In the Fast Company article, "Why It's Better To Give Experiences, Not Things" Adele Peter's shares that if you're trying to buy happiness, it's better to spend money on creating experiences than giving gifts. “Experiences are great and lead to happiness because they tend to be more unique and less comparable than material goods,” he says. “But what that also means is because they’re more unique and less comparable, I need to know a lot about you to find an experience you’ll really enjoy.” Now you may not be trying to buy happiness, but you may want to create lasting moments. 

Here is a gift giving guide of experiences for your favorite people who live in or travel to Utah.

Snow Much Fun

Ski Day 

Give the gift of a day out by providing a ski day! Hit up a fun Utah ski resort for an exciting day on the slopes. Check out our Trip Planner to create your next ski day at one of Utah's 13 ski and snowboard resorts. 

Private Ski Lessons

Private ski lessons are the perfect way to make sure you make the most out of your ski days. The professionals at any of Utah's ski resorts will teach you everything you need to know for success no matter what level skier you are. 

Cat & Heli Skiing

There is nothing like riding on ungroomed terrain! Give the gift of skiing in incredible conditions only accessible by snowcats and helicopters. For cat skiing, choose from PC Powder Cats & Heli-Ski, Whisper Ridge, Snowbird Cat Skiing. If you're looking for heli-skiing, give Powderbirds or Cloudveil Mountain Heli a try.

Snowmobile Tour

Enjoy a snowmobile tour into the backcountry. 

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing through the shimmering snow is a great way to work up an appetite! Try Sundance Mountain Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, White Pine or Soldier Hollow.

The Yurt at Solitude

Snowshoe under the glistening moonlight to a tasty four-course dinner prepared right in front of you by a wonderful chef. 

Utah Olympic Park

The park created for the 2002 Winter Olympics is now home to a slopestyle jump that launches athletes into the air, where they can spin and flip in the air before landing on a giant inflatable pad. Be sure to grab some hot chocolate to keep you toasty while observing from the balcony! While you're here, try the bobsled course or tour the museum!

Off-Mountain Experiences 

Heber Valley

• Ice Castles - Prepare to be blown away by the sight of the magnificent ice castles, while exploring pathways, tunnels and slides!

• Sleigh Rides - Bundle up and enjoy a relaxing horse driven sleigh ride through sparkling white snow.

• Swim in the Homestead Crater - No matter the temperature outside, swimming in The Crater is open year round, with a water temperature between 90 and 96 degrees Fahrenheit.

Topgolf

Whether you consider yourself a pro golfer or a newbie, Topgolf is the perfect indoor golf entertainment venue, year round. Gather family and friends, or even have an enjoyable company outing at Topgolf.

• Family Pass - Families will love not only golfing here, but also the lounge full of snacks, and games!

• Golf with a Pro - Professionals are readily available to help you achieve the perfect golf swing.

Momentum Climbing & Fitness

Maybe skiing and snowboarding isn’t a favorite past time. Not to worry. Momentum Climbing & Fitness, located in Millcreek, and Sandy, Utah is the largest climbing gym in the state. There is more than just rock climbing though. You will also find a gym and fitness area.

Jupiter Bowl

Jupiter Bowl in Park City is home to 16 luxury bowling lanes, billiard tables, an arcade and a lounge with multiple TVs for the ultimate sports viewing experience.