A Perfect Winter Weekend: Family Adventures in Sundance and Heber Valley
Winter in Utah is pure magic — bluebird skies, champagne snow, cozy mountain lodges, and that unbeatable mix of adventure and relaxation. Our family (a Southern California crew of four who loves exploring different Utah resorts) spent a long weekend last season skiing Sundance Mountain Resort and adventuring around Heber Valley — and it turned out to be one of our favorite winter trips yet.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly Utah ski getaway that blends relaxation, adventure, stunning scenery, and a touch of foodie and artsy vibes, this Sundance and Heber Valley itinerary is for you.
Getting There: Easy Access from Salt Lake City
We flew into Salt Lake City International Airport on a Friday evening and enjoyed an easy, hour-long drive to Sundance Mountain Resort, winding past snow-dusted pines and frozen creeks. Check-in was seamless, and our mountain suite was cozy and inviting. After some hot chocolate, we called it an early night so we’d be ready to hit the slopes the next morning.
Tip: Sundance offers complimentary on-property shuttles through their concierge. It’s a great way to get around the resort without worrying about parking on ski days. 
Day 1: Ski Sundance + Soak in the Utah Crater
Morning
Our morning began with breakfast at Foundry Grill, where hearty mountain fare and excellent coffee set us up for the day. The chicken fried steak was especially delicious — a must-try if it's on the menu when you visit!
Day/Lunch
From there, we walked over to the Sundance Mountain Resort office to grab our lift passes for the weekend. Since we traveled with our own skis and boots, we were ready to hit the slopes as soon as we got our passes. The boys used their 4th-6th grade Ski Utah Passports!
We really loved skiing at Sundance - the mountain is small enough to feel approachable for families, yet it offers a variety of terrain for all levels.
Tip: Don’t miss Bearclaw Cabin for lunch. It’s the mountaintop lodge at Sundance, with jaw-dropping views, cozy vibes, and incredible nachos.
Evening
The Utah Crater + Dinner in Midway
After skiing, we drove 20 minutes to Midway for a soak at the Utah Crater — a natural geothermal hot spring tucked inside a beehive-shaped limestone dome. Floating in the 96°F mineral water after a full ski day was the ultimate après-ski experience.
Dinner followed at Midway Mercantile, a local favorite known for wood-fired pizzas, craft cocktails, and a warm, rustic ambiance. We love this place so much, we came back on another ski trip!
Day 2: More Skiing + Art at Sundance
Morning
Back on the Slopes!
Day two greeted us with another bluebird day on the mountain. We explored more of Sundance’s hidden runs and scenic spots, enjoying shorter lift lines and the friendly, welcoming vibe of the resort. Compared to busier ski areas, Sundance felt refreshingly calm and easygoing — perfect for families.
Lunch
We stopped at the base for a casual, tasty meal at The Lookout (reinvented from the original Creekside Café). This fast-fresh restaurant offers sweeping mountain views alongside burgers, hot dogs, gelato, and milkshakes — the perfect refuel before our afternoon adventure.
Afternoon
Pottery Class at the Sundance Art Studio
This was one of the highlights of our trip! Where else can you do art on a ski trip? We swapped our ski boots for aprons and spent the afternoon at a family pottery class in the Sundance Art Studio. Afterward, the studio fired and mailed us our mugs — the perfect keepsake to remember this special winter getaway.
After our pottery class, we slipped into our robes and headed to The Springs at Sundance, a serene wellness oasis tucked into the trees just for resort guests. Surrounded by snow-covered evergreens and the sound of running water, it was the perfect way to unwind. The Springs has two hot tubs, a larger soaking pool, a sauna and beautiful mountain views.
Evening
Dinner at Foundry Grill
After a relaxing afternoon, we headed to dinner at Foundry Grill, savoring fresh, local, and seasonal dishes. This was another fabulous meal that made us appreciate Sundance’s culinary offerings just as much as its skiing and scenery.
After dinner, Jason and I wandered over to the historic Owl Bar, once frequented by Butch Cassidy and lovingly restored from its original 1890s location in Thermopolis, Wyoming. With its dim lighting, live music, and creative cocktails, it’s the kind of spot that perfectly captures Sundance’s mix of history, artistry, and mountain charm — the ideal place to toast to an unforgettable stay!
Day 3: Snowmobiling and Shopping in Heber Valley
Morning
Monday morning, we said goodbye to Sundance and headed to nearby Heber Valley for one last adventure — snowmobiling with Wasatch Excursions.
Wasatch Excursions provides everything you need for the experience — helmets, boots, goggles, and insulated suits — so you can simply show up ready for fun. Riding through wide-open meadows and aspen groves was exhilarating, and the views of the Wasatch Range were breathtaking. This is a must do, if you are visiting the area!
Lunch
Afterward, we thawed out inside a private Alpenglobe at Café Galleria — a heated glass dome in the charming town of Midway with mountain views. We loved the wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta here.
Afternoon
Exploring Midway Main Street
Before heading to the airport, we had a little time to explore historic Midway Main Street. The boutiques and local shops here are full of personality:
Beljar Home – stylish interior decor and local art.
Folklore Bookshop – a cozy spot for readers.
Kringle’s Midway – a year-round Christmas shop that’s pure joy.
Cactus & Pine – fun clothing and accessories with a Western touch.
Sundance and Heber Valley offer the best of both worlds — incredible skiing and snow adventures paired with peaceful, uncrowded charm. Families will love:
Approachable ski terrain that suits beginners and intermediates.
Unique winter activities, from soaking in the Utah Crater to snowmobiling across the valley.
Charming local dining, from cozy mountain grills to small-town cafés.
Authentic Utah experiences without the crowds of larger resorts.
This trip wasn’t just about skiing — it was about slowing down, reconnecting, and creating winter memories that last a lifetime.
