Deals: Ski, Dine and Stay the Utah Valley Way

We all know there is so much to do in Utah Valley. From the great outdoors to shopping, festivals, and dining, Utah Valley really has a little bit of everything for everyone.

This season we are offering you a discount for lodging and ski tickets! When you sign up on our site here, you will receive 20% off your stay and $10 off tickets to Sundance Ski Resort. What a deal!

This offer is only available until February 28 so hurry and book your ski trip now! We'll see you on the slopes :)

Utah Valley's Top Hot Chocolate Spots

Tis the season for fires, blankets, sledding, and hot chocolate! Hot chocolate warms the soul. There's nothing like curling up on the couch to a good movie and sipping some rich and delicious hot chocolate. I've had my fair share of hot chocolate and here is my (personal) list of the best places to get hot chocolate here in the Valley.

1. Hot Lava at Sodalicious, Provo

In case you missed our post on Sodalicious earlier, you have to stop by and get a Hot Lava. This rich, thick, creamy drink won't disappoint. My taste buds were in instant heaven when this delicious drink hit my mouth. And if that isn't enough, get one of their million drink combos! You can't go wrong with a Your Mom Extra Dirty ;)

2. The Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe, Provo

The Cocoa Bean has over 10 amazing flavors to choose. You really can't go wrong with any of them. I've been there enough to list off a few of my personal favorites: white raspberry, hazelnut, vanilla, and pumpkin pie.

3. The Chocolate, Orem

If you haven't been here get yourself there stat! This place is too adorable for words. The cozy house-feel makes everything taste even better. Their gourmet hot chocolate is to die for! Choose from regular, mint, hazelnut, and spice.

4. 7-11, any location in the US

Call me crazy for adding this one, but 7-11 honestly has some of THE BEST hot chocolate I have ever had. The hot chocolate is rich and creamy and not watered down and you get to mix your own flavors! They have a new almond joy flavor which I highly recommend! You can't beat the price either, it's only $1 for the small size which is usually plenty. And that my friends is a deal!

For all of you Starbucks hot chocolate lovers, (I know you're out there) I didn't forget about you. Here is a copy-cat recipe so that you can get your Starbucks fix right at home!

Ingredients:
1/4 C. water
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 C. milk
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Garnish: whipped cream

Directions:
1. Combine the water, cocoa, and sugar in a 16-oz microwave safe pitcher, like a 2-cup glass measuring cup. Zap the mixture on high for 30 seconds, or until hot. Stir well to create the chocolate syrup.
2. Add the milk to the chocolate syrup and microwave the mixture for 1-1 1/2 minutes, or until hot.
3. Add the vanilla and pour the drink into a 16-oz mug

Makes one 16-oz (grande size) serving

Top Sledding Locations

The snow is coming down hard and you know what that means...sledding! Or tubing, snowball fights, snowmen, snow shoeing, snow angels, etc. Whatever you like doing in the snow, we have the perfect snowfall for winter activities right now. We have narrowed down our top 4 locations for all of these activities.

1. Jolley's Ranch at Hobble Creek Canyon, Springville
Located just seven miles from I-15 in Hobble Creek Canyon. You'll find nearly five miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There is a tubing and sledding hill and parking areas for snowmobilers. Ski and snowshoe equipment is available for day rental, as well as tubes for the tubing hill. There are heated restrooms and a warming shelter.
Hours are:
Monday - Tuesday: 3:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday - Sunday: 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Check our website for pricing. 

2. Rock Canyon Park, 2620 N. 1200 E., Provo
Probably one of my favorite hills, this park is free and is a longtime local favorite. Warning, it is typically pretty crowded with teenagers and college students. Families with smaller children may want a different park. 

3. Peeteetneet Academy, 10 S. 600 E., Payson
Another local favorite that draws huge crowds on weekends and holidays! 

4. Tibble Fork Reservoir, American Fork Canyon 
This area is perfect for sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Steep runs make for high speeds and intense sledding and tubing rides! 

Where are some of your favorite sledding spots?