Unique winter activities in Utah

Utah, perhaps best known for its “greatest snow on earth,” has lots of unique winter activities around the state. So whether you’re a long-time local, or a winter visitor – here’s a list of unique and family fun winter activities in Utah.

Sleigh rides and sled rides

Sled dog tours are available both in Park City at Team G Sled Dogs and at Bear Ridge Adventures.

Horse drawn sleigh rides are also available at a variety of places:

•  Wolf Creek Sleigh Rides in Eden, Utah
• Summit Wagon and Sleigh in Kamas, Utah
• Rocky Mountain Outfitters, Bar E Sleigh Rides, Park City Sleigh Rides, Broken Arrow Sleigh Rides and Park City Sleigh Ride Dinner in Park City, Utah
• Boulder Mountain Ranch at Deer Valley Resort

Heber Valley hosts an annual Skijoring Utah (skiing + horses) event in Heber Valley and you can go night-owling at Sundance Mountain Resort  on a guided snowshoe and owl tour.

And of course, animals from all over the world can be seen at Utah’s Hogle Zoo which also offers a light display this time of year. 

Winter sports

For those interested in outdoor winter sports, try visiting the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center here guests can Nordic ski or try their ability at biathlon. The venue is still used for Olympic athletes and others training to qualify.

Visitors can also tube down the state’s longest snow tubing lanes at Soldier Hollow in Heber.

Red rocks

Winter is also the perfect time to head south and avoid crowds at typically busy places like some of Utah’s National Parks!

Enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park or enjoying the Winter Festival at Ruby’s Inn. 

Visit Moab and see arches dusted in snow or enjoy cross country skiing or mountain biking.

Enjoy an adventure tour with a local tour company in Kanab complete with campfires and s’mores at the end.

Fairytale outings

Those who are looking for something a little more whimsical or romantic should check out Midway’s Ice Castles. The hand-crafted formation consists of thousands of icicles to create spires, walls, tunnels, and towers.

Those farther north should pay a visit to Compass Rose Lodge in Ogden Valley where they can enjoy a star party at the built-in observatory.

Ice skating

Those who enjoy gliding on ice will find plenty of opportunities to skate.

• The Gallivan Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 
• Millcreek Common Ice Rink, Millcreek, Utah
• Midway Ice Rink, Midway, Utah 
• Cottonwood Heights Ice Arena, Cottonwood Heights, Utah