A family ski vacation at Deer Valley® is a bit of a throwback. It’s focused on family time in the outdoors—away from the distractions of modern life. You’re able to build a snowman, roast marshmallows over a fire, snag a board game from the concierge, and enjoy a dinner in front of the fire. Plus, of course, enjoy world-class skiing with the best customer service in the business. Families will also love that Deer Valley is easy to get to, just 36 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport. But that’s just the start of what makes this Utah gem the perfect spot for a family ski vacation. Here are some of the other reasons that so many families come back year after year.

Deer Valley Ski School

Deer Valley’sSki School is world-renowned, and its children’s ski program takes its reputation over the top. The slopes are laced with happy kiddos in their green ski school vests, singing, playing games, and generally making merry as they master their ski turns. It gives parents a well-deserved break from taking their children around the mountain, and it also is a huge boon for kids in their ski skill progression. Learning from a savvy veteran instructor can take a child’s skills up several notches in just one trip.

The Children’s Center

For the kids’ non-ski days or half-days off the hill, theChildren’s Center is a delightful way to spend some vacation time. It’s not remotely traditional “child care” although yes, your children will be cared for with superb adult-to-child ratios. It feels much more like a camp—kids are grouped with other kids of the same age, and supervised fun time reigns. They can play indoors, outdoors, participate in art projects, singing, quiet reading, storytelling games, and eat delicious and healthy food crafted by Deer Valley chefs. It’s so fun, they may never want to leave.

Go Snowmobiling

You can arrange a thrilling snowmobile ride withSummit Meadows Adventures, which is operated by the resort. You’ll hop on complimentary transportation, get properly geared up, and jump on for the ride of your life. Children 8 and under ride free with a paying adult and you must be 16 years old to drive. The experience doesn’t have to overly tax your adrenaline reserves—you can take it easy and enjoy stunning views of the Wasatch with your family. But maybe, just maybe, you’ll give in to the temptation to cut loose a little.

Go Dog-Sledding

Fifteen minutes away from the resort, you can embark on a truly delightful dog-sledding adventure. A local service,All Seasons Adventures, employs rescue huskies who definitely enjoy their “work.” (That is, the huskies are having a blast.) You can head out on an hour-long mushing experience together with your kids and explore the trails outside Park City, pulled by the power of adorableness.

Visit Downtown Park City

Amenities within the resort are both lovely and plentiful, but you’ll want to take a few hours to stroll Park City’s Historic Main Street—just five minutes away—with your family. There’s something to look at in every window, a shop to peek into on every corner. Besides interesting shopping, Main Street is home to several crowd-pleasing restaurants where you can snag an unforgettable meal to excite the whole crew.

Ride a Horse-Drawn Sleigh to Fireside Dining

Here’s a highlight of any trip: Taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride while enjoying a fire-cookedmeal. Not only does it make for an elegant evening for adults, but the experience is very family-friendly, and children are enthralled by the adventure. Anything that involves beautiful horses and an enchanting meal is pretty foolproof.

Go Ice Skating

Try your chops at ice skating at thePark City Ice Arena, just a few minutes away. You can rent a pair of skates—just bundle up and head out to the ice. It’s a great way to vary your exercise on a ski-break day, letting the kids get their wiggles out before you talk them into sitting through a proper dinner at one of Deer Valley’s seven evening restaurants.

Originally written by RootsRated Media for Deer Valley.