Utah skiing

I am looking to drive from Las Vegas to Utah skiing in mid December, we are a family of 2A + 2C Australians and would like to know the best place to ski in Utah. We are average skiers but want fun activities for teenagers. Any suggestions would be fantastic.

stay in SLC (SE end - e.g. Cottonwood Hights) and drive to the ski areas there. Almost unlimited choice.

Best skiing in Utah is at Alta, at the end of Little Cottonwood canyon. Yes, staying in Cottonwood Heights is very convenient and more affordable than staying at either Alta or Snowbird. Snowbird is just before Alta and you can get a combined Alta/Snowbird lift ticket for a few more dollars. The areas are connected by lifts.
Also nice but further from SLC is Snow Basin in Ogden. Very nice facilities and less crowded than Alta/Snowbird.
Solitude is also nice and uncrowded about 45 min from Cottonwood Heights.
I usually only go to Alta and Snowbird since they are 2 of the best skiing areas in the US.

We're also planning to ski in the US in mid-December (12th to 16th). We were planning to stay in Park City but now I'm unsure as it seems the mountains that will be guaranteed snow at that time of year are 1+ hours drive away. We are 2 adults coming in from Australia (me celebrating my 40th) so looking for good restaurants and bars in the evenings as well as the snow.

Any advice on best location to stay in relation to nightlife and snow in mid-Dec would be gratefully received.

Hi Ross
Good suggestions so far but will be very quiet so Park City could be the best call as more bars, restaurants etc and there is generally enough snow at that time and Canyons next door is also on the pass.Most resorts though are not fully operational so you will find up to 50% of the slopes only open due more of lack of people visiting.Same in Europe.Alta and Snowboard can still be reached from Park City and thats the backup call if early snow is not as good as normal.Breckenridge should also be considered as it is very high and Arapahoe is the highest ski area and that will definitely be well open but don't want to put you off Park City which is great.
Martin

Hey Martin,

Just picked up your post. Thanks for the advice. We have now booked to stay in Park City for 5 nights and will take your advice re other ski fields in close proximity should the snow not be sufficient locally.

Thanks again for taking the time to post.

Ross