beer from over 12 breweries (including options from Athletic Brewing) and enjoy summer vibes, yard games, live music and food. This is a family-friendly event but a valid ID is required to purchase beer.
  
  
• Deer Valley: The Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival will run September 13-14, 2025 from 12–5PM. Guests can enjoy scenic chairlift rides, outdoor dining, live music and tons of kid-friendly activities. Attendees over 21 can sample many beer flavors and styles while learning about Utah's robust brewing culture amid stunning mountain scenery. New this summer, join Deer Valley for the Brewmaster Dinner, a VIP culinary event on Friday, September 12, from 6 to 9PM at Silver Lake Lodge. For Saturday and Sunday's festival, various festival admission packages are available for pre-sale.
  
  
• 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 9 through October 12, 2025. 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 be expanded this summer to include every Saturday and Sunday from September 6 through September 21, 2025, culminating in a Grand Finale. Expect live music, great food, local vendors and a high-elevation beer garden. Admission is $10 when you pre-purchase online and $15 at the entrance, day off.
  
  
• Snowbasin: There are multiple ways to lift a beer and say "cheers" at Snowbasin this summer. Blues and Brews will drop on Saturdays & Sundays from 12-6PM on the Earl's Lodge patio and lawn alongside local and national musical acts. Kicking off on June 15 and running through August 24, Blues and Brews is dog and family friendly and will feature beer from over 10 breweries. Parking is free and there is a $10 concert ticket fee; purchasing in advance is recommended. 

• As the aspen trees turn yellow, Snowbasin will host their annual 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 30th and running through October 12th. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance; click here for music lineup and ticketing options.

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 Moana and Cool Runnings. Pack a blanket or low lawn chair and head up for cooler temps; movies screen at 8PM on Thursdays from June 26 through August 28, 2025. 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! Click here for the summer screening schedule. 

CIRQUE SERIES RACES

The Cirque Series is the premier mountain running trail series in the US. Traveling all across the states, competitors start at the bottom of a world-class ski resort and run, walk, skip, or suffer 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 adds to the challenge and pros compete alongside first-timers as all enjoy the views and test their limits. Utah stops include Snowbird (July 12) and Alta (August 23). It is recommended to register early for the Cirque Series as these races typically sell out.

COOKING CLASSES 

• Brighton: On Wednesdays at 6:30PM in the Milly Chalet, foodies can register for the Cooking in the Cottonwoods series. The talented team of chefs and bartenders at Brighton will lead guests in the creation of savory dishes while sharing tips and tricks. Registration is required and the class cost is $59. Courses include Italian cuisine, grilling basics, cooking with seafood, pizza, appetizer 101, and more.
  
  
• Deer Valley: The Deer Valley Creative Academy is designed 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 pros and local chefs in 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 savor French cuisine with a wine tasting. Click here for the complete lineup of summer classes.
  
  

DISC GOLF

• Solitude: The resort's famous (and challenging)18-hole disc golf course begins at 9,000 feet in elevation and provides relief from the heat at high altitude. Click here for more info. Catch a scenic lift ride on the Sunrise Chair to reach Hole 1. There's a more beginner-friendly 9-hole course located near the Moonbeam Base Area and disc rentals are available onsite.
  
  
• Brian Head: Winding through the mountains, Brian Head's 18-hole course at 10,000 feet incorporates multiple tee boxes and basket positions to allow players of all abilities to enjoy their round together. Soak in the stunning visuals of the surrounding red rock as you tackle this incredible course. Disc rentals are available and pricing starts at $15 per round. Click here for more info. The course is open Fri-Sun through June 27 and it will be open daily from June 27 through August 10 when mountain operations return to Fri-Sun.
  
  
• Beaver Mountain: The Beav has a meandering 18-hole disc golf course but note that the location of tee box 1 was recently relocated due to construction. 
  
  

• Park City Mountain: Avid disc golfers will delight in Park City's recent addition of 9 new holes! Elevation changes will test the precision and accuracy of disc golfers on this fun and challenging course. Access to play is free, though you must hike up from the Canyons Village Base Area (approx. 5 miles) or you can purchase a scenic chairlift ride to reach Hole 1. Disc golf rentals are available. More info here.
  
  
• Brighton: The new Disc Golf Bowl at Brighton features 2 challenging courses with beginner, intermediate and advanced tee boxes to ensure all enjoy their round. Both courses do require semi-strenuous hiking with stream crossings, so come prepared with proper footwear and be ready to hike. Rentals are available in the Rental Shop on the 2nd floor of the Brighton Center for $15 and include a putter, a midrange disc and a driver inside a carrying bag. Brighton does occasionally host tournaments, so check their summer schedule for info and event dates.
  
  The free 9-hole course begins just above the Majestic Chairlift alongside the Lake Mary hiking trail and incorporates about a mile of distance alongside a stream. Enjoy nature scenes and challenging holes with elevation change and water hazards. The trees make for an added challenge on this course! It's approx. a 1-mile circuit and takes around an hour for most players to complete. 
  
  The 18-hole course is best accessed via a scenic chairlift ride for $15 up the Majestic chair. This course features bigger moves and technical wooded, par 4 and par 5 shots. The course winds around a wide swath of Brighton and takes most players 3 hours to complete. 
  
  

EVERESTING

• Snowbasin: While you may not be familiar with Everesting, this popular event is returning to Snowbasin for hardcore endurance athletes. From August 1 through the 2nd, participants will have 36 hours to climb a total of 29,029 feet in elevation, the equivalent of summiting Mount Everest. Competitors will hike uphill on Snowbasin's trails and ride the gondola down to commence their next lap, 13 laps in total, followed by a fitting celebration. 
  
  

FLEA & FARMERS MARKETS

• Park City Mountain: Wednesdays are your chance to score local produce, beautiful flowers, handmade jewelry, and amazing flavors at Park City's weekly farmer's market. The market runs every Wednesday from May 29 through October 23 from 11AM to 5PM. Find the vendors in the First Time Chair parking lot at Park City Mountain. 
  
  
• 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. Pair the trip with a hike, scenic chairlift ride, disc golf or dining at Brighton Resort. 
  
  
  

FINE DINING

• Sundance: The intimate and romantic Tree Room at Sundance is ideal for special occasions and memorable moments. The restaurant is a cabin constructed around an actual tree with beautiful Western decor and nature views. The award-winning food incorporates modern French techniques with American comfort food.
  
  
• Deer Valley: Though Deer Valley's fine dining restaurants close during the summer months, foodies can still revel in the Taste of Luxury Series. These star-studded events feature unmatched food and wine pairings in beautiful settings with Michelin-rated chefs. Multi-course meals are complemented by wine receptions with top winemakers in the industry. Click here for dates and times.
  
  
• Snowbird: Head to the top floor of Snowbird's Cliff Lodge to discover the Aerie and Snowbird's finest views. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the mountain to create a cozy atmosphere to enjoy modern American cuisine, incorporating local and seasonal organic flavors. Start your evening with the award-winning wine list and cocktails in the adjacent Aerie Lounge which often features live musical acts.
  
  
• Solitude: Dinner at the Yurt is offered on July 5, 2025 at Solitude. In partnership with High West Whiskey, diners will sample seasonal flavors perfectly paired with a High West expression after a short but scenic hike to the on-mountain yurt. More opportunities for fine dining will be offered on select nights for the St. Bernard's Dinner and Wine Pairing Series. Join Solitude's Executive Chef, Chantz Peterson, for a unique, five-course meal with wine pairings and a fireside dessert.
  
  

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. 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 on 2-hour rides at Eagle Point. Morning, noon, or afternoon rides can be booked and rides will depart 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 meal. 

KIDS CAMPS

• Woodward: The ginormous action sports complex that is Woodward Park City is basically a paradise for kids or kids at heart. There is a camp, clinic, or lesson on just about anything under the sun and kids (or adults) can learn alongside seasoned pros and past and future Olympians. Throughout the summer Woodward offers week-long day camps with specialized coaching in skateboarding, BMX, mountain biking, scootering, parkour or multidiscipline combo camps. The supportive atmosphere and emphasis on safe progression is what makes Woodward's action-packed camps stand out. Camps are offered for kids ages 7-17 and it is recommended to book sessions early as they do sell out; discounts are offered when you book multiple sessions. Camp lineup here.
  
  
• Brighton: Kids ages 6-14 can immerse themselves in the natural splendor of Brighton's forested mountains. Themed weeks of camp keep kids active and outdoors ranging from S.T.E.M., to Mountain Adventures. Transportation is included with an additional fee and departs at 9AM from the base of Big Cottonwood with a 4PM return. Kids will learn to appreciate the beauty of nature while participating in scavenger hunts, hiking, art projects, games and more. Find session info here.
  
  
• Deer Valley: Deer Valley offers a diverse array of options to keep kids busy in the summer. Daycare is also available for children as young as 2 months on up to 12 years of age. Adventure Camp sessions are divided up into age groupings where children can enjoy age-appropriate activities with their peers while supervised by state-licensed counselors. The fun on the mountain includes hiking, biking, scavenger hunts, nature walks and water games. There are also bike camps for kids in addition to the Deer Valley Academy educational center. Click here for camp sessions, pricing and info.
  
  
• Snowbird: Superior Summer Camp immerses kids ages 5-10 in STEM workshops, arts and crafts and nature exploration in week-long camps. Sessions run for 12 weeks from June through mid-August from 8:30AM to 4:30PM. Info here.
  
  
• Solitude: Daily or week-long camps at Solitude are designed to foster learning in the mountains for children ages 6-14. Kids will hike through the forest, swim at The Inn, and explore Solitude's many basecamp activities like the climbing wall and bungee trampolines. Staff will keep kids busy learning about Big Cottonwood with plenty of arts and crafts and scenic chairlift rides. Free canyon transportation is offered on a limited basis. Info here.
  
  
• Park City Mountain: Kids aged 6 weeks to 6 years can join the Little Adventures Children's Center at the Canyons Village for summer fun. This state-licensed, year-round childcare facility provides indoor and outdoor play with fun and age-appropriate activities. The base village location provides access to gondola rides and swimming for preschool kids. Full-day and half-day sessions are available. Info here.

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. The cost is $8-12.
  
  
• Park City Mountain: The whimsical 18-hole mini golf course at Park City Mountain is surrounded by great views and fun features. 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 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 off in the Tushar Mountains, you'll find Kents Lake, Three Creeks Reservoir or Puffer Lake, just three of the dozens of lakes near Eagle Point. The resort offers a $49 daily paddleboard package which can be reserved online and picked up at the Canyonside Lodge. 
  
  

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. 

SCENIC CHAIRLIFT RIDES

A good number of Utah ski resorts offer scenic chairlift rides to feel a cool mountain breeze on your face and enjoy majestic views. Do note that in the presence of foul weather or active thunderstorms, the chairlifts will not run. Be sure to check the current weather forecast and operating hours as some resorts only operate on the weekend. The following resorts offer scenic chairlift rides and more info can be found here: 

• Brian Head (Fri-Sun and daily from June 27 to August 10)
• Brighton 
• Deer Valley (Daily, kids 4 & under ride free!)
• Park City Mountain (Daily)
• Snowbasin (Sat-Sun)
• Snowbird (Daily on the aerial tram & Peruvian Chair)
• Solitude (Daily)
• Sundance (Daily)

THEATRE

• Sundance: True to the principles of its artistic founding, Sundance is a place where you can appreciate the arts. This summer a production of The Wizard of Oz can be enjoyed in the cool mountain atmosphere. Kids will love the energetic songs and the classic story. A summer tradition since 1970, the Sundance Summer Theatre is fun for all ages. The production will run July 17 through August 9 with shows on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Due to popular demand for this production, an additional performance has been added for Tuesday, August 5. Purchase tickets well in advance as they do sell out!
  
  

WILDFLOWERS

Don't miss the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation's annual Wasatch Wildflower Festival, a 4-day wildflower bonanza that takes place each July at Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, and Alta. Founded in 1996, the festival is a free, educational event designed to be family-friendly, approachable and fun. Volunteer naturalists will share information about various wildflower species and canyon wildlife in our sensitive mountain environments. Registration is free 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.

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 21 through October 4. 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 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 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.