Bradley began mountaineering guiding on Denali and has been with UMA since 1994. He supervises a host of world-class ice climbing guides. These friendly guides provide beginners with a solid foundation and plenty of fun. “In a UMA class, a ‘rookie’ ice climber can follow a guide up or top-rope an ice formation and have fun becoming a novice ice climber,” says Bradley.

You don’t need to be seasoned in mountaineering to have a good time. Ice climbing requires an average level of strength and fitness. “Any experience hiking, scrambling or climbing in the mountains is helpful,” Bradley says. “Technical skills can all be taught in the first hour or two of our ice climbing day.”

Groups can also benefit from UMA’s Multi-Day Ice Camp—a two-day progression of ice climbing skills and techniques. UMA also offers private guided trips or classes in backcountry skiing, avalanche safety, rock climbing and mountaineering.

“This is a sport kids and adults alike can do and have a great time with,” says Parra. Curling classes are taught by Utah Olympic Oval–certified instructors, and follow lesson plans and skill development established by USA Curling. Parra emphasizes that you shouldn’t be worried about if you’ll be unsteady on the ice, because the ice is pebbled—treated with hot water—and it’s easy to walk across, even for older folks. “I get calls asking if grandparents will have a good time, and anyone who’s able to be out and about can learn.”

One of the many surprises in store for people who learn to curl is how special the curling stones are: “The stones we have are from the Olympics and made from a single block of stone on an island in Scotland. Each stone weighs 42 lbs,” says Parra. A unique experience that’s perfect for date nights, corporate events or family get-togethers, the Olympic Oval’s classes give a good foundation in fundamentals like proper delivery of the curling stone, how to sweep, stabilizing your body on the ice and game strategies. 

If you’re going out for a ride, you also don’t need much equipment—just snowboard or ski boots to keep your feet warm. The typical ski biking day sees the group meet at the chosen resort, either Park City or Brighton, and most won’t want to quit. Marriott also says that advanced ski bikers can do black-diamond runs or small jumps. With some of the mechanics and the social setting of the ski resort proper, this is a great sport for someone who might not be comfortable with the physical excursion of skiing/snowboarding but who still wants to spend time with other friends or family on the slopes.

“Snowshoeing is a great choice for many visitors at Snowbird. Skiers and riders might want to take a day off skiing but still want to get out in the mountains and enjoy the views of Little Cottonwood Canyon,” says Nick Nason, Operations Manager of Snowbird Mountain Guides. “For non-skiers and riders, snowshoeing also provides an opportunity to get out in the mountains, regardless of ability on the slopes.”

In these two-hour guided tours, the resort’s seasoned guides inform participants about the mountain’s human history, natural features, the flora and the fauna. If you’ve never snowshoed, don’t worry about the equipment: Gone are the days of the tennis racket–esque, wicker snowshoes. Snowshoes today are made of lightweight materials. All you need to bring are high-top mountain boots and warm, layered clothing. Once you make a booking, the guide will take into account the desires of the group to create a unique excursion you will never forget.