I was born and raised in Salt Lake City. These are 5 things first-time visitors shouldn't miss if they visit Utah this winter.
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- As someone born and raised in Salt Lake City, I know Utah has more to offer than just skiing.
- Within Salt Lake City, I recommend enjoying a beer at a local brewery.
- For a unique experience, I also suggest checking out the nearby hot springs and Ice Castles.
Utah's tagline, "The Greatest Snow on Earth," isn't just a marketing ploy — the state really does have some of the world's most sought-after powder, making it a skier's paradise and pulling nearly 7 million visits to its 15 resorts each year. And at the heart of it all is the state's capital, Salt Lake City.
However, If you're visiting Salt Lake during the winter but aren't into skiing, don't worry — there are plenty of unique ways to enjoy the city and its surrounding areas beyond the slopes.
Born and raised in the heart of the city, I know how to experience Salt Lake without ever stepping into ski boots. Here are my top suggestions for first-time visitors.
Gentry Hale
Salt Lake City has quite the craft-beer scene, and there's no better way to waste a winter day than to curl up with a cold glass of Utah's finest.
Local favorites include Uinta Brewing Company, known for its winter lager and commitment to environmental sustainability, and Epic Brewing Company, which offers excellent small-batch beers.
My personal pick is Fisher Brewing Company, where I like to mix the lemon sour with the cerveza for a taste of summer in the middle of winter.
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Utah has a robust geothermal landscape under its jetting mountains, giving way to beautiful, natural hot springs. If you want a snowy outdoor winter activity, relaxing in a hot spring might be your thing.
In my opinion, one of the best options is Fifth Water Hot Springs (also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs), located about an hour from Salt Lake City.
Just keep in mind that you'll have to hike a few miles to access the hot springs, where you'll find multiple steaming natural pools surrounded by snowy peaks. Make sure to bring boots and layers for the hike in, as it can be cold and icy.
Less than an hour from Salt Lake City, you can also find the Homestead Crater — a unique, 65-foot-deep hot spring inside a crater where you can snorkel, soak, or scuba all winter.
Reservations are required for this activity, so visit the Homestead Crater website ahead of time to secure your spot.
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If you're looking for a magical winter experience, the Ice Castles in Midway, Utah — located about an hour outside Salt Lake City — are a must-visit.
This village of hand-sculpted ice structures is lit up at night, creating a surreal display of ice caves, slides, and frozen tunnels.
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Skiing and snowboarding aren't the only winter sports celebrated in Salt Lake City. If you're looking for a different experience, try curling or bobsledding.
The Utah Olympic Park in Park City hosted events during the 2002 Winter Olympics and offers visitors a bobsledding experience, where a professional driver takes them down the Olympic track.
For curling, head to the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns for a 2-hour class to learn the fundamentals of curling by a certified instructor.
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If you happen to be staying at a ski resort but don't want to ski, I recommend enjoying the luxuries of the spa.
The Cliff Lodge and Spa at Snowbird is my personal favorite, offering stunning mountain views, a pool, and a variety of rejuvenating treatments.
