With the holidays over and the cold winter here, it can be difficult to know how to take a break from school and work. Here are some fun winter attractions that students can take advantage of to cut themselves some slack and enjoy the season.
Soldier Hollow Tubing Hill
Located near Midway in Wasatch Mountain State Park, Soldier Hollow tubing hill offers students a new experience compared to the average tubing and sledding hill. A summer-time golf course turned into a tubing hill, Soldier Hollow offers 1,200 feet of a snowy hill to slide down and its own towing service so patrons don’t have to haul their tubes up to the top.
“Tubing at Solder Hollow is a unique experience because the number of guests allowed on the hill during the two-hour sessions is limited,” said Wendy Nord, Soldier Hollow’s finance executive. “This is one of the many ways that we can guarantee a good experience.”
Solider Hollow tubing is available until March 28 and is open 12–8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Saturdays and 12–4 p.m. on Sundays. Patrons can buy tickets in advance at 435-654-2002 or purchase them on site at the lodge for $20 per person. For more information visit soldierhollow.com.
Gallivan Center Ice Skating Rink
Looking to fulfill a childhood dream of being an ice skater or hockey player? Enjoy the magical experience of gliding across ice at the Gallivan Center Ice Skating Rink in downtown Salt Lake City. The Gallivan Center Ice Skating Rink was built in 1993 and has grown in popularity with both the 2002 Winter Olympics and a renovation three years ago.
“It is a very family-oriented activity. We get people of all ages: young families, college students and even the elderly,” said Cynthia Stringham, the Gallivan Center’s advertising and marketing manager. “We have one 94-year-old lady who skates at the Gallivan Center everyday. She taught herself how to skate when she was 70 years old and loves it!”
Admission is $8 and includes skate rentals.The rink is open 12–9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 12 p.m.–12 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 12–7 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit thegallivancenter.com.
Ogden Hot Springs
It’s a bit of a drive, but take a break from the cold weather by jumping into Ogden Hot Springs. Located just off Ogden Canyon Road, Ogden Hot Springs is a free attraction to the public. Be prepared to do some hiking, as a trail leads to the hot springs.
Troy Webb, owner of Utah Outdoor Activities, said the hot spring during the winter months is always fun. Utah Outdoor Activities specializes in featuring Utah’s outdoor attractions and all they have to offer. Their expertise on the Ogden Hot Springs helps visitors to know exactly what to expect when visiting this attraction.
“It is a feature that not many people are aware of,” Webb said. “It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.”
Webb features a few other Utah hot springs that can be enjoyed at the leisure of locals on his website. His website also includes details on hotel and lodging, campgrounds, shopping centers and places to see for the convenience of visitors.
Parking is available near the Ogden Hot Springs, but it is limited to a first-come, first-served basis. Webb also suggests patrons bring a bucket so river water can be transferred to the hot springs if the temperature is too hot. Ogden Hot Springs is public property and therefore is always open. For more information, visit utahoutdooractivities.com.
Park City complimentary mountain tour
For those interested in skiing or snowboarding, plan on getting a lift ticket to Park City Mountain Resort this season and check out the complimentary mountain tour. Learn about Park City’s mining, skiing and local history from tour guides while enjoying the mountains.
Russ Peterson, Park City’s mountain host manager said the tour is a lot of fun.
“You ski or snowboard, stop at some places and talk about historic facts,” Peterson said. “The tour involves about 50 percent skiing or boarding with a little bit of history thrown in.”
The tours are free with a lift ticket and last about two hours. Tours are given daily, with the 10 a.m. tour leaving from the Resort Base area by the Eagle Statue and the 1 p.m. tour leaving from the Summit Demo Center near the top of Bonanza Lift. For more information, visit parkcitymoutain.com.
