There is no shortage of activities to enjoy and things to see during the winter months in Southern Utah.
Staying at The Dwellings means enjoying easy access to Zion National Park, holiday festivities in nearby St. George, and more. It’s also the perfect basecamp for enjoying a variety of easy day trips to nearby national parks, cities, and other attractions.
Planning a visit to La Verkin this winter? Check out these awesome winter day trips.
Skiing and Snowboarding
If you’ve only ever visited Southern Utah in the middle of the summer, it can be tough to imagine the dry, hot desert landscape ever experiencing sub-zero temperatures. But visit during the winter months, and you’ll have the chance to experience the region in an entirely new way; on the slopes.
Located about an hour’s drive north of La Verkin, Brian Head Resort is a winter sports lover’s paradise. The resort covers more than 650 acres and offers 71 runs and 8 chair lifts for snowboarders and skiers.
You don’t need to have skiing or snowboarding experience to visit the resort, either. There’s a Winter Sports School on-site where adventurers of all ages can learn how to carve the slopes. Snow tubing is also available, including night tubing sessions on select Fridays and Saturdays.
Snowmobiling in the Backcountry
Snowmobiling is another unique winter activity available in Southern Utah. There are a number of backcountry trails open to snowmobiling during the winter months. You can bring your own snowmobile, rent one from a local company, or join a tour. The latter option is the best choice for those without experience.
No matter which option you choose, snowmobiling in the Cedar Mountain area is not only a heart-pounding adventure but also a great chance to enjoy some breathtaking scenery, with sweeping views of a snow-covered Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Cross-Country Skiing
Are you looking for something a bit less thrilling, but no less bucket-list-worthy than skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling? Cross country skiing is a unique, easy-to-learn sport that can help you explore backcountry trails and overlooks that are otherwise inaccessible this time of year.
There are plenty of places to enjoy cross-country skiing during the winter months in Southern Utah, as well as places to rent gear if you don’t have your own or don’t want to travel with it. But if you’re staying in La Verkin, one of your best options is located just a couple of hours away at Bryce Canyon National Park.
This beautiful, often-overlooked national park is a must-see. While it has views that rival the more popular Zion all year long, during the winter, Bryce is particularly unique. Snowfall is heavy, and more frequent, thanks to the higher elevation. Many roads and trails in the park close during the winter or are tough to access. This means that off-road vehicles and cross-country skiing are the best way to explore a largely empty, sparkling winter wonderland.
For just $15 a day, you can rent everything you need to go cross country skiing in the park from Ruby’s Inn Winter Activity Center. You’ll want to bring some warm layers, but keep in mind that this winter sport will help you work up a sweat!
A Sleigh Ride
During your day trip to Bryce Canyon National Park, don’t forget to schedule an authentic sleigh ride. Bundle up, grab a blanket, and climb aboard a beautiful wooden sled, pulled by two large draft horses. You’ll race through the crispy white snow towards the rim of Bryce Canyon’s natural amphitheater. It’s a ride straight out of a fairy tale, and one that you — and your kids — won’t soon forget.
As long as weather conditions allow, sleigh rides run daily, though an advance purchase is recommended, especially for those visiting for the day. Rides are $25 per person and last between 20 and 30 minutes. Children ages 3 and younger ride for free.
Snowshoeing
Similar to cross country skiing, snowshoeing is another great way to explore snow-covered trails this time of year. Snowshoeing is a bit easier for beginners to master than cross-country skiing. The gear is also easier to transport and cheaper to purchase, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to hit the snowy trails for multiple days during their Southern Utah adventure.
You can purchase snowshoes ahead of time and travel with them so that you’ll always have them on hand if you want to navigate a trail covered in fresh snow.
Planning Your Winter Visit to La Verkin
While summer might be the most popular time to visit Southern Utah, winter offers unique views, beautiful landscapes, and plenty of new and exciting activities to enjoy. From skiing to snowshoeing to a fairytale sleigh ride, these winter activities are just a short drive away from The Dwellings, making it the perfect basecamp for your winter adventure.
Still not sure whether this season is the right time for a visit? Check out this guide next to learn why you should start planning a winter visit to The Dwellings.