Things to Know
Save on rentals at SLC
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Pre-book military-friendly car rentals (USAA, Avis, Budget, Hertz) for up to 35% off and line-skipping convenience.
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Score deep lodging discounts
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Use military rates at major chains and Grand Hyatt Deer Valley for rank-based pricing, plus perks like lift ticket, dining, valet, spa, and lounge benefits.
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Max out military ski passes
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Buy Ikon/Epic military passes early and combine them with Utah resort deals and Military Appreciation Days for lower lift ticket, rental, lesson and food costs.
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“We’d like to invite our Active Military Members to board,” announces the Delta Air Lines gate agent for priority boarding for the flight to its Salt Lake City hub (SLC). It’s a thoughtful gesture for those who sacrifice so much to protect this country’s citizens. Still, Utah’s ski industry goes even further to thank the military, veterans, and their families for their service on and off the slopes. With discounts on lift tickets, lodging, and more, ski resorts and other businesses strive to make military members' precious leave more affordable and enjoyable.
Car Rental
Grab your bags and walk to the on-site Car Rental area at SLC. Savvy travellers will reserve a car in advance for the best discount.
USAA members are eligible for discounts of up to 35% off current rental car rates on its website, which lets you compare prices and vehicles across several major rental companies in a single search.
For those enrolled in priority programs, most offer comparable discounts and allow you to skip the line, i.e., more time on the mountain. Avis and Budget provide renters up to 35% off the base rate, additional savings for multi-day rentals, and upgrade offers through their WeSalute/Veterans Advantage programs. Hertz offers discounted rates, space-available upgrades, and complimentary membership in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards.
Lodging
Lodging at or near a ski resort is often the most significant single expense, but it’s also the best place for service members to save. Most major hotel chains, including Hilton and Marriott, have military rates built into their search engines, but the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley – yes, Deer Valley Resort – has one of the best ski deals in Utah.
Despite being one of the most expensive ski resorts in America, the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley offers discounts with its Salute to Service program. This functions like a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)-style program at the private resort and provides deals on lodging, lift tickets, food and beverages (excluding alcohol), valet parking rates, and even spa services to qualifying active duty, Reserve, National Guard, retired military, disabled veterans, or actively serving Department of Defense civilians (holding the rank of E1–E6). These guests also have access to the Northstar Lounge, a concierge-staffed area with a kids’ club, a game room, and other amenities.
Lodging rates are adjusted by rank, with junior ranks receiving the best rates. Although there are no blackout periods, discounted lodging rates are subject to availability and may be higher during peak periods (primarily holidays).
Hot Tip: Sundance Mountain Resort, in partnership with the Utah Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA), will open its new Lodge in 2026, an ADA-accessible inn, and introduce the Mountain Veterans Program (MVP), offering year-round recreational activities to the service community.
Lift Tickets and Gear
Lift ticket prices in Utah vary widely, with tickets as low as $15 at Nordic Valley near Ogden or… much higher at other resorts. However, military members and their families can take advantage of numerous discounts on multi-passes, gear rentals and daily lift tickets at resorts throughout Utah.
Multi-passes, including the Ikon Pass and Epic Pass, offer service members discounts in several ways. However, these discounts are available only for purchase between early spring and (typically) December 1st, before the start of the season.
Ikon Pass (Deer Valley, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton, Alta Ski Area, Snowbird, Snowbasin Resort) offers active-duty and retired military personnel, as well as adult dependents, discounts on its passes online and through military installation partners nationwide. The pass also includes additional perks, such as discounts on food and gear rentals. Ikon uses Sheer ID to confirm status for discount eligibility. Canadian military members are also eligible for discounts through the Ikon Pass Contact Center.
Epic Pass (Park City Mountain) offers one of the most generous multi-pass deals for active and retired service members, veterans and immediate dependents (spouses and children). Passholders can also share Epic Friend Tickets (50% off lift tickets) with others and receive additional discounts on food, lodging, lessons and gear rentals. Depending on the number of days and resorts, prices vary. Specified Canadian and Australian military personnel are also eligible.
Individual resorts in Utah also provide military discounts for season passes. Many other resorts offer discounted lift tickets, including Brighton, Deer Valley, Eagle Point, Park City Mountain, Powder Mountain, Solitude and Snowbird. Nordic Valley hosts Military Appreciation Days every Tuesday and Wednesday that are not holidays, with $25 lift tickets for active-duty and retired military members. Members of the Hill Air Force Base community should also check for special discounts throughout the season.
“Thank you for your service” is a small gesture for those who protect what we value most. Utah ski resorts and its outdoor community strive to give back more to service members and their families, providing a bit of respite and a huge dose of recreation here in the country we all call home.
