With winter in full swing, many students stick to the comfort of their own apartments, not daring to explore the bitter tundra of Cedar City. Though it may be difficult to leave your blanket burrito and newest binge-watching series, what often proves more frustrating in the winter is not knowing exactly what to do.
To make that easier- here are the top five, winter activities near campus that you might be missing out on and everything you need to know before going:
SNOWSHOEING
The winter can completely alter the appearance of the outdoors, so snowshoeing allows adventurers to experience their favorite places with completely new eyes.
Gear Needed: Snow clothes, snowshoes, hiking poles (optional)
Prices: Cedar Sports snowshoes- $8/day
SUU Outdoors snowshoes- $10/day (students receive 25% off rental prices)
Where to Go: Cedar Breaks National Monument/ Brian Head Town/ Duck Creek/ Bryce Canyon
Never Been Before? Don’t Worry! SUU Outdoors will be hosting snowshoeing trips on Feb. 19, March 21 and April 19. Sign ups open two weeks before the date. Visit SUU Outdoor Base Camp for more details.
Adventure Tips: Snowshoe tracks can damage ski trails, so be sure to follow the designated signs.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Similar to snowshoeing, XC skiing provides the chance to explore the snow-capped mountains of southern Utah with a new perspective.
Gear Needed: Snow clothes, XC skis and poles
Prices: Cedar Sports XC package- $18/day
Where to Go: Cedar Breaks National Monument/ Brian Head Town/ Duck Creek/ Bryce Canyon
Never Been Before? Don’t Worry! SUU Outdoors will be hosting XC skiing adventures on Feb. 2 and Feb. 23-24. Sign ups open two weeks before the date. Visit SUU Outdoor Base Camp for more details.
Adventure Tips: Remember to look at the weather forecast. No one wants to carry heavy gear in the middle of a snow storm.
TUBING/SLEDDING
If trekking through the snow doesn’t interest you, it is never a bad idea to get a group of friends to experience nature’s slip n’ slide.
Gear Needed: Snow clothes, tubes or sleds, helmet (recommended)
Prices: SUU Outdoors Inflatable sled- $10/day (students receive 25% off rental prices)
Cedar Sports hard sled- $10/day
Brian Head tubing park -$20/day (includes tube)
Eagle Point tubing hill- $15/day (includes tube)
Where to Go: Brian Head Village/ Eagle Point Resort/ Three Peaks/ Woods Ranch
Never Been Before? Don’t Worry! If you visit a ski resort like Brian Head or Eagle Point, staff workers are always nearby to help out.
Adventure Tips: Wear thick layers and some protective gear. Even though flying off the sled is fun, the impact might not be.
ICE SKATING
Ice skating is one of the most beloved winter activities for students, and Cedar City is the proud home to the only ice rink in southern Utah.
Gear Needed: Warm clothing, long socks, figure or hockey skates
Prices: The Glacier entrance fee- $5/session
The Glacier skate rental- $2 (choice of hockey or figure skates)
Where to Go: The Glacier Ice Rink is located at 2090 W Royal Hunte Dr., behind the Cedar City Aquatic Center.
Never Been Before? Don’t Worry! The rink has assisted walkers or you can sign up for weekly lessons online.
Adventure Tips: Dress warm. The rink is outdoors so when the sun sets you might regret leaving your beanie and gloves at home.
SNOWBOARDING/SKIING
Utah is home to some of the best slopes in the U.S. so both skiing and snowboarding are always a great way to spend a Saturday.
Gear Needed: Snow clothes, helmet, goggles, boots, snowboard or skis and poles
Prices: SUU Outdoors snowboard package- $20/day (students receive 25% off rental prices)
Cedar Sports snowboard or ski package- $20/day
Brian Head snowboard or ski package- $35/day
Eagle Point ski package- $37/day
Brian Head entrance fee- $42/weekdays, $59/weekends
Eagle Point entrance fee (skiing only)- $35-$60/day
Where to Go: Brian Head Resort/ Eagle Point Resort
Never Been Before? Don’t Worry! SUU Outdoors will be hosting Brian Head trips on Feb. 16, March 2 and April 6. Sign ups open two weeks before the date. Visit SUU Outdoor Base Camp for more details.
Adventure Tips: Be aware of your surroundings. The slopes can be busy so make sure you are considerate of those around you to avoid injury.
Story By: Ansleigh Mikesell
outdoors@suunews.net
Photo By: Mitchell Quartz
