Once a ski bum finds out you haven’t skied, they might react like the following: “You live in Utah and you’ve never skied before!!?” or “How do you enjoy the winter without enjoying the snow?” I am one such individual that has asked these questions. Although I am saddened by the reality that not everyone carves down the mountain after some fresh powder or glides through the puffy white powder clouds after a good snow, I have found an alternative with no valid excuse to pass it up: snowshoeing. I understand that it is not practical to “just try” skiing or snowboarding once. There are rentals you have to find, the right resort to choose, you have to buy a day pass that is very expensive, and you must have the willingness to look like a fool on the bunny hill with little kids that have the same or better technique… This may be hard once you are an adult, so there is a temporary alternative that can take its place until the means and courage to ski have been gathered. I am still a keen believer that the effort, saving up, and gear is worth it when you are going down the mountain, but I understand not everyone thinks that way. (This doesn’t mean I don’t think people living in Utah should try what many travel across the world to experience, but that will hopefully come with time.)
In the meantime, snowshoeing is another option that allows people living in or visiting Utah to enjoy these cold and snowy months. Even if you don’t own snowshoes, you can enjoy the trails and views in just boots. It is worth the cold and doesn’t cost a dime if you just have boots that are good in the snow. Wearing spikes or tennis rackets on your boots are optional, but not all trails require them. If you feel the desire or need to gear up with snowshoes, chances are your neighbors or even friends’ neighbors own some that are probably on a shelf in the garage waiting to be strapped on.
I have a few suggestions in or near Salt Lake that are worth the view:
1. If you are willing to strap a sled on your back or pull it up the trail, Pine Hollow in American Fork Canyon is an easy trail that is sleddable after hiking as far as you choose. It is worth packing a sled up any wide trail in order to enjoy the reward even more!
2. Donut Falls is great with and without snow! It’s actually easier to traverse with snow on the trail before you get to the actual “donut” because the snow binds all of the rocks together. Otherwise, you end up bouncing from one rock to the next trying to balance on one leg.
3. Little Mountain is a dog friendly trail that has a great view of Emigration Canyon and is easily accessible.
4. Bells Canyon is near Little Cottonwood Canyon, and the Lower Falls provides a great place to stomp through the snow.
5. If you are looking for a longer outing, Scott Hill in Big Cottonwood Canyon is a great option, partly because of how beautiful Big Cottonwood Canyon is to start out.
It is going to take more than one time going down the slopes to enjoy them; just like anything else that is worth the reward, it will take time and practice. But it only takes one time to enjoy a pretty view after hiking through the snow. As long as your body is moving, your body will forget that it’s winter and you might even need to take off some layers as you travel further into the mountains. If you are not a skier and are waiting for the snow to pass, go outside and get in the snow… It’s better when you’re in it!