Alternative to Hitting the Slopes

By Rebekah Jacobson

During the ski season Park City turns into a winter paradise. From cross-country skiing to bobsled rides, snowshoeing to train rides, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For those seeking to explore outside the well- run ski path, a multitude of winter activities await—all within easy access.

Located just outside of Park City, Blue Sky Adventures’ winter lineup includes exclusive snow-cat tours for up to parties of eight. Take a vertical climb up the mountain with a group of friends or combine the tour with guided snowshoeing for a quiet day of wandering over groomed backcountry trails.

If you’ve ever wanted to try your legs at cross-country skiing, White Pine Touring’s cross-country ski center, located in town, offers adult Nordic beginners classes in both the skate and classic style. Private one-hour lessons can also be reserved seven days a week; season passes are available for individual/family, and single-day passes for adult and kids. With complete rental equipment at your disposal and over 12 miles of beginner, intermediate and advanced groomed loops, now’s a better time than ever to try out the cross-country trails in Park City.

For a beautiful nighttime jaunt over moonlit trails, Sundance Resort, located in Provo Canyon, runs its special “Full Moon” cross-country ski/snowshoe outing from December–March on select dates. Guided by “the light of the moon,” the $15 per person ticket includes rental equipment and allows you full access to the wooded trails. The adventure begins at dusk and
ends at 9pm. Headlamps are recommended and are available for rent.

Soldier Hollow in nearby Midway is home to some of the best cross-country skiing around. A host for the 2012 Olympics, Soldier Hollow has manicured trails for the beginner, as well as more challenging Olympic courses for advanced and expert skiers. Mention tubing anywhere in town and locals will point you to Soldier Hollow’s famous tubing hill. With the longest runs in the state at 1,200 feet, Soldier Hollow’s tubing hill (complete with outdoor sound system) is an excuse to gather a large party and hit the slopes.

For a one-of-a-kind experience, Utah Olympic Park at Kimball Junction is where the fast-speed action awaits. Climb into a bobsled or skeleton ride steered by a professional pilot and experience going up to 80 miles-per-hour down the Olympic mile-long track and reaching up to 5 Gs of force. It’s an experience you’ll be able to tell your friends about back home.

Redstone Cinemas 8 and Holiday Village 4 (located in town and at Kimball Junction) boast a different kind of indoor adventure. Take off your ski boots, warm up inside, and relax with snacks and popcorn while you enjoy the latest 3D blockbuster or comedy film. Check out show times online and book your tickets in advance.

Lofty Peaks Adventures and North Forty Escapes (both operating out of Heber City) offer snowmobile adventures for the travel-bound. Ask about the guided tours or solo
snowmobile adventures for hourly, half-day or full day of snow powder riding outfitted with the latest 2013/14 snowmobiles. With locations in Midway and Snowbird, Lofty Peaks gives you access to 100,000 exclusive acres of the Wasatch mountains. North Forty’s Park City location is right outside town, and offers transportation both ways to its exclusive private ranch for convenient, scenic riding.

Winter horseback riding on a bright, clear day is a perfect way to enjoy the solitude of winter. Wind in Your Hair, located 20 minutes outside of Park City in Wanship, offers two-to-three hour trail rides. Guides will take experienced riders on a journey through powdery snow to visit breathtaking views of the mountains and winter scenery.

There’s no better way to experience a silent winter evening than with an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh ride. Snowed Inn Sleigh Company seats up to 12 for an intimate ride through Park City Mountain Resort with spectacular views of Park City’s nightscape. The 25-minute sleigh ride ends at the lodge where guests can enjoy dinner and live entertainment, then
be taken back by sleigh. Hot apple cider and beverages are complimentary with each ride.

To reconnect with the kid in you (or if you have kids), check out Park City Mountain Resort and its sister operation Gorgoza Park for a fun twist on winter activities. Embark on an adventure
that includes a zip line and alpine coaster at Park City Mountain Resort, and the popular lift-served, seven-lane tubing runs at Gorgoza Park (located at Jeremy Ranch). Activities for little ones are especially popular with mini snowmobiling and a tube carousel; and their nighttime tubing is the coolest activity around.

50bThis winter, journey into the Old West on the Heber Valley Railroad. Board the North Pole Express, Provo Canyon or Day Out With Thomas, and partake in history on this scenic train ride. Bundle up the family for a day of fun or join with friends and enjoy the sights of the Wasatch Range.

The Viking Yurt at Park City Mountain Resort takes guests on a romantic Nordic venture on a cat-pulled sleigh ride, which ascends a 1,000 foot vertical climb to The Yurt. Once inside, the European adventure continues with live music and a unique four-hour dining experience—all at 8,000 feet.
With adventures at every turn, exploring Park City and the neighboring communities becomes an adventure in itself. It’s another reason to enjoy the high-altitude lifestyle and winter escapades nature has to offer.

Blue Sky Adventures | bluesky-adventures.com
White Pine Touring | whitepinetouring.com
Sundance Resort | sundanceresort.com
Soldier Hollow | soldierhollow.com
Utah Olympic Park | utaholympiclegacy.com
Redstone Cinema, Holiday Village 4 | metrotheatres.com
Lofty Peaks | loftypeaks.com
Family Tree Center | lds.org
North Forty Escapes | northfortyescapes.com
Wind in Your Hair | windinyourhair.com
Heber Valley Railroad | hebervalleyrailroad.com
Viking Yurt | vikingyurt.com
Snowed Inn Sleigh Company | snowedinnsleigh.com
Park City Mountain Resort | parkcitymountain.com
Gorgoza Park | gorgoza.com

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