Cross-Country Skiing & Trail Tubing: Winter Playgrounds Minutes from Zermatt

Craving winter fun beyond the chairlifts? Cross-country skiing & trail tubing deliver big thrills with zero fuss—and both are just minutes from Zermatt Utah Resort & Spa in Midway. Glide along groomed Nordic trails, race friends down epic tubing lanes, then head back to the resort to warm up, refuel, and relax. This guide shows you exactly where to go, how to gear up, and why Zermatt makes the perfect home base for your cold‑weather adventures.

Why Midway Is Your Low-Stress Winter Basecamp

Midway sits in the heart of Heber Valley with fast access to world-class snow and inviting small-town charm. You’re close to Nordic trails and tubing hills, plus downhill options like Park City Mountain, Deer Valley, and Sundance. Stay at Zermatt Utah to keep logistics easy: on-property ski rentals mean you can gear up quickly, and you’re minutes from cross-country skiing and winter tubing.

Where to Go: Cross-Country Skiing

Soldier Hollow Nordic Center

A legacy venue from the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Soldier Hollow in Midway offers miles of groomed terrain for classic cross-country skiing, skate-skiing, and snowshoeing. It’s a polished Nordic experience with an extensive trail system, scenic vistas, and a welcoming atmosphere for beginners and seasoned skiers alike.

• Extensive groomed trails for classic and skate-skiing
• Snowshoe-friendly routes
• Nordic infrastructure shaped by Olympic heritage

Try a Biathlon Experience

Soldier Hollow features a public biathlon course and a state-of-the-art shooting range. With help from professional staff, you can learn to shoot precision rifles and experience the sport where endurance meets focus.

What to expect on the trails (quick primer)

• Classic vs. skate-ski: Classic follows parallel tracks; skate-ski uses a side-to-side motion on groomed corduroy. Both are excellent cardio and low-impact on joints.
• Pacing matters: Start easy, especially at higher elevation. Warm up, find your rhythm, and layer to manage body temperature.

Where to Go: Trail Tubing

Soldier Hollow Snow Tubing

Soldier Hollow is home to some of the most exciting tubing in Utah, including the most extended snow tubing lanes in the state. After dark, lights and music turn the hill into a glowing, family-friendly party on snow. Sessions are structured for maximum fun and safety, and passes run roughly $40 per person for a two-hour window.

• Long, fast lanes with a consistent pitch
• Night tubing with lights and music
• Two-hour sessions; passes about $40 per person

Pro tip: Book your preferred session early on peak days and bundle up—tubing is a sit-down sport, so you’ll feel the chill more than when you’re striding on skis.

Gear & Rentals Made Easy

On-Property Rentals at Zermatt

You can rent ski and snowboard equipment right at Zermatt Resort, so you’re geared up fast for nearby slopes and cross-country trails. That convenience is clutch for morning starts and quick après returns.

What to Wear and Bring

• Layer smart: moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer, wind/water-resistant shell
• Warm accessories: hat or headband, neck gaiter, insulated gloves
• Socks: one pair of ski-specific socks (avoid cotton)
• Eyewear: sunglasses or low-light goggles for flat-light days
• Hydration & snacks: small, easy-to-eat fuel keeps energy steady

Warm Up and Wind Down at Zermatt Utah

A great winter day is bookended by comfort. Back at Zermatt, you can:

• Soak in the indoor/outdoor pools and hot tubs
• Recover at The Spa with massages and enhancements like Aromatherapy or a Scalp Treatment; signature body care includes the Bernese Honey Body Scrub and the Mineralizing Body Wrap
• Refuel at Z’s Restaurant—classic American steakhouse fare with alpine-inspired twists; vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free preparations available on request
• Grab-and-go at The Bakery with pastries and Starbucks coffee
• Unwind in The Lobby Lounge, an adults-only space with cocktails and live music
• Restore mobility with Yoga with Ned (Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:00 a.m., Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.); complimentary for Spa Wellness Members and overnight resort guests, $15 for non-resort guests with advance booking required

Quick Answers (Featured-Snippet Ready)

Is cross-country skiing and tubing available minutes from the resort?

Yes. Minutes from the property you’ll find groomed cross-country ski trails and winter tubing hills.

Where can I go snow tubing and what does it cost?

Soldier Hollow offers two-hour snow-tubing sessions with passes costing roughly $40 per person.

Can I rent ski or snowboard gear at Zermatt?

Yes. The resort provides convenient on-property ski rentals so you can gear up quickly for nearby slopes and cross-country trails.

Can beginners try biathlon near Zermatt?

Yes. Soldier Hollow has a public biathlon course where you can learn to shoot precision rifles with help from professional staff.

Bonus Winter Fun Nearby

• Midway Ice Arena: an outdoor, family-friendly ice skating arena with skate rentals, open November through March
• Midway Ice Castles (every February): stroll through LED-lit frozen sculptures, slides, and caverns built by professional ice artists

Practical Planning Tips

1. Reserve popular activities: Tubing sessions and special experiences like biathlon can fill quickly on weekends and holidays.
2. Aim for earlier start times: Morning snow is often firmer and less trafficked—great for classic or skate technique.
3. Dress for exertion and pauses: Cross-country skiing heats you up; tubing cools you down. Versatile layers help you stay comfortable.
4. Mind the weather window: Storms bring fresh snow but also changing visibility. Check the forecast and road conditions before you go.
5. Recover like a pro: Alternate hot tub soaks with gentle stretching or a yoga class to keep legs fresh for day two.

Why Zermatt Is the Perfect Winter Base

• Location: Minutes to Nordic trails and tubing, with downhill resorts nearby
• Convenience: On-property rentals streamline your start and finish
• Comfort: Pools, hot tubs, spa services, and on-site dining keep you cozy and well-fed
• Variety: From cross-country skiing & trail tubing to ice skating and the Ice Castles, you can build a winter weekend everyone will love

Conclusion

Cross-country skiing & trail tubing near Zermatt make winter adventure effortless: glide, slide, and smile your way through Midway’s snow, then return to a resort built for warm-ups and wind-downs. Ready to make your winter weekend happen?

Book your stay at Zermatt Utah Resort & Spa, reserve your gear on-property, and plan your Soldier Hollow sessions now. Then meet us by the hot tubs for the perfect après finish.