Things to do in Park City if you’re not a skier or snowboarder
Not a skier? Not a problem.
Winter/Spring 22-23
Written By: Meredith Kluever | Images: Courtesy Park City Chamber/Bureau
You’re on winter vacation, but there’s one hiccup: you don’t ski or snowboard.
If you’re looking to do something other than cozying up by a fire or having a spa day, there’s more than enough to choose from. Park City and the Wasatch Back is a year-round outdoor playground.
Here are just a few suggestions for the active non- skier or those who want to adventure away from the resort.
SNOWSHOEING
Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors in the winter. This low-impact aerobic workout is suitable for all ages, and no experience is required. You can rent snowshoes and poles from one of the many rental companies in town at a price that is significantly more affordable than a lift ticket at the resort. Just make sure and ask where the day’s best terrain is and what you’ll need to pack for your adventure.
FAT TIRE BIKING
Who says you can’t ride bikes in the winter? Fat tire biking has become a popular way to explore Park City’s renowned trail system in the colder months. A fat tire bike is just what it sounds like, a regular bike frame with wider, thicker tires that grant the rider more traction and stability in snow. Park City is a bike-crazy town, so you’ll find more than a few experts who can rent you a bike and give you the low-down on the local trails.
ICE SKATING
There’s something about an outdoor ice skating rink that makes you feel like you’re inside a magical snow globe — even as an adult. The Midway Ice Skating Rink is a scenic outdoor rink that has been a Midway winter staple since 2000. The Park City Ice Arena is Park City’s only organized outdoor rink (locals have been known to create their own neighborhood rinks) and it’s found at the base of Park City Mountain. The magic of the rink is enhanced by the holiday décor and cheerful music.
SNOW TUBING
When it comes to snow tubing, adults tend to have just as much fun as the kids. You’ll slide down long manicured slopes and then enjoy the ride up the magic carpet to the top. It’s an easy, memorable activity. Caution: Tubing may cause uncontrollable laughter and smiling.
SNOWMOBILING
Snowmobiling transports you to unspoiled woodlands and open fields blanketed with pristine powder. Whether it’s your first time on the machine or you’re a skilled rider, snowmobile tours are the best way to see a wilder side of Utah.
ICE FISHING
With heated huts, snacks, and hot chocolate, this is yet another family-friendly activity for an off-mountain day. You can catch rainbow trout or perch from the frozen surface of the Echo or Rockport Reservoirs.
SLEIGH RIDE
One of the most stunning ways to experience the mountains is aboard a horse-drawn sleigh. You can join Park City Sleigh Rides for a cruise through Willow Draw from Canyons or book a sleigh ride dinner with the Snowed Inn Sleigh Company. Either way, traveling across the snow behind a team of horses is an experience you won’t soon forget.
