Funny Winter Activities for Adults in Utah County

Be Prepared As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. Learn more

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.

Snow Tubing

"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.

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

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."

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

For 30 years, 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.

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

Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding

Thousands of people each day enjoy Utah's famous backcountry — the areas outside of ski area boundaries.
Cross Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing Utah is awesome! Find popular Nordic trailheads in the north, high altitude serenity in central Utah and miles of regularly groomed trails in the south.
Fat Tire Biking

Fat tire biking has become the latest rage among cycling enthusiasts and newbies. Find out tips for riding and the best places to explore in Utah.
Heli Ski & Snowboarding

Utah heli skiing and snowboarding are perfect for those who want to ride some of the best backcountry in the world. Find your next ride here.
Ice Castles

When winter blasts its arctic forcefield, the Utah ice castles — a frozen fairytale of ice and snow — emerge on an acre of land at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway.
Ice Fishing

Utah's award-winning waters hold some of the best ice fishing in the country, and with so many large lakes and reservoirs, it's easy to grab your gear and join in.
Ice Skating

Find the best ice skating rinks in Utah and plan the perfect skate night with your friends and family. Lace up and get skating!
Kite Skiing

Kite skiing (snow kiting) is attracting freestyle adventure seekers to Utah. Learn about the cool places to kite ski in Utah, grab your equipment and go!
Night Skiing

Nighttime is the right time for skiers and boarders seeking solitude on the piste. As daytime shredders check-out between 3 and 4 p.m., a new ski shift begins.
Skiing

Aside from having The Greatest Snow on Earth, what sets Utah apart from other skiing locations is the easy access. Of Utah's 15 resorts, 10 are within an hour of the Salt Lake City International Airport.
Snow Tubing & Sledding

The classic, winter tradition of finding the perfect hill from which to launch a tube or sled is alive and well in Utah. Whether you're looking for commercial parks with structured lanes or a local hill and your own thermos of hot cocoa, we've got it all.
Snowboarding

To put it simply, the riding in Utah is epic. Thirteen snowboarding resorts are positioned perfectly for dumps of fluffy powder all winter long.
Snowmobiling

Snowmobile vacations are popular outdoor adventures. Utah's 800+ miles of groomed trails offer winter snowmobiling fun for all — find out more!
Snowshoeing

Experience snowshoeing the greatest snow on Earth.
Winter Hiking

You might think the cold is unavoidable and the terrain impassable during the winter months, but if you can surpass these doubts you might just be rewarded with your best hike of the year.

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

11 More Utah Winter Experiences Outside the Ski Resorts

Written By Matador

8 minute read

No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort.
A Cauldron of Continuing Olympic Fervor

Written By Rosie Serago

7 minute read

Since hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, in many ways the Olympic spirit and world-class athletes that seized Utah have never left.
A Utah Ski Vacation (or Two) for Less

Written By Paula Colman

6 minute read

Shop for ski gear like a local. Get discounts on lift tickets. Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip.
AndShesDopeToo's Insider's Guide to Ogden

Written By Visit Utah

5 minute read

AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. This insider's guide video highlights their unparalleled access to both the outdoors and the city's "fun counterculture vibe" at the foot of the mighty Wasatch Mountains.
Another Day in Powadise

Written By Austen Diamond

4 minute read

Join ski cat driver Kevin Irons on a day's adventures to Lightning Ridge at Powder Mountain, complete with pizza bribery, remote access and lots of powder.
Best Hikes in St. George During Winter

Written By Matcha

5 minute read

While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, we've highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks.
Best Spots to Get Olympic Spirit

Written By Visit Utah

Just because the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games are in the past doesn't mean that the Utah Olympic spirit is has been snuffed out. Athletes still train here, and ski schools in Utah resorts might be the start of a future Olympian's career.
Beyond the Lake

Written By Ben Whisenant

4 minute read

From snowmobiling to skiing, snowshoeing to sledding and fishing, Bear Lake in the winter is everything you'll want from your next winter vacation.
Explore the Tushars on Snowshoe

Written By Jeremy Pugh

3 minute read

Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? Eagle Point is a Utah favorite location. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure.
Harnessing Passion: The Arctic Rescue Sled Dog Team

Written By Sara Hobbs

Maren and Racer Gibson of All Seasons Adventures in Park City, Utah rescue "unadoptable" Huskies and Malamutes. The dogs participate in a dog sledding operation to help find their purpose. Book a dog sled tour with the pups and witness their story as they pull your sled through the area's snow blanketed open spaces.
How to Camp on Utah's BLM Lands

Written By Sara Hobbs

Read these insights and tips gathered from a novice's first-ever camping trip on BLM and public lands to gain the confidence you need to recreate happily and respectfully on Utah's public lands.
How to Pack for a Family Snow and Ski Trip in Utah

Written By Jill Robinson

3 minute read

While packing for a ski trip, be sure to review our handy family ski trip packing list. There are plenty of tips and ideas for a successful Utah ski trip.
Insider's Guide to Park City

Written By Sara Hobbs

3 minute read

Kaylin Richardson, Olympic athlete, and a friend share their favorite Park City experiences to encourage you to add the city's culture-enriched valley, scenery, food, art and access to all-season adventure to your bucket list.
More than Downhill Skiing

Written By Matcha

4 minute read

Winter in the Ogden Valley showcases some of the best of Northern Utah, from backcountry trails to downtown eats and events. No matter what kind of winter adventure you're looking for, you're sure to find it in Ogden.
Park City Area: 1 Destination, 3 Resorts

Written By Kristen Pope

From Olympic fame and luxury to innovation and extreme adventure, discover a vast winter playground on three resorts.
Powder Pups to the Rescue

Written By Austen Diamond

5 minute read

Four furry friends help the Solitude Ski Patrol do their duties.
Ski and Golf Same Day Utah

Written By Ray Grass

3 minute read

Nowhere else in the country, and some suggest the world, however, do individuals have the choices and proximity to ski and golf the same day as they have here in Utah.
Snowfield and Stream

Written By Brett Prettyman

7 minute read

The ski lift may be closer, but the Provo River, one of the best fisheries in Utah and the country, is mere minutes down the road from Sundance Mountain Resort.
Snowshoeing the Wasatch

Written By Lori J. Lee

4 minute read

Wondering where to go snowshoeing? Utah's Wasatch Mountains are a popular destination. Learn more and plan your visit!
Sundance, Full Circle

Written By Cody Kirkland

8 minute read

Come for the films but stay for ... everything else. Whether you're an out-of-state visitor or a local looking for celebrity sightings; staying at the Waldorf Astoria or driving up from your apartment set-up in your mother's basement; on a marathon screening schedule or mixing in fine dining and the area's wintry recreation, Sundance Film Festival boasts films and experiences for everyone.
Two for the Price of One: Exploring the Snowmobile Trails of Northern Utah

Written By Matcha

4 minute read

Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter sports in Northern Utah, thanks to an abundance of snow, trails, and easy access. Here are the details on local pros who can help get you the gear or guide your adventure.
Where to Find the Best Snowmobiling in Heber Valley

Written By Matcha

4 minute read

Less than an hour's drive from Salt Lake City, Heber Valley is the perfect Utah snowmobile base camp for newbies and experienced riders alike.
Why Backcountry Snowmobiling Is an Unforgettable Way to Experience the Uinta Mountains

Written By Matcha

4 minute read

The Uinta Mountains are about 100 miles east of Salt Lake City and just a few minutes from Vernal in Eastern Utah. It's one of the state's top snowmobiling destinations.
Winter in Southeastern Utah: Arches and Canyonlands

Written By Jeremy Pugh

3 minute read

Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude.
Winter Wonders in Greater Zion

Written By Matcha

As you're mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary.