How to make Skiing Affordable at Utah Ski Resorts

Whether you’re a Salt Lake City local or looking to take a ski vacation, lift passes can greatly amplify the cost of skiing. This is especially true if you’re looking to ski with your entire family. Luckily, there are a number of ways to help make skiing affordable in Utah for you and your family. These Utah ski deals for the 22/23 season are a great opportunity to either learn to ski or further explore Utah ski resorts. If you’re interested in skiing Utah on a budget, check out the options for affordable skiing below. 

You can download the updated 22/23 booklet as well:  How To Ski Affordably

 

Saving Money by Shopping at Utah Ski Gear

 

Used Gear 

One way to make skiing affordable is by shopping for used gear! We offer used ski packages that includes skis (or a snowboard), bindings, and boots with our silver tune package, mounted and ready to go starting at $125 while supplies last. Gear like this would normally cost you $250+ if purchased almost anywhere else. 

With our low prices, a lot of people think that our equipment must be junk or only a rental for the season. Luckily for you, that's not true! These skis and boots are a few model years back, but they are all modern shaped skis ready to go! We inspect and tune everything before we send them out. Our ski packages are good, used equipment at great prices, and if you're not happy then we take it back. 

Rentals 

We now offer Season Rental Packages starting at $99 for kids and $149 for adults! Our preseason pricing lasts through September 16th, so don't wait. If you only plan on skiing a few times this season and need some of the most affordable day rentals, we got them! Don't pay outrageous resort prices, save money by getting your gear before heading to the mountain. 

Affordable Tunes 

We know that owning gear, while more affordable in the long run than renting if you ski frequently, still gets expensive when it comes to maintenance. Edges dull, bases dry, and sometimes damage happens. We offer low rates on all of our ski services so you can get back out there with gear that performs amazingly well without breaking the bank. 

In addition to our already affordable services, if you bring your skis in for Half-Off Tune Month in September, you can choose from edge sharpening, binding mounts, hand waxes and much much more! That means our popular Gold Tune which includes base and side edge sharpening, detune of the tip and tail, stone grind, and a hand finished wax is only $25! (Normally $50). This is also a great time to bring your skis in so you don't get caught up in the holiday crowd when our tune shop is sometimes weeks out on tunes. 

 

 

NIGHT SKIING 

Night skiing can be an excellent option because not only are the passes cheaper, but the resorts are generally emptier as well. Skiing at night can also be a great break after a long day at work or school and allows you an alternative to skiing on the weekends. There are eight Utah ski resorts that offer night skiing- Brian Head, Snowbird, Sundance, Brighton, Nordic Valley, Cherry Peak, and Powder Mountain. It is important to note that most Utah ski resorts offering night skiing only offer skiing on a select few of their chairlifts and it is generally beginner or intermediate terrain.

Brighton

Night skiing at Brighton is open from 4 pm-9 pm and includes Explorer lift, Majestic Lift, Crest Express Lift, and Snake Creek. Night skiing is offered Monday through Saturday and starts in mid-December. Night skiing is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Night, and New Year's Eve.

Brighton also offers a number of promotions throughout the week that make skiing even more affordable. On Mondays, you can get 4-night skiing lift passes and a large pizza for $120. If you're just starting out with skiing, then Thursday is the best time to go because you can get a two-hour lesson and night lift ticket for just $55. Brighton ski deals are always popping up, so make sure to check their site to find the best deals.

Brian Head

Brian Head offers night skiing on Chair #3 Blackfoot for $25. Holiday pricing is $30. Night skiing is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 4-9 pm.

Cherry Peak

Most terrain at Cherry Peak is open for night skiing, which is offered from 4:30-8:30 Monday-Wednesday, 5-9 pm Thursday-Saturday. Night skiing tickets are $22 for 13+ and $18 for ages 12 and under. If you would like to add on Summit lift access then it is an additional $7.

Nordic Valley

Not only does Nordic Valley offer night skiing every day except Sunday, but they also offer specials on night skiing every weekday night. Monday is family night, meaning four family members can ski for $50. Each additional family member can purchase a ticket for $15. On Tuesday, Jr. High through college students can purchase a night skiing pass for $15 with a student ID. On Wednesday, Nordic Valley offers specials to groups that preregister. Thursday nights the military, policemen, firemen, and EMTs can ski for $15. Lastly, on Friday night you can purchase a date night package for $30- which includes ski passes for two people. Regularly, night skiing passes are $45 for adults and $35 for children. Nordic Valley is one of the least expensive ski resorts in Utah while providing your family with an absolutely memorable ski experience.

Powder Mountain

Night skiing is available at Powder Mountain everyday from 3pm-9pm. There are two chairlifts that offer night skiing- Sundown and Tiger Tow. Lift ticket prices start at $35 for children and $40 for adults 19 years and older. Children 6 and younger and Adults 75 and older receive free tickets. However, they must be reserved online. Night Skiing Ends on April 1st.

Snowbird

Snowbird offers night skiing every Friday and Saturday, conditions permitting. Skiing is limited to Chickadee, the beginner chairlift, and is open from 5:30-8:30 pm. Night skiing is free for season pass holders and is $17 during the off-peak season for an individual day ticket.

Sundance

Night skiing at Sundance is available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The majority of the front mountain is open for night skiing, including the terrain park. The lifts are open for night skiing from 4:30-9 pm. Night skiing is $55 for adults and $45 for children. However, Sundance also offers multiple deals on night skiing. Stay tuned for special deals, Sundance often offers night skiing deals.

SKI UTAH PASSPORT PROGRAM

Ski Utah offers an amazing skiing deal for students enrolled in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. Primarily funded by local organizations, the 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Passport allows families the opportunity to explore new Utah ski resorts before deciding on their favorite resort at a very low cost. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce your child to skiing!

The Passport is $49 dollars and provides all grades with 3 days at each of Utah's 15 resorts. 

In addition to skiing, the Passport includes discounts on ski and snowboard lessons, equipment rental, attractions, and a variety of other items. Show your Ski Utah Passport at Utah Ski Gear and receive a $15 credit with the purchase of a ski/board package. You do not need to be a resident of Utah to apply for the Passport and homeschooled students may also apply.  

Guardians create an account that can be used to manage their students' information along with uploading a clear photo used for validation at Utah resorts. You will not receive any printed material from Ski Utah to participate in the program. 

Apply online through SkiUtah.com/skiutahpassport

For the 2022–23 winter season, all resorts will have the following holidays blacked out: Dec. 26, 2022 - Dec. 31, 2022 | Jan. 14-15, 2023 | Feb. 18-19, 2023

SKI (ALTA) AFTER THREE

If night skiing isn’t your thing, but you’re still looking for an affordable way to learn to ski on a budget, ‘Ski after 3’ at Alta may be the best option for you. Alta's Sunnyside At 3 program allows skiers to ride beginner lifts, Sunnyside and Albion, from 3-4:30pm daily. The base area rope tows at Alta are always free and are open until 5 pm, which gives more flexibility to the Ski after 3 passes.

Four-Pack is your pass to afternoon skiing on Alta’s beginner terrain. Available on Alta.com for just $59, you have direct-to-lift access to Sunnyside and Albion.

This is a great option for students who are in school or younger children who cannot ski all day.

CHILD PASSES

There are a large number of Utah ski resorts that offer free or discounted passes for younger children with the purchase of an adult pass. 

Alta: Children 6 and under $99

Beaver

Children under 5 ski free with the purchase of an adult pass. There is one pass per adult and the adult must be in the immediate family. The paperwork for the child's pass must be filled out at the same time as the adult pass.

Brighton

Brighton offers free ski passes for up to two kids ages 6 and under per paying adult.

Cherry Peak

At Utah’s newest ski resort, children ages 6-12 can get a season pass for $119 that comes with 2 free buddy passes for night skiing and no blackouts.

Eagle Point

Children aged 6 and under ski and ride for free, even without a paying adult.

Nordic Valley

Nordic Valley is very affordable for children, 12 and younger are free!

Powder Mountain

Kids 6 and under ski for the season for $65.

Snowbasin

Children aged 4 and younger can ski free with a paying adult.

Snowbird

Snowbird offers passes for children who are 6 and younger for $49.

Solitude

Children under 4 ski for $149

Sundance

Not yet released for 22/23

Park City

Children who are between 5 and 12 can get a Park City Youth Pass for $334.

Brian Head

At Southern Utah’s largest resort, children who are 12 and under ski free. 

Woodward Park City 

Woodward offers a variety of pass options across all ages that make skiing affordable. Lift access pricing is broken into all day access and 3-hour sessions. Ages 1-6 can ski for 3 hours from $23 to $33. Great for kids learning to ski who tire easily. Ages 7 and up and ski all day,10am-8pm, from $55 to $75. Kids can also get memberships that offer year-round activity access. Woodward's terrain welcome's everyone from those learning to ski, to professional park athletes and everyone in-between. 

 

EPIC SCHOOLKIDS PASS

Students enrolled in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade are eligible for the Epic SchoolKids pass. This pass allows them to ski at Park City Mountain Resort five times for free.

The pack also includes one free first-timer lesson and rental. Snowboard lessons are not available until children are 7 years old.

First-Timer Lessons & Rental Availability:

  • Monday, Nov. 28 - Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022
  • Monday, Jan. 9 - Friday, Jan. 13,  2023
  • Tuesday, Jan. 17 - Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023

 Lift ticket dates are more flexible and are only restricted during peak holiday times. In order to qualify for the Epic SchoolKids Pack, parents must provide a copy of the student’s report card, transcript, or school ID from the state of Utah. Children that are homeschooled must provide proof of grade level. Parents must also provide proof of Utah residency.

Applications for the 2022/23 season are open, and a deadline will be announced at a later date. You may then receive the pass from the Park City ticket window at any time.

OFF-PEAK SKIING

Sometimes being flexible with your ski schedule can be beneficial to your wallet and make skiing affordable for you and your family.

Midweek: Skiing during midweek is one of the easiest ways to quickly cut down on lift ticket prices while also escaping some of the crowds. Deer Valley, Solitude, Brighton, Snowbasin, Alta, and Sundance offer season passes that are only valid during Monday-Friday. Most midweek passes are void during the holiday season, including weekdays so be sure to plan ahead if purchasing one of these passes. However, the savings are usually at least $200 for each season pass. Larger resorts like Park City and Deer Valley also offer discount ski tickets for skiers Monday-Friday.

Fall/Spring Skiing- Snowbird frequently stays open through May and offers discounted season passes for those looking to briefly extend their season. Snowbird season pass holders can still use their season pass during this time, but this option allows others to ski from April 1st until close. Day lift tickets during this time at Snowbird are also discounted. Other Utah ski resorts that close down part of their resort in the spring or fall may also offer cheaper options for day lift tickets.

JANUARY LEARN TO SKI/SNOWBOARD MONTH

January Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month is a nationwide initiative to help increase the number of people who are active in the mountains. Utah has a number of opportunities for individuals looking to begin skiing or snowboarding. Alta, Beaver Mountain, Brian Head, Brighton, Deer Valley, Eagle Point, Nordic Valley, Park City, Powder Mountain, Snowbasin, Snowbird, Solitude, and Sundance offer ‘Learn to Ski’ programs during January. A lot of these programs include a first-timer lesson, full equipment rental, and a lift ticket, making this one of the most affordable ways to ski. Most of these packages are not available at the beginning of January as this is a peak holiday time. Some resorts require participants to have age requirements as well. Make sure to call the ski resort ahead of time to reserve your spot and confirm availability.

 

 

BEGINNER PASSES

Most ski resorts offer lower-priced tickets for individuals who are still learning to ski. These lift tickets usually include access to the beginner hill at least one other lift with easier terrain. If you’ve never skied before, then this is the best option for your first day or two because savings can be exponential. However, after a few days, you will likely want to expand onto other parts of the mountain. At this point, you can look into one of the other options for skiing cheaply. 

EPIC Military Pass

Vail rewards active and retired military members by offering deeply discounted Epic season passes to those who have served. These Epic season passes start at $99 and prices increase as the season gets closer. Epic passes are valid at all 18 Vail resorts, including Park City. Dependent family members are also eligible for this discounted rate, which is great for families.

SKI SHOP PASSES

If you’re looking for discount day tickets to Utah ski resorts, make sure to check your local ski shop before you head up the hill. Utah Ski Gear offers discounted day passes to nearby resorts that can be purchased either ahead of time or the day of skiing. The short detour on the way to the ski resort is well worth the possible savings, especially if you are purchasing them for your entire family. Plus, it gives you a chance to pick up any last-minute accessories you may have forgotten at home.

Once you’ve purchased your pass and gear, you’re ready to go! Want to always keep up with the latest deals to help make skiing more affordable? Check out Utah SKI Gear online or in our store at 9400 S 600 E, Sandy UT.