14 Reasons Utah Is Utopia For People Who Love Winter Sports

Winter’s never looked so good. Visit Utah and Discover America.

1. First off, the skiing is unbelievable.

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From heated chair lifts to untouched backcountry terrain, there are tons of amazing ski experiences all around the state. And after spending a day on the slopes, you can relax at world-class resorts.

2. Salt Lake is called Ski City for a reason...

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Where else can you find 1,700 Restaurants, 140 Bars, and 120 Hotels all within 30 minutes of some of Utah's finest Ski Resorts Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude?

3. ...and Utah is also home to the largest ski resort in America.

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Park City is THE après–ski capital of the USA.

4. There's seriously nothing like shredding some sweet Utah powder...

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Even Utah's license plates say "The Greatest Snow on Earth." Some ski areas, like Alta, are so dedicated to powder skiing that snowboarding isn't allowed!

5. ...and you'll get some of the greatest air of your life.

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Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll find terrain parks to suit your skiing and snowboarding styles.

6. Don't even get us started on the unique views.

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Northern Utah isn't the only place to ski in the state — you can also speed downhill amidst a stunning red rock landscape at Brian Head in Southern Utah.

7. Skiing or snowboarding with a kite is 100% acceptable and 100% fun.

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It's called snowkiting, and it's the winter version of kiteboarding! There are snowkiting hot spots all around the state and classes too!

8. And if you've never been heli-skiing, Utah's got you covered.

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You basically get to take a scenic helicopter ride over beautiful snowcapped mountains and THEN be dropped off right in the backcountry along with your skis and snowboards. Now that's luxury.

9. If downhill's not your thing, you can glide through serene aspen groves on cross-country skis!

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Alpine skiing gets all the love, but Utah's also home to miles upon miles of lovely groomed Nordic trails, especially in the Salt Lake City area. There's even an entire alliance for Nordic skiing in Utah!

10. But it's not ALL about skiing and boarding. Winter hiking is gorgeous, especially in southern parts of the state.

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Red rock and snow are a visual match made in heaven. For some truly spectacular winter hiking, don't miss Bryce and Zion. Going hiking and skiing is a uniquely Utah experience you can't find anywhere else!

11. Glamping in yurts? YEP, Utah's got that too.

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Your guided evening snowshoe tour through a latern-lit forest ends at a cozy Mongolian yurt where Chefs prepare an exquisite four-course meal under your hungry eyes.

12. Tasting local rainbow trout is a must — especially if you've caught it yourself by ice fishing.

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Ice fishing is its own subculture in the winter, and some swear it's the best way to fish. Strawberry Reservoir is a great place to start. Winter boating is also available.

13. And snow tubing is just plain fun.

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Snow tubing can be done unofficially in any hilly park, but there are also dedicated snow tubing courses located throughout the state.

14. Let's not forget snowmobiling. Speeding through that famous Utah powder on a snowmobile is another must!

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Snowmobiling can basically be accessed anywhere in the state, and there are plenty of guided tours to choose from wherever you are. Go for a scenic ride OR get the adrenaline pumping with a more extreme adventure.

15. And there's nothing like watching the sunset over the mountains after a day of adventures in the snow.

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Especially with a hot drink in hand.

Winter in Utah is just perfect, period. Visit Utah and Discover America.