Planning a ski trip to Salt Lake City, Utah? Staying in downtown Salt Lake City puts you in the perfect location. You can take your pick of nine major ski resorts within a 40 minute drive, and also enjoy an emerging restaurant and bar scene and plenty of fun things to do after hitting the slopes.
Read on for my top recommendations for things to do during a ski trip in Salt Lake City, Utah!
Start the day off right at Alpha Coffee
Perfectly situated at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Alpha is a convenient stop before heading out to Brighton or Solitude. But with an ultra-cool ambiance, killer views, and super friendly staff always ready with a recommendation, you might be tempted to cancel your plans and idle the day over a “Viking” (their specialty version of Bulletproof coffee and an absolute must-try). Put your mind at ease knowing your caffeine addition is going toward a good cause. Alpha is completely Veteran-owned and operated, and they send a portion of every batch of coffee roasted to deployed troops.
Take your pick of epic terrain to shred
It’s true what they say: nothing rivals Utah for snow, with gorgeous, bluebird days and light, fluffy powder. And there’s no shortage of terrain to play on. Located with short drives of each other are Deer Valley, Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, and Alta. Alta and Snowbird share a lift, making it easy to hit both in one day.
Better yet, the Ikon Pass covers all of these resorts, so you don’t have to juggle multiple passes or wait in long lines at ticketing. Deer Valley was the only resort that required us to convert our Ikon Pass to a traditional day pass at no extra cost; at all others we were able to breeze right in. Especially if it’s your first visit to Utah, I would suggest this same approach. You can sample different resorts and pick your favorites for a return visit!
Kick back and enjoy the view at Collin’s
Nestled mid-mountain at Alta, Collin’s Grill is the perfect place to (literally) kick off your boots and get cozy. A welcome respite from the typical, chaotic ski resort dining hall, Collin’s staff will immediately offer you slippers before leading you to your table. Linger over a glass of wine (or two) and enjoy the view.
Take après-ski to the next level at Deer Valley
Montage Deer Valley sets the après-ski bar high. Located just outside the resort in Empire Village, the Veuve Clicquot-themed Après Lounge is a sight for sore skiers’ eyes. Pop in for some bubbly and enjoy the ultra-cool vibes.
In the lower level of the resort, Daly’s Pub & Rec serves hearty comfort food and local microbrews in an environment that’s at once upscale and laid back. After a long day on the mountain, enjoy rousing recreational pastimes such as shuffleboard, darts, vintage arcade games, and even bowling.
Enjoy a night out on the town at Beer Bar
Located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, Beer Bar specializes in delicious German sausages and fries, paired with over a hundred local brews on tap. Break out a board game at the long, beer hall-style tables and enjoy a relaxed time with friends. Fancy a more, well, fancy night out? Slip next door to its sister scene at Bar X, with a smooth speakeasy, cocktail-lounge vibe.
What are your favorite things to do on a ski trip in Salt Lake City? Leave a suggestion in the comments below!
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I’m not a skier so you’d probably find me at Collin’s with a beer looking at the views while my other half makes his way down the slopes, but I’d be just as happy with that, and what a place to visit!
That’s not a bad way to spend a day!
Squeeee those mountains look stunning! I have only been learning to ski as an adult, so I am not super confident yet, but I would loooove to get out in Utah and see those views! 🙂
I didn’t know about the Ikon Pass, but I’ll take a peek if we manage to visit.
I also didn’t learn to ski until an adult, but now I’m addicted! Love that it takes you to beautiful spots like this. Ikon Pass is great – you get access to so many resorts out west, on the east coast and even internationally!
Great info and tips! I’ve been to Salt lake countless time for work but never got to go skiing there. Now I’m motivated to go back! 😁
Yes it’s one of my favorite skiing destinations! I’d also love to go back in the summer or fall – I’m sure it would be amazing in any season!
I tried to go snow skiing out there one time, but I broke my ankle a few weeks before. I ended up hanging out in Park City at Sundance while my friends and now husband hit the slopes. This makes me want to get back out there and try out these resorts.
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that! But hanging out at Sundance doesn’t sound like a bad time either. Hope you get back out there!
How do you recommend getting to and from the mountains? We’re debating renting a car vs. private transportation
Renting a car is nice to have the flexibility – just make sure you get one with four wheel drive and snow tires. However, finding parking at the ski resorts can be a nightmare, so I’d recommend private transport if you’re able. Alternatively, the Utah Transit Authority runs a ski bus to the mountains that could be a really nice (and affordable!) option depending on where you’re staying: https://www.rideuta.com/Rider-Info/Ski-Service