Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and there is love hanging on the snow flurries in the winter air. Ski season is in full swing, so why not consider spending the special day with your partner out on the slopes? If your loved one is an outdoor enthusiast, it’s likely they find traditional fancy dinners and expensive jewelry overrated anyway. Going skiing is a great excuse to get outside and exercise — a much healthier overall decision, especially post-holiday season hibernation.
Looking for some inspiration?
UtahSkis has you covered. We’ve compiled some ski trip ideas to suit couples of varying experience levels, budget ranges, and those wanting to combine their trip with other romantic activities, too.
Pairing in Park City: For Less Experienced Couples
If you and your partner are interested in skiing but don’t have a lot of experience, think about booking private ski lessons for the two of you.
Park City, Utah is a great option to consider as it’s known as one of Utah’s most beginner-friendly ski resorts. Seventeen percent of its 348 ski runs are designed specifically for beginner skiers and the resort has a wide range of lesson offerings. Choose between a half or a full day of lessons and hone your skills while exploring some of the best terrain Utah has to offer.
Meal Under Moonlight: For Couples Who Like to Ski and Dine
Looking for a romantic skiing and dining combo experience? Copper Mountain features a Valentine’s Day
Moonlight Ski and Dine occasion where you can partake in exactly that. The package includes an hour of skiing followed by a gourmet meal mid-mountain at Solitude Station. After dinner, you can continue skiing under the stars or head back down to Center Village. The only caveat? You and your loved one must be intermediate skiers or boarders and comfortable on the slopes after dark.
Ski and Soak: For Luxury Lovers
If you want to plan a ski trip punctuated with bucket-list worthy relaxation, consider heading to Lava Hot Springs. Located just two hours north of Salt Lake City, it’s the ideal way to combine a day of skiing and soaking your sore muscles in a hot pool afterwards. Lava Hot Springs is near enough to many of northern Utah’s popular ski resorts and boasts its own local resort, Pebble Creek, as well.
Pebble Creek may be tinier than Utah’s offerings, but its steep terrain makes the visit worth considering.
Ski in Solitude: For Intimate Couples
If you’re hoping for a bit more romance and less dense crowds, plan a trip to ski at Solitude, one of Utah’s smaller — but world-class — ski destinations. If you’re an experienced couple, check out the runs in Honeycomb Canyon for some adrenaline-pumping fun. Don’t miss hitting up Challenger — the steepest groomed run in all of the state. For dining options, you can try Little Dollies Waffles at the Moonbeam Center or enjoy the exquisite vistas of Big Cottonwood Canyon over a bowl of belly-warming Roundhouse curry.
The Gift of Gear: For Any and All Couples
If a ski trip simply isn’t on your radar this year due to budget constraints, lack time, an injury, or any other reason, giving your loved one the gift of new ski gear may be the next best thing. Take a subtle peak through their gear closet to check out what they might be needing. Whether it’s as big of an investment as a new pair of ski boots or as meaningful as replacing their favorite worn out beanie, your snow sports lover is sure to appreciate the thoughtful gesture and new gear.
