Winter in the Wasatch Back is best known for “the greatest snow on earth” and world-class ski terrain, but not every cold-weather adventure has to be extreme. For visitors who want to enjoy the season at a gentler pace or locals looking for a new way to get outside, several experiences offer quieter access to the mountains. Horseback riding along snowy reservoirs, clay shooting from a heated pavilion, and gliding under twinkling lights at an outdoor rink each bring their own winter appeal.
Winter Horseback Riding at Rocky Mountain Outfitters
At Rocky Mountain Outfitters in Midway, horseback riding doesn’t shut down when the temperatures drop. The outfitter operates on the south slope of Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, the Olympic venue from 2002 and a site slated to return for the 2034 Games. The area’s winter calm and sweeping views make it a surprisingly peaceful setting for a cold-weather trail ride.
“We are a family-owned and run business, and we’ve got some incredible horses that love what they do,” says co-owner Aspen Peterson.
Winter rides last about an hour, and although the routes shift slightly with the seasons, the experience is always scenic. In the winter, they take a lower trail to avoid deep snow, tracing along Deer Creek Reservoir and overlooking the Heber Valley.
The operation limits groups to one guide per six people, allowing beginners to feel comfortable on the trail, and before heading out, groups receive a brief introduction and riding lesson.
“Most of our guests have never ridden before, and so we take newbies all the time,” Peterson explains. “And if you’re an experienced rider, that’s great, too. I say it’s kind of a one-size-fits-all.”
And don’t worry, the horses are completely comfortable in the cold temperatures and they naturally live outdoors, Peterson continues. They don’t get cold feet like humans because their hooves are more like fingernails, she explained, so they don’t feel the chill. Plus, to better acclimate to the snow, horses grow thick winter coats.
“Their bodies know that it’s time to start growing more hair, which is actually dictated by light, not by the cold. And, as the days get shorter, their bodies know, ‘OK, winter’s coming, so we’ve got to gear up and start growing more hair.’ So they are very fuzzy right now,” Peterson says with a smile.
While the horses are happy in the cold, Peterson encourages participating humans to dress warmly and check the weather before arriving. Safety, she added, always comes first, and they may cancel or reschedule rides if the trail becomes too slick.
For those who might not ski or snowmobile, Peterson said horseback riding can be an equally memorable way to enjoy the season and enjoy nature.
“I personally love going out in the snow. It’s so pretty and such a unique experience,” she says. “Everybody thinks that horseback riding is a summer activity but it’s incredible in the winter, too.”
Visit rockymountainoutfitters.com for more information.
Heated Sporting Clays at Blue Sky Ranch
Located in the hills around The Lodge at Blue Sky and High West Distillery, the sporting clays grounds of Blue Sky Utah offer a different kind of winter adventure—one where guests stay warm while practicing an age-old sport. The course, set on 28 acres of open mountain meadow, features views toward both the Uinta Mountains and the Park City ski areas.
Open year-round, the facility includes an 18-stand sporting clay course and several heated 5-stand pavilions with wood-burning stoves. The setup is designed for all skill levels, from seasoned marksmen to guests with no prior shooting experience. Guides are assigned to every party, creating a more individualized session, and staff say that in many cases visitors have never shot a gun before.
All instructors are trained in the Percy Stanbury method, a shooting technique developed at the West London Shooting Grounds that emphasizes a steady stance and grip. The approach is meant to be accessible while also teaching skills that apply to real-world bird hunting. Targets and course layouts are designed with that in mind, offering guests a sense of the sport’s traditional roots.
Inside the heated 5-stand pavilion, guests work through scenarios that simulate live quarry. The warmth of the wood stove allows the two-hour lessons to continue comfortably even on the coldest days of the season. In line with the operation’s sustainable goals, biodegradable clay targets and ammunition loaded with paper wads instead of plastic are used, and bullet casings are all recycled.
Those who develop an interest can investigate membership, which is invitation-only and includes a tour and shooting session with a current member before consideration. Members receive access to additional stands, rentals, and guest opportunities, with half-day guest access available for a fee.
Whether you’re looking for a memorable outing with the family, or a chance to practice your aim, Blue Sky Utah’s sporting clay program is a breathtaking way to take in the vast beauty of the wild Wasatch Back.
Visit auberge.com/blue-sky/experiences/winter-sporting-clays for more information.
Ice Skating at the Resort Center Rink
At the base of Park City Mountain, the Resort Center Ice Skating Rink brings the classic seasonal pastime to the heart of the ski area. Operating daily from noon to 8 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 8 pm on weekends, the outdoor rink is open to all ages and offers a casual, family-friendly place to glide underneath strings of lights and breathe in the crisp air.
The rink frames skating as an inviting winter activity. Guests can rent hockey or figure skates for $25, with complimentary skate walkers available to help young or first-time skaters stay steady. Those who bring their own skates pay a reduced rate. Visitors are free to stay on the ice as long as they like, though leaving the facility requires an all-day pass to return later.
The setting provides a festive backdrop for both those looking to shift gears from skiing or après-ski crowds. Music plays throughout the day, and the nearby shops and restaurants offer easy breaks between laps. The facility’s Zamboni resurfaces the ice periodically, keeping conditions smooth.
Staff encourage skaters to embrace the atmosphere, whether they are practicing spins or simply taking slow loops around the rink. With no time limits and a welcoming setup for beginners, the rink aims to make skating accessible to a wide range of visitors, especially those seeking a lower-key winter experience.
Visit resortcentericerink.com for more information.
