There’s a winter resort for everyone in your crew
By Megan wagstaff
Somewhere along the line, word got out that Utah’s Wasatch Front was God’s own ski country. Maybe it was Utah’s humble “Greatest Snow on Earth” license plate. Utah powder is no longer a best-kept secret, and it follows that more and more skiers congregate in our canyons and at our go-to resorts. Nowadays, for locals wanting to escape to their favorite high-altitude haunt, it can seem downright daunting. But perhaps you haven’t explored all the options. We’re launching a new type of Weekend Warrior in this issue, one that offers four weekend getaways for a variety of winter personalities.
If one of you is not a snow bunny, how about … Sundance Resort?
Stay
A fireplace is essential for chasing away the chill, so book a romantic studio at Sundance Resort (8841 N. Alpine Loop Road, Sundance, 800-892-1600, SundanceResort.com). A mix of rustic and modern, each room also features Sundance Farms’ handmade soaps and hand-blown, recycled glass.
Sundance Resort’s Spirit of the Mountains hydration treatment
Play
Enjoy complimentary yoga and meditation daily while your better half hits the slopes—each night of lodging includes free ski passes as well. Next, take your pick of art studio classes for pottery, jewelry making, painting or drawing. Transportation around the resort is complimentary, too, so you don’t even have to pack snow boots.
Need to unwind a little more? Book an appointment at the Sundance spa. Winter-haters will love the Spirit of the Mountains hydration treatment, a moisturizing and warming body wrap with honey and organic shea butter, plus a touch of vanilla and cardamom. Book an appointment: 801-223-4270
Aprés
You don’t have to play in the snow all day to enjoy aprés at Owl Bar, a restored 1890s bar originally located in Wyoming. It’s the perfect spot to meet back up with your SO over a plate of Owl Bar Nachos and a custom cocktail, and live music plays every weekend.
Breakfast
If you hate the cold, why get out of bed? Stay toasty under the sheets and order room service. With all-day delivery from The Deli and Foundry Grill, you can dig in to anything from breakfast burritos to braised short ribs, all in your PJs. Room Delivery: 801-223-4211
Lunch
When you think of ski-lodge food, spaghetti might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Which is why you need to head to Foundry Grill and try theirs, an elevated version with roasted mushrooms, creamy burrata cheese and baby kale.
Reservations:866-932-2295
Dinner
You can’t do Sundance without indulging in dinner at Tree Room. Earning multiple dining awards and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the dishes on the rotating seasonal menu, but saving room for dessert among the art pieces from Robert Redford’s private collection is a must. Reservations: 866-627-8313
If one of you loves adventure how about … Logan?
Stay
It’s hard to beat a hot tub after a day of winter adventures, so book a room at Best Western Plus Weston Inn (250 N. Main, Logan, 435-752-5700, BestWestern.com). You’ll also enjoy complimentary breakfast, WiFi, an indoor pool and a gym at an affordable rate.
Beaver Mountain
Play
If you’re looking for skiing, snowboarding and then some, you’ve come to the right resort town. Get your powder turns in (without breaking the bank) at Beaver Mountain (40000 East Highway 89, Garden City, 435-946-3610, SkiTheBeav.com), where an adult lift ticket will only run you $50, or head to Cherry Peak (3200 E. 11000 North, Richmond, 435-200-5050, SkiCherryPeak.com), with more than 1,200 vertical feet of night skiing. If you prefer your downhill in a sitting position, Cherry Peak also offers tubing from $11 per person (family discounts available).
The adventure doesn’t end there. Kick up your boots and enjoy a sleigh ride at Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area (Blacksmith Fork Canyon Road, Hyrum, 435-753-6168, Wildlife.utah.gov), a wintertime feeding ground for up to 600 Rocky Mountain elk. There are also plenty of surrounding areas for ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Aprés
Outdoorsy types will find The White Owl (36 W. Center St., Logan, 435-753-9165) checks all the necessary aprés boxes: pool tables, darts, sports TV and beer. This no-frills Logan staple is cash only, so tuck a $20 into the pocket of your Carhartts before you go.
Breakfast
In the early 1900s, Herm’s Inn (1435 Canyon Road, Logan, 435-792-4321, HermsInn.com) was the last place to fill your gas tank before you headed up Logan Canyon. Today, it’s the last place to fill up in another sense: with build-your-own omelets and burritos, hearty breakfast skillets and their famous cinnamon rolls only available on Saturday and Sunday.
Lunch
Is there a better fuel than a burger? If your answer is no, head to Morty’s Cafe (780 E. 700 North, Logan, 435-535-3276, MortysCafe.com) and order one of six 100% Angus beef renditions like the Iconic, Hawaiian or Sunny Side. Vegetarians can take their pick of three housemade veggie patties. Aw, hell … throw in a salted peanut-butter shake while you’re at it.
Dinner
At the end of a long day of burning serious calories, it can be hard to decide what to eat for dinner because everything sounds good. The Beehive Pub & Grill (255 S. Main, Logan, 435-753-2600, TheBeehiveGrill.com) fits the bill with a little bit of everything. We’re talkin’ wings, nachos, tacos, steaks and fish and chips, plus a great selection of microbrews from Moab Brewery to wash it all down.
If you’re bringing the kids — how about … Beaver?
Stay
Anyone traveling with kids knows that a hotel with a pool goes a long way toward keeping them entertained, and free breakfast is even better on the budget, so book at Best Western Paradise Inn (1451 N. 300 West, Beaver, 435-438-2455, BestWestern.com). The indoor pool will be a hit with the littles, and free WiFi means they can have all the tablet time they want.
Sundance Ski Resort
Play
Kids will love the terrain park and all the blue and green runs found in the upper half of Eagle Point Resort (150 SW Village Circle, Beaver, 435-438-3700, EaglePointResort.com), while parents hit black diamonds in the lower half. Lift lines are seldom long, plus weekend lift tickets are as low as $35. Kids under 6 ski free.
Back down the canyon in Beaver, it’s a short drive north to Cove Fort Historic Site (Highway 161 SE, 435-438-5547, CoveFort.com), a pioneer fort built in 1867. Unlike most others of its time, Cove Fort is constructed with volcanic rock instead of wood. Kids can explore the telegraph office, barn, bunkhouse, icehouse and cabin daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Aprés
Canyonside Bar & Grill (150 SW Village Circle, Beaver, 435-438-3700, EaglePointResort.com) is the perfect spot for an adult beverage after a family day on the mountain—foosball, chess and shuffleboard await the kiddos in the adjoining game room. If a snack is in order, loaded potato skins and beer battered onion rings keep everyone happy.
Breakfast
If continental at the hotel isn’t going to cut it, head across the parking lot to the Crazy Cow Cafe (1451 N. 300 West, Beaver, 435-438-6208, CrazyCowCafe.net) for the Tractor Driver Sandwich. It’s a beast of a breaky—two eggs, ham, bacon or sausage stuffed between two pieces of French toast.
Lunch
Grilled cheese, mac ’n’ cheese, pizza … you’ll find gourmet versions of kids’ favorites at The Creamery (165 S. 500 West, Beaver, 833-796-4551, TheCreameryUtah.com). It’s also Beaver’s favorite spot for ice cream, with flavors like cotton candy and Superman for younger taste buds, and Jolted Cow—sweet cream ice cream with espresso, caramel and brownie—for you.
Dinner
At the end of the day, tired kids can mean cranky kids, so keep dinner easy with local-favorite Beaver Taco (1451 S. Main, Beaver, 435-438-0912), which has a drive-thru option in case someone’s already fallen asleep in their car seat. Every kid’s meal comes with choice of french fries or a churro.
If one of you is in it for the food how about …Ogden Valley?
Stay
Part coffee shop, part lunar observatory and part industrial farmhouse, Compass Rose Lodge (198 S. 7400 East, Huntsville, 385-279-4460, CompassRoseLodge.com), located in Huntsville Square, is the perfect base camp for the weekend. Rooms include complimentary breakfast, Beekman 1802 bath products, and free WiFi.
Tona Sushi’s beet and arugula salad
Play
In addition to offering 3,000 skiable acres and 3,000 vertical feet (plenty to work up an appetite) Snowbasin Resort (3925 E. Snowbasin Road, Huntsville, 888-437-5488, Snowbasin.com) hosts foodie events throughout the year. Check the events tab on their webpage for details. Non-sporty types can take a gondola or lift ride to Needles and John Paul Lodges for impressive views, gourmet eats and a variety of beer options.
A trip to Ogden Valley isn’t complete without a tour of New World Distillery (4795 E. 2600 North, Eden, 385-244-0144, NewWorldDistillery.com), the only place where you can try Ogden Valley Vodka, uniquely distilled with blue agave. Tours are $20 and include tastings, offered Friday and Saturday at noon, 2 and 5 p.m. Private tours are also available.
Aprés
The only place at Snowbasin with a full liquor and wine menu, Cinnabar (3925 E. Snowbasin Road, Huntsville, 888-437-5488, Snowbasin.com) can get quite busy on the weekends. Consider popping in well before the lifts close to score a table by the oversized fireplace, under the impressive red glass chandelier.
Breakfast
First Lift Coffee (198 S. 7400 East, Huntsville, 385-279-4460), located in the Compass Rose Lodge, offers roasts from Australia’s Campos, as well as a tasty selection of muffins, cinnamon rolls and other treats. If you’re a foodie looking to add to your Instagram feed, you won’t be disappointed.
Lunch
Warm up with a sizzling plate of fajitas at Carlos & Harley’s (5510 E. 2200 North, Eden, 801-745-8226, CarlosAndHarleys.com), Eden’s former general store turned restaurant. Homemade roasted salsa and chips start off your meal, unless your margarita hits the table first. Fancy it is not, but it’s hard to argue against Tex-Mex and tequila.
Dinner
Head down the canyon and treat yourself to Tona Sushi (210 25th St., Ogden, 801-622-8662, TonaRestaurant.com), for unique rolls you won’t find anywhere else in Utah, like the Black Jack: tempura shrimp, torched black cod, and black tobiko caviar with avocado, snow crab, unagi sauce and sriracha mayo.
