Thanks to mega passes and corporate consolidation, over half of U.S. ski resorts are now run by two companies — Vail and Alterra. The result? Long lift lines, resort-town pricing, and terrain that’s often tracked out by noon. That might work for some. But for families and anyone who remembers skiing before it became a luxury sport, it can be frustrating.

That’s why Eagle Point Resort in Southern Utah is such a breath of fresh, high-elevation air.

Located just outside the town of Beaver, Eagle Point is one of the newest — and most refreshing — resorts in the state. It doesn’t belong to the duopoly. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. And it definitely doesn’t charge $200 for a lift ticket. In fact, midweek tickets are just $64, weekends are $84, and kids 12 and under ski free. Free!

On a recent family trip, we discovered just how rare this place really is. And we weren’t alone. “People don’t believe this place exists,” said one stoked skier. “I kinda want to keep it that way.”

Can’t blame him.

With over 600 skiable acres and 40 named runs, Eagle Point packs a surprising punch for its size. The terrain is a mix of smooth groomers, tree-lined rollers, and steep double blacks that challenge even seasoned skiers. Our kids couldn’t get enough of the beginner and intermediate trails off the Monarch lift, while I kept sneaking back to steep-and-deep laps on Lookout and Delano Drop. And because the resort only runs lifts Friday through Monday, the snow has time to stack up midweek. Translation: fresh tracks on a Friday morning feel like a powder day secret.

But the best part? No crowds. At all. On our visit, we skied straight onto the lifts, lapped the mountain all day, and never once stood in line. Try that anywhere else in Utah.

Of course, good skiing is only part of the family trip equation. Lodging matters, too — and Eagle Point nails it. There are no high-rise hotels or busy base villages here. Instead, you’ll find cozy, ski-in/ski-out condos and mountain homes tucked into the forest. Some sleep up to 16, making them perfect for extended families or group getaways. Ours had a fireplace, full kitchen, hot tub, and stunning views of the Tushar Mountains. At night, we played games, made hot cocoa, and watched the stars shine while soaking in our jacuzzi.

No apres parties. No noise. Just peaceful, high-alpine vibes.

Even better? The resort throws in fun freebies every weekend. Picture this: after a full day of turns, we skied down to the base and were greeted with free hot dogs and s’mores around the fire. My kids thought it was Christmas. I thought it was genius. A little gesture that adds a lot of heart.

The food scene surprised us, too. The on-mountain Canyonside Lodge serves legit multicourse meals — think warm chili, juicy burgers, and maybe the best hot chocolate in the state. And the staff? Delightful. No jaded attitudes, no resort snobbery. Just friendly folks who genuinely want you to enjoy this hidden gem of a ski resort.

Eagle Point isn’t trying to be the next Park City or Deer Valley. It’s not posh. It’s not polished. But that’s exactly the point. It’s skiing like it used to be — before everything got overbuilt and overpriced. It’s a place where families can reconnect, beginners can find their confidence, and powder hounds can score fresh lines without the madness.

So yeah, skiing is awesome. But skiing at Eagle Point? It’s the kind of awesome families can actually afford — and the kind mine intends on coming back to every season.

Just don’t tell too many people.

Blake Snow contributes to fancy publications and Fortune 500 companies as a bodacious writer-for-hire and seasoned travel journalist to all seven continents. He lives in Provo, Utah with his wife, five children, and one ferocious chihuahua.