Red Rock Ski & GolfSki resorts in northern Utah have been getting considerable attention lately because conditions are excellent and snow abundant. The Christmas season was great - perhaps our best ever. It looks like this will be yet another record year for skiing in Utah.
Brian Head is actually the highest resort in Utah, with a base elevation of 9,600 feet and a top elevation of 11,307 feet. St George is at about 2,700 feet, so you lose about 7,000 vertical feet and gain perhaps 30 degrees during that short drive down the mountain and into the desert. Brian Head is located above the town of Cedar City, about 200 miles east from Las Vegas or 240 miles south from Salt Lake City. The resort offers 500+ skiable/rideable acres, 53 trails and four terrain parks with more than 30 snow features - rails, boxes and a halfpipe. There is also a popular lift-served family tubing park. The adjacent town of Brian Head offers great lodging and dining options and a full-service day spa. 
Cedar Breaks National Monument is located just south of Brian Head, still in the tops of the mountains. It is a popular place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Snowmobiling is very popular in nearby mountain areas.
Spring comes early in Utah's Dixie, as the St George area is called. Some fruit trees start to bloom in February. February, March and April are prime months to golf on the area's scenic courses, just outside the national parks. — Dave Webb Upcoming Events Of Special Interest
St. George Winter Bird Festival, Jan. 26-29. This year’s 3-day event offers an opportunity to explore and learn about the many birding hot sports in the natural areas of southwestern Utah! The festival includes field trips, presentations and workshops designed for both beginning and the experienced birders. It is centered in Tonaquint Park. More information: 435-634-5800. Utah Winterfest, Feb. 3-12 in Park City. To celebrate the four-year anniversary of the 2002 Olympic Games–and created to coincide with the 2006 Olympic Winter Games–this annual non-stop, 10-day party features a dog sled race, concerts, fireworks, and Olympic Opening Ceremonies celebration. Call 435-649-6100 for more info. Utah Bald Eagle Days, Feb. 4 & 11. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources biologists and volunteers will help people view bald eagles. Spotting scopes and other equipment will be available if visitors don’t have their own. On Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., events will be held at Fountain Green State Fish Hatchery (just outside Fountain Green, several miles east of Nephi), at Split Mountain/Green River (north of Jensen and at Cedar Valley (northwest of Cedar City). On Feb. 11, events will be held at Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area (at Compton's Knoll), from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area (west of Centerville), from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Moab's Western Stars, Feb 17-Feb 20. Moab's "Western Stars" will be a President's Day weekend event with lots of cowboy poets, music, barrel racing, chili, art contests, square dancing, Western art show, vendors, workshops and lectures. Bryce Canyon Winter Festival, Feb. 18-20. There’s something for everyone here: free clinics, demos and tours, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, archery and photography. Ski archery competition Sunday and XC ski races Monday. Ski Archery competition, kayaking demos, waxing clinics, photography clinics and more. Information: 435-834-5341 Moab Skinny Tire Festival, March 3-6. Moab is Mecca of mountain bikers. But did you know Moab has some of the best road biking in the world. Festival participants will peddle along hundreds of miles of paved roads in and out the parks, amid the world-class scenery. Information: 435-259-2698. Annual Cedar City Cowboy Gathering, April 16-19. This event celebrates the tradition and culture of the American West and the important contributions made to our heritage by the American Cowboy. Held on the campus of Southern Utah University, participants will mingle with cowboy poets, Western musicians, cowboy artisans and vendors. Information: 1-800-354-4849. Pond Skimming Contest & Reggae Fest, April 1 at the Canyons Resort. This is one of those traditions that have been wild from the start. Contestants must dress in costume (the crazier the better) as they attempt to ski or ride across a 100 foot pond of open water. Information: 1-888-CANYONS. See our comprehensive events listing for upcoming activities. SUBSCRIBE / UNSUBSCRIBE / UPDATE
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Not as well known is the excellent skiing found at 
Utah's weather this winter has been mild. That's not a bad combination - great snow and mild temperatures. In St George it has been downright balmy. Mid-winter daytime temperatures normally climb into the mid-50s in St George and this winter they have been pushing 60. Great weather for golf.