Utah winter vacation ideas.Utah is a famed winter vacation spot for offering some of the best ski and snowboard terrain in the world along with the choicest ski resorts. And best of all, a winter holiday in Utah is not only fun but affordable for everyone. Many resorts offer family ski packages (many of which allow younger children to stay and ski for free). It’s truly a great idea for a family winter ski vacation.
The list of Utah ski resorts is long and distinguished. It includes:
- Alta- This ski resort is located in Salt Lake City and offers some of the area’s best powder and terrain.
- The Canyons Resort– This Utah ski resort is in Park City and is one of the largest and most diverse ski resorts thanks to its varied terrain.
- Solitude– This Salt Lake City ski resort is famed for its choice terrain and European-style atmosphere and hospitality.
- Sundance– This Utah ski resort is in Provo Canyon is intimate and rustic with great runs, breathtaking scenery and small crowds.
- Beaver Mountain– Located in Logan, Utah, some say this ski resort is Utah’s best kept secret for a winter ski vacation.
- Park City Mountain Resort– This year-round Park City resort offers diverse ski terrain for all levels including wide-open, groomed runs, powder-filled bowls, long, gentle beginner runs, challenging steeps and chutes and four terrain parks.
- Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort– Located only 29 miles from the Salt Lake City airport, Snowbird is easily accessible, but with its 2,500 ski-able acres, more than 500 inches of snowfall and diverse terrain, it is a unique ski vacation experience.
- Deer Valley Resort –This Park City ski resort was voted No. 1 in America bySKIMagazine.
- Snowbasin Resort– In Ogden Valley, this ski resort was featured in the 2002 Olympic Games with its Grizzly and Wildflower downhill courses.
Apart from skiing, Utah also offers a countless number of other outdoor winter activities like hiking, ice climbing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, back country skiing, snowmobiling, snow camping and more.
Spend the summer close to nature in Utah.While Utah is famed as a destination for a winter ski vacation, a summer spent in Utah is equally as exciting, stunning or relaxing depending on the chosen activity. The state offers several year-round resorts including Snowbird Resort and Park City Mountain Resort.
Adventure abounds in Utah in the summer.The mountains come alive in the spring and summer and absolutely explode with color in the fall, and the resorts’ ski lifts are the perfect vehicle for taking in the panoramic view.
Apart from simply basking in the glory of this outdoor paradise, there’s plenty to do in Utah like:
- Mountain biking
- Climbing
- Whitewater rafting and kayaking
- Boating
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Fishing
- Cattle drives
- Jeep tours
- Camping
- Golfing
Additionally, Utah is home to Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce and Capitol Reef national parks.
Relax and rejuvenate in Utah.While the crisp mountain air is refreshing, some prefer to spend part of their Utah vacation off the mountain dining in fine restaurants, strolling through galleries and outdoor markets, shopping in boutiques or enjoying a rejuvenating massage or facial in one of the area’s world-renowned spas.
Utah lodging options.Those looking to spend a summer vacation or a winter ski vacation in Utah can choose from a range of lodging options like quaint inns, cabins, chalets, hotels, condominiums, townhouses and homes – many of which offer ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Additionally, Utah is an ideal and affordable family vacation destination any time of the year because many of the resorts offerpackages and specials that includelodging, airfare, lift tickets and additional activities.
UTAH – STATE INFORMATION
Weather in Utah
For the most part, Utah has a dry desert-like climate. However, its mountain areas have a range of different climates. Except for the southernmost regions, snowfall occurs during the winters, which can be very cold. The summers, on the other hand, can get quite warm. The average temperature during the heart of winter is 30-55 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 to 12 degrees C) while summers range from 85 to 100 degrees (29 to 38 degrees C), depending on which area of the state you are visiting.
Getting to and from Utah
The only international airport in Utah is the Salt Lake City International Airport. Utah has a number of highways with Interstate 15 as the main highway throughout the state. A light rail system and a number of public transportation systems offer transport throughout Utah along with car rentals and taxis.
What to bring to Utah
What you bring will vary depending on the season and the specific town or city you’ll be visiting. For the most part, winters warrant clothing suitable for freezing weather, such as thermals, turtlenecks, coats and jackets and plenty of hats, scarves and warm socks. Summers are much warmer so lighter clothing will be more suitable.
Things to do in Utah
There are endless activities and sights to see in Utah. During the winter, skiing is among the most popular activities while summer brings out campers and hikers en masse. Boaters and fisherman take adavntage of a large list of lakes, Reservoirs and pristine rivers in the state. Utah is also home to the Sundance Film Festival, which draws a large crowd.
Staying safe and healthy in Utah
Utah has medical services that are up to U.S. standards and requirements, which means you needn’t worry about adequate healthcare during your visit.
Time zone and currency in Utah
Utah is in the U.S. Mountain time zone where it is always two hours behind New York (Eastern U.S.). Like most U.S. states, Utah observes daylight savings time, which runs from March to November. Standard currency in Utah is the U.S. dollar.