Heber Valley Playcation 2020
This winter, instead of hunkering down indoors waiting for the spring thaw, why not adventure outside and see what all the excitement is about?
When snow falls on the Heber Valley, our beautiful peaks and valleys are transformed into a winter wonderland. Outside the air becomes cool and crisp, our blue skies emerge even brighter against the snowy landscape and a hillside of fresh powder beckons our inner child to come and play.
We invite you to take advantage of what your Heber Valley has to offer, right here in your own backyard.
ICE CASTLES – icecastles.com
This winter, Ice Castles will bring a one-of-a-kind experience to Midway. The Ice Castle will feature lofty towers, shimmering archways, glowing tunnels, narrow slot canyons, glossy walls, roomy caverns and frozen thrones. Don’t forget to bundle up and bring your camera! The lights illuminate the ice and make for a magical backdrop.
SNOWMOBILING
- LOFTY PEAKS – loftypeaks.com – 435-654-5810
- UINTA RECREATION – uintarecreation.com – 801-613-0288
- WASATCH EXCURSIONS – wasatchexcursions.com – 435-729-9595
- DAYTRIPS – daytrips.com – 800-649-8594
- NEW HEIGHTS RENTALS – newheightsrentals.com – 435-709-2071
- STRAWBERRY BAY – strawberrybay.com – 435-548-2261
Nestles between two significant mountain ranges, Heber Valley proves to be one of the most accessible locations for snowmobiling in the state. With over 200 miles of groomed trails you will have the ultimate snowmobile experience with options for guided or non-guided tours. How’s that for the ultimate backyard adventure?
ICE FISHING
- ROCKY MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS – rockymountainoutfitters.com – 435-654-1655
- STRAWBERRY BAY – strawberrybay.com – 435-548-2261
- WILDERNESS ACCESS OUTFITTERS – waoutah.com – 435-602-4022
- FISH HEADS FLY SHOP – fishheadsflyshop.com – 435-657-2010
Ice Fishing in the Heber Valley is a favorite winter pastime for thousands of anglers. Strawberry Reservoir is a great spot to catch cutthroat trout. In a cold winter Deer Creek and Jordanelle Reservoirs have also been great fishing locations. Fly fishers frequent the Provo River all winter long. Watch for warm weather hatches throughout the winter as temperatures fluctuate. Not sure where to begin? Grab a local fishing guide and get out of there!
ICE SKATING
- MIDWAY ICE RINK – midwayiceskating.com – 435-709-2980
Midway boasts the state’s largest outdoor ice-skating rink. A timeless family tradition, ice skating is a great way to get exercise and fresh air during the winter. Rentals and hot cocoa are available on-site.
NORDIC / ALPINE SKIING
- SOLDIER HOLLOW NORDIC CENTER – utaholympiclegacy.org – 435-654-1791
- WASATCH MOUNTAIN STATE PARK stateparks.utah.gov – 435-654-1791
- DEER VALLEY SKI RESORT deervalley.com | 435-649-100
- SUNDANCE RESORT sundanceresort.com | 801-225-410
Ever wanted to ski where the Olympians do? Miles of Nordic trails await! And just minutes away are two world class ski resorts. In less than 30 minutes you can be from your couch to the top of a mountain at Deer Valley or Sundance resorts.
TUBING
- SOLDIER HOLLOW NORDIC CENTER – utaholympiclegacy.org – 435-654-1791
Winter tubing is a great alternative to downhill skiing. Enjoy the beauty of the snowy mountains with short lines and the longest tubing lanes in Utah. The tubing hill opens December 21 and runs through mid-March – weather permitting.
SNOWSHOEING
- WASATCH MOUNTAIN STATE PARK stateparks.utah.gov – 435-654-1791
- SOLDIER HOLLOW NORDIC CENTER – utaholympiclegacy.org – 435-654-1791
- WILDERNESS ACCESS OUTFITTERS – waoutah.com – 435-602-4022
Snowshoeing is a great way to hike in the winter. Snowshoes are available to rent at any of the listed locations. You can experience groomed trails at both Wasatch Mountain State Park and Soldier Hollow Nordic Center. Check out Wilderness Access Outfitters for a yurt dining experience! Date night?
Explore the Heber Valley this winter with these awesome snow-themed adventures.
SNOW DAY (ONE FULL DAY OF ACTION PACKED FUN
• Start with a hearty breakfast at Chick’s Cafe
• Take a scenic ride on the Heber Valley Railroad
• Take a break for lunch at Fanny’s Grill, Homestead Resort
• Explore Wasatch Mountain State Park on snowshoes
• Refuel with dinner at Back 40 Restaurant
• Finish your day with a tour of the Ice Castles
HOMESTEAD CRATER
- HOMESTEAD RESORT homesteadresort.com | 435-657-3840
One of the most unique activities you’ll ever experience in your lifetime. The Crater is a geothermal spring hidden within a 55-foot tall, beehive-shaped limestone rock located on the Homestead property featuring 95 degree mineral water to soothe away those aches from winters frolic. Jump on a paddleboard for a yoga class, scuba dive down deep in the warm waters of the crater or enjoy a relaxing swim or soak.
HEBER VALLEY RAILROAD
hebervalleyrr.org | 435-654-5601
One of the most popular attractions in the Heber Valley is the historic Heber Valley Railroad. Traditionally used to haul sheep up and down the Provo Canyon, it now operates as a passenger train. The 16 miles of track between the valley and Vivian Park in Provo Canyon offer access to some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. Steep canyon walls and wide open reservoirs create a dramatic backdrop to an exciting and cozy ride. The Heber Valley Railroad is home to the North Pole Express, with singing, Santa, and the whole cast of characters and holiday treats, making it an instant family tradition!
SLEIGH RIDERS/WINTER HORSEBACK RIDES
- ROCKY MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS – rockymountainoutfitters.com – 435-654-1655
- KB Horses kbhorses.com | 435 315-9950
Take a magical sleigh ride through Utah’s Winter Wonderland. Glide across snowy mountain meadows and listen to the jingle of sleigh bells while you snuggle up with family and friends on a horse drawn sleigh ride. Great for a romantic date night or a fun family outing.
BLUE BIRD (TWO FULL DAYS OF FUN)
DAY 1:
• Feel the wind in your hair with tubing at Soldier Hollow
• Hit the Ice Castles for a spectacular tour
• Finish the evening with a cozy dinner at Spin Cafe
DAY 2:
• Breakfast at Cafe Galleria
• Ice skating in Midway
• Refuel with lunch at Lola’s Kitchen
BLIZZARD (MULTI-DAY FUN-FEST)
DAY 1:
• Snowmobiling at Daniels Summit Lodge
• Dine the night away at Midway Mercantile
DAY 2:
• Breakfast to-go from Judy’s Donuts
• Skiing at Deer Valley Resort followed by a relaxing soak in the Crater
• An unforgettable dinner is served in a yurt with WAO Adventures
DAY 3:
• Breakfast at the Midway Bakery
• Tubing at Soldier Hollow
• Grab lunch at OG Cafe before heading home