Where Do You Go for the Holidays?

To me, the holiday season is all about family and sharing and traditions. I can't think of a better holiday tradition than spending time with family at a chalet in the mountains, fresh snow drifting against the windows, a wood fire flickering in the great room, a hot tub steaming just outside the door.

Of course there would be a ski lift just yards from the chalet. We would hit the slopes early, enjoying the new powder. Mom, Dad and kids on the mountain together, some on skies and others on boards. In my case, the kids would be hot-dogging down black diamond runs while I played it safe plowing gentle terrain. We'd regroup at the bottom and then head back to the lift, or a restaurant, or the waiting hot tub.

Such a holiday vacation is a great remedy from the doldrums of winter. And Utah has plenty of chalets and lodges and hotels at or near our ski resorts, where you are guaranteed a white Christmas.

First snow of the season
We've already had snow. A storm last week dumped on our mountains and enthusiasts responded by climbing the hills and skiing down, not waiting for the lifts to start running. That storm jump-started the season. Resorts are now working feverishly to prepare for their official openings. Solitude and Brighton lead the pack – they plan to open on Nov 12 (weather permitting). Others will follow quickly and most will be open for Thanksgiving weekend.

The season is coming fast. Now's the time to book lodging if you want a good choice of accommodations. See our ski packages.

Ski Resort Opening Dates
Nov 12 - Brighton Ski Resort
Nov 12 - Solitude Mountain Resort
Nov 19 - Alta Ski Area
Nov 20 - Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort
Nov 20 - Brian Head Resort
Nov 20 - Park City Mountain Resort
Nov 26 - Powder Mountain
Nov 26 - The Canyons
Dec 4 - Deer Valley Resort
Dec 10 - Sundance Resort
Dec 15 - Eagle Point
TBA - Beaver Mountain Resort
TBA - Snowbasin, A Sun Valley Resort
TBA - Wolf Creek Utah

Red Rock Christmas
If snow is not your thing, consider spending the holidays in the sunny deserts of southern Utah. On Christmas day you will find people golfing the year-round courses around St George, hiking over sand dunes in Snow Canyon and biking slickrock around Moab.

St George has delightful winter weather, comparable to Las Vegas. The sun shines most of the time and December temperatures are mild. It is a great destination if you enjoy outdoor recreation – you can hike, bike, jog, golf and enjoy other activities every day of the year.

Our national parks are open during the winter, without the crowds and bustle that smother popular spots during the summer. Bryce Canyon is a winter wonderland, where deep snow brings the opportunity for all kinds of winter activities.

In winter, Zion Park has a split personality. Zion Canyon seldom gets snow and you can hike there year-round. Snow falls on top the cliffs that tower above the canyon, and it piles deep on mountains in the park's Kolob Terrace and Kolob Canyons sections. In Zion you can enjoy mild temperatures in low-elevation areas or strap on snowshoes or cross country skis and explore some of the higher spots. Zion is very beautiful during winter.

Our other parks are located at low elevations and seldom get snow. In Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands you can hike, bike, jeep and explore year-round.

Utah also offers great snowmobile terrain and that season begins just before Christmas. See our snowmobile packages.

- Dave Webb

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