Ski more for less: affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah
Dec 7, 2023, 11:45 AM | Updated: Jun 10, 2024, 1:57 pm
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This article about affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake is sponsored by the Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Winter snow excites many in Utah, eager to slide down winding slopes on skis or snowboard. While most people flock to the resorts in the Wasatch Front, traveling further north opens up affordable ski resorts that get you more bang for your buck.
Within just an hour’s drive from Bear Lake, you can visit Beaver Mountain Ski Resort in Logan Canyon or Pine Creek Ski Resort in Cokeville, Wyoming. Enjoy shorter lift lines, less expensive lift tickets, and mom-and-pop vibes while floating on the greatest snow on Earth!
Keep reading for tips on how to plan your next winter vacation in Bear Lake, Utah.
The oldest continuously owned family ski resort in the US
Beaver Mountain Ski Resort was opened in 1939 by Harold Seeholzer, who wanted to create a place where people could bring the whole family together to teach them how to love the snow as much as he did. Generations of the Seeholzer family have continued to maintain their roots and purpose at the resort, making it a family-friendly resort ready to create lasting memories.
The long runs at Beaver Mountain extend up to two miles, with epic terrain on the front and back of its slopes. Snow covers the mountain with Utah’s famous lake effect powder that reaches up to 400” (or more!) per season.
Check out their website for details at skithebeav.com
A step back in time: big mountain skiing with a small-town feel
Pine Creek Ski Resort opened in 1952 and is currently owned by Lincoln County in Cokeville, Wyoming. This family-operated ski resort offers affordable lift tickets, friendly faces, and minimal lift lines, letting you rediscover the magic of riding in the old days.
The lodge at Pine Creek is an old train depot donated by the Union Pacific, allowing visitors a taste of turn-of-the-century history as they warm up and enjoy a lunch or hot cocoa. And after 39 years of single chair memories, in 2002, Pine Creek installed a fixed grip quad chair to increase load capacity, granting riders access to 1,500 feet of vertical from the top of the 8,225-foot summit to the parking lot.
Plan your trip at pinecreekskiresort.com and see why this is Wyoming’s best-kept secret.
How to prepare for your winter trip
The best way to pack for any ski or snowboarding trip is to bring different layers to warm up or cool down with changing conditions. Make sure your gear is waterproof or water-resistant to keep you dry and temperature-rated to match the weather.
Ensure your car is up to date on maintenance and that you have a good handle on driving in snow conditions – all-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, chains, or snow tires may be necessary to travel safely. Before heading out to ski or snowboard, check the mountain and road conditions by visiting the resort’s website or calling them.
And, of course, book your lodging before your trip. Find more information about accommodations at Bear Lake in the winter.
Other winter activities to do in Bear Lake
Aside from the fantastic, affordable ski resorts just outside of Bear Lake, there are plenty of other winter activities in Bear Lake for the whole family to participate in. From ice fishing to sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, a winter in Bear Lake offers a break from the crowds and endless possibilities for fun.
And don’t forget the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest, running from Thursday, January 25 to Sunday, January 28, in the coming year. This annual event has activities for the whole family, from chili cook-offs to a monster plunge, a 5K run and social dances.
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This is a sponsored article brought to you by KSL News Radio in conjunction with the advertiser. The advertiser paid a fee to promote this article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of KSL News Radio, its parent company, or its staff.
