12 Things We’d Undeniably Miss About Utah’s Winter If We Moved Away

In case you haven't noticed, winter has arrived in Utah. The inversion has been in full force this week, and the temperatures in much of the state are pretty frigid. While we're not looking forward to the hazy air and the black ice, it's a good time to be thankful for the many wonderful things that winter in Utah brings — things we'd definitely miss if we moved away.

1. How could we go without views like this at Bryce Canyon National Park?

Bryce is always beautiful, but put a dusting of snow on it and it's outright stunning.

2. We can't imagine a winter without visiting the elk at Hardware Ranch.

Every year, hundreds of elk make the ranch home for a few months. You can get up close to them when you take a sleigh ride right through the herd.

3. Utah's neighborhoods look so warm and inviting at dusk, when every house is aglow with lights.

This is home, plain and simple.

4. Utah's national parks are less crowded...

Sure, they're great to visit during the summer... if you don't mind thousands of tourists. Visit during the winter and you'll find that the parks are a little less crowded (and those who are there tend to be fellow Utahns).

5. ...and even Zion National Park gets a bit of snow.

Zion is gorgeous in the winter.

6. We'd hate to miss Utah's greatest natural resource — powdery Utah snow!

If you ski or board, Utah is heaven on earth.

7. Sure, other states have skiing... but do they have scenic resorts like this?

We've heard that some resorts in other places are pretty, but c'mon — they can't compete with our powder and our views.

8. The bald eagles at Farmington Bay are a majestic sight to take in every winter.

Hundreds of bald eagles show up in Farmington Bay every year around November and hang out until mid-March.

9. Hiking and snowshoeing through Utah's wilderness is truly magical.

Utah has hundreds of trails that are perfect for winter hiking or snowshoeing, and it's a winter wonderland out there in the snow.

10. Midway's Ice Castles are a Utah tradition.

Winter without a visit to the Midway Ice Castles just isn't winter.

11. A winter sunrise is Utah is unlike any other.

This one was taken at the Great Salt Lake.

12. The sunsets are pretty spectacular, too.

When you've spent the day in Utah's snowy outdoors, a sunset like this is the perfect way to wrap up your day.

What's your favorite part of Utah's winter?

If you're ready to embrace Utah's winter, take a trip to this little town that's the perfect spot for a winter getaway.