When you think of visiting Salt Lake City in the winter, your mind should automatically think about the best snow on earth. Because yes, Salt Lake City (and Utah as a whole) is known for amazing snow, numerous ski resorts, and the BEST winter activities around.
I want to help make your visit to Salt Lake City in the winter full of adventures for every age and personal style! I’ve lived in Salt Lake City since 2009 and have compiled a list of what I consider to be the top 20 things to do in Salt Lake City in the winter!
Free activities will be indicated with “*”!
Salt Lake City in the Winter: Outdoor Adventures
Ski and Snowboard
Utah is home to the greatest snow on earth, so why not take full advantage of the slopes? Within a short driving distance from downtown Salt Lake City, avid outdoor enthusiasts can escape to the mountain tops. Check out this article for the 7 best Utah ski resorts! And the best part? A lot of the local ski resorts utilize the public bus system, so you don’t have to worry about driving up the canyons.
Snow Tubing
A personal family favorite, snow tubing is a great thrill for those of you who struggle staying upright on skis or a snowboard. The most popular place to go snow tubing is Soldier Hollow. For 2 hour sessions, you can take full advantage of 1,200 foot sliding lanes and a new lift. No need to lug your tube to the top of the hill!
2019 rates:
Adults (13+): $25
Youth (6-12): $23
Child (3-5): $13
*Take the Polar Plunge
Ever felt the need to strip down to your skivvies, cut a hole in an ice-covered lake, and jump in? Me too! The city of Stansbury, just a short drive west of downtown Salt Lake City, offers visitors the unique opportunity to take the polar plunge. Don’t worry – you can just watch if you’re too cold. Hats off to the emergency rescue teams that were on-hand when I jumped on January 1, 2015!
Snowshoe
If you love to hike, then snowshoeing might be right up your alley. Strap some snowshoes to the bottom of your feet and take off for some exciting backcountry trails. You’ll feel like you’ve walked into a real-life winter wonderland as you discover uncharted trails! Oh, and don’t forget your trekking poles to keep you upright!
Ice Skating
Salt Lake City offers numerous locations to get your kicks on an ice rink, both indoor and outdoor.
Utah Olympic Oval: indoor ice skating facility located 14 miles southwest of downtown Salt Lake City. Used during the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Utah Olympic Oval is a great spot to test your skills in a safe, supportive environment. And while you’re there, check out the local curling clubs!
Gallivan Center: for less than $10/person, you can experience Salt Lake City’s premier downtown ice skating rink. Just think how magical it would be – ice skating in the heart of Salt Lake City, twinkling lights all around, the laughter of nearby children…and then it starts to snow. This IS real life!
Ice Fishing
For those of you who are a little more adventurous and don’t mind sitting outside in the freezing cold, ice fishing is a great option for you. Bear Lake, Strawberry Reservoir, and Echo Reservoir are all popular locations close to Salt Lake City.
Fat Tire Snow Biking
If you haven’t had your fill out outdoor extreme adventures in the snow, why not rent a Fat Tire bike and take your chance mountain biking through the ice and snow? With endless trails and mountains spread out between Salt Lake City and Park City, you’ll always find a route that gives you a rush!
Bobsledding at Olympic Park
Feel the Rhythm! Feel the Rhyme! Get on up, it’s bobsled time! Cool Runnings!
Cool Runnings
Have you ever dreamed about riding in a Bobsled down an Olympic track, the same way the Jamaican Bobsled Team did in “Cool Runnings?” Well, now you can at the Olympic Park! Riders must be in good health, free of any back, neck, or heart issues, at least 16 years old and over 100 pounds to ride. Even though the actual ride lasts less than 60 seconds, the thrill will stay with you forever!
Salt Lake City in the Winter: Outdoor Activities
Soak in Thermal Hot Springs
The Homestead Crater in Midway, Utah is one of the most unique thermal hot springs in the country. Not only is it the only warm scuba diving destination in the continental US, but is completely shielded from outside forces, similar to a cenote.
Not interested in soaking in the 90-degree water? Don’t worry! You don’t have to get wet to enjoy the crater. Take yourself on a self-guided tour and check out the history and geology of the crater, or even try a paddle board yoga class!
Reservations are required. Call +1 (435) 657-3840 for more information or to make a reservation.
Ice Castles
Are you a fan of the movie Frozen? Take a trip up to Midway and walk into the magical world of the Ice Castles. Explore secret passageways, slide down windy paths, and sit on your very own throne. Whether you have kids or are a kid at heart, this has been one of the most unique and magical experiences I’ve had in Salt Lake City in the winter.
Word of caution: you just might start thinking you’re royalty and want to move here permanently!
Read: Playing in the Midway Ice Castles
ZooLights! at Hogle Zoo
Check out over 200 amazing light displays and new animal-shaped lanterns. Take a ride on the Conservation Carousel (weather permitting) and stroll down the 135-foot long lighted tunnel, transporting you to a psychedelic world.
*Sundance Film Festival
Are you a movie buff? Fancy yourself brushing shoulders with some of the biggest names in Hollywood? Back in 1981, Robert Redford helped create the Sundance Institute, an organization strives to promote the enhanced artistic quality of films. Every January, the Institute hosts a festival with events that take place in Salt Lake City, Park City, Ogden, and at Redford’s Sundance Village.
Not only can you feel a sense of Hollywood in the usually snow-covered streets of Utah, party with celebrities, but also view independent productions from all across the world.
For more information, click here!
*Christkindlmarkt
Christkindlmarkt is a traditional German Market that is held every December in Salt Lake City at This is the Place Heritage Park. With over 90 vendor booths, a gnome fest, petting zoo and nightly entertainment, you’ll suddenly question if you’re actually back in Germany, rather than Utah. Sip on some glühwein, watch a parade, listen to the German children’s choir, and stroll amongst the artisans. The best part? Admission is free!
For more information, click here!
Tracy Aviary
Not a fan of the snow, but still wanting to be outside and breathe some…fresh…air? Check out the Tracy Aviary in Liberty Park! Ignite your curiosity and try something new that you probably didn’t think about before. Learn about birds from all over the world in the South American Pavilion, Amazon Adventure, and Kennecott Wetland Experience.
November – February Rates:
Adults 13+: $9.95
Children 3-12: $5.95
Student (w/ID), Military (w/ID), Seniors 65+: $8.95
Hours:
9am – 5pm, last admissions sold at 4pm
Open 363 Days/Year (Closed Christmas and Thanksgiving)
Location:
589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
*Temple Square Lights
Get lost in a wonderland of twinkling lights, surrounded by numerous nativities from around the world, Christmas melodies playing in the background. Sounds like you’ve reached the North Pole…but in fact, you’ve reached Temple Square.
Every year, the millions of festive lights are turned on the day after Thanksgiving and remain lit until New Year’s Eve. Free to the public, strolling through Temple Square at Christmastime is a local and visitor’s favorite way to get into the Christmas Spirit!
Location:
50 North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150
*Macy’s Windows
Macy’s brings Christmas and holiday cheer to Salt Lake City every year with festive window displays, made entirely out of candy. Located just across the street from Temple Square, strolling along the Macy windows is a treat for the eyes.
Every year, local artists are given a theme for their decorations and they never disappoint!
Location:
21 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Salt Lake City in the Winter: Indoor Activities
Jazz Game
Salt Lake City is home to the Utah Jazz, the jazziest basketball team in the NBA (see what I did there?). Escape the cold, snowy weather and head to the Vivint Smart Home Arena for an action-packed evening with the Jazz. The best part? There’s a trax lightrail station right in front of the arena, which means you don’t have to worry about parking!
Location:
301 S Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Museums
Not into the holiday spirit? Craving something more cerebral and culturally-based? Check out one of Salt Lake City’s notable museums:
The Leonardo – fun, hands-on museum with exciting exhibits. Located in the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City.
Natural History Museum of Utah – want to check out a life-sized dinosaur skeleton? Check out one of the best natural history museums in the USA.
*Church History Museum – provides a great way to learn about the early history of the LDS Church and pioneers that founded the great state of Utah for FREE!
Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum – great hands-on museum experience for children (and adults) of all ages.
*Fort Douglas Military Museum – housed in one of the original barracks at Fort Douglas on the University of Utah campus. Come check out this free glimpse into the military past of Utah!
Aquarium
Do you love fish? Penguins? Wandering around sea creatures? If so, the newly-built Living Planet Aquarium is just for you. Located just a short drive south of downtown Salt Lake City, visitors can escape the cold weather and be transported to a land under the sea, Little Mermaid-style.
Rates:
Adults: $19.95
Children*: $14.95
Teens, Military, Seniors, Students: $16.95
*Children 2 and under: Free
Hours:
Daily, 10am – 6pm
Location:
12033 Lone Peak Pkwy, Draper, UT 84020
*The Grand America Holiday Window Stroll
The Grand America Hotel is Salt Lake City’s premier luxury hotel and is worth a visit any time of year. But during the Christmas season, visitors can take a stroll along the main level and view their whimsical hand-crafted window displays. Enter the hotel and grab a map to each display, passing a life-sized gingerbread house on your way.
Address:
555 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
What activities would you include during your visit to Salt Lake City in the Winter?
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