Kids’N’Snow weekends photo courtesy: Dobson Ent. Inc.
Yellowstone Avenue photo courtesy: Dobson Ent. Inc.
This winter looks to be exceptional in West Yellowstone, Montana, with an annual average snowfall of 150+ inches.
The streets will remain snow packed all season, providing a trailhead literally from your doorstep. Our trail system includes 400+ miles of groomed snowmobile routes that connect Montana and Idaho, and over 35km of terrain on the Rendezvous Ski Trails on the southwest edge town.
Yellowstone National Park photo courtesy: NPS/Jacob W. Frank
Additional trails to the north and west of town, lead to the Custer-Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone National Park.
Each day commercially guided snowcoach and snowmobile tours travel from the west entrance to popular destinations inside the wintry heart of Yellowstone.
Local attractions include The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (open year round), Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre, Yellowstone Park ranger presentations, and the local skating rink and sledding hill.
Kids’N’Snow weekends photo courtesy: Dobson Ent. Inc.
Monthly, Kids’N’Snow weekends offer an assortment of programs introducing families to winter activities, winter learning programs and Saturday night S’mores. This year’s winter series run Dec. 15, 2018 through March 3, 2019.
Ski events include the annual Yellowstone Ski Festival held Thanksgiving week each November, and the annual Yellowstone Rendezvous Race in March. Ski races are open to every age and ability level. The Rendezvous Ski Trails also host the growing sport of winter biathlon which combines Nordic skiing and shooting. For a fun time, plan to attend the annual Taste of Trails, a casual snowshoe or ski event with food stations along the way (February 17, 2019).
Yellowstone Ski Festival
Kids’N’Snow weekends photo courtesy: Dobson Ent. Inc.
photo courtesy: Dobson Ent. Inc.
In January, the NAIFC Ice Fishing Tournament takes place on Hebgen Lake, just north of town. This official North American Ice Fishing Circuit event (winter’s equivalent of summer’s big time bass tournaments) is filled with seminars, a kid’s workshop and the competition itself.
The Annual Snowmobile EXPO, Powersports & Races will culminate the season with events, demo rides, snow bike races and exhibitor area.
Are you looking for somewhere with small to no crowds and miles of unspoiled scenery? If so, it’s time to visit Dinosaurland/Flaming Gorge.
Lake Flaming Gorge is 91 miles of winter fun set right in the middle of the rugged Unita Mountains. With a fresh blanket of snow, these mountains become winter’s playground. Picture yourself ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling with awe-inspiring vistas at 7,300 to 10,000 feet above sea level.
Lake Flaming Gorge
The scenic byway that takes you from Vernal to Flaming Gorge is open year around, making it an easy drive from Dinosaurland.
While in the Uintah Basin there are a number of outdoor and indoor activities you’re not going to want to miss.
In Dinosaurland, the winter adventures start in early December, now is the time to start making your plans.
Hints:
Star Valley, Wyoming offers world class winter recreational opportunities
Exploring Jack Frost’s Playground
Cutter Racing
By Sarah Hale, SVI Media
What do you get when you mix a healthy spirit of competition with good team of fast horses? The answer, obviously, is cutter racing! If you have never heard of the sport, then you have not spent much time in Star Valley, Wyoming in the winter. Star Valley is the birth place of cutter racing. And winter is high season for races!
Each Saturday from late December to early February, teams made up of two horses, a driver and a small two-wheeled chariot compete against each other for bragging rights as well as the winning purse. Cutter racing is a must-see event if you want to experience the true flavor of Star Valley in winter. There is even a cutter racing museum, showcasing the history of the sport.
But cutter racing is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, when considering winter recreational opportunities in Western Wyoming. Here, amid the wild terrain and solitude of the Rocky Mountains, you will discover Jack Frost’s personal playground. Star Valley, Wyoming knows how to do winter right! After all, the first flakes of snow arrive early (mid October on a normal year) and stay late (the last snow stops falling in June if you are lucky). What that means is months, and months and months of frosty festivities.
Dog Sled Racing
The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race passes through Star Valley the end of January. The event draws top sled dog teams and their mushers from around the globe. The Alpine Stage of the race is one of the longest race days, with teams leaving Alpine in the early morning and making a run up the Greys River to the Box Y Lodge and back.
And if organized, down home, winter fun is not your style — well, Star Valley has that covered, too.
The Greys River and Salt River Ranges offer literally hundreds of miles of the ultimate snowmobiling country. The area is consistently rated among the top snowmobile destinations in the United States.
The Salt River offers open water fishing year round. And, the Palisades Reservoir is an ice fisherman’s dream destination.
If you want to get deep country on a pair of cross-country skis, there are trails and routes to match your skill level. Groomed trails can be found at the Star Valley View Golf Course in Afton, at Fox Run Park in the Town of Star Valley Ranch, and along the Palisades Reservoir in Alpine. There are also dozens of canyons from Cottonwood Lake to Swift Creek, Grover Park and Greys River that offer a taste of the wild to experienced backcountry skiers that want to push themselves.
Salt River
Pond style ice skating rinks are installed and maintained throughout the winter season in Alpine, Thayne and Afton. Families can been seen out on the ice any day of the week.
And, might I add, that Star Valley is not called Star Valley for nothing. If you are into watching the heavens — there is no place on earth that offers better star gazing than Star Valley, Wyoming. January is the ideal time to see the floor of heaven at its most spectacular. But you will have to brave frigid temperatures to do so! So dress warm and then add a few more layers!
One thing is certain, a winter day (or night) spent in Star Valley will leave you wanting more! So……Let is snow, let it snow, let is snow!
Scenic Safaris
One of the top outdoor adventure tour companies in Jackson Hole, Wyoming., Scenic Safaris offers snowmobile tours to Yellowstone National Park & the surrounding areas of Jackson Hole in the Bridger National Forest. They offer day tours, overnight tours that include lodging and rentals from three different locations. Snowmobile rental locations include: Jackson, WY, Alpine, WY, & Moran, WY (Turpin Meadows Ranch). At the Alpine & Moran location for they offer no tow service, so rent your snowmobile and go from parking lot to trail! Scenic Safaris has something to offer everyone looking for some outdoor fun!!
“If happiness is the goal – and it should be, then adventures should be top priority.” —Richard Branson
Wasatch County
Utah’s Snowmobiling Capital
Whether you want groomed trails or untracked isolation, snowmobiling opportunities abound in the Heber Valley. Miles of trails wind through mountains and forests, opening onto delightful meadows and vast plateaus. You make the choice whether to take a guided tour led by knowledgeable guides or strike out on your own into the pristine wilderness.
More riders come to the Heber Valley to find deep powder and open landscapes than any other destination in all of Utah. Bring your own sled or let one of our many different guides take care of you. Make it a weekend, stay at one of our many convenient hotels and resorts to have the most unhindered fun a person can have in one weekend.
PST! – Insider Tip – Want to have the whole mountain to yourself? Come midweek and it’s all yours!
Zipline
If you’re like me, Zipline and winter just don’t go together. It sounds way too cold and I was confident the cold would eliminate the fun! At least that was my first thought when I was asked to go ziplining in January. My wife and were assured that if we dressed like we would for any other outdoor winter activity (i.e. tubing, skiing, snowshoeing etc.) we would not be cold. We have now done two different ziplines in the cold weather, neither time were we uncomfortable due to the temperature. In fact, we highly recommend it!
Zipline Utah is located half way around Deer Creek Reservoir at mile post 22/Rainbow Bay. Come ride the Flight of the Condor course with four ziplines and a 150ft aerial bridge totaling almost 3000ft. This course is unlike any you will find anywhere and is sure to get the blood pumping. Come experience the open air course, giving you a real sense of exposure and unprecedented views of the lake and towering, surrounding mountains. Once you start the course, you don’t touch ground until the course is complete. As a bonus, riders of this course will get a two for one on the full course when it opens in this spring.
Ice Castles
Returning again to the Homestead Resort, The Midway Ice Castles are two acres of splendor with millions of illuminated icicles formed into one of the world’s winter wonders. With walkable glacial caves, stunning views, and ice slides for the children, the Midway Ice Castles are a family experience worth seeing. Bring family and friends to this truly spectaclar display.
One of the most popular features of the Ice Castle is the evening light show. Thousands of LED lights embedded in the ice coordinate with stirring instrumental music to transport guests into a fantastical wonderland. Visitors can also enjoy squeezing, squishing and crawling through parts of the stunning, Narnia-like display.
The ice castles are truly “alive.” All winter long master ice sculptors are building and cutting to add new features, grander spires and exciting slides. Swing by often to watch the transformations and enjoy what man can do with millions of pounds of ice.
When you come:
Midway’s ice castles begin construction in late November and will be open to the public in late December through February, weather permitting. Tickets can be purchased at www.icecastles.com/buy-tickets/.
Tubing at Soldier Hollow
Soldier Hollow in Wasatch Mountain State Park near Midway offers the longest tubing lanes in Utah. The hill has lengthy 1,200-foot sliding lanes with lift service for towing people up the hill. Tubing day or night under the lights with a sound system keeps the airwaves full of entertaining tunes.
A trip to the Soldier Hollow tubing hill is affordable family fun—where kids are kids, and adults get the chance to be kids again. People literally race to get back in line as quickly as possible for another plunge. It’s a great outdoor activity for everyone to participate in.
It is very strongly recommended that you book a reservation in advance, online ticketing available. Because they limit the number of tickets for each session to maximize your sliding experience, many tubing sessions sell out. On weekends and during holiday periods, tubing sessions can sell out weeks in advance. For large groups and parties call (435) 654-2002.
Cedar City • Brian Head
Cedar City is surrounded by the perfect combination of the Greatest Snow on Earth™, Utah’s Mighty Five™ National Parks and holiday events galore to fill your winter agenda. This season, the Cedar City • Brian Head Tourism Bureau invites you to enjoy all of following (and more) with a few of our favorite holiday activities.
Feel Like a Kid Again at Cedar City’s Storybook Parade
Celebrate the holiday season at the annual Storybook Parade on Cedar City’s historic Main Street. Now in its second decade in Cedar City, the parade features dozens of floats, marching bands, and hundreds of costumed characters, superheroes, storybook celebrities and Santa of course, that are sure to delight children of all ages. Watch the parade November 17 at 2:00pm from 400 South to 200 North on Main Street.
From a holiday bazaar to the official lighting ceremony and Santa Claus (10-1pm Saturday), enjoy two days of celebrations to unwrap the magic of Christmas. Christmas in the Country will be held Nov 23 and 24 at the Iron County Fairgrounds. Parade and lighting ceremony will be held Saturday evening on Main Street.
First, recapture the sights, sounds, smells and ambiance of a pioneer Christmas with the Frontier Homestead Holiday Market. A terrific opportunity for a pleasant holiday shopping experience, the market will feature artists and craftsmen hand-selected to provide shoppers a wide array of choice, both in mediums and price ranges. The Homestead Christmas Market will be held at Frontier Homestead State Park December 7-8 (Friday 11-8, Saturday 9-3).
Second, the Utah Shakespeare Festival and Cedar City • Brian Head Tourism are once again collaborating with the Frontier Homestead State Park to bring a weeklong holiday celebration to Cedar City.
Festivities will feature different entertainment each evening, including music and dance performances and Christmas story readings. Enjoy hot chocolate and treats, twinkling holiday lights illuminating the grounds, plenty of family fun and as always, Santa and his elves in the Hunter House each evening.
Located behind the Cedar City Aquatic Center, The Glacier Community Ice Rink is back for its sixth season with exciting moments, amazing views, and the perfect opportunity for family fun. As the only ice skating rink in Southern Utah, the Glacier team is bringing a favorite winter tradition to life for everyone. The ice skating rink is located at 2090 W Royal Hunte Drive in Cedar City.
Snowshoe in Cedar Breaks National Monument
Sitting above 10,000 feet, Cedar Breaks National Monument rests on top of the Colorado plateau. This giant amphitheater was millions of years in the making; sedimentation, uplift, and erosion have carved out a space that spans three miles and is more than 2,500 feet deep. With spectacular colors created by an abundance of mineral deposits, the giant amphitheater becomes a unique wonderland of red rocks and sparkling white snow each winter.
Cedar Breaks Winter Overlook photo credit: Ben Horten
The park is accessible by snowmobile, but for a more traditional adventure, rent snowshoes and enjoy the stillness of Cedar Breaks on foot. The groomed trail of Highway 148 is perfect for all levels and ages.
Take a Christmas “Chopping” Trip
This holiday season, spend a day with the family playing in the snow, drinking hot cocoa, and adventuring to find the perfect Christmas tree. Whether tree-cutting is already a household tradition, or this year marks the start of a new one, it is a great way to get outside, explore our backyard and spend time connecting with family. This year, both Dixie National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management in southern Utah are offering the opportunity to cut trees, giving families the chance to have a unique tree and a great experience.
Fully Experience Winter at Brian Head Resort
Ready for a fast downhill race? Enjoy the Greatest Snow on Earth™ on Brian Head Resort’s tubing hills! With one tubing park open daily and at two during weekends and holiday periods, there is always an opportunity to go play. Night tubing is offered Friday and Saturday nights and during holidays.
End the holiday season in style with Brian Head’s Torchlight Parade and fireworks held on New Year’s Eve on the slopes of Giant Steps Lodge. (this event is free and spectacular!)
For more information on holiday activities, exploring the national parks in the off-season and so much more, head over to www.visitcedarcity.com.
Bear Lake
Bear Lake is known for its turquoise blue waters, raspberry shakes, and summertime fun, but have you ever visited during the winter months? Fresh air and blue skies make winter activities fun for the whole family!
The valley and its surrounding mountain ranges have over 350 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and wide-open play areas with no crowds and no fences! There are many connecting groomed trails that take you past spectacular wonders. You may discover a cascading winter waterfall or follow an almost-frozen stream.
Off the groomed trails, you can seemingly drive forever in wide open places or climb the mountains for a spectacular view of turquoise Bear Lake and the surrounding hillsides.
The snowmobile season starts in late November and extends into April. The variety of terrain and spectacular scenery offers snowmobilers of all ability levels the opportunity to find challenges and fun! Snowshoeing is one of many favorite things to do whether you’re up high in the mountains or just in town where lodging and equipment rentals lay in the heart of the beauty surrounding Bear Lake. Winter fishing is excellent and when the lake freezes over, ice fishing is a great way to spend your day. Excellent cross-country skiing can be found at the Bear Lake Golf Course and our scenic trails through Bear Lake’s well-known pristine mountain.
Bear Lake Monster Winterfest – January 25-26, 2019
Monster Polar Plunge, Monster Cisco Disco, Monster Cisco Tournament, Monster Chili Cook-off, Monster Outdoor Expo and Raffle.
Southeastern Utah
Southeastern Utah’s Canyonlands region is an outdoor lovers paradise even in winter. Now is the time to plan your excursion to Utah’s canyon country. Desert Rose Resort & Cabins in Bluff offers you just the right balance of luxury with the appeal of a rustic cabin. In the off season, you trade the crowds of the area’s famous attractions for a jacket.
Where to Stay
Desert Rose offers accommodation options for practically every taste. Those seeking traditional hotel style rooms may choose between the Lodge Queen, Lodge King, Courtyard Queen or Courtyard King rooms. These rooms have bathtubs, showers, TVs with satellite channels and wrap around decks or private porches; all with restful redwood chairs. Guests who want to enjoy the canyon country in a cabin, have wonderful options between the Executive Cabins and Double Cabins/Suite. These give the full range of amenities in the comfort of a cabin including a private porch and lounge chair.
What to Do
Desert Rose Resort & Cabins is an all-season retreat. The cooler temperatures of the winter months are preferred for the numerous mountain biking and hiking trails.
The sunlight this time of year is far better for photographing some of Hollywood’s most iconic spots in Canyonlands National Park, Monument Valley and Goosenecks State Park. Natural Bridges National Monument has gained world recognition for its dark skies.
On a clear night you can view up to 15,000 stars without a telescope; this is a true must-see! For perspective, in an urban setting, the average is less than 500. You may want to plan your winter trip to San Juan County for the 21st annual International Balloon Festival to be held in Bluff, Utah January 2019. Approximately 30 hot air balloons will take to the skies over the red rocks of the Valley of the Gods.
Where to Eat
Duke’s Bistro at the Desert Rose Resort & Cabins is the perfect way to start and end your day. It’s open for breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. There you will find just what you need to fuel up, no matter what activities you have planned for the day.
Go ahead and play hard, it’s okay; just keep in the back of your mind how sweet it will be to return to your room at the Desert Rose and recharge yourself with some certified Angus Beef or Alaskan Salmon prepared fresh and made to order by Chef Senaida at Duke’s Bistro; open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Make sure you leave yourself some time to unwind in the Resort’s gorgeous pool and hot tub.
Cache Valley is nestled between two beautiful mountain ranges creating the perfect winter adventure for the whole family.
The city of Logan has a small-town American feel with great restaurants and comfortable, affordable lodging.
Below are a few ideas to consider when planning your next vacation.
American West Heritage Center – photo credit: Mike-Bullock
Hardware Ranch
Where can you find over 600 head of elk in one place eating hay? The Hardware Ranch Elk Refuge southeast of Logan Utah.
Things to remember:
Cherry Peak Resort
The newest ski resort in Utah and still growing. They’ve added the Summit lift, giving skiers and boarders more than 1200 feet of vertical drop and it’s open for night skiing!
For more information go to skicherrypeak.com
Snowmobiling In Logan Canyon – photo courtesy: Beaver Creek Lodge
The Bear River Range draws snowmobilers from all around the western states. With almost 300 miles of groomed trails, as well as miles of open space, it’s no wonder this area is consistently ranked in the top 10 snowmobiling places in the nation.
Only 90 minutes from Salt Lake City. Do winter right head to Logan!
“Adventures don’t come calling like unexpected cousins calling from out of town. You have to go looking for them.” —Unknown
Moab’s Off Season is getting Smaller
For several years we’ve been telling people the best time to check out Moab is in the winter months, November through February. That’s when the crowds were down. That window is shrinking. Some are saying now it’s December and January.
More and more families and outdoor enthusiasts are realizing that with very few exceptions, anything you can do in the heat of the summer you can do during Moab’s shoulder season with a jacket on. If you have a little luck on your side you may even see some of your favorite iconic landmarks such as Delicate Arch, Deadhorse Point or Mesa Arch with a light dusting of snow.
Mountain Biking
Moab’s mountain bike trail system offers seven magnificent rides. The Intrepid Trail is on the easy, family friendly side of this system. So make sure you have your bikes with you on your next visit to Dead Horse Point State Park. For the more adventurous rider you’ll want to test your skills on the Porcupine and world-famous Slick Rock trails.
Road Biking
One of Moab’s premier early spring activities is a 4-day road cycling festival sponsored by Skinny Tire Events. For 2019 the festival is March 9th through 12th. Seeing Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park from the saddle of your bike will definitely change how you feel about both of these gorgeous parks. You’ll experience the contours of the landscape as gravity tugs on your tires on the climbs as well as the descents.
Each year that I have participated in the Skinny Tire Festival I’ve been challenged physically and emotionally. However each year as I leave Moab, I’m rejuvenated and ready for life’s new obstacles. If you love to road bike, Moab’s Skinny Tire Festival needs to be added to your cycling bucket list.
More ideas (just a few drops in a huge bucket)!
Moab has become the Adventure Capital of Utah and with good reason. You can find countless ways to raise your adrenaline, excite the senses, expand your comfort zone and then discover relaxation to the fullest. The shoulder season offers a lower price tag with the majority of the same adventures the peak season does without the searing heat; Moab’s best kept secret is out!
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” —Jawaharial Nehru
We would love to hear from you!
