Michael Kunde

New Things To Do This Winter

Wide open vistas, historic main streets and storied Olympic venues. It’s a season full of activity.

In Utah, skiing is just where winter begins.

Winter in Utah

Snowshoeing in Ogden

Photo: Jay Dash

Snowshoeing

Sometimes an adrenaline pumping day on the slopes calls for an early morning hike along a peacefully quiet snowshoe track. It’s a relatively easy and affordable way to get outside and the perfect way to watch the sun rise over the Wasatch range. Best of all, you won’t need to worry about checking your snowshoeing gear at the airport (although it would be much easier now). Whether you’re in northern or southern Utah, as long as there is snow there is very likely an outfitter that can rent the gear you need; or better yet, guide you to their favorite spots. Explore snowshoeing.

Brian Head Resort

Photo: Jay Dash

Snow Tubing

What if you and/or the kids are caught somewhere between feeling confident on the slopes and too energetic to go snowshoeing? Tubing is the answer. From sliding down gentle slopes to racing down 1,200 foot lanes, there is tubing for everyone in Utah. Here are a few of the most popular places to go, from north to south:

"City Slicker" trail at Soldier Hollow in Heber Valley

Photo: Steve Greenwood

Cross Country Skiing

Another winter activity with seemingly endless boundaries, cross country skiing is one of the best ways to soak up Utah’s wide open spaces. Ski tracks wind through millions of acres in the national forests across the state, and can even be found in the higher elevation regions of Southern Utah like Bryce Canyon and the Manti-La Sal Mountains. However, you don’t have to get too far out of town to get lost down a ski track. Park City is one of the most popular destinations for cross country skiers, although Nordic centers can be found all over Northern Utah. (Read: "Fresh Tracks in Kamas – Utah's Snowcountry")

"Another winter activity with seemingly endless boundaries, cross country skiing is one of the best ways to soak up Utah’s wide open spaces."

Wasatch Mountain State Park

Photo: Adam Clark

Snowmobiling

With more than 800 miles of groomed snowmobile trails from the red rock canyons of Southern Utah to the rugged mountains in the northern reaches of the state, Utah has plenty of options for snowmobile vacations, lodging and packages. You can spend a day or a whole week here exploring the myriad trails, each offering their own sights, sounds and adventures. Explore snowmobiling. 

Midway’s Ice Castles

Photo: Valor Alvarado

Ice Castles

If you’re planning a family trip this year, consider Midway’s Ice Castles a must-see. Each year artists hand-place thousands of icicles to create magical castles, sculptures and playgrounds that shine bright in front of a rainbow of LED lights. It’s a contender for ultimate winter family photo, and a winter wonderland the kids won’t soon forget.

Dog sledding in Park City

Photo: Mike Schirf

Sled Dogs

Perhaps another activity you wouldn’t expect to be available in Utah, sled dog tours are available in Park City. When Maren and Racer Gibson started rescuing huskies and malamutes over 20 years ago their intention very likely wasn’t to make a profit or start a business. However, as more dogs joined the pack Team G Sled Dogs was born. Now those visiting Park City can experience the snowy wilderness like never before as they’re pulled on a sled behind a team of 10 energetic pups. 

Located 25 minutes away from Park City, Bear Ridge Adventures also offers authentic dog sled tours on scenic private property. They believe dog sledding is a great way to dive in and get to know more about mushing, the hard-working huskies, and dog sledding. Visitors have to option to book a 1 hour, 2 hour, or half day dog sled tour from December (sometimes November) to March. You’ll get to see firsthand how much the dogs love being on the team and pulling guests on the sleds.

Homestead Crater

Photo: Adam Barker

Homestead Crater

Resting at the bottom of a 55 foot-tall crater in Midway, Utah there is a warm pool of geothermal waters that is perfect for swimming, relaxing and even diving year round. In fact, it’s the only warm water scuba destination in the continental United States. So if you’re looking to warm up and slow down at the same time, be sure to pack your swimsuit on this winter trip.

"Homestead Crater is the only warm scuba diving destination in the continental United States."

Jump in. Hold on.

Photo: Utah Olympic Park

Utah Olympic Park

The 2002 Winter Olympics helped put Utah on the map, and the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, proved that Utah is a hub for Winter Olympic glory with Utahns collecting 11 medals. At the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, you can learn all about our Olympic heritage, watch future Olympians train for competition and reach over 60 mph on the Comet Bobsled Ride. Learn more about Utah's Olympic legacy and best spots to relive the games.

Sundance Film Festival in Park City

Photo: Jay Dash

Sundance Film Festival

Since 1984, filmmakers and audiences have been traveling to Utah to see some of the most innovative storytelling in cinema at the Sundance Film Festival. Park City is the epicenter, but Sundance venues can also be found in Salt Lake City, Ogden and at Sundance Mountain Resort. A Sundance ski vacation is the perfect blend of Utah ski bliss and the year's most promising films.

The Spa at Sundance Mountain Resort

Unwind at the Spas

After an adventure packed vacation of skiing, sliding, exploring and marvelling, the only thing left to do is relax and recount your favorite moments. However, the tough choices aren’t over yet. Discover Utah’s Wellness Retreats.

More Winter Activities

Snowbird_Ski-Resorts_Markewitz-Scott

Utah Is Your Easy Winter Vacation Destination (and We All Could Use Easy)

Written By Paula Colman

5 minute read

Whether you’re looking for a break, vacation or quest for fun this winter, Utah is the place, as always, for adventure — whatever you plan to do or wherever the trail takes you along the way.

Ski Resorts

Read more

Where to Stay

Utah's metropolitan areas are situated right by our snow-packed mountains, offering visitors unparalleled access. The only challenge is deciding if you want to stay in a slope-side lodge or a hotel in the city. Either choice is good, or even better, try out both. Moving from city to summit doesn't take long.

Basecamp Options

National Parks in Winter

In the winter months, Utah's five national parks and their surrounding country are full of solitude and with an adventurous spirit to shrug off mild doses of moody weather you can count on having red rock country all to yourself.

Winter in Southern Utah

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