Romance is such a loaded word.
The stereotypical flowers and champagne model isn’t bad, but realistically, how many modern couples epitomize the animated film typecast we grew up with? Not my husband and me. Our idea of romance is a ski-in/ski-out lodge, stealing a kiss in the trees between powder turns, and a CrossFit workout. What about you and your sweetie?
When you’re planning a getaway from daily life, write your own version of romantic. After all, it’s your vacation. And if those plans include skiing or riding in Utah, I have some planning tips and inspiration.
First, toss out the rulebook.
Second, brainstorm together about what works for the two you. How active or chill would you like the trip to be? Do either of you need a little decompression time to transition when you arrive? Some of us need a moment to tap the breaks and shift into vacation mode.
Third, start planning. Once you’re both in agreement, it’s time to draft an initial itinerary. But how can you know the possibilities (there are a lot) from a distance? I’ve gathered a few ideas grouped in themes to get you thinking. Also, don’t forget to leave unplanned time in your schedule to do something spontaneous, or nothing at all.
Toss out the rulebook and write your own version of romantic
Romantic Utah Ski Trip Inspiration
For the Couple That Loves Arts and Culture
Art Classes at Sundance Mountain Resort
Sundance Mountain Resort embraces art and culture like no other ski resort. If your ideal escape includes stunning views, skiing, and hands-on art, this is your ticket. The culinary scene is great too if you’re a foodie as well.
At Sundance, you could begin your day with morning meditation and yoga to stretch out sore legs, followed by a hearty breakfast in the Sundance Deli. Then head to the lifts for a dose of views and turns. For lunch, save time by grabbing a fast bite at the Bearclaw Cabin with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. Then, if your legs hold out, ski a couple more hours before joining a 3:00 art class.
Available classes: wheel-thrown pottery, acrylic or oil painting, drawing or printmaking, silversmithing, beaded jewelry, journal making and soap making.
If you go: pottery, drawing and/or painting, jewelry and journal making classes available daily at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. by appointment. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance by calling 801-223-4535. Individual classes are also available. Visit the Art Studio Website for more information!
Silver to Slopes Historic Mining Ski Tour - Park City
Park City Mountain offers a free, guided, intermediate-level ski tour, where you can explore the mountain with an exper guide who will share the history of mining buildings, and hidden relics scattered across the resort. Seriously, I could take this tour over and over; it’s that fascinating. For photos and details of the tour, read “How to Navigate Park City Mountain.”
If you go: tours depart daily from the Park City Mountain Village at 10:00 a.m. near the eagle statue and 1:00 p.m. at the trail map near the top of Bonanza Express chairlift. After the tour, you’ll receive a signature pin to commemorate your visit to Park City. Visit Park City’s website for more information on the Mining Tour plus the Mountain Experience Tour.
Cooking Classes with Mindful Cuisine - Park City
If you enjoy cooking together, Mindful Cuisine’s classes have a great reputation. They offer, “Make and Take” plus “Make and Eat” events which would be a lovely way to wind down after a day on the slopes. At the “Make and Eat” events, you’ll enjoy an appetizer prepared by the chef before class, then prepare and share a full meal together. Visit the Mindful Cuisine website for more details and schedule.
The Leonardo and the Eccles Theater - Salt Lake City
The Leonardo is a new kind of museum that combines science, technology, and art in experiences that inspire creativity and innovation. It would fit into your ski trip well if you’re planning a day off the slopes. There is so much to see and do at The Leonardo, your best bet is to visit the website.
A wide variety of performances are held in the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theater, which opened in 2016. From Hamilton to Tim Allen, the Eccles draws some of the top performances and tours in the country. If performing arts are your shizzle, check the schedule before you arrive.
For the Couple That Needs to Relax and Indulge
Start to Finish Indulgence – Alta Snowpine Lodge
If your goal is to arrive and melt into your vacation, the newly expanded and updated Snowpine Lodge is the place. The views alone would make it worthwhile, but the Snowpine also offers lovely rooms, ski-in/ski-out access to Alta Ski Area, spa services, elegant dining, heated pool and spa, fitness center with yoga, and firepits with a view.
Of course if you really want to indulge, the Stillwell Spa has to be on your list. After a day of skiing, treat yourself to a massage or facial, and then soothe your tired muscles in the indoor grotto or unwind in the steam room and sauna before putting your feet up in the relaxation room. Once you've reach jelly-like calm, head to The Gulch for a hot toddy with a view.
Couples Escape to Serenity Package – Spa Montage Deer Valley
A premier spa session for you and your sweetheart. Held in the Serenity Couple’s Suite, “start with a soothing duo mountain herbal soak in our deep, relaxing copper tubs. Experience flotation massage techniques followed by a scalp treatment; then follow with a nurturing hot oil massage and shower rinse. The session concludes with reflexology and a tranquil warm foot bath. To complete your day of escape, this package also includes a delightful lunch…” I’ll take it! More details.
A Rustic Retreat - Spa at Sundance
Yes, Sundance Mountain has a sweet art scene, but the Spa at Sundance deserves its own mention. Breathe deep and step into a welcoming and unpretentiously elegant space that encourages you to let go of life’s stresses while relaxing by a crackling fire. Visit their site for a full spa menu.
For Adventurous Couples Who Push Their Limits
The Ski Utah Interconnect Tour – Up to 6 Resorts in a Day
Up for a challenge with rewards to match? Ski inbounds and backcountry terrain through as many as six resorts in one day. The tour description is worded to discourage the timid. Make no mistake, this tour requires advanced to expert skills, plus good physical conditioning. If that describes you, then get ready for one the most stunning (and mile logging) tours available. It kicked my tail and I can’t wait to go again! Interconnect Tour guides are trained in snow safety and backcountry etiquette, two Interconnect Guides accompany every tour. View Interconnect Tour details and requirements before planning.
Powderbird Heli-Skiing
If you’re looking for a new kind of experience, Powderbird services 80,000 acres of diverse backcountry terrain. Tours are suitable for advanced-intermediate to expert skiers.
We made fresh tracks all the way!
Single Run Snowcat Rides – Powder Mountain
This is one of the best adventure values going! Load up in the back of a Snowcat (plastered with years of fun stickers) for a ride up Lighting Ridge or Raintree. Lumbering along, adrenaline builds along with the elevation. At the top, the driver unloads and leaves. This is an unguided run, and it’s pretty long, so ski with a buddy. The day we went it was just the three of us and we made fresh tracks all the way. Spectacular! Price is $25 a ride, $20 with a season pass. Pow Mow also offers a sunset ride with refreshments, but availability varies. More details.
