What is an active traveler? Could you be one? If you don’t lay by the pool on vacation but are swimming laps instead, and your idea of travel doesn’t necessarily equal leisure, then the answer is likely ... yes!
A day of skiing is the cherry on top, and they don’t call it a ski vacation for nothing, but sometimes you need to change it up—sometimes your toes need a break from your boots.
From Zen master to adrenaline junkie to night owl, we have some wildly different experiences to take for a spin on your next Utah snowy foray. Imagine the possibilities, imagine your Instagram feed—a collage of awesomeness from fat biking to ranger-led stargazing parties to SUP yoga classes in a geothermal crater.
Just promise us that you’ll carve out some time to leisurely enjoy a hot toddy by the lodge fire (after your workout).
Captain Cardio
You seek an endorphin-drenched workout high, and find yourself pacing like a caged animal during office meetings. If you crave a lung-busting challenge, these activities will deliver. On the flip side, if the altitude has you huffing and puffing, you can just slow it down.
Swap the beach cruiser for a snow cruiser. Fat bikes are so ... much ... FUN! Thanks to chunky wide tires, they float over soft snow defying logic and giving riders another silent winter sport to enjoy. Rent bikes at various shops across the state including The Bike Shoppe in Ogden, (801) 476-1600, and Jans Mountain Outfitters in Park City, (800) 745-1020. Still want more heart-pounding, lung-burning, fun? Try snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, or ski six resorts in one day with the Ski Utah Interconnect Adventure Tour.
Social Butterfly
The camaraderie of sweat motivates and energizes you ... and you like it with a side of conversation. If this is you, group fitness classes, tours and clinics are a great way to stay both active and social on your ski vacation and you have a lot to choose from.
With encouraging coaches, pumping tunes and a kick-butt workout, Orange Theory in Park City, (435) 575-5575, and Salt Lake City, (801) 255-9050, burns away mountainside fries and hot cocoa in a structured interval workout alternating cardio and strength training.
Want more? Check out Hardline HITT at Snowbird, or spinning classes at Montage Deer Valleyin Park City.
If you’d rather play outdoors, check out Alta Lodge for a collection of ski programs (be sure to book in advance) or the Ladies’ Cross-Country Clinic at Sundance Mountain Resort
what’s wrong with a little swim in warm spring water if your chakras don’t quite line up?
Zen Master
You value the intensity of deliberate movement and mindful living. When you’re ready, trade the flow-state of skiing for the rhythmic breath of a yoga session or meditation.
Challenge your balance with a paddleboard yoga session in a natural hot spring 55 feet underground with Park City Yoga Adventures, (415) 695-4502. Dubbed the oldest yoga studio in the world, the 10,000-year-old Homestead Crater is filled with 95-degree blue effervescent water. Not a yogi? This class is suitable for beginners, too. Besides, what’s wrong with a little swim in warm spring water if your chakras don’t quite line up?
Looking for more mindful activities and classes? Start your day with a guided meditation at Sundance Mountain Resort or visit The Cliff Spa’s mountainside studio at Snowbird for a selection of yoga and meditation classes.
Night Owl
When the sun sets, you keep going by the light of the moon. Luckily, not all winter fun happens in the light of day. Fill your Thermos with something hot and check out:
Explore the Night Owling Snowshoe Tour at Sundance Mountain Resort. Presented by the Great Basin Wildlife Rescue, this tour will lead you deep into the Mount Timpanogos winter landscape. Learn about winter wildlife from wildlife experts and actual owls, and then hit the trail to call and locate owls in the area. Unguided full-moon outings are also available.
In southern Utah, check out the Dark Sky Tours at Brian Head Resort—a designated International Dark Sky spot. Looking for more sliding time? Night skiing is offered at multiple resorts across the state.
Adrenaline Junkie
Speed, danger and even loud music excite you and leave you craving more. Yes, the powdery steeps of Utah will deliver the goods but the thrills don’t have to stop with last chair. Have more with these adrenaline-packed activities.
With over 2,100 feet of vertical drop, the longest span of 3,871 feet, and speeds approaching 65 mph, the ZipTour at Sundance is in a separate class of zip-line rides. Uniquely open in winter, it’s the top pick for adrenaline buffs who’d enjoy an unobstructed view of Mount Timpanogos.
Want more speed? Check out the Utah Olympic Park's bobsled ride, snowmobile with Lofty Peaks Snowmobiling or go tubing at Gorgoza Park and Brian Head Ski Resort. Powderhounds should consider getting their fill of fresh-tracks via snowcats or heli- skiing at several locations in Utah.
Feed the Machine
Feel good and play strong with these healthy eating tips. Winter sports demand a lot of energy, but fueling your body with empty calories won’t help. It’s hard to eat right when you’re traveling and don’t have access to healthy options throughout the day. Here are some tips that can help:
Pack healthy snacks - Fill your pockets with nutrient-dense foods such as raw nuts and nut butters, dried fruits, CLIF Bars and jerky.
Proper hydration will help ward off symptoms of altitude sickness.
Check online menus and plan your lunch - All of the resorts have healthy options, but sometimes you need to look past the junk to find them. Opt for grains, beans, lean meats and veggies. Great choices include the wraps at Brighton's Alpine Rose Cafeteria Alpine Rose, the delish Himalayan options at Solitude's Roadhouse and Deer Valley’s famous turkey chili.
Keep hydrated! - Utah’s elevation and the cold air will dehydrate you faster than usual. This can lead to headaches, weakness, dizziness and irritability—symptoms common to altitude sickness. Proper hydration will help ward off any symptoms of altitude sickness and keep you going strong.
