The Guide To Things To Do In Salt Lake City In Winter

In some cities, winter means it’s time to hunker down and stay inside, but not so in Salt Lake. In fact, people from all over the world come flocking to the state to enjoy all the things to do in Salt Lake City in winter. Whether you’re looking to spend some time in the snow or indoors, you’re sure to find a way to stay busy in the winter here in SLC.

Things to Do in Salt Lake City in Winter

If you’re like many other people, skiing is the first thing that pops into your head when considering things to do in Salt Lake City in winter. With the proximity of so many world-class ski resorts, it’s no wonder. But skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only things to do here. From world-class chocolates to unreal outdoor activities, there are tons of things to do here in the winter.

Free Things to Do

Go Hiking/Snowshoeing

The temps may be down, but there are still plenty of ways to visit your favorite trails in the winter. While some hikes will require you to wear snowshoes, for others, you can get away with some spikes on your hiking boots. Trekking poles are also a way to create more traction and stay safe on the trails. 

One thing you’ll want to keep in mind before planning a winter hike is the chance of an avalanche. Make sure to check the Utah Avalanche Center before heading out. 

For an easy hike that isn’t avalanche-prone, you can try out Donut Falls. This hike gets tons of visitors in the summer, but it’s just as stunning in the winter. For more of a challenge, Lake Blanche offers striking views on this 6.6-mile out-and-back trail. You’ll definitely need some gear for this one, as the trails are steep, taking you up about 2700 feet in elevation. 

See the Great Salt Lake

While you might consider the Great Salt Lake more of a summer destination, don’t write it off just yet. Visiting the Great Salt Lake during the winter gives you a whole new perspective. Because of the high salinity, it almost never freezes over. While you won’t want to take a dip in the cold water, you can spend some time walking along the shore and watching for birds. Plus, the gnats that swarm the lake in spring and summer are notably absent when the temperatures drop, making the visit all the more enjoyable. 

Take a Tour of Temple Square

Temple Square in downtown SLC is Utah’s most visited attraction and one of the best things to do in Salt Lake City in winter. With manicured gardens and the majestic Salt Lake Temple, built by the Mormons in the 1800s, Temple Square offers a lovely place to take a walk. 

While many visitors are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, you don’t have to be a member to enjoy the scenery. Temple Square is lit up with thousands of Christmas lights during the Christmas season, making it a great place to get into the Christmas spirit. The world-famous Tabernacle Choir also performs here in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. If you time your visit right, you may be able to get tickets to a Christmas performance. 

Visit a Hot Spring

While some of the hot springs nearby cost to get in, you’ll find a few that are free to the public. Inlet Park Hot Springs, which used to be called Saratoga Hot Springs, is a popular destination south of Salt Lake to soak when it’s cold out. The springs are free to use, but there are also no amenities. You’ll have to pack out everything you bring in. Plus, make sure you wear a swimsuit–no skinny dipping allowed. 

Another free hot spring to check out is Fifth Water, or Diamond Fork, Hot Springs. This one involves a bit of a hike before you reach the springs, so you’ll want to bring the right equipment and clothing to best enjoy your adventure.

Things to Do (with a Cost)

Catch a Show

If you’re looking for a little bit of culture (and a way to stay out of the cold), the Utah Symphony is a must. Located at Abravanel Hall near City Creek Mall and Temple Square, the Utah Symphony has been a leading cultural organization in the West since the 1940s. The Grammy-nominated symphony performs a mixture of classics and more modern concerts, like Broadway numbers and music from beloved movies. 

And if the symphony isn’t your thing, Salt Lake provides many other options, from the Utah Opera and Ballet West to Hale Center Theater and Pioneer Theater Company. Whatever your taste, there are tons of shows to keep you entertained. 

Go Skiing or Snowboarding

Okay, so we couldn’t write a list of things to do in Salt Lake City in Winter without mentioning the area’s many ski resorts. Park City, which is just a 30-minute drive from SLC, is one of the favorite places to hit the slopes. You’ll find Park City Mountain Resort, Canyons Resort, and Deer Valley up that way. 

Both Solitude and Brighton lie up Big Cottonwood Canyon, to the south of the city, and Alta and Snowbird sit next door in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Be aware that not all of the resorts allow snowboarders. Make sure you check that out before you make your way up the canyons. 

Tubing

If you want to enjoy the thrill of a slope without the skill of a skier or snowboarder, tubing is the way to go. Woodward Park City, which used to be Gorgoza Park Tubing Hill, offers snow tubing during the winter for anyone three and older. The park offers 1200 feet of tubing lanes and 2 conveyor lifts to bring you up to the top. Plus, Woodward Park City has overhead lights when it’s dark out so you can have fun under the stars. 

Ice Skating

What’s more quintessentially winter than ice skating? In Salt Lake, you’ll find tons of ice skating rinks to choose from. The Gallivan Center sits in the heart of SLC and offers outdoor skating surrounded by the lights of the city. Admission costs $14/person and includes the cost of skate rentals. 

If you want to experience a world-class ice skating rink, head out to the Olympic Oval, where the 2002 Winter Olympics and Paralympics held many events. The 400-meter rink offers public skate sessions, but you’ll want to check the schedule out before you plan to visit. 

Buy a Cup of Hot Chocolate

Sure, you can get hot chocolate from just about any grocery store or coffee shop, but Salt Lake offers some truly delicious hot chocolate that you won’t want to miss out on. Hatch Family Chocolates, located in the Avenues, provides decadent hot chocolate that was named one of Yelp’s “Top 20 Places for Hot Chocolate in the US.” 

Other notable chocolate makers include The Chocolate Conspiracy’s Chocolate House, Solstice, Ritual Chocolate, Millcreek Cacao Roasters, and Amano Chocolates. 

Places to Stay in Salt Lake City in Winter

Now that you know about all the exciting things to do in Salt Lake City in Winter, you’re probably wondering where to stay during your visit. As the capital of Utah, Salt Lake has a number of motels, hotels, and bed and breakfasts. Here are some of the best to consider. 

• The Grand America Hotel: Centrally located with sweeping views of the city, the Grand America Hotel is a 5-star property and one of the most luxurious hotels in SLC. Expect opulent details like marble bathrooms, handcrafted furniture, and luxurious finishes. 
• The Little America Hotel: Just down the street from the Grand America, you’ll find the Little America, a more affordable luxury hotel with elegant decor and a welcoming ambiance.
• Hyatt Regency: The Hyatt Regency, which opened in 2022, is a modern hotel that’s connected directly to the Salt Palace Convention Center. It’s a convenient choice for both business and leisure travelers. 
• Ellerbeck Bed and Breakfast: If you’re looking for an accommodation that has some historic charm, check out the Ellerbeck Bed and Breakfast. Located 0.7 miles from Temple Square, this bed and breakfast is housed in a historic mansion surrounded by lush gardens. 
• Evo Hotel: If you’d like to stay in one of the city’s hippest areas, check out the Evo Hotel, located in the Granary District. With modern rooms and a location near some of the city’s best breweries, the Evo Hotel offers amenities like a skate park and a bouldering wall. 

Typical Weather in Salt Lake City in Winter

While you can expect the temperature to be cold, the weather in SLC varies from day to day during the winter. Daytime highs range from 30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 4°C) while nighttime lows range between 15°F and 25°F (-9°C to -4°C). It’s rare that temps get below 0°F. However, temperatures in the mountains are usually 10 to 15 degrees colder than in the city, so be prepared if you’re going between the two. 

Snow is common throughout the winter, with the city receiving an average of 50 inches of snowfall during the winter months. Snowstorms are most frequent during December and January, with less during the spring. 

If you’re coming to stay, you’ll want to make sure you pack the right clothing to keep warm: heavy coats, warm gloves and boots, ski pants, and plenty of layers. You’ll also want to equip yourself with sunglasses or snow goggles to protect your eyes while playing in the snow. Even though it’s cold out, the sun reflects off the snow and can strain your eyes and even cause snow blindness. 

Where to Buy Your Gear

From hitting the slopes to touring the downtown, there are tons of things to do in Salt Lake City in winter. The city’s winter weather is cold and snowy, so you’ll want to make sure you have the proper gear to stay warm. 

Whether you’re looking for a new winter coat or snowshoes and trekking poles, you’ll find it here at General Army Navy Outdoor. Come check out our huge selection of military surplus and outdoor gear to get you ready for your next adventure.