The holiday season is in full swing, and that means… things can get hectic on and off the slopes. An influx of visitors getting their fill of The Greatest Snow on Earth® means more goodness and holiday vibes, but it’ll be important to think ahead and plan your holiday happenings accordingly.
Here to help are some holiday hacks to keep top of mind as you enjoy your snowy holiday in Utah.
Dining out?
Make your restaurant reservations in advance. Wait times can quickly get close to two hours at some restaurants, and we all know being “hangry” is no fun. You can make reservations at most restaurants online, but calling ahead works too. If your favorite restaurant does not take reservations, it’s worth calling ahead (if they allow that) or sending someone to put your name on the waitlist.
Ditch the car or make parking reservations.
Park City has a fantastic free public transit system, so take the bus! If you’re in Salt Lake City, buses and TRAX (street car) are great options, and fares start at $2.50 one way for adults. If you’re not into rubbing shoulders with strangers, carpool with friends and family whenever possible. This makes for less traffic and potentially fewer parking fees – a win-win.
If you plan to drive to the resort to ski/ride, be sure you plan ahead and know the resort's parking policies. New this year, Park City Mountain is requiring parking reservations at their Park City Mountain Village lots. Other resorts have paid parking, parking reservations and parking available on a first-come-first-served basis but it varies by resort and day of the week. Study up on parking policies here.
However you get to your destination, plan extra travel time.
The epic start to this 2022/23 winter season means you may battle Mother Nature in addition to the traffic. Be mindful of the ice, snow and other drivers on the road. If you're traveling in the Cottonwood Canyons, check @udotcottonwoods on Instagram and Twitter for up-to-date road conditions and closures.
Did I lose you at snow and ice on the roads? Now is an excellent time to utilize delivery services. If you’d rather enjoy a cozy evening in and leave the ski gear delivery and cooking to someone else, no problem! Learn more about companies like Alta Provisions and Ski Butlers in my other blog and maximize your comfort and convenience this holiday season.
Now, for the skiers and snowboarders… you want your gear in tip-top shape, so get your planks into the shop ASAP (before the holidays) to get them tuned. Based on availability, most shops offer overnight tuning services, but with an increase in demand during prime ski season, all bets are off. Turnaround times are based on workload but typically take 1-2 days, so plan accordingly and don’t be stuck on a powder day without your gear.
Once you’re on the slopes at your favorite Utah resort, don’t forget your manners! This holiday season, don’t forget to thank a liftie, tip your server, ski valet, or mountain host. These fine folks are working extra hard to ensure everyone has an incredible and memorable experience. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.
If planning isn’t your strong suit and you’re still looking for things to fill your calendar, we have you covered. Check out these events if you’re still on the hunt for some Utah holiday fun.
