The Salt Lake City area is where you want to be in the winter; it becomes a magical wonderland of outdoor fun and adventure with its idyllic snow-covered landscapes. Utah is one of the top winter destinations in the U.S. with its unbelievable mountain resorts, tons of fresh snow and world-famous skiing. Welcome to your most memorable three-day itinerary exploring the Salt Lake City area in winter.
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City
With all of the destinations on this trip within an hour of each other, you can stay at the same accommodations each night. Discover plenty of boutique hotels and family-friendly resorts in Salt Lake City and Park City to make your home base.
Check out the Newpark Resort for spacious suites and townhomes, Sundance Mountain Resort to stay close to the slopes, or Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast for a charming and historical experience. Plenty of brand-name hotels are also available to book.
DAY 1 – PARK CITY
Utah Olympic Park
Start your winter escape at the epic location of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Your winter blues will be quickly whisked away as you take on thrilling, family-friendly experiences at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City. Become a passenger as you ride down the Olympic track and feel the speed and adrenaline where once Olympic hopefuls of luge, skeleton and bobsled glided their way towards victory.
Catch your breath and slow down your heart rate with a guided tour, learning about Olympians’ inspiring tales. The tour includes a ride up to the world’s highest Nordic ski jumps, which are considered one of the fastest in the world.
Woodward Park City
Keep your first-day energy up and venture to Woodward Park City for some indoor and outdoor fun. This full-mountain experience has three different terrain areas for skiing and snowboarding, so regardless of your level of expertise, there is a place for you to play.
But if sitting back and letting the mountain do the work for you is more your style, then take a ride on Utah’s longest tubing lanes. Woodward Park City has a convenient conveyor belt to chauffeur you back up the mountain. How many rides are too many?
At the end of the day, kick off your vacation with an indulgent steak dinner at Butcher’s Chop House & Bar in Park City. With a family-friendly dining room, whiskey bar and exquisite menu, everyone in your group will enjoy this dinner.
DAY 2 – THE CRATER & ICE CASTLES
Recover from a day of thrills and treat yourself to relaxation and recuperation at Homestead Resort. It’s time to pamper yourself in one of Utah’s—and the country’s— wonders, a natural crater!
The Crater
Scuba dive, snorkel or relish in the crystal-clear therapeutic waters of a 10,000-year-old crater in the making. With a tunnel drilled right through the tremendous rock, you can walk right into it! Inside the volcanic-shaped Homestead Crater is naturally heated mineral waters where visitors can simply enjoy the views on a tour or take a dip.
Ice Castles
About an hour from Salt Lake City in Midway, feel like a kid again at the magical Ice Castles. Walking through towering ice chandeliers and archways into storybook settings, you are taken into a winter phenomenon. Young and not-so-young will be mesmerized by the beauty and sensation of this wondrous place.
With passageways to tunnel through and ice slides to glide down, the Ice Castles are a must-visit if you have kids in tow. After you’ve explored the castles, unwind with a sleigh ride through enchanted forests, and end your evening watching the sunset as the ice castles transform into the night.
After a relaxing day of winter adventure, return to Salt Lake City for a fresh and local meal at Pago. This contemporary American restaurant prides itself on fresh, local and sustainably sourced ingredients. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a selection from the award-winning wine list.
DAY 3 – SUNDANCE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Your last day isn’t one for rest and hibernation. Get out and enjoy the crisp winter air in Provo, Utah. Nestled in Provo Canyon and the 12,000-foot Mount Timpanogos is Sundance Mountain Resort. The breathtaking resort features a full range of experiences for both skiers and non-skiers—enough to keep you entertained for a full day and longer.
Skiing
If this is your first time skiing or snowboarding at Sundance, begin your experience with a free mountain tour. Experienced hosts will customize the tour based on your interests and abilities. These take place twice a day at Ray’s Base and Red’s Summit. The resort also has 10 miles of cross-country ski trails traversing through the most epic scenes of Utah’s untouched wilderness for those who prefer a more leisurely snow sport.
Ziplining
Off the trails, the Winter ZipTour is one of the most unique things to do at Sundance while still allowing you to enjoy the snowy scenery. Ride high above with a bird’s eye view of Mount Timpanogos as you sail 3,870 feet above an enchanted winter wonderland. Zipline tours can also be combined with your ski and rental packages.
Bearclaw Cabin
After you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at the Bearclaw Cabin. Ride the lift up to one of the most scenic and memorable dining moments, up in the mountaintop lodge, the only one in all of Utah. It’s casual, quirky and stunning, with 360-degree views of mother nature.
If you are just looking for a way to warm up, then break for a Ferrero Rocher hot chocolate or a loaded campfire churro sprinkled with graham cracker sugar.
Night Skiing
End your day and your Utah adventure with a beautiful night under the stars. The slopes light up for night skiing every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Sundance Mountain Resort is the ultimate way to end your three-day adventure.
