As I write this, there is still a 108-inch base at Snowbird. After a deep snow season at Utah’s 14 ski resorts, it’s hard to imagine mountain biking, hiking, disc golf and mountain coasters right now. Yet summer 2017 opening dates have been announced, assuming the snow does indeed melt in time. Below is a list of opening (and closing) days compiled by Ski Utah.
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
Along with concerts, amusement park rides and food festivals, there also a ton of outdoor recreation you can do at Utah’s ski resorts in the summer. Here are some ideas and new things to look forward to.
Mountain Biking at Deer Valley
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.
Fly Fishing at Sundance
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.
Biking and Trail Running at Eagle Point
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.
Hiking at Alta and Brighton
Alta includes 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.
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. 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.
Disc Golf at Solitude
The disc golf course at Solitude is among the best in the state. You can also enjoy lift-served mountain biking, hiking, scenic rides, and events.
For a more complete compilation of all summer events and activities at Utah’s 14 ski resorts, visit SkiUtah.com.