The Best Winter Outdoor Activities in Heber
When the snow starts falling in Heber Valley, the entire landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, offering some of the best outdoor activities in Utah. Whether you’re looking for high-speed thrills, peaceful snowy landscapes, or family-friendly fun, Heber Valley has something for everyone.
Locals and visitors alike flock to the area every winter to hit the slopes, ride snowmobiles, go tubing, and even take a scenic train ride through the snow-covered valley. If you love winter, there’s no better place to enjoy the season.
So, what are the best things to do in Heber Valley when the temperatures drop? Let’s break down the top winter activities that make this area a must-visit destination.
1. Skiing and Snowboarding at Deer Valley and Sundance
Utah is famous for having the greatest snow on Earth, and Heber Valley is just a short drive from some of the best ski resorts in the state.
Deer Valley Resort is a world-renowned ski destination that offers top-notch grooming, luxury amenities, and no snowboarders (sorry, snowboarders—this is a ski-only resort). Located just 20 minutes from Heber, Deer Valley is perfect for those who want a high-end skiing experience.
If you’re looking for something a little more laid-back and budget-friendly, head to Sundance Mountain Resort. Nestled in Provo Canyon, this resort has a more intimate feel, stunning scenery, and some of the best tree skiing in Utah. Bonus: You might even run into a certain legendary actor—Robert Redford founded the place!
2. Snowmobiling in the Uinta Mountains
If you want to cover a lot of snowy ground in a short time, snowmobiling in the Uinta Mountains is the way to go. The Mirror Lake Highway is a popular snowmobiling route that stretches for miles through untouched wilderness, frozen lakes, and breathtaking alpine views.
Several companies in Heber and Midway offer guided snowmobile tours, making it easy for beginners to experience the thrill of flying through fresh powder. Daniels Summit Lodge is one of the best places to rent a snowmobile, with miles of groomed trails right outside their doors.
For more experienced riders, venturing into the backcountry of the Uintas offers an unforgettable adrenaline rush, but make sure to check avalanche conditions before heading out.
3. Tubing at Soldier Hollow
Nothing says family-friendly winter fun like snow tubing, and there’s no better place to do it than Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway.
With groomed tubing lanes, a lift to take you back up the hill, and runs that reach up to 1,200 feet, it’s one of the best tubing parks in Utah. Soldier Hollow was home to the 2002 Olympic cross-country skiing and biathlon events, and today it offers a range of winter activities for visitors.
This is an awesome activity for kids and adults alike, and since there’s no hiking back up the hill, you can get in tons of runs without wearing yourself out.
4. The Heber Valley Railroad’s North Pole Express
If you’re looking for a slower-paced winter activity that captures the magic of the season, hop aboard the Heber Valley Railroad’s North Pole Express.
This nostalgic train ride takes passengers on a journey through the snow-covered valley, complete with hot cocoa, Christmas carols, and even a visit from Santa himself. It’s a beloved holiday tradition for many Utah families, and tickets sell out fast every year.
Even after the holiday season, the train continues to run scenic winter rides that allow passengers to enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Heber Valley from the comfort of a heated train car.
5. Ice Skating at Midway Ice Rink
For a classic winter-in-a-small-town experience, grab your skates and head to the Midway Ice Rink.
This charming outdoor rink is surrounded by snow-covered mountains and is the perfect place to spend an afternoon gliding across the ice. Whether you’re an experienced skater or just trying not to fall, the rink is a great place to enjoy the season.
Since Midway doesn’t get quite as crowded as Park City, you can actually enjoy skating without dodging dozens of other people on the ice. It’s affordable, fun, and a great way to embrace winter in the Heber Valley.
6. Snowshoeing in Wasatch Mountain State Park
If you prefer a peaceful winter experience, snowshoeing through Wasatch Mountain State Park is an incredible way to take in the beauty of Utah’s winter landscapes.
With miles of trails winding through snow-covered forests and rolling hills, snowshoeing allows you to get off the beaten path and explore winter at your own pace.
Several local outfitters offer snowshoe rentals and guided tours, making it easy for beginners to try the sport. Unlike skiing or snowboarding, there’s no learning curve—if you can walk, you can snowshoe.
7. Cross-Country Skiing at Soldier Hollow
If you’re looking for a full-body winter workout, cross-country skiing is one of the best ways to stay active while enjoying Heber Valley’s winter scenery.
Soldier Hollow is Utah’s premier destination for Nordic skiing, offering groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier, you’ll find plenty of terrain to explore.
If you’ve never tried cross-country skiing before, Soldier Hollow offers lessons and rentals, so you can hit the trails even if you don’t have your own gear.
8. Visiting the Midway Ice Castles
Few winter attractions are as stunning and unique as the Midway Ice Castles.
Built entirely out of hundreds of thousands of icicles, these massive frozen sculptures are lit up with colorful LED lights, creating a magical winter experience unlike anything else in Utah.
Visitors can walk through ice tunnels, slide down frozen slides, and take in breathtaking ice formations that seem like something out of a fairytale. Since the Ice Castles depend on weather conditions, they’re only open for a limited time each winter, so it’s best to check their website for opening dates.
Final Thoughts
Winter in Heber Valley is nothing short of magical. Whether you’re looking for thrill-seeking adventures, peaceful winter escapes, or fun holiday traditions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
From skiing at Deer Valley to tubing at Soldier Hollow, snowmobiling in the Uintas, and exploring the stunning Ice Castles, Heber Valley has winter fun down to an art.
So, bundle up, embrace the season, and get out there—there’s no better place to enjoy winter in Utah than right here in Heber Valley.