Monday, December 30, 2019

The 9 Best Winter Activities in Utah Valley

The 9 Best Winter Activities in Utah Valley blog cover image


The winter holiday and the winter season, in general, is an excellent opportunity to hit the open road and see what America has to offer. Indeed, one of the most popular spots in America today is the state of Utah. Utah provides a chance to see beautiful mountain ranges, including Mt Timpanogos and Box Elder Peak. If nature isn’t your thing, Utah also offers quite a bit of culture. For example, the city of Provo is home to several museums and art galleries. Whatever it is that you like to do on your winter holiday, Utah has it. However, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the number of activities that are available to you. In this article, we will break down 9 essential winter activities that you can do while staying in Utah.



old fashioned theater showing Sundance films

1. Sundance Film Festival

The Sundance Film Festival belongs in the category of once in a lifetime opportunities. If you find yourself in or near Park City, you must see the spectacle that is the Sundance Film Festival. Over the past several decades, the Sundance Film Festival has become a hotbed for unique and groundbreaking movies, art collections, and celebrity guests. Sundance tickets go fast, so we recommend you plan this stop well in advance of going. Even if you are not attending the events, the sights alone are worth it.



an ice sculpture of a snowflake

2. Midway Ice Castles

I think we can all admit that going to some amusement parks are just too expensive and overcrowded. If you want to give your kids a fantastic experience without paying the price, then Midway Ice Castles is the spot for you. These natural and man-made ice caverns bring a sense of wonder and amazement to any family vacation. Also, you and your family can witness a breathtaking fire show before entering the ice castles. Hot chocolate will also be provided for all the kids and adults who want to act like kids. Tickets are $15 to $18 for anyone over twelve and $10 to $12 for kids.




3. Dog Sledding

Have you ever wanted to take a step back in time? Several outfitters in Park City allow you to experience the sensation of dog sledding through the winter snow. These sleds can take you and your family to a variety of fun spots throughout area. Rides can take anywhere from thirty minutes to one hour. Dog sledding in Park City can be on the expensive side with the average sled ride costing around $420.



a pair of white skis ready to hit the slopes

4. Skiing

You can’t go into the Utah mountains without encountering breathtaking skiing locations because there are dozens of ski resorts scattered across the state. If you are in the Utah Valley area, you have to go see the mesmerizing mountains of Deer Valley Resort. Deer Valley provides some of the best skiing in Utah with over two thousand acres that can accommodate more than 50,000 skiers per hour. Lift tickets can cost anywhere from $150 to $200 a day, depending on how early and how many you order at a time.




5. The Crater at Homestead Resort

When you are on your winter vacation, swimming is probably the last thing that is on your mind. However, the crater at Homestead Resort is home to a massive geothermal spring. Geothermal springs are perfect for the winter months because of their high mineral content and constant heating. The high mineral count will refresh your aching muscles and soothe your dry skin. While the water, which is at a constant 96 degrees, will perk you up after you have spent the day in the cold.




6. Tubing

You know, it's okay if you don’t want to spend your winter vacation skiing, we won't judge. Skiing isn’t for everyone; it can take a lot of time to learn and even more time to master. If you want to experience the joy of skiing without the skill required, then we think tubing will be perfect for you. Soldier Hollow has you covered with a thrill-inducing tubing slope. Hurl yourself down a 1,200-foot hill. When you arrive at the bottom, don’t worry a lift will take your tube back to the top for you so you can spend more time going down a hill at neck break speed. For a two-hour ticket, it will cost $26 for adults and $13 for kids.




7. Hiking

Hiking on your winter vacation may seem like a weird prospect. However, the beauty of the Utah mountains, combined with the whimsical effect of snow, will provide once in a lifetime experiences. The Utah Valley is home to dozens of resorts that offer excellent hiking trails for both beginners and experts alike.




8. Snowshoeing

We have talked about hiking, and now we are going to talk about a unique hiking experience. If you enjoy hiking and want to take that joy into the snow, then you will love snowshoeing. Snowshoes are a type of shoe that makes the process of walking on snow a much simpler one. Most resorts have snowshoes that you will be able to rent for you and your family. The only thing we would recommend is to make sure you have warm clothes and water because snowshoeing is a strenuous activity.




9. Museums

Just because you are in Utah during the winter season doesn’t mean you are required to spend the entire time outdoors. Both art and historical museums are a great way to spend time with your family while at the same time, learning something valuable. For example, the city of Provo is home to the Museum of Art at Brigham Young University, which provides one of the most excellent collections of art in Utah.



a mother and son smiling and sharing a sled


Before you begin any vacation, the most important thing to do is research and stay informed of the places you are traveling to. Utah Valley provides dozens of activities and locations that are guaranteed to make your winter vacation memorable.