Five Ways to Enjoy Winter in Utah (Aside from Skiing)

Winter is here, can you feel it? While most people are focused on New Year’s resolutions, recovering from the holidays or enjoying a much needed vacation, the winter season also means goodbye pumpkin-spice everything and hello snow-filled fun. We all know Utah has “the best snow on earth” and, yes, winter is all about ski season. But you don’t need us to tell you that. So instead, we’re offering some other ways to enjoy all the this great state has to offer during the winter months. Here are just a few ideas to get you started!

Gorgoza Park

Finally, winter fun for the whole family to enjoy! Consider taking your kiddos to Gorgoza Park for a day of tubing, mini snowmobiling and playing in the snow. The park also offers skiing and snowboarding lessons for the kids, so they can ease their way into Olympic gold. Open Monday-Friday, 1-8pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12-8pm.

Sleigh Rides in Park City

Whether you’re thinking of sharing a cozy evening with that special someone or taking the family on a memorable adventure, a horse-drawn sleigh ride is the perfect way to get a glimpse of Park City during this enchanting time. You can also soak in the scenic views of the Rockies as horses pull you through the snow-filled village.

Ice Castles

Photo via icecastles.com

This year, Ice Castles is headed to Midway. If you’ve never been, seeing is believing. More than 5,000 icicles are grown each day and then harvested and sculpted together by hand. The result? A literal winter wonderland. The 2016 dates will run from January 8 through March (end date TBD and based on weather conditions). Ice Castles is open Monday-Thursday from 3pm to 9pm, Friday from 3pm t0 11pm and Saturday from Noon to 11pm (closed on Sundays).

Fly Fishing

Who says winter is just for ice fishing? KSL offers five winter fly fishing spots and notes that the normally crowded waters are empty this time of year, which means the trout are feisty and hungry.

Snowshoeing

Adventuresome, fun and good for you? Perfect! Snowshoeing is a great way to explore Utah’s beautiful winter landscapes while getting in a bit of exercise. Head to snowshoeutah.com for maps and information on more than 60 snowshoeing trails along the Wasatch range.