By Heather Madsen
While constant snowfall might make your morning commute a little more aggravating, it does wonders for our ski resorts. Since we’ve gotten so much snow in the past few weeks, some ski resorts are opening a week early! If you’re an avid skier or someone who is curious but never tried it, now is a great time to go. Especially since this Friday, December 16th is Free Ski Day at Soldier Hollow!
Soldier Hollow is open every day from 8:30am to 4:30pm, and this Friday all open trails and gear rentals are free! Skis, boots, and poles in all sizes will be available on a first-come first-served basis. The rental office is located in the Nordic Center and it opens at 8:00am. You can’t reserve gear ahead of time on Free Ski Day, so we recommend getting in line early to make sure you get a rental, or coming by around noon when morning skiers are typically returning their gear.
If cross country skiing isn’t your thing, or if you have children that are too young to go on a longer trek across the snow, Soldier Hollow is also opening its tubing lanes this Saturday, December 17th. They have seven lanes, tons of tubes that you can link together, so it makes for a great family activity. Tickets can sell out though so they recommend making reservations online when possible.
If you can’t make it up the mountain this weekend though, have no fear; Soldier Hollow is hosting two more Free Ski Days this season on January 13th and February 10th. With the sparkling fresh snow, scenic views, and abundance of wildlife, it’s really an opportunity you don’t want to miss. So try to get up there for at least one day of free cross country skiing, or all three if you’re feeling particularly adventurous!
More information can be found at utaholympiclegacy.org/soho-events/.