When a lot of places around the Heber Valley quiet down during the winter season, Soldier Hollow Nordic Center comes alive! Each winter the foothills around the resort are transformed into world-class cross-country ski trails, and one of the most popular tubing experiences in the state of Utah. According to Jennifer McColloch, senior manager over guest experiences, the 2019 Christmas season has been the busiest season on record with over 1,500 people visiting the venue per day.
Soldier Hollow Nordic Center started as an Olympic venue for the 2002 Winter Olympics. During the Olympics, the venue was one of the most popular venues hosting the cross-country skiing, biathlon and part of the Nordic combined events. People from all over the world have come to Soldier Hollow to cheer on their favorite athletes. Even just as recently as 2019, Soldier Hollow hosted the IBU International World cup in which athletes and spectators from dozens of different countries converged on the Heber Valley.
McCulloch said Soldier Hollow is known in the Nordic industry as a top facility for training and competition. Features like top-of-the-line snow making, trail grooming equipment and even the elevation all play into why athletes from newcomers to seasoned pros like coming to Heber Valley.
Winter is a magical time at the Nordic center. There is a lot to do such as tubing, snowshoeing, and of course cross-country skiing, but the center also serves as a great event venue for family parties, weddings, meetings, and more. Even with all there is to do in the winter, Soldier Hollow also offers a lot for guests year-round.
When the snow is gone, the area is great for outdoor activities such as events, mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking to name a few. Each summer Soldier Hollow hosts several events that bring thousands of visitors to the Heber Valley. Some of the most popular events are the Dirty Dash races, and the Soldier Hollow Sheepdog Classic.
Operated by the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, the team at the Soldier Hollow is dedicated to keeping the facility “competition ready.” They are always evaluating how to improve the facility to make it the best it can be. McCulloch said their team seeks public feedback to help them improve and provide more offerings to the public.
Soldier Hollow is an icon in this valley. It is a venue that helped put Heber Valley on the world map as an integral part of the Olympics. Today, it continues to draw people from all over to experience world-class cross-country skiing, and family friendly adventures like tubing. For their continued efforts to improve, invite guests to the Heber Valley, and provide a year-round outdoor experience, the Heber Valley Chamber is pleased to name Soldier Hollow Nordic Center our January 2020 Business of the month.
