Utah: The Ultimate Winter Travel Destination

Last updated on February 7th, 2025

With summer coming to an end and winter on the way, you might be thinking about planning a trip to lift your spirits during the colder months. If you are not sure where to go, you should consider Utah. It’s often called the ultimate winter destination because this amazing state really comes into its own when the snow starts falling. There’s no better time to visit the beautiful national parks, go hiking, and even try a spot of skiing. There are some great vibrant cities to visit while you’re there too, so you’ll get a bit of everything. This quick guide will help you start planning your trip to Utah this winter. 

Best National Parks In Utah

Arches National Park

This is one of the most well-known national parks in Utah, which isn’t surprising given just how beautiful it is. The magnificent rock formations are perfect for hiking and exploring and there are over 2,000 natural stone arches within the park that were created thanks to erosion over millions of years. One of the best ways to explore the terrain surrounding the arches is by taking a self-guided camping trip through some of its trails. 

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is home to one of the biggest canyons in North America and it’s actually even bigger than both the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon put together. The scenery is like something out of a fantasy novel, with cliffs jutting up all around you as well as numerous waterfalls cascading down towards towering valley walls. 

Best Cities to Visit In Utah

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is the state capital of Utah and also one of its biggest cities. It’s surrounded by mountains on all sides, making it a gorgeous place to visit at any time of the year, but it really comes into its own in winter. While you’re there, make sure that you check out Temple Square which is home to hundreds of different cultural attractions including museums and art galleries. There are also plenty of great opportunities for shopping if you’re looking to get your hands on some souvenirs while you’re visiting Salt Lake City. 

Provo

Provo is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the big cities and see some smaller towns for a change. It’s also worth pointing out that it’s home to Brigham Young University which means there are lots of different cultural attractions to enjoy, as well as several performance spaces including an amphitheater and an opera house. You’ll also find the best pizza in Provo Utah because there is a great culinary scene there. Most people head straight for Salt Lake City but if you want a more unique experience, Provo is definitely worth a visit. 

Skiing In Utah

Skiing is one of the best things to do in Utah if you want to add some adventure to your trip. You will find some of the best skiing resorts right at your doorstep, such as Deer Valley (which hosts some very famous international events), Canyons, Alta, Solitude, Brighton, Park City Mountain Resort and Sundance. Whether you are a beginner or a pro skier, there’s something for everyone, so grab your gear and hit the slopes! 

Utah is such a beautiful destination in the winter, so why not start planning your trip today?