Slopes Optional: The Ultimate Five Day Non-Skier Utah Winter Vacation

• Salt Lake City International Airport
• Salt Lake City
• Natural History Museum of Utah

Get yourself a window seat and gaze at Utah’s snowcapped mountains as you descend into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Bundle up and feel the crisp air as you head into Utah’s capital city. First things first, snag a warm beverage for your walk through Salt Lake. Grab a hot cocoa or a coffee at one of the many cozy coffee shops downtown. A great choice is Eva’s Bakery, not just for its scrumptious lattes, but also to snap a picture in front of its charming, French-inspired facade.

Next up, head to the east bench to explore one of Salt Lake City’s coolest museums, The Natural History Museum of Utah. (Read: How to Maximize an Afternoon at the Natural History Museum of Utah). It’s the perfect winter museum, boasting stunning architecture and expansive windows. You’ll find yourself marveling at prehistoric dinosaurs with a glittering snowfall backdrop just outside. Pro tip: Head to the museum’s fifth floor and check out the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the sparkling wintry wonderland that is Salt Lake City.

Lastly, end your day with a unique winter dining experience. Imagine yourself sitting atop a high-rise city rooftop...inside a literal snowglobe. Savor the Spanish-style tapas of The Hyatt Regency’s Mar | Muntanya Restaurant inside a climate-controlled, glass globe. The globe even comes with its own Bluetooth speakers, so you can pair your music to fit your party’s tastes. Reservations are required, so be sure to plan in advance.

Insider tip: While you're making your snowglobe dining reservation, ask if the hotel has their “Rooftop Curling” currently running. Certain years, The Hyatt Regency offers a one-of-a-kind pop-up curling experience on their sixth-floor Sundance Terrace. Channel your inner Olympian with this all-skill-level social curling, equipped with mini curling lanes, outdoor heaters and delicious drinks.

Where to Stay: Salt Lake City

• Snowbird Resort
• The Cliff Spa at Snowbird

Today’s the day to head to the mountains — yes, even if you don't ski! This plan is perfect if you’re tagging along with skiers, but it's an epic option regardless of whether your party is all non-skiers.

As a non-skier, Snowbird Resort is a fantastic choice, as it offers plenty of ways to feel immersed in the snowy mountains without actually skiing down them. We recommend starting with a scenic ride up Snowbird’s Aerial Tram, which takes you 11,000 feet to the summit of Hidden Peak. Although you’ll be among the skiers and snowboarders, anyone is welcome to purchase a ride-only tram ticket. At the summit, you’ll find a gorgeous restaurant where you can get 360-degree views of Utah’s famous snowy mountains. Just remember to bundle up, as the temperature drops significantly the higher in elevation you go.

“I always take my friends to the summit on Snowbird’s tram, even if they don’t ski! It is a bucket-list ride and a staple to show off Utah’s mountains,” says local Brandon Sturm.

Afterward, catch the tram back down and warm up at Snowbird’s Cliff Spa. This one-of-a-kind rooftop spa will have you hot-tubbing in the brisk open air with the ski slopes as your backdrop. You can also enjoy their eucalyptus steam room, sauna, solarium, heated outdoor pool, plus a full menu of spa treatment options.

End your day with an evening at Eight Settlers Distillery, located conveniently at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon (where Snowbird resides). This means there’s no need to drive all the way back to the city. Simply shower and freshen up at the spa, then head straight down for dinner and drinks. Enjoy some local spirits and excellent fare, and learn about the history of the eight families who settled this area of Utah — hence the name.

Where to Stay: Salt Lake City

• Solitude Mountain Resort
• Solitude Nordic and Snowshoe Center

So far, we’ve had a little city and a little spa; now it's time to truly immerse yourself in the winter experience with some thrilling Utah snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Luckily, Solitude Mountain Resort makes both activities simple and easy for all skill levels. Adjacent to the ski resort is the Solitude Nordic and Snowshoe Center, where you can explore over 20 kilometers of pristine wintry trails. You can rent equipment and explore on your own, or opt for private lessons or guided tours.

Afterward, go enjoy a little après-ski at The Thirsty Squirrel, located at The Village at Solitude. Mingle among skiers and non-skiers alike at this laid-back mountainside bar. You can invite your friends to a round of pool or some tabletop shuffleboard. It’s the perfect post-adventure spot to warm up and savor a well-earned beverage.
Lastly, end your evening at one of Salt Lake’s award-winning restaurants, or choose one of Utah’s unique winter dining experiences via a mountainside yurt (Read: Winter Yurt Dining). Note: If you want to spend the whole day at Solitude, there is a yurt dining experience right at the resort. Advanced reservations are required.

Where to Stay: Salt Lake City

• Park City
• Midway
• Homestead Crater
• Folklore Bookshop

On day four, we recommend heading to the Park City area. If you have skiers in your group, they'll likely want to stay in the heart of Park City. However, if you’re a full non-skiing crew, there’s a less-traveled, charming little town called Midway that offers excellent accommodations.

Regardless of where you stay, we suggest taking the time to experience the Midway and Heber Valley area, also known as "Utah's Alps" for its Swiss-style buildings, architecture and quaint allure.

Start your day off at Homestead Crater, a one-of-a-kind hot spring experience. This geothermal hot spring looks like Rome’s Pantheon: envision a dome-shaped limestone ceiling with a circular hole of sunlight shining through the top.

After a soak in the warm waters, head to the charming Folklore Bookshop. You can support local business by shopping at this endearing bookstore, then cozy up on one of their plush chairs by the fire and enjoy a great vacation read.

Top your evening off with a sunset stroll along Midway’s Main Street and a spin around the local ice skating rink. The local shops are a true delight to behold in the winter season — as is an evening skate under the stars.

• Woodward Park City
• Tubing Park at Woodward Park City

It’s your last day on your dream winter vacation, so why not go out with a thrilling descent? 1,200 feet of descent, that is, on the exhilarating tubing lanes at Woodward Park City! Before you head to Woodward, we recommend snagging some breakfast at Harvest in Park City for some locally sourced fare. Grab a sweet acai bowl, or try their savory toast - depending on your taste buds.

Next up, experience the joy of sliding down the mountain (without skis) on some of the longest tubing lanes in Utah. Then, let the tow ropes pull you back to the top to go again and again. The tubing sessions last for two hours, so take the time to race, laugh and play with your fellow vacation-goers. It’s not only a blast but convenient too, as Woodward is located right on your drive down Parleys Canyon, leading you back toward the Salt Lake City International Airport.

Need a snack before your flight? The airport showcases great local restaurants, like Market Street Grill, Red Rock Brewing, White Horse Spirits and Kitchen and more.