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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is a beautiful place to live. However, the few bitter cold and smoggy weeks we experience each winter can become dreary — and even unhealthy. Here is a list of our top 10 favorite activities to help you escape the inversion this winter.
1. Snowshoeing
This activity can be easy or strenuous, depending on your pace and location. If you like hiking, this is a great way to easily explore the mountains during the winter.
Favorite locations: Tibble Fork Reservoir in American Fork canyon, Sundance Nordic center, Lambert Park in Alpine, The Alpine loop starting above Aspen Grove, Millcreek Canyon and Little Cottonwood and Big Cottonwood Canyons.
2. Hiking in St. George and Zion
Southern Utah is a great area to escape the Northern Utah valley smog. We love playing on the smooth red rocks and hiking on trails that meander through stunning sandstone cliffs.
Favorite locations: The Narrows and Angel's Landing trails in Zion, Jenny's Canyon, the Lava Tubes at Tabernacle Hill, and Johnson Canyon trails in Snow Canyon.
3. Ice fishing
If you love to fish, don't let the snowy winter cold stop you. Make sure to bundle up for this activity, and do your research when it comes to a safe location.
Favorite locations: Strawberry, Rockport and Deer Creek reservoirs.
4. Night skiing
Peaceful, crispy cold and invigorating. Night skiing is a completely different experience from speeding down the mountain in the daytime. The surrounding forests are quiet, and the crowds are much smaller.
Favorite locations: Sundance (offers ski races open to the public for all skill levels, once a month all winter), Brighton and Park City Mountain Resort.
5. Jeeping in Moab
This is a way to see beyond the hills and canyons that you can hike or bike in. If you don't have an off-road vehicle, you can rent one in Moab. Stay on designated trails to protect the environment, and make sure to choose a trail according to your experience. Great for all ages to enjoy together.
Favorite locations: Fins and Things (beautiful at sunset), Hell's Revenge, Secret Spire and Poison Spider trails.
6. Cross-country skiing
Not only will cross-country skiing get you out of the inversion, but also it is also great exercise.
Favorite locations: Soldier Hollow, Sundance Nordic Center and Millcreek Canyon. All these locations provide great groomed courses.
7. Backcountry skiing
Backcountry requires specific equipment, avalanche knowledge, and skill in order to stay safe. Be sure to study up before you go. It is one of our favorite ways to exercise and explore the mountains.
Favorite locations: utahavalanchecenter.org is a great resource to learn more on safety and different touring routes.
8. Ski resorts
Utah is home to 14 amazing ski resorts that offer clean air, great terrain and gorgeous views. All you have to do is pick one.
Favorite locations: Sundance, Snowbird, Alta and Snow Basin
9. Visit a museum
If you don't have the time to head to the mountains to beat the inversion, visiting a museum is a great way to spend a couple of smog free hours.
Favorite locations: Natural History Museum of Utah, The Leonardo, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Pioneer Memorial Museum, Clark Planetarium, and the Museum of Art at BYU.
10. Sledding
Sledding is an inexpensive way to get into the mountains, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the snow.
Favorite locations: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Logan Canyon, Tibble Fork Reservoir and Gorgoza Park.
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Bryn Bingham and Amber Linebaugh are sisters and Utah natives who run the travel blog Globe Candy.
