With treacherous roads, frost-covered windshields, and the ever-looming presence of our gloomy nemesis, the Inversion, staying positive in the midst of post-holiday winter in SLC can be a bit of struggle for some. Whether you’re looking to cheer up, warm up, or fill up (with good food or vibes), we happen to have you covered, from dawn to dusk…
1. Set…hike! For all the things we love about this city in winter, there is one looming downside: Inversion. It gets even the most chipper of us down this time of year, and we’ve found one of the best ways to get out of the mid-winter funk is to literally get up and out of it. We’re surrounded by beautiful mountains, and while they’re currently blanketed in snow, you’d be wise to take advantage of ‘em. The charm of a winter hike is the silence—the snow dampens the world around you and transports you to a very blissful, very private, very clean-aired space. Be prepared with layers and good shoes (and perhaps a thermos of something good), and let mama nature do the rest. $0, Mon-Sun, open 24 hours
2. Put it on ice: With its mid-downtown location, the Gallivan Center ice skating rink is sort of the ultimate in dreamy, winter, metropolitan experiences. Whether you’re headed there with friends, fam, a date, or solo, the lights, energy, and brisk seasonal air are sure have you feeling like a kid again. Once you get past the initial Bambi-esque struggle for the center of the ice, finding your rhythm and floating away on a sheet of wintry joy is pretty easy. $9 for Adults $8 for kids, Mon. - Thur. 4:00p - 9:00p, Fri. - Sat. 12:00p - 12:00a, Sun. 12:00p - 7:00p
3. Apply heat: Taking a dip in the nourishing natural mineral water of a hot spring is sure to give you the boost you need to make it through the winter (or the week, in some cases), and—luckily for Salt Lakers—we’ve got a slew of natural tubs just a zip outside of city limits. One of our favorite dippin’ spots is Crystal Hot Springs (about an hour and change north of SLC via I-15), which is home to the highest mineral count in a natural spring. In. The. Whole. World. This place is sweet all year long, but we’re particularly keen on the eerie beauty of the steam hitting the cold air in winter months. It’s perf for relaxing, but they’ve also a water slide, if you’re feeling frisky. $7 - $9, Mon. - Thurs. 12:00p - 10:00p, Fri. 12:00p - 11:00p, Sat. 10:00a - 11:00p, Sun. 10:00a - 8:00p
4. Say “Om”: For cold, vitamin-D deficient bodies, Snowbird’s Cliff Spa is a terrific spot to exercise a little overdue self-care. The rooftop deck is outfitted with a heated pool and hot tub, along with some crazy-pretty mountain views (not to mention a sauna, eucalyptus steam room, relaxation solarium, and yoga classes inside). Whether it’s dumping snow or a bluebird day, this hillside spot has got what you need to soothe both body and soul. $35, 6:00a - 10:00p daily
5. Add chocolate: Tucked away in the upper Avenues, Hatch’s Family Chocolates whips up some of the best we’ve ever tasted. And though there are literally hundreds of goodies to choose from, it’s their hot chocolate that gets our COLLECTIVE slow clap. This stuff is the ideal mix of rich and creamy, will warm you from the inside out, and serves as the perfect nightcap to any winter’s evening (pro tip: get yourself a chocolate caramel-covered pretzel for dipping. You won’t regret it). Mon. - Thurs. 11:00a - 10:00p, Fri. - Sat. 11:00a - 10:00p
