What’s better than enjoying the famous Utah snow? Nada! But, the best compliment to a great day at one of Utah’s ski resorts is a well-earned beer. You may think this isn’t the place for good beer, but I promise you’re wrong. Yes, all of our draft beer is only 4% ABV, but with the higher altitudes and the need to keep your wits about you while skiing or snowboarding, you might be glad it’s not full-strength. We locals lovingly refer to it as “sport beer”, but that doesn’t mean we don’t drink the higher octane stuff too. When the day is through, all bets are off! If you’re planning to do a little recreating this winter in the Beehive State, this skier’s guide to beer in Utah is for you.
There are two parts: Beers and Bars. For Beers, keep reading. To skip straight to Bars, click here.
Local Brewers: Look for these local brews at Utah ski resorts, grocery stores, and brewery locations. If the weather is nice, consider packing a cooler and a few lawn chairs for a little après ski tailgating session! For above 4% ABV beer, buy bottles fresh direct from the brewery, or check out the nearest State Liquor Store. Grocery/convenience stores carry only 4% ABV “sport” beer.
Uinta
One of my “go to” beers is Uinta’s Cutthroat Pale Ale on draft in numerous places. You’ll also find Yard Sale Winter Lager widely distributed throughout the resorts. It’s a tasty beer to go with your ski lunch! Also a good choice from Uinta is the organic Baba Black Lager. Smooth and flavorful, it’s great one to fill your pitcher with and share with friends. If you’re at Brighton Resort, look for Brighton IPA on tap at the Milly Chalet. At Snowbasin, try a 75th Anniversary Amber Rye Ale. Uinta does have a brew pub located on the west side of Salt Lake City where you can enjoy food and taste all the beer they have to offer, including full-strength offerings like Dubhe Imperial Black IPA (pictured) or Detour Double IPA (both awesome!). You can buy bottles in their General Store, but much of their beer is also available in local convenience stores.
Uinta Brewery and Pub 1722 Fremont Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Wasatch and Squatters
First One Down by Wasatch is one of my favorite winter warmer ales! It’s rich, malty, and very smooth, but it’s 7.1% so save it for après ski. Wasatch Polygamy Porter, Bobsled Brown Ale and Squatters Chasing Tail Golden Ale can usually be spotted around the resorts. Like Uinta, both Squatters and Wasatch make local resort brand beer. If you’re at Solitude, look for Solitude Mountain Lager and Rescue Dog Brown Ale, both by Wasatch. A Dunkelweizen beer made by Squatters for Snowbird is on theme with Oktoberfest held each year at that resort. Besides being widely distributed in grocery and convenience stores, Wasatch and Squatters each have restaurant/pub locations in Park City and in the Salt Lake valley. When in Salt Lake, visit their Beer Store where there is a nice selection of all Wasatch and Squatters beer, including First One Down Winter Warmer and the new full-strength nitro bottles of Polygamy Porter.
Park City
Wasatch – 250 Main Street, Park City, UT 84060
Squatters – 1900 Park Avenue, Park City, UT 84060
Salt Lake
Wasatch – 2110 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Squatters – 147 West Broadway (300 South), Salt Lake City, UT 84010
Utah Brewers Cooperative: Wasatch & Squatters Beer Store 1763 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Bohemian
This brewery focuses on lagers made in the old tradition. I often see Cherny Bock, a dark lager (my personal favorite), and their Czech style Pilsner on tap or in cans at many of the resorts. Bohemian beer comes in cans, which makes them a convenient buy for coolers. Find them cold and fresh at their brewery in Midvale, in grocery stores, and full-strength options at the State Liquor Store. Visit the brewery for amazing old world style food; think Pierogies and Brats, Potato Pancakes, and Goulash. The location is convenient to both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and those staying toward the south end of the valley.
Bohemian Brewery & Grill 94 East Fort Union Blvd, Midvale, UT 84047
Moab
You won’t be able to visit this brewery while skiing, but you’ll find their brightly colored full-pint cans available at most any Utah ski resort and grocery store. A red and white striped can of Johnny’s IPA is one of my favorites! Keep your eyes open for Dead Horse Amber available in cans and on draft, as well as handles of Porcupine Pilsner.
Epic
Epic is known for its full-strength beer in 22 oz. bombers, but they have recently launched a line of 4% session beer that has started to show up on tap at many bars. I found the Sour IPA at Solitude’s Argenta Pub and the bar at Alta Peruvian Lodge. It’s really something special! You’ll also find a good selection of Epic bottles at bars that sell full-strength options. If you want to sample more, check out Epic’s restaurant, The Annex, or their brewery in Salt Lake.
825 State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
The Annex 1048 E 2100 S, Ste 110, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Red Rock
Although I haven’t seen Red Rock beer up at the ski resorts, you can find it at many bars, and their brewpub restaurants are definitely one of my favorite places to eat and drink great beer! They have locations in Park City, Downtown Salt Lake, and closer to the Cottonwood Canyons at Fashion Place Mall. For winter, I highly recommend Drioma Russian Imperial Stout and, if you’re a fan of IPAs, don’t forget to try an Elephino! You can also find select Red Rock beer at Harmon’s Grocery locations, and a full selection in their beer store at the north end of Salt Lake City.
Downtown
254 South 200 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Park City
1640 W. Redstone Center, Park City, UT 84098
Fashion Place
6227 South State, Murray, UT 84107
Red Rock Beer Store
443 North 400 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Roosters
If you happen to be skiing Snowbasin or Powder Mountain, you may want to stop for dinner in Ogden at Roosters. They make a nice selection of local brews including their 20th anniversary Chanticleer Belgian style rye ale and a very nice Honey Wheat. The food is good too!
253 Historic 25th Street Ogden, UT 84401
748 W. Heritage Park Blvd, Layton, UT 84041
Every resort has a bar or two. Some just serve beer; others serve all sorts of drinks. In Park City, you’ll find an abundance of bars and a rich nightlife. But, if you’re here to ski, you’ll want to focus on the resorts located in the Cottonwood Canyons just outside of Salt Lake City: Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude. These humble resorts don’t cater to late night partying the same way Park City does, but you’ll get the best snow and the best terrain available in Utah, with fewer crowds. You may sacrifice some nightlife, but you’ll still have access to beer and liquor, and there is definitely a local après scene to participate in! For a good time, check out these bars.
Alta
Goldminer’s Daughter Saloon – Beer only, the best pizza, kid friendly, nice lounge options, and fireplace.
Alta Peruvian Lodge Bar aka “P Dog” – Full bar, shotskis, free appetizers and popcorn, hunting trophies, laid back ski bum party atmosphere.
Sitzmark Club – Traditional ski bar, “Party Margs”, beer, fireplace. Located at the Alta Lodge and may at times be limited to guests only.
Snowbird
The Tram Club – Full bar, $5 beer/shot combos, sports, and good fries.
Wildflower – Full bar, nice views, Italian food and pizza, located in the Iron Blosam Lodge.
The Aerie Lounge at Cliff Lodge – Upscale, full bar, extensive wine list, big views, live music, and fireplace.
Brighton
Molly Green’s – Slopeside A-frame (between Crest and Majestic lifts), full bar, grill, and fireplace.
Solitude
Argenta Pub – Slopeside, beer and wine only, appetizers, casual atmosphere, located inside Moonbeam Day Lodge.
The Thirsty Squirrel – Full bar, appetizers, located in the village near lodging.
Library Bar – Upscale, full bar, intimate lounge with oversized chairs, located in the village at the Inn at Solitude.
Brighton or Solitude
Silver Fork Lodge – Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon on the way to and from Solitude and Brighton resorts. Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and full selection of beer, wine, and spirits. Free shuttle provided for guests of Brighton and Solitude.
11332 Big Cottonwood Canyon Road, Wasatch National Forest, Brighton, Utah 84121
(801) 533-9977
Snowbasin
Cinnabar – Large beer menu, spirits, great food, live music, and shotskis. Located inside Earl’s Lodge at Snowbasin.
Shooting Star Saloon – Oldest bar in Utah serving burgers (topped with bratwurst), beer, jukebox, and pool. Cash only. 7350 E 200 S, Huntsville, UT 84317
Slackwater Pub & Pizzeria – Huge beer selection, pizza, live music. 1895 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401
Salt Lake City
Beerhive Pub – Large selection of craft beer, knowledgeable bartenders, pub grub. 128 Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Beer Bar – Roomy hang-out, communal tables with plenty of craft beer and food. 161 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
The Bayou – Cajun-style fare, huge beer menu, live music. 645 State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Whiskey Street – Extensive drink menu including beer, cocktails, wine, cider, port, and Moscow Mules. Dining with food and drink pairings. 323 S. Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Park City
No Name Saloon – Old fashioned saloon with pub grub and a substantial beer and whiskey menu. 447 Main St, Park City, UT 84060
O’Shucks Bar & Grill – American food, “Scooby snacks”, 32 oz. schooners of beer, patio, full bar. 427 Main St, Park City, UT 84060
Silver Star Café – Great Food, large patio, full bar featuring local beer and spirits, live music, at the base of Silver Star lift near the Park City Golf Club. 1825 Three Kings Drive, Park City, Utah 84060 Suite 30
The Spur Bar & Grill – Western style, casual, burgers, wings, and pizza, live music, dancing, full bar. 352 Main St, Park City, UT 84060
Boneyard Kitchen & Saloon – Homey tavern with communal tables, American food, full bar, and craft beer. 1251 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
High West Distillery & Saloon – Ski in, ski out whiskey distillery, western food, whiskey menu, beer and wine, distillery tours. 703 Park Ave, Park City, UT 84060
Downstairs – Contemporary, dance club, DJs, dancing, cocktails, full bar. 625 Main St, Park City, UT 84060