It’s easy to fall into a winter funk with a jam-packed schedule and dark clouds hanging overhead. Give yourself a mental and physical break with these five ideas to liven up the month of February.
1. Hit the slopes
Get out into the mountain air and take advantage of the “greatest snow on Earth” through deals offered at the surrounding ski resorts.
Brighton is the preferred destination for BYU senior and avid snowboarder J.J. Vogt.
“Brighton has really fun backcountry runs,” Vogt said. “You can show up a week after it snowed and still find fresh powder runs.”
Both Brighton and Sundance offer night skiing passes, a particularly affordable option for both skiers and snowboarders.
“Night skiing is a good option if you’re looking to get together with friends and get some skiing in,” Vogt said. “But it doesn’t compare to the daytime experience.”
Brighton’s Mardi Gras Bash on Feb. 8 will supplement skiing and boarding with fireworks, s’mores and hot chocolate.
2. Eat like a Viking
Looking to stretch your taste buds? Celebrate Thorroblot, an Icelandic midwinter festival, with a meal fit for the Norsemen of old. On Feb. 23, the Icelandic Association of Utah is hosting a traditional celebration at 6 p.m. in the Veterans’ Memorial Building in Spanish Fork, complete with authentic Icelandic delicacies.
For $15, guests can enjoy a feast of lamb, fish and flatbread, as well as some unusual offerings such as cured shark, liver pudding and “hrutspungur” — pickled ram’s testicles.
In addition to feasting, guests can enjoy the melodies of a children’s choir, Barnakor, take part in a quilt auction and win door prizes.
3. Support the BYU hockey team
February is the last month to catch the BYU Hockey team in action. The players compete against Washington State University on Feb. 8 and 9 and the final game of the season takes place on Feb. 16 against the University of Utah.
BYU sophomore Lindsey Berg experienced her first BYU hockey game last year.
“I tried to have a Canadian explain it to me, but it didn’t work. My friend and I just started chanting ‘fight, fight, fight!’ whenever the players got next to each other — it was fun.”
4. Get your last taste of (pop) culture
The Museum of Art’s “Think Flat: The Art of Andy Warhol and Takashi Murakami” exhibition closes on Feb. 18. If you haven’t explored the exhibit, take the time to experience the works of a pop culture legend and an international contemporary firsthand.
True to its “21st-century-Japanese-Pop-meets-swingin’-’60s style,” the featured artwork is vibrant, varied and often quite peculiar. Notable pieces include a depiction of James Dean in a kimono, classic Warhol portraiture of Queen Elizabeth, whimsical floating metallic pillows and grinning, multi-colored daisies.
BYU sophomore Paige Anderson, an art enthusiast and regular at the MOA, was pleased with the exhibit.
“I’m always impressed by the quality of exhibits the MOA showcases,” Anderson said. “The Andy Warhol pieces were displayed in an aesthetic I think is fitting to his style. Warhol is one of my favorite artists, and I’ve found myself dashing to the exhibit between classes to enjoy his works.”
5. Improve your Valentine’s Day plans
Forget romantic dinners or chick flick re-runs (or maybe just save them for later). Enjoy the company of your friends or significant other at Velour Live Music Gallery, soaking in the solo acoustic sound of John Allred. Doors to the Feb. 15, all-request show open at 8 p.m. and tickets are on sale now.
