We’ re swimming in snow
December will go down in the books as one of the snowiest months ever in northern Utah. Old man winter dumped and dumped and dumped. At Park City Mountain Resort, November and December snowfall totals topped 200 inches, or close to 20 feet, leaving the mountain covered with the most snow since the 1983/1984 season. Other resorts have also fared well. Snowbird received a whopping 62 inches during one 60-hour period.
That guarantees we’ll have great skiing through mid-April. The holiday crowds are gone now and its time to settle in for some serious skiing and snowboarding. There are still plenty of deals available for skiers. If you want to ski the Park City area we recommend lodging at an All Seasons Resorts property, where you will always find superb accommodations at some of the best rates around.
Sundance Festival
Park City will be abuzz with excitement January 15-25, when the Sundance Film Festival brings Hollywood to our mountains. Stars mingle with up-and-comers and fans during this event, which is considered the premier independent film festival. There is still time to get in on screenings, parties and other activities. Lodging in Park City has long been booked solid for this period. But many screenings and other events are held in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas where high-end condos are still available.
We suggest you stay at The Village at Solitude Mountain Resort, where you can enjoy outstanding skiing and then come down into Salt Lake or drive up to Park City for the festivities. Solitude is only a short drive from the action but a world away in attitude. The resort features a unique European-style village with award winning restaurants and a spa. It lacks the crowds and offers some of Utah’s best snow. Give them a call, 1-800-438-6493.
Looking Forward
Whitewater lovers are already looking forward to spring, when all that snowmelt will gush down our rivers. This could be the best year in a decade for river rafting trips. It’s easy to hook up with an outfitter for half-day or day trips — you can book those even during the summer. But you need to act now if you want to enjoy multi-day trips during the prime season. Legendary Cataract Canyon will offer the ride of a lifetime in early June.
Now’s also the time to book houseboats on Lake Powell. Summer dates are going fast but if you call now we can still get you on a boat.
And you need to make reservations now if you want to stay in lodges in national parks or if you want a site in National Forest campgrounds over holiday weekends.
Upcoming Major Events
Winter in Zion with a Naturalist
Jan. 24, Springdale. Examine the effects of winter on the geology, plants, and animals of the Zion National Park. Understand the role that winter precipitation plays in the desert. Learn about animals that hibernate, animals that flee south and animals that are active in winter. Search for porcupines in the treetops, deer tracks on the ground, winter waterfalls on the sandstone and get a naturalist's view of how cold weather reshapes the ecosystem. Enjoy an indoor presentation with slides of remote areas of Zion in the winter. Be prepared for hiking in snow or sunshine!
Admission: $40
Contact: Eileen M. Smith
Phone: (435) 772-3264
Utah Boat Show & Fishing Expo
Feb. 5-8, South Towne Expo Center.
Utah Bald Eagle Day
Feb. 7 - Viewing opportunities and information will be offered at locations statewide.
Moab Skinny Tire Festival
March 5-8. Four Days of fully-supported road cycling to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Event includes celebration party, silent auction with VIP autographed items, and informational workshops.
Banff Mountain Film Festival
Held at Grand County High School Auditorium in Moab at 7:30 pm on March 10. From ice-climbing in the Canadian Rockies to paragliding in the Himalayas, from the nomadic lives of Tibetan herders to the climbing adventures of Biscuit the dog, this years Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour captures the spirit of mountain adventure. Sponsored by Utah Open Lands and Petzl. $10 admission benefits open space preservation in Utah.
Moab Half Marathon & Five Mile Run
March 20
Easter Jeep Safari
April 3-11 in Moab
Check our comprehensive events listing for other activities.
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