Winter Adventures in Ogden:
Outdoor and Indoor Thrills
By feature writer Darren Nelson for My Local Utah
Nestled at the northern edge of the Wasatch Range, the Ogden community is a paradise for mountain enthusiasts and a quintessential winter wonderland. From adrenaline-pumping slopes to cozy indoor escapes, Ogden delivers diverse activities for all. Here’s your guide to maximizing the season.
Outdoor Excitement
Skiing: Downhill and Cross-Country
Ogden’s eastern mountains are famed for their fluffy powder. Top resorts like Nordic Valley, Powder Mountain, and Snowbasin offer premier experiences.
Nordic Valley shines with night skiing, ski lessons, and a welcoming family vibe. Powder Mountain, America’s largest by skiable acres, features short lines, varied terrain, and epic vistas. Snowbasin, host of the 2002 Winter Olympics’ Super-G, suits all skill levels for skiing and snowboarding.
For Nordic skiing fans, Ogden Valley boasts top trails. North Fork Park offers over 20 km of groomed paths at the Wasatch base. Snowbasin provides tracks for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking.
Snowshoeing
Explore winter trails on snowshoes in Ogden Valley. Wheeler Creek Trail’s 4.5-mile loop to Ice Box Canyon winds through pine-aspen forests along the creek, delivering stunning snowy views. Green Pond Trail near Snowbasin offers serene valley panoramas without the crowds.
Ice Skating
Family-friendly ice skating abounds. The Weber County Ice Sheet south of downtown provides open sessions with rentals for hockey, figure, and casual skating.
For outdoor magic, Pineview Reservoir east of Ogden freezes into a vast rink against the Wasatch backdrop—ideal for unforgettable glides.
Downtown Outdoors
Bundle up for downtown Ogden’s winter vibe on Historic 25th Street, with walkable shops, galleries, museums, and eateries like Stella’s Italian Restaurant, La Ferrovia, and The Angry Goat. Add a thrill with guided ghost tours uncovering the street’s haunted past.
Holiday magic unfolds at Ogden City’s Christmas Village (Thanksgiving to New Year’s) on 25th Street and Washington Boulevard, featuring lights, a Santa Run, parade, and fireworks—perfect for dates or family outings.
Indoor Escapes
When cold snaps hit, Ogden’s indoor spots keep the fun flowing.
Interactive Adventures
The Salomon Center downtown, lauded by Men’s Journal as a top adventure hub, packs thrills like rock climbing, wave surfing, indoor skydiving, plus Skinny Dogz for bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and more.
Next door, Treehouse Children’s Museum delights with interactive exhibits, workshops, and its signature indoor treehouse—great for kids and adults alike.
For pulse-racing puzzles, try escape rooms like The Great Escape Room or Time Trap, where teams solve clues to break free in themed challenges. Axe throwing at Social Axe Throwing on Lincoln Avenue offers competitive fun with food and drinks for groups or dates. Rage it out at Smash It Rage Room for a similar adrenaline rush.
Roller skating fans hit Neptune Skating Center on Washington Boulevard for open sessions and themed events.
Art and Museums
Union Station—a beautifully preserved 1920s rail depot anchoring the west end of 25th Street, is home to four unique museums: the Utah State Railroad Museum, the Natural History
Museum, the Browning Firearms Museum, and the Browning-Kimball Car Museum. Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine at Yu’s Maple Garden, located inside the historic train depot. Offering warmth from the winter chill, Union Station delivers a memorable blend of history, learning, and fun for visitors of all ages.
The Eccles Community Art Center, in a striking sandstone building, hosts year-round exhibitions and events. Honor veterans through the Major Brent Taylor Foundation, supporting service members with community initiatives—visit majorbrenttaylor.com.
Live Theatre
Catch professional shows at Ziegfeld Theater, from classics like Annie to fresh hits like Elf. Peery’s Egyptian Theatre, a restored 1924 movie palace, stages theater, dance, symphonies, and films in Egyptian-inspired grandeur. Weber State University’s Theatre Department performs everything from Shakespeare to experimental works. Onstage Ogden connects you to ballet, orchestras, modern dance, and more—check schedules for tickets.
Dining and More
For a classic dinner-and-a-movie night, Ogden has you covered. Start with a meal at one of the many restaurants along Historic 25th Street, or savor steak and chops at local favorites like Timbermine Steakhouse or the Prairie Schooner Steakhouse. Then catch a film at the Megaplex Theatres at The Junction. Nearby spots such as Señorá Grill and Juan Pablo’s Mexican Grill also offer delicious options to round out your evening.
For romantic getaways, unwind at The Alaska Inn and Spa, a secluded yet accessible canyon resort. Shop holiday décor at Rainbow Gardens for festive keepsakes.
For indoor or outdoor adventure, Ogden’s winter mix ensures endless enjoyment. Grab your gear and dive in!
Learn more about what is going on in Ogden
Watch or listen to “The Ogden Way” Podcast with the Ogden City Mayor. Click here for Podcast links.
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