While everything this year might be a little bit different with gatherings, there are still plenty of winter activities in Salt Lake City, Utah to do that are COVID-19 approved! Most of these include outdoor adventures, but I will include a few things to do around that valley that can keep you warm and will be open once the pandemic restrictions are no longer in place.
Socially Distant Winter Activities in Utah
Rent a Snowmobile
Firstly, with the fluffy snow and vast open space, Utah is a prime area to do winter sports! Snowmobiling is just one of the few ways to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air during the cold months. If you’ve never gone before, I’d highly suggest rentals with a tour guide that knows the best routes and can help if anything goes wrong. They are a little bit out of the the downtown area, but worth the drive!
Tour the Christmas Lights
Similar to Salt Lake City’s abundant street art and murals, the locals love a good light display. Most lights begin going up mid-November and carry on through January. Downtown SLC Main Street is a great place to start! You can then head to City Creek mall, and end the tour at the LDS Temple for a well rounded show of free holiday displays. Follow up your adventure with some warm hot coco to end the night!
During the later part of November, The Gateway offers “Illuminate”, a free community art event featuring glowing innovations and installations . If you’re okay to spend some money, Lumaze is a light festival at Utah State Fairpark that is extrodinary! You may also be interested in the Zoolights hosted by the Hogle Zoo, where you attend the park at night to catch glimpses of sleeping animals and view holiday lights. Be sure to dress warm with gloves, a jacket, and a hat, as the temperatures are pretty chilly at night! Here is a great post about a winter capsule wardrobe that may be helpful.
Visit Antelope Island
While the summers on Antelope Island can be beautiful, that’s when the biting bugs are most alive near the lake! If you want to see the island, full of bison and beautiful scenery, the colder months are a great time. It will be less crowded– of both bugs and people! If you’re used to camping in freezing temperatures, there are several campsites on the island.
Take a Roadtrip
One of the best things about Utah is how many different terrains there are. It’s a gorgeous state filled with natural beauty of all kinds. Consider a quick drive to Zion or Bryce Canyon to see the National parks. Seeing the great outdoors is always one way to remain socially distant! The best part is that there are many places you can take a road trip with dogs. Here’s a great list of winter road trips to consider while visiting. If you are looking to hit up a lot of the Utah parks, consider going on a Utah Parks Circut with a company Like Intrepid that creates the itinerary (here are some Intrepid Travel reviews).
Get Active with Winter Activities in Salt Lake City, Utah
Head up the Mountains to Ski or Snowboard
As you may know, Utah is known for “the best snow on earth”. Because of our dry, desert climate, snow usually falls in the form of soft and airy powder! The resorts are found up in the mountains, but we have plenty to choose from! If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, getting a slope pass is definitely the more affordable way to get your pow on. Make sure to wear waterproof clothing to prevent freezing on the slopes!
Visit the Parks for Sledding
It’s no surprise that where there is snow, there is sledding! Utah has some amazing public hills available for taking the toboggan down in the snow— for free! Sugar House Park has a hill on the south side that is perfect. If you’re looking for a little bit more of an adventurous hill and don’t mind spending money, Woodward near Park City is the sledding place for you.
View the Outdoors While Snowshoeing or Hiking
Although I love hiking in Utah during the warmer months, I’m not a fan of going in the winter! Hiking can be slippery, wet, and cold when the snow is on the ground; be sure to wear waterproof boots or boots with grip soles. There are almost infinite places to hike or snowshoe in the SLC valley; I recommend using AllTrails app or website to navigate to the right route for you.
Hit Up the Ice Skating Rink for a Winter Activity
Unfortunately, the local ice skating rink is closed this year for COVID-19 restrictions. However, usually The Gallivan Center in the downtown area is the place to be. This outdoor rink offers ice skate rental and hot chocolate.
Warm Things to Do During the Winter in
Visit Any of the Hot Springs
From what I have heard, natural hot springs are closed at the moment to prevent any spread of germs. However, Northern Utah has numerous ‘hot pots’ to enjoy natural warm water soaking! The springs are full of nutrients and are a great way to unwind.
Go on a Learning Adventure
The Salt Lake Valley is lucky enough to have an aquarium and a planetarium! Both of these indoor activities are kid-friendly, but also a entertaining for adults, too! Learn more about life and the solar system for a small fee. Plus, you’ll be warm and indoors. For a learning adventure that will teach lessons on empathy, consider making blessing bags for homeless. It’s a service activity that not only helps others, but will warm your soul.
Support Local Museums
Downtown SLC has many museums to attend and view artifacts. While they’re not free, the money spent goes towards keeping the lights on in an educational environment. One of the better-known museums with rotating themes is The Leonardo in Downtown SLC.
Attend a Play or Recital
Even though Salt Lake City it on the smaller side of urban cities, we still have amazing actors and dancers! This year, Ballet West is doing a virtual showing of The Nutcracker. However, most years they do a live performance– and many others throughout the year. Eccles Theatre (known for dance recitals and musical performances) and Hale Center Theatre (known for plays and musicals) are also highly recommended places to cozy up and be entertained during the cold winter months.
What winter activity would you do if you visited Salt Lake City, Utah?
What do you think?