As the winter cold sets in, a magical wonderland comes to life in the heart of Utah. Sparkling towers of ice, glistening pathways, and a mesmerizing ice maze await visitors at the enchanting Utah Ice Castles.
Ride down the ice slides, take a sleigh ride through the illuminated trail through the woods, meet the winter fairy & snow queen at the Ice Castles, and more.
Every year, a talented team of ‘ice artists’ hand-shape huge icicles, ice blocks, and sculptures to create a winter wonderland that could rival the castle from Disney’s Frozen. This frozen spectacle attracts over one million visitors each year.
But what makes these ice castles so astonishing? In this article, we will take a closer look at the mesmerizing beauty and elaborate construction of the Utah Ice Castles, as well as provide insider tips on how to make the most out of your visit.
Whether you are a local Utah resident or a curious traveler, get ready to be amazed by the captivating world of ice and snow.
Where are the Utah Ice Castles in 2024
This year, the ice castle in Utah is at Solider Hollow Nordic Center in Midway Utah.
The Utah Ice Castles are in a new location every few years, with the most recent placements having been in Alpine and Midway. Both are just a short drive southeast of Salt Lake City.
Are the Utah Ice Castles open?
No, the Utah ice castles are closed for the 2024 season.
Utah Ice Castle Opening Times & Tickets
The Utah Ice Castle opening date is January 15 for the 2024 season. They will be open Monday through Saturday until February 3, 2024, or longer if the weather remains cold enough.
Tickets have a set start time to balance out the crowds. You are to arrive within 30 minutes of your booking window. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time.
This is recommended because standby tickets are not guaranteed, and if you show up to purchase at the door, you might be disappointed. Purchase your tickets online if you want to ensure your spot.
One thing to note is that they are closed on Sundays, which is a bummer for working families.
Don’t forget to bring a sled (strollers aren’t allowed)! This is the cutest sled ever and is great for pictures.
Ice Castle Discount Code
We have an exclusive Ice Castles discount code for our readers, get 15% off with promo code stamped2024 good for the 2024 Ice Castle season.
Remember to bring hand warmers. These cheap ones do the trick!
Utah Ice Castle Tickets On Sale Now
The price varies based on the day of the week and age. Children under 4 do not require tickets. Purchase tickets online here.
- Monday – Thursday (Off Peak)
- Ages 12 and up $19
- Ages 4-11 $12
- Children under 4 are free
- Friday & Saturday (Peak Tickets)
- Ages 12 and up $25
- Ages 4-11 $17
- Children under 4 are free
- Holiday Pricing (January 15 & February 19) is the same as weekend pricing.
Sleigh Rides at Ice Castles
Make your visit even more magical with a horse-drawn sleigh ride. When purchasing your tickets online, you will be asked if you would like to add on a sleigh ride. Here are some quick facts about the sleigh rides at the Ice Castles:
- Sleigh rides cost $14 per person
- Tickets are required for all guests aged 3 and above
- Sleigh rides are 10-15 minutes long
- You must have an Ice Castle ticket to purchase a sleigh ride
Midway Utah Ice Castles Address
- Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, 2002 Olympic Drive, Midway, Utah 84049
Many readers have reported that taking Uber/Lyft is not practical. Plan accordingly.
Amenities
There are a few standout activities at the Utah Ice Castles. In addition to the custom-designed ice caves and walkways, and ice slides (for all ages), don’t miss the exhilarating ice maze. If you love a fall corn maze, you’ll love the winter wonderland ice maze here.
There are also tunnels and igloos meant for crawling through on all fours (and they’re not just kid-sized – adults can do this too!) and sleigh rides at an extra cost. Check out the giant light-up water fountain with color-changing LED lights, hidden caves, and a frozen waterfall.
There are beautiful ice sculptures throughout, and the colored lights add a magical glow to the walls of ice. A daytime visit is still beautiful, but these castles come to life in the dark.
Rent a VIP Artic Alcove
For a more private experience, consider renting a VIP Artic Alcove at the Utah Ice Castles. It’s great for a couple or group of friends/family. You’ll have your own private space roped off from other guests.
Included in reserving Artic Alcove, you get the following:
- A personalized experience for up to 6 guests
- Sleigh ride for up to 6 guests
- Souvenir photo
- 20% Merchandise Discount
Renting the Arctic Alcove costs $450. Consider adding on some warm beverages and tasty treats to sweeten the experience for an additional charge.
Accommodation Near the Utah Ice Castles
If you are staying in Salt Lake City and driving into Midway (about 45 minutes), you won’t have an issue finding a hotel. But you can easily find quality hotels in the Midway and Alpine areas, where the ice castles have been hosted for the past few years.
The Homestead Resort, last year’s castle location, has a naturally heated geothermal crater pool that would be the perfect way to end the day after wandering through ice sculptures.
There’s something very magical about staying in a luxury mountain resort in the wintertime. Just a few minutes north are beautiful, elegant hotels like the Deer Valley Resort, the Montage, and the Stein Eriksen Lodge.
For those who don’t need anything too fancy, nearby Heter City (just east of Midway) has a few more budget-friendly options like the Swiss Alps Inn and a few motels, along with a Holiday Inn and a Best Western.
Tips for Visiting the Ice Castles in Utah?
1. Buy Your Tickets In Advance
Ice Castle tickets are valid for a specific date and time entry. You’ll need to purchase them in advance to guarantee admission. We cannot urge you enough to buy them online as soon as they go on sale.
2. Check the weather
The days that we visited were below zero. It was super super cold, and uncomfortable. Make sure to check the weather 24+ hours before, so if needed, you can change your ticket for free if needed, OR make sure to dress for the weather.
3. Dress in layers
Dress warm. You can always take off your jacket for a picture if needed. You don’t want to rush through the ice castles because you are cold.
4. Wear boots
No matter if it’s below zero or 30+ degrees outside, wear boots in the ice castle. It’s the easiest way to walk around, and your feet will stay much warmer. Remember, you’ll be walking on snow & ice the entire time it gets really cold!
5. Bring Hand Warmers
We wish we had hand warmers last year. You can get these cheap hand warmers that come with 10, or they have these rechargeable hand warmers for slightly more money. They are nice to have in your gloves & boots, or take them out and warm up your face.
6. Bring A Sled
Pulling children in a sled is so much easier than attempting to push a stroller. they don’t allow strollers either, but they do allow sleds. We think this is the cutest sled ever.
7. Don’t Rush
Remember that the time on your ticket is just your entry time period, but once you are inside the ice castles, you can stay as long as you want. If you do get cold, go warm up by the outdoor fire!
Other Ice Castles in the United States to Visit
- Maple Grove Minnesota Ice Castles
- Lake Geneva Wisconsin Winter Realms
- Lake George New York Winter Realms
- Woodstock New Hampshire Ice Castles
