Soldier Hollow Boasts Olympic Quality Fun Minutes From Salt Lake City
The evening sky blazed pink and orange, bathing Heber Valley and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains in a rosy glow. From the top of the slope, tubers line up on the longest tubing lanes in Utah while, in the distance, the lights of Midway wink to life.
Twelve hundred feet below, at the base of the slope, cheers erupt as the latest group of tethered tubes slid to a not-so-graceful stop in a snowy mass of mittens, beanies, and giggles. (If you follow along on Instagram, Snapchat, or Facebook (which you are, right?) then you likely saw my Olympic-worthy dismount!)
Soldier Hollow Nordic Center
While in Salt Lake City I asked some locals where the best place to play in the snow was. Since I’m from Louisiana with absolutely so experience snow skiing, I wanted something that took little gear and even less skill. the resounding answer? Tubing at Soldier Hollow.
The most scenic venue of the Utah Olympic Legacy locations, Soldier Hollow Nordic Center offers so much more than snow-tubing. Built to host the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Soldier Hollow’s world-class facilities hosted the Biathlon and Cross Country Skiing events.
It remains not only an Olympic Training Center but also offers cross-country skiing trails for all levels, winter tubing, as well as hosting the Biathlon National Championship races.
But you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to enjoy the slopes of Soldier Hollow.
You don’t even need to be particularly robust!
And unlike skiing, there’s no need for lessons or special gear to rent or buy. Warm winter clothes and a sense of adventure are all that is required to bask in the unadulterated joy of flying down a snow-covered mountainside.
You don’t even have to climb to the top of said mountainside thanks to the conveyor lift delivering a steady stream of eager tubers 1,200 feet to the summit of the hill.
Getting to Soldier Hollow
Like the saying goes, getting there is half the fun. The 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City east to the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center (1370 West Soldier Hollow Lane Midway, Utah) brings you through the gorgeous Wasatch Mountain State Park and into post-card worthy town of Midway.
Against the backdrop of rugged, snowy mountains see historic landmarks such as Heber Valley’s Tate Barn, roaming herds of Jersey cows, and countless horse ranches.
Reserving Tube Times Online
It’s imperative to check snow conditions and availability on their website before arriving at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, especially since snow tubing is seasonal.
Reservations are available for two-hour time slots and tickets are limited to guarantee short lines and maximum runs.
Personally, I recommend the last time slot to take advantage of the stellar Wasatch sunsets and the novelty of tubing under the stars.
Soldier Hollow Hours and Ticket Prices:
During the winter season, the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center opens for tubing Monday thru Friday from noon – 8 pm, 10 am – 8 pm on Saturday, and noon to 4 pm on Sunday. Tickets cost $24 for adults (13+). $22 for 6-12 years, and $12 for 3-5 years. SHNC is proud to offer military discounts.
As always, follow along on social media to be part of the adventure!
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Olympic Quality Fun while Snow Tubing at Soldier Hollow
