If you're experienced and in good physical shape, you can take daylong tours through the backcountry of the Cottonwood Canyons of the Wasatch. Beginners can also find many suitable cross-country and snowshoe tours in the canyons. Every summer hiking trail become a cross-country or snowshoeing trail in the winter. See the Parks and Recreation chapter on information about some of these trails. Skiers and snowshoers should always check weather and avalanches conditions before setting out.
Weather conditions can change dramatically in a short time.
If you prefer a resort atmosphere and groomed trails to the backcounty, you can find a number of excellent cross-country runs, many of which are described in the following entries. You'll find this favorite winter haunt of Salt Lake on Interstate 80 about 15 miles east of Salt Lake. Between 5 and 10 kilometers of groomed track are available for cross-country skiers. Most of the terrain is gentle, rolling hills. The course is maintained by the Utah Nordic Alliance, which relies on donations to fund the project.