Spring Break Adventures in Utah: Snow, Thrills, and Family Fun
While some families flock to the beach for spring break, we decided to take a detour to the mountains instead. With “the greatest snow on Earth” calling our names, our crew of four—me, a gal pal, my teen son, and his cousin—set off for a week of spring skiing in the breathtaking Beehive State of Utah. With two feet of fresh snow hitting the Wasatch Mountains just before our arrival, we knew we were in for something special.
Snowflakes and Smiles: The Perfect Spring Plan
We made every moment of our 7-day adventure count, balancing adrenaline-packed skiing and snowboarding with cozy downtime and fantastic meals. From big-name ski resorts to hidden gems and even a sports park, our itinerary was packed tighter than a snowball.
A Grand Entrance and Thrilling Start
We touched down in Salt Lake City on Easter Sunday and kicked things off with a stay at the chic Hotel Monaco downtown. After a restful night, we fueled up with a hearty Bambara Breakfast (highly recommend!) before swinging by Christy Sports to grab our pre-reserved gear. The process was seamless—we were in and out in 15 minutes, ready to hit the snow.
Our first stop: Woodward Park City, an action-packed playground where the boys were in absolute heaven. They tackled jumps, rails, and tubing lanes while I marveled at their daredevil antics. All that excitement called for a refuel, and we struck gold at Slapfish Coastal Seafood Kitchen in Park City, where we devoured mahi-mahi bowls and seared ahi tuna salads. Yum!
Our next destination was Logan, where we stayed at Marriott Springhill Suites. Dinner that night was nothing short of magical at Le Nonne Restaurante Italiano, where the boys devoured pasta, and the grown-ups savored salmon and steak.
Beaver Mountain: A Hidden Gem with Heart
Tucked away near Logan, Beaver Mountain quickly became a favorite. This family-owned resort felt like stepping back in time—in the best way possible. Marge, the founders’ daughter-in-law, welcomed us warmly at the ticket window, and we rode up on Marge’s Triple, the lift named after her.
The lodge was charmingly simple, with folding tables and a small snack bar serving up classics like hot dogs and chicken nuggets. But what really stole the show was the skiing. With 828 skiable acres, the mountain caters to all skill levels.
For beginners like me and my friend, the 35% of green trails were perfect for finding our groove. The boys quickly graduated from the intermediate trails (40%) to tackle advanced runs (25%) like the summit’s thrilling Skid Row. At 8,860 feet, the views were spectacular, and we often had entire runs to ourselves.
Night skiing under the stars was an unforgettable experience, and the lack of crowds made every run feel like a private adventure. If you visit, don’t miss the pro shop for fun souvenirs like “I Luv Beaver” stickers—they were a hit with the kids!
Dinner in Logan was equally memorable at Cafe Sabor, where sizzling fajitas and gooey quesadillas hit the spot after a day on the slopes.
Brighton: Family Fun and Powder Perfection
Located at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton Resort is a dream for families. It’s known for having some of the best snow in Utah, and with good reason. Its light, fluffy powder—dubbed “the greatest snow on Earth”—is perfect for skiing and snowboarding.
Brighton offers 1,050 skiable acres, with six chairlifts and two surface lifts servicing 66 trails and five terrain parks. The boys couldn’t get enough of the terrain parks, hitting jumps and rails with pure joy. Meanwhile, my friend and I explored the well-groomed green and blue runs, enjoying Backbone, Main Street, and Perris Bowl as our favorites.
The Crest 6 chairlift is the fastest in Utah, and it whisks you to the top in no time, giving you more chances to explore the diverse terrain. And with night skiing available on 30 trails, Brighton is ideal for families looking to make the most of their time.
Spring skiing brought warm temperatures, so we shed our jackets and enjoyed the sunny slopes. We learned the snow softens into “mashed potatoes” by late afternoon, so we made the most of our mornings.
Solitude: Serenity and Snowy Splendor
True to its name, Solitude offers peaceful, crowd-free skiing. Nestled in Big Cottonwood Canyon, this resort boasts 1,200 acres of skiable terrain, 82 trails, and 8 lifts, with a peak elevation of 10,488 feet.
The wide variety of runs made Solitude a standout for our group. My friend and I stuck to mellow and intermediate runs, while the boys explored the expansive terrain parks and practiced their tricks. The snow was pristine, and the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
For those seeking more adventure, Solitude offers guided backcountry skiing and snowboarding experiences. While we didn’t try it this time, it’s on our bucket list for the next trip.
Solitude also excels in après-ski options. We heard rave reviews about The Yurt, an exclusive dining experience involving a moonlit snowshoe tour to a cozy yurt for a multi-course meal. We opted for a more casual yet equally delicious dinner at Porcupine Bar and Grille, where the Porcupine Sundae was almost too cute to eat (almost!).
Treasure Hunting and Saying Goodbye
No trip is complete without a bit of shopping! The boys had a blast finding rare gems at Deseret Industries Thrift Store, iconoCLAD, and Plato’s Closet in Logan, where they snagged vintage Levi’s and Vans shoes for a steal. We may have over-shopped (oops!), but that’s what oversize lawn bags are for, right?
Before heading home, we returned our gear to Christy Sports, snagged some ski apparel bargains, and bid farewell to Utah with full hearts (and full suitcases).
Family Memories for a Lifetime
Our Utah adventure was everything we’d hoped for and more—snowy mountains, thrilling runs, delicious meals, and time together. We only scratched the surface of what Utah offers, and we can’t wait to come back for round two. Until next time, Wasatch Mountains!
