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As you may have heard, Utah has the Greatest Snow on Earth®. Each year it beckons skiers and snowboarders from here and around the globe.
But what about folks who would prefer to explore off the slopes? Well, they're in luck too!
The winter season in Utah offers a world of outdoor possibilities for everyone — even those whose ears don't perk up when they hear the words "fresh pow."
Check out these five suggestions to round out your winter adventure docket.
Ice skating
Utah's ice-skating scene boasts former Olympic venues, charming county complexes and magical light-strung rinks with grooves to make you move.
And perhaps the most beautiful ice rink of them all is near the Gallivan Center. Centrally located in downtown Salt Lake City, this ice rink shines with lights, crisp outdoor air and the heartbeat of the city.
Other notable venues across northern Utah include the George S. Eccles Ice Center in Logan, the Olympic Oval in Kearns, and the Park City Ice Arena in Park City.
And if you're in Southern Utah, there's a little-known but fantastic ice rink at Ruby's Inn near Bryce Canyon, with a livestream to boot so you can broadcast your Nathan Chen-esque skills to all your friends.
Snow tubing
If you like the idea of cruising down a snowy slope, but don't like the idea of being attached to skis and having to maneuver said skis, tubing might be perfect for you.
From sliding down gentle slopes to precipitous (yet safe!) 1,200-foot lanes, there is tubing for adrenaline-seekers of all levels in Utah.
Here are a few of the most popular places to go, from north to south:
- Cherry Peak Resort, Richmond: Rates for a 2-hour pass with rentals are $42 for four people, $24 for two, and $13 for an individual.
- Wasatch Parc, Eden: $12 for a single ride, $30 for two hours, and $45 for four hours.
- Woodward (formerly Gorgoza), Park City: $50–$70 depending on the day for a two-hour pass. Ages 6+ only, kids 3–5 can use the lower lanes with a Micro Ticket ($25-$35).
- Soldier Hollow, Midway: pricing varies based on the day, but standard weekend rates for a two-hour session are: $29 for adults (13+), $27 for kids 6–12, and $16 for kids 3–5.
- Buckskin Hills Recreation Complex, Vernal: $10 per person, $25+ per family, free if you bring your own tube and only go down the bunny hill.
- Navajo and Giant Steps Tubing Parks, Brian Head: $25 per person for 1.5 hours, including a tube.
Snowmobiling
Up until now, only human-powered and gravity-reliant activities have been mentioned. Why not add a motor to the mix? You'll go farther and tire less.
From the red rock canyons of Southern Utah to the rugged mountains in the northern reaches of the state, Utah offers more than 800 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.
For beginners not wanting to venture out on their own yet, Park City offers a variety of guided tours and rentals. Those wanting to access a more remote location can enjoy the Daniel Summit trails near the Uinta National Forest — with both guided and unguided options to accommodate newbies and experts alike.
And that's just two of the hundreds of options in the state; you could spend a day or a whole week exploring the myriad trails, each offering their own sights, sounds and adventures. Discover more options here.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is basically hiking, except it sounds a lot cooler, your shoes are a little bigger, and there's snow on the ground.
And just like hiking, it's a relatively easy and affordable way to get outside and the perfect way to watch the sunrise over the Wasatch range. All you need are snowshoes, poles, warm clothing — and the bravery to get up early.
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.
In northern Utah, Millcreek Canyon (perhaps the most underrated canyon) offers a variety of options. And if you're down south, don't miss the Rim Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Discover other popular snowshoeing trails and remember to use the backcountry safely and responsibly.
Utah Olympic Park
The 2002 Winter Olympics solidified Utah as a world-class winter destination, and at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, you can learn all about our Olympic heritage.
If you time it right, you can also watch future Olympians train for competition. And if that inspires you enough, you can experience for yourself the thrill of the Comet Bobsled Ride, reaching over 60 mph on the sliding track.
There are rumors that you must make at least three "Cool Runnings" references before getting in the bobsled, but it has not been confirmed whether they are true or not. Better do it just to be safe.
Learn more about Utah's Olympic legacy and the best local spots to relive the games.
Enjoy Utah's winter activities
These are just a handful of the winter activities you can enjoy this winter. For more ideas, venues, and outfitters, check out VisitUtah.com.
