Photo Credit: Park City Chamber Bureau
* All information in this post was written and created by Ski Utah, 2017.
Salt Lake City, Utah (May 18, 2017) - While winter is still here in Utah, with a foot of new snow this week and Snowbird’s lift still spinning on weekends – the rest of Utah’s resorts are preparing for summer in the mountains. Ski-town locals know resorts are a great place in both winter and summer. The high elevation and rugged terrain combine to provide scenic hikes, fun bike rides and countless other events and activities. While we cannot highlight everything, below please find many of the great amenities the resorts are offering this summer season.
Utah Ski Resort Summer Opening Days 2017
Alta Ski Area: Lifts closed for summer (Alta Lodge: Open: June 4 – October 1)
Beaver Mountain: Open May through October
Brian Head: Open Friday – Sunday (June 23 - September 10) and then re-opening on September 16th for Rocktober Fest.
Brighton: Lifts closed for summer
Cherry Peak Resort: Open June 17
Deer Valley Resort: Open June 16 – Sept. 4 (Plus weekends till Sep. 17th)
Eagle Point Resort: Open: June 17
Nordic Valley Resort: Open starting June 17
Park City Mountain: Park City Base: Open: May 26 - October 1
Canyons Village: Open: June 16 – September 4 Daily; Sept. 5 – Oct. 1 (weekends)
Powder Mountain: Open: TBD (due to snowpack)
Snowbasin Resort: Open: June 10 – October 8 (weekends)
Snowbird: Open: June 10 - October 15
Solitude Mountain Resort: Open: June 16 – October 1
Sundance Mountain Resort: Open: May 19 – October 8
Summer Time in the Mountains for Kids
Park City Mountain
Photo Credit: Park City Mountain Resort
Opening day for the Park City Base Area is May 26th and Canyons Village area will open June 16th. This summer, Park City will be offering endless summer fun for families of any age. With activities like one of the world’s longest alpine slides, a 4,000 foot alpine coaster, the ZipRider and Flying Eagle Zip Lines including Zip Tour Adventures, the Bike Park, Canyons Golf Course (opens May 26) and Miniature golf on the Canyons Village side. To top it off Park City has hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking terrain and activities specifically for children weighing between 30 – 100 lbs – which include the Kid’s Zipline, Rope Course and Tubing.
Also, Park City Mountain will host a series of outdoor events this summer for all ages to enjoy. The fun kicks off on June 16 with the Kids Adventure Games, an adventure challenge course designed and run especially for kids ages six through 14.
Snowbasin Resort
Photo Credit: Snowbasin Resort
North of Salt Lake City, Snowbasin Resort will open for summer starting the weekend of June 10 and will be open on Saturday and Sunday through October 8. As well as offering scenic gondola rides, mountain biking, hiking, disc golf and a multitude of endless amenities for families, please see below a few other of their fun family events.
- Family Movie Night / June 26-August 7: For seven weeks, families are invited to come and watch a free, family-friendly movie on Monday evenings on the Snowbasin lawn. With Earl’s Lodge open for dining, families can have “dinner and a movie” al fresco under the stars.
- Solar Eclipse Viewing / August 21: The Solar Eclipse this summer is a once-in-a-lifetime event and northern Utah has the best viewing circumstances in the state. Guests and avid skywatchers can take the gondola up to Needles Lodge to view the celestial spectacular, which occurs between 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., and enjoy culinary options from the lodge.
- Bark at the Basin / September 10: Guests are encouraged to bring their furry friends to the resort’s annual 5k hike and fundraiser benefitting the Best Friends Utah Animal Society. The hike ends at Earl's Lawn, where owners and pets can enjoy the afternoon’s Blues, Brews & BBQ concert. Dog treats specially made by Snowbasin Resort chefs are available with all proceeds going to Best Friends Animal Society
- Introduction to Mountain Biking / 10:30 am - 1:30 pm on Saturdays June 17 - August 19: Learn trail etiquette, how to navigate rocks and roots, and improve your ability to climb hills. Whether you are brand new to trail riding or want to improve your bike-handling skills, this clinic will increase your confidence on Snowbasin Resort’s mountain bike trails.
Nordic Valley
Nordic Valley is offering weekend summer activities this year. Bring the family to challenge a 400-foot slip-n-slide, or spend the day enjoying lift-served mountain biking or playing disk golf. More events will likely be added, so visit the Nordic Valley website for more summer beta. Summer season passes are currently on sale for $59.00, which includes lift service for hiking, disc golf, and more.
Brian Head Resort
Photo Credit: Brian Head Resort
Brian Head Resort is Southern Utah’s premier summer destination and will be opening for summer activities on June 23. With fun activities for all ages, there is no better family vacation destination. With their high-speed quad chairlift to access unprecedented terrain, Giant Steps Lift offers trails that are perfect for intermediate and advanced mountain bikers. Whether you’re a hiker, downhill racer, or just in the mood for scenery, Brian Head Resort is the spot for you. Brian Head also offers an archery range, zip-line course, tubing, and a climbing wall, all for a full day activities pass of $49 for adults and $39 for children.
Snowbird
Photo Credit: Snowbird Resort
Snowbird is a killer location to bring the family during summer! Their summer offerings are extensive with mountain biking, gemstone mining, Mountain Coaster, Alpine Slide, Mountain Flyer, Vertical Drop, Ropes Course, Climbing Wall, Bungee Trampoline, Scenic rides on the Aerial Tram and much more.
- Camp Snowbird: Our campers learn about the mountain environment and connect with Snowbird's unique location through sports, art and wellness activities by exploring the mountain, as well as crafts, swimming and games for ages 5-12 years. Visiting guests can purchase single day Camp Snowbird passes.
- Snowbird also has a wonderful partnership with Wasatch Adaptive Sports to offer:
- Nature hikes
- Fishing
- Adaptive Mountain & Road Biking
- Bungee trampoline and alpine slide
- Mine and Water Tunnel Tours
Summer Time in the Mountains for Foodies
Snowbasin Resort
Photo Credit: Snowbasin Resort
Snowbasin Resort’s monthly Dining Discovery Dinners feature unique mountain top experiences with themed culinary expeditions. On July 14, the annual John Paul Campout is one of the most unique dining and exploration events in Utah, providing guests a chance to camp under the stars at 9,000 feet while enjoying a full evening of culinary delights, campfires, cowboy storytellers, and live guitar music. Guests can take in the majestic 360-degree views and examine the geological remnants of an ancient ocean floor while learning from experts about the area. Other Dining Discovery events at Needles Lodge include Traditional Country Italian on July 29, Cajun Crawfish Boil on August 25, and Farm to Fork Dinner on September 22. Each menu includes creative and fresh items made with local ingredients.
Additionally, Snowbasin Resort will host its No Name Chili Fest on September 4 in which the resort’s culinary team prepares batches of their own personal chili recipes for the guests to sample, taste and vote on; the winning chili will be served at the John Paul Lodge for the entire 2017-2018 Winter Season. The event is a benefit for the Utah Food Bank and guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable items to help fill a gondola with donated goods.
Deer Valley Resort
Photo Credit: Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley offers award-winning cuisine served on the outdoor decks of Royal Street Café and Deer Valley Grocery Café, or enjoy Deer Valley-inspired brick oven cuisine at their newest restaurant, The Brass Tag. Grab custom Gourmet Picnic Baskets or Bags for one of the many evening concerts and don’t miss the Silver Lake Snack Shack for a quick bite on the hill.
Solitude Mountain Resort
Summer at Solitude means that the slopes have transformed to bring you lift-served mountain biking and hiking with stunning views, scenic chairlift rides, a beautiful 18-hole disc golf course and more. The resort offers a variety of delicious dining options served on the outdoor deck of Honeycomb Grill and at Stone Haus Pizzeria & Creamery with unbeatable mountain views or stop by Thirsty Squirrel for après enjoyment.
In August, Utah’s premier culinary event, Taste of the Wasatch, will feature food tastings presented by chefs from over 50 top Utah restaurants and resorts.
Sundance Mountain Resort
Photo Credit: Sundance Resort
Summer at Sundance includes adventure, culture, and romance. Take a nearly 2-mile long scenic zip-line tour, explore endless mountain biking and hiking trails, participate in art classes and much more. After your action-packed day enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants. The Tree Room is pleased to announce it has once again received a Forbes 4-star rating. Enjoy fresh, seasonal mountain cuisine unlike any other. In addition to dining in the restaurants, there will be four special Supper Club events held at Bearclaw Summit at the top of Sundance.
Park City Mountain
Guests of Park City will find a variety of al fresco and farm-to-table dining options across the resort this summer. Jupiter Java and Crescent Burger will open on May 26 at the Park City Base Area and Legends Bar and Grill will serve lunch and dinner seven days a week beginning June 2. Red Pine Lodge, located at the top of the Red Pine Gondola, will serve lunch daily beginning June 16. The Farm and Red Tail Grill will open in late-June following the completion of the Grand Summit renovation. For more information on summer dining, visit http://www.parkcitymountain.com/activities/dining.
Guests can also enjoy the weekly Park City Farmers’ Market which is held in the Cabriolet Parking Lot at Canyons Village every Wednesday beginning May 24.
Summer Time in the Mountains for Adventurers
Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley Resort is continuing its largest-ever summer investment to modernize and update its existing mountain biking/hiking trail inventory with the creation of Tsunami, an expert-level flow trail. For the third summer in a row, Deer Valley has enlisted world-renowned bike park development company, Gravity Logic, to help deliver the highly successful trail updates. The Tsunami trail will contain large 10-foot berms and jumps and 25-foot table-tops and step downs. The trail begins in the meadow behind Bald Mountain at 9,000 feet and will end at Silver Lake Village at 8,100 feet. One and a half miles and 900 vertical feet of the trail will open in sections throughout the course of the summer season.
Adding to the resort’s new trail offering, each Wednesday in July and August, Deer Valley Resort will extend its mountain biking playground hours to host the Twilight Ride Series with SCOTT Sports. The SCOTT Twilight Ride Series takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. on the Silver Lake Express and Sterling Express chairlifts. All Deer Valley summer operations at both Snow Park and Silver Lake Lodges will remain open for the extended Twilight Rides. Private biking lessons will be available if reserved in advance.
Sundance Mountain Resort
Sundance Resort provides year-round guided fly-fishing trips on the Provo River, Weber River and other local streams and private waters. Just five minutes from Sundance Mountain Resort you’ll find one of the best Blue Ribbon trout fisheries in the world: the Provo River. The Provo River is known for its large German Brown Trout, easy wading access, prolific hatches and stunning beauty. These features combine to create a world-class fishing experience any time of the year. Sundance guides are knowledgeable, skilled, personable, and they are prepared to work with all levels of experience. Each guided fly-fishing trip includes one guide for every two guests to maximize the attention each guest receives.
Eagle Point Resort
The Tushar Mountains surrounding Eagle Point Resort offer hundreds of miles of trails for mountain biking, ATV riding, and hiking, while the valleys beneath the 12,000-foot peaks provide serene backdrops for canoeing and fishing on the many lakes and streams. Guests can rent mountain bikes from the resort, and a return shuttle assists those riding down the many single track trails on the resort property. The disc golf course will stretch across the summer slopes providing a fun outdoor challenge for all ages. Couple specific events below:
- Crusher in the Tushar: On Saturday, July 8 this uniquely-formatted cycling race begins in historic downtown Beaver, and finishes at Eagle Point Resort. Featuring a near even split of tarmac and dirt/gravel sectors, it affords riders the opportunity to explore the stunning back country of Utah’s Tushar Mountains and Fishlake National Forest. The race is capped at 600 riders. Visit tusharcrusher.com to learn more, and register. Lodging is available at EaglePointResort.com.
- Tushars Ultra: Ultra Adventures offers environmentally sustainable, destination trail races in unforgettable locations. Trailrunners will compete on one of the most challenging courses in the “Great Circle Trail Series”, all above 10,000 feet. The 100K, marathon and ½ marathon begin and end at Eagle Point Resort on Saturday, July 29. Event information can be found grandcircletrails.com, and lodging at EaglePointResort.com.
Alta Ski Area
Alta (including Alta Ski Area) includes the Albion Basin, a prime wildflower hotspot in the Wasatch Range. Visit during July and August for the best display. For an extra special treat, camp at the Albion Basin Campground open July 21st to September 3rd. Cecret Lake is tucked into the base of the mountains and makes a perfect picnic destination. New this year, the Albion Grill will serve lunch (dates TBD).
Brighton
Brighton Resort may not spin its lifts during the summer, but it’s still a worthy destination! The hikes are spectacular on Brighton Lake and Silver Lake trailheads that lead to over a dozen destinations including a few lakes. Plus there is a TON of parking so there is no need to arrive early. For more hikes in Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon, read Salt Lake’s Top Hiking Trails.
Brighton is also one of four resorts hosting the 2017 Wasatch Wildflower Festival this year. On July 22nd guests can enjoy guided walks and activities designed to be fun, family-friendly, non-commercial, free of charge, and open to all interests and ability levels.
Powder Mountain
Summer is a great time for hiking around and near Powder Mountain! With a record snow year for Powder Mountain, they still are buried and have yet to line up their summer schedule but please check in soon. In the meantime here are a few hiking options in the area: Ogden's Top Trails
Summer Time in the Mountain for Music Fanatics
Deer Valley Resort
The return of summer means the return of outdoor concerts at the beautiful Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater. With a full calendar of shows performing on Deer Valley's stage multiple times a week, it is the perfect way to conclude a fun-filled day in Park City. World-renowned artists, headlining musicians, and local bands regularly take to the stage during Utah Symphony | Utah Opera's Deer Valley® Music Festival, Park City Institute's St. Regis Big Stars, Bright Nights Outdoor Concert Series and the Grand Valley Bank Free Community Concert Series. For detailed information on all performances please visit the full Deer Valley Event Calendar.
Sundance Mountain Resort
Music is an integral part of the Sundance experience, whether it’s the weekly concerts or the renowned Bluebird Cafe Concert Series. Each year, Sundance partners with the original Bluebird Cafe in Nashville to bring renowned singers, songwriters, and musicians to a unique mountain setting. This year’s lineup promises to continue the tradition of memorable nights enjoying some of the best artists in the business. The concert series will consist of four shows throughout July and August.
A mainstay of the season is the Summer Theatre taking place from July 20 - August 12. This year’s show is Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, presented in partnership with Utah Valley University. Local artists, educators, and actors come together to create an unforgettable experience that Fodor’s Travel has named one of the 10 best outdoor theaters in the nation. July 20-August 12.
Beaver Mountain
Mark you calendars for the multi-day 2017 Beaver Mountain Music Festival featuring 13 bands including four nationally touring acts, a children’s village to include hands-on musical instruments, art and nature education, a non-profit organization fair, live DJ lounge, hip-hop and spoken word lounge and a mountain bike race. The event is on August 18th and 19th, 2017 and Beaver Mountain is striving to make this event for everyone. Beaver Mountain also offers tent and RV sites, plus lodge and yurt rentals for larger events.
Park City Mountain
On June 24, Park City Mountain’s Summer Concert Series returns to Canyons Village with the first of five free summer concerts held on select Saturdays through September 2. It’s the perfect venue to enjoy Park City’s gorgeous mountain views and warm summer evenings.
Snowbasin Resort
Blues, Brews, and BBQ return to Snowbasin Resort once again for its fifth year on June 11, showcasing an elevated line-up of nationally and regionally touring artists and bands, which this year includes Los Lobos, Turnpike Troubadors, and Andy Frasco. Arguably the most coveted free concert series in Utah, Blues, Brews, and BBQ occurs from 12:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. every Sunday until September 24, on the lawn of Earl’s Lodge at the base of Needles Gondola. Additionally, starting June 25, guests can kick off their Sunday with Snowbasin Resort’s “all-you-can-eat” Mountain Top Brunch located at 8,710 feet in the Needles Lodge.
Cherry Peak Resort
Located in Northern Utah, Cherry Peak Resort, heads into their second summer in operation with one of the best summer concert series in the state. While the line-up is still being worked out they have already announced a couple of the performances; Andrew McMahon, Maddie Wilson and Scotty McCreery to name a few. More information and ticket prices here: http://tickets.skicherrypeak.com/concert/
Eagle Point Resort
Lunar Transit Festival 2017
Back again, and this time for three full days and nights, Lunar Transit is a music and art festival by New World Presents taking place from June 30 to July 3. Tickets purchased before April 25 are $60, and after April 25 are $75. Visit LunarTransit.com for more information on the music lineup, camping, and to purchase tickets. Visit EaglePointResort.com for lodging.
Snowbird
For a fall escape, time your visit around Oktoberfest which runs every Saturday and Sunday from Aug. 12 through Oct. 15, 2017, including Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 4. Voted one of America's 10 Best Oktoberfests by Men's Journal Magazine. Snowbird's Annual Oktoberfest attracts over 60,000 visitors and has grown to become one of the largest festivals in Utah.
Summer Time Mountain Lodging
Park City Mountain
$15 Million Grand Summit Renovation:
Grand Summit Hotel, located in Canyons Village, will undergo an extensive $15 million renovation this spring and subsequent flagging as a RockResorts property. Boulder, Colo. based TRH Design has pulled from the surrounding natural beauty of Park City to bring together a color palette and design aesthetic that will complement the destination. The renovation will include a complete overhaul of all 212 suites, including new interior finishes, furnishings, soft goods, appliances, artwork, and technology. The property’s communal spaces will also be incorporated into the renovation, including the lobby and front desk, full remodel of the on-site spa, café and general store, and refresh of the meeting spaces. The hotel will reopen in mid-summer. More information here
Summer Lodging Deals:
Park City Mountain offers unrivaled scenery and convenient mountainside lodging at the base of the largest ski resort in the United States. Summer lodging packages at Park City Mountain are available for booking now. Visitors can take advantage of special rates on mountainside lodging with the Great Summer Break package, or enjoy 30% off of lodging when they book nine or 18 holes at Canyons Golf with the Stay and Play golf package. For a full list of summer lodging packages at Park City Mountain, click here.
Stein Eriksen Lodge at Deer Valley Resort
Stein Eriksen Lodge has embarked on an expansion project to further add to the luxury and services provided by the premier, iconic property. For more than three decades, Stein Eriksen Lodge has established itself as one of the most highly respected mountain resort destinations in the world and a true industry leader in luxury hospitality. Never one to rest on its laurels, the 2017 Lodge expansion is designed to uphold and improve upon the offerings within the Lodge that have consistently made it the benchmark for what a luxury resort hotel should be.
Highlights of the new Lodge expansion include: New Entertainment Center, Expanded Ski Locker Room, Coffee Bar, Theater Room, Outdoor Plaza Space and Family Pool & Expanded Lounging Area
Alta Lodge
Alta Lodge opens for summer season June 4th with Sunday Brunch. The brunch is a favorite for many locals and features a rich variety of entrées, salads, baked goods, and desserts, as well as made to order Belgian waffles and Eggs Benedict. Brunch is served from 9:30 am to 2 pm. Prices are $27.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids ages 7-12 and $6.95 for those under age 6. Beer, wine, and cocktails are served beginning at 11:30 am. Saturday lunch begins on June 10 and is served from 11 am to 2 pm. No Saturday brunch on July 29th or August 5th due to private events.
Alta Lodge is open seven days a week during the summer season from June through mid-October, for weddings, conferences, retreats, private parties, and individual lodging. Continental breakfast is included with overnight lodging.
Solitude Mountain Resort
As spring and summer temperatures begin to rise, rates at Solitude Mountain Resort start dropping. For summer fun that includes lift-served mountain biking, hiking, scenic rides, alpine disc golf and events, Solitude Mountain Resort delivers with Pure Summer Solitude. A few available 2017 summer packages are outlined below with more at skisolitude.com.
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Taste of the Wasatch Special Rate
Attending the Taste of the Wasatch event? Book now and receive a $99 hotel room rate or 20% off condominium-style accommodations.Guests attending the Taste of the Wasatch event can receive a $99 hotel room rate at The Inn at Solitude or 20% off condominium-style accommodations at select Solitude Resort Lodging managed properties. Valid August 4-6, 2017; for new reservations only; not retroactive. Promotion not valid towards luxury homes. -
Mountain Dining Package
Receive a $25 dining gift card per room booked, valid at either Honeycomb Grill or Stone Haus Pizzeria & Creamery.Guests who book lodging at The Inn at Solitude or select Solitude Resort Lodging managed condominiums will receive a $25 dining gift card per room booked, which may be redeemed at either Honeycomb Grill or Stone Haus Pizzeria & Creamery. Visit skisolitude.com/dining for hours and menus. Valid June 8 – October 1, 2017; for new reservations only; not retroactive.
Other Summer Time Events/Activities:
Although Utah's resorts have fully embraced the vibe of summer, here are a few summery fun events outside of the resorts worth checking into:
- Utah Olympic Park's Slip'n'Soar Party: June 24, July 4, and August 19
- Park City Food and Wine Classic: July 6 - 9
- Brian Head's Annual Car Show: July 21-23
- National Ability Center's Summit Challenge: August 26
- Moab Music Festival: August 31-September 11
- Utah Symphony Summer Concerts: See schedule
- Midweek MTB Race Series: - Most Tuesdays
