 I’m riding in a horse-drawn sleigh, moving over the snow at a leisurely pace, my wife and daughter sitting next to me. We can’t be traveling more than three miles per hour and yet the ride brings a feeling of adventure, the sleigh responding to the big horse’s lumbering movements, its blades cutting deep into the snow. This is my first experience in such a contraption and I’m enjoying it tremendously. We’re vacationing in Park City to ski Utah’s dry powder, and that activity dominates our agenda, but this sleigh ride is a surprisingly pleasant diversion. I love to ski—love the rush that comes when I’m charging down the mountain at breakneck speed. I enjoy skiing with friends or family members and I value the camaraderie that develops as we chat impatiently while waiting in the lift lines and as we shout words of encouragement before launching on our downhill flights. The rush is sweeter when shared with others. There is wonderful contrast between downhill skiing and this slow-motion sleigh ride adventure. Yet this ride also brings camaraderie; there is a great feeling of amity as we sit, bundled up and cozy in the open sleigh, talking and laughing out loud. The ride allows us to enjoy time together without distraction. Here, at three miles per hour, we have time to notice the incredible beauty of the snow-covered countryside, now glistening with amber light from the setting sun. It starts to snow, softly, even as the sun’s last rays ignite the billowy clouds overhead. The snowflakes sparkle and dance as they descend. Our route takes us through the foothills near the tiny town of Midway, on the edge of the Heber Valley. The area is known as Utah’s little Switzerland and the nearby mountains are reminiscent of the Alps. The setting is spectacular. We’ve chosen a 30-minute ride, which ends all too soon. We pause to watch as they lead the horse away, before allowing the enticing aromas of dinner to pull us toward the resort, where the merry glow of firelight radiates from the windows. Hot chocolate and a home-style meal will provide the adventure’s finale. Our mood is jovial and relaxed. We’re still chatting, still laughing. The snowfall is becoming heavier and we’re excited at the prospect of skiing fresh powder in the morning. Conditions were already good, the resort’s facilities still sporting the spit shine they received for the 2002 Winter Olympics, and now the runs will be in prime shape. Mother Nature is cooperating—substantial snowfall in October allowed the resorts to open early. This may well be Utah’s best ski season ever. But perhaps tomorrow afternoon or evening we’ll catch the sequel to this "soft" adventure. There’s a historic steam train that runs through Heber Valley and down Provo Canyon. On it there will be nothing to do but talk and watch the scenery, and nowhere to go but where the engine takes us. —Dave Webb Itinerary ideas for a mid-winter vacation Day 1 Settle into a nice condo with a fireplace. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride into the winter night. Warm up afterwards by the fire. Day 2 Ski/board one of Utah's world class resorts. Consider trying helicopter or snowcat skiing. Enjoy relaxing in an outdoor hot tub so you won't be stiff in the morning. Day 3 Ski/board one of Utah's world class resorts. Enjoy relaxing in an outdoor hot tub or a massage at the resort’s spa. Consider spending the night in a backcountry yert. Day 4 Take a break from skiing. Try a half-day snowmobile ride or tour Utah’s Olympic venues. In the afternoon or evening drive to Salt Lake City to see the thousands of Christmas lights on historic Temple Square, or experience the "Polar Express" adventure ride on the Heber Valley Railroad, where Chris Van Allsburg's best-selling story comes to life.
Day 6 Check out of the condo. Spend what time you can exploring Salt Lake City before catching your flight home.
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Day 5
Ski/board one of Utah's world class resorts. Relax in an outdoor hot tub so you won't be stiff in the morning. Take in a concert or theatre production.
