Winter Off-Slope Fun for Everyone

By Annie Davis Oct 4, 2024
If you want to experience The Greatest Snow on Earth® not attached to skis or snowboards, here is a list of options to create lasting, core memories for the whole family.
Winter Off-Slope Fun for Everyone

SLED DOG TOURS

Embark on an exhilarating ride through Utah's backcountry with a sled dog team! Imagine dashing through snow-covered trails, guided by the powerful energy of a team of huskies. Family-owned and operated businesses like Bear Ridge Adventures and Rancho Luna Lobos offer dog sledding tours, where you can take in breathtaking views and enjoy a one-of-a-kind winter experience. For an even more immersive experience, some tours allow you to try mushing and steer the sled yourself!


 

ICE SKATING

For a more classic winter experience, lace up your skates and hit one of Utah’s many outdoor rinks. Ice skating offers the perfect mix of nostalgia and fun, whether you’re gliding through Park City’s charming downtown rink or taking a spin at the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City. And don’t worry if you’re a beginner—many rinks offer rentals and lessons, so everyone can get in on the action, whether you’re a kid or kid-at-heart.

 

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TUBING

If you're craving some downhill excitement but aren't quite ready to strap on skis or a snowboard (or need to give your ski legs a rest day), snow tubing is the perfect alternative. Resorts like Soldier Hollow and Woodward Park City offer groomed tubing hills with conveyor lifts to make the experience easy and fun. As you zoom down a snow-covered hill on an inflatable tube, be prepared for heart-pounding excitement, cheers (or screams of joy), laughter, and an all-around great group activity!

 

If you’re in northern or southern Utah, we still have you covered. Cherry Peak and Nordic Valley have great tubing options in Northern Utah, and Brian Head Ski Resort is an excellent option in Southern Utah.

 

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SNOWSHOEING

For those who want to explore at their own pace, snowshoeing offers a peaceful yet invigorating way to wander through Utah’s stunning winter landscapes. With endless trails winding through pine forests, meadows, and mountain vistas, snowshoeing is a fantastic way to experience the serenity of winter. You can find a plethora of snowshoe trails of varying difficulty from a simple search. Many local shops offer rentals, and if you’re looking for a more tailored, guided experience, businesses like North Forty Escapes and All Seasons Adventures are great options. Check out our five favorite snowshoe trails here.

 

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NORDIC SKIING

Utah is a paradise for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, with hundreds of miles of groomed Nordic skiing trails across the state. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a newcomer, the beauty of gliding through pristine snow-covered forests and open meadows is unmatched. Check out Ski Utah’s comprehensive guide to Utah’s best Nordic skiing here! You'll find Nordic skiing at Solitude Mountain Resort, Soldier Hollow, White Pine Touring - Nordic Center and more. 

 

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ADVENTURES AFTER DARK (DINING)

Many of the activities highlighted here can also be arranged at night, adding a new level of excitement. If you want to satisfy a different, more savory experience, a world-class dining experience in a private yurt is one for the books. Enjoy a gourmet meal inside a cozy, snow-covered yurt. Yurt dining combines the magic of the mountains with the warmth of a rustic hideaway, all while indulging in a chef-crafted meal. The Viking Yurt at Park City Mountain and Yurt at Solitude Mountain Resort are popular options for a fantastic experience. 

 

As you can see (and read), there are plenty of incredible activities that can round out your winter plans on The Greatest Snow on Earth®. We hope you carve out some time off the slopes to enjoy and experience them!