The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is quickly approaching. The kids are starting to beg for toys, holiday to-do lists are growing by the hour and a few neighbors are turning on their Christmas lights already. All of this combined with the cool temperatures can mean only one thing…it’s time to start enjoying winter in Utah!
Utah is home to a wide variety of outdoor winter recreation actives. People travel from all over the world to experience the holidays in the Rocky Mountains.
Winter activities in Utah provide endless family fun and adventure that can be combined with simple solitude and relaxation.
If you open the latest Pottery Barn magazine, you will see page after page of vintage toys wrapped in plaid paper, simple stockings, wooden sleds, and families relaxing in front of the fire playing old fashioned games.
Scenes like this do not only happen in magazines.... they happen in Northern Utah! The holidays don’t have to be bombarded with toys made in China and non-stop chaos. Take a step back and enjoy the holidays in Utah as if you are a traveler experiencing Utah for the first time.
Travelers usually take a lot of pictures while they are exploring. I highly suggest having this same mindset through the holiday season. Take a few extra pictures of your family members as they are having fun and don’t just post them on Facebook or Instagram. I recommend using your pictures to create a hardback photo book or a yearly calendar to give as a gift to each of your family members on Christmas morning. I like to use The Imaging Depot on 25th street or online companies such as shutterfly.com to create hardback photo books and calendars.
A few simple tricks to taking better pictures are to style your family members using texture, color and patterns. Don’t tell your kids to, “Say Cheese” tell a funny joke or make a funny face at them as you snap the picture. Try to capture the simple moments, such as baking cookies or wrapping presents. Take pictures from different angles. De-clutter the scene by removing extra toys, garbage, dirty dishes from the scene before taking the shot. If you want to learn more, you can check out more photography tips and tricks at www.kamillemarshall.com.
The “greatest snow on earth” is not just for boarders and skiers. Utah offers incredible snow shoeing, cross country skiing and sledding. Here are a few of my favorite resources to help create you create your families Rocky Mountain Christmas experience.
Weber Pathways is a non-profit organization in Weber County dedicated to trails and pathways for cross country skiers, snow shoers and other non-motorized trail users. www.weberpathways.org
Hardware Ranch Elk Festival, will be held December 14th, 2013 at 10am - 2pm. Sleigh rides and free kids activities will be offered. www.wildlife.utah.gov/hardwareranch/
Ice skating:
Weber County Ice Sheet 801-7778-6360 www.co.weber.ut.us/icesheet/
Huntsville outdoor ice rink is located at 300 S 7400 E Huntsville. Don’t forget to bring hot chocolate! http://huntsvilletown.com/park-ice-rink.html
Heber Valley Rail Road North Pole Express starts November 29th - 30th and runs through December. Your family can experience the beauty of Utah while relaxing on the Heber Valley train. www.hebervalleyrr.org
Hit the slopes at any of the ski resorts throughout Utah. www.skiutah.com
Take a family road trip and cut down a Christmas tree. Cutting a Christmas tree in a national forest is a family tradition for many residents of Utah. Weather conditions in the mountains are unpredictable, so always be prepared for winter weather. Stay on designated roads and trails. Be prepared for slick, snow packed roads by having chains, a 4-wheel drive vehicle, or a snow machine available. Let someone know where you are planning to go and approximate time you will return. Carry a cell phone; bring additional warm clothing, good warm gloves, boots, and a container of hot liquid, water, lunch or snacks, as it may take longer than expected. Don’t forget to carry a flashlight with extra batteries, chains, a shovel, first aid kit, matches, a hatchet, ax or handsaw, and rope to secure your tree.
UINTA-WASATCH-CACHE NATIONAL FORESTS: (801) 999-2103 http://fs.usda.gov/uwcnf
Heber-Kamas Ranger District: (435) 654-0470 and (435) 783-4338 Soldier Hollow Lodge, located at 2002 Olympic Drive, in Midway, Utah.
Evanston/Mt. View Ranger Districts: (307) 789-3194 and (307) 782-6555 - Permits can be purchased at the Evanston Ranger District Office, 1565 South Highway 150, Suite A, Evanston, Wyoming
For information pertaining to Christmas tree cutting on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas contact the BLM State Office at (801) 539-4001 or the BLM Salt Lake District (801) 977-4300. For information pertaining to tree cutting on Utah State Lands call (801)538-7302.
Don’t forget to shop locally for your loved ones this holiday season. I highly suggest shopping Downtown Ogden 25th Street. My favorite’s shops include Olive & Dahlia, The Queen Bee and Ume. I love the charm of being greeted by the shop owners as they help me find the perfect gift for my friends and family.
Simplicity is one of the most charming aspects of a traditional Rocky Mountain Christmas. This year is all about old fashioned toys, ski school and spending time together as a family.
Every year I say, “I really shouldn’t buy as many toys” and “why. But, for whatever reason, it doesn’t end up happening. Does this sound familiar?!
All images by - Kamille Marshall
1st image -Set aside a night to play vintage games this holiday season.
2nd image - Cut down a Christmas tree as a family.
3rd image - Get inspired by Pottery Barn and wrap Christmas gifts with simple touches from the Rocky Mountains. Plaid wrapping paper can be found at Hallmark in Harrisville. You kids will have a blast collecting twigs and pinecones to use instead of ribbon and bows.
4th image - Apple Cider and Mulling Spices from William Sonoma located at Trolly Square add an incredible aroma to your home for the holiday season.
5th image - Always keep your camera handy and get outdoors this holiday season. You never know what you will run into!
