Bryce Canyon Winter Festival returns to Ruby’s Inn
By Soni Brinsko
Come President’s Day weekend, Ruby’s Inn will more closely resemble a winter sports training village than a historic hotel when the 34th annual Bryce Canyon Winter Festival returns at 8 a.m. on Feb. 16–18.
The Bryce Canyon Winter Festival will offer winter sports, musical entertainment, and craft activities inspired by the outdoors. People are invited to experience new sports and discover new skills. Fan favorites such as kayaking in a heated pool, sculpting with snow, photography classes, ice skating, and sports clinics are back for all to enjoy. The sports clinics are the festival’s biggest draw for winter sports devotees as it has an educational component.
“The Bryce Canyon Winter Festival has evolved over the years to become one of our larger attractions when the snow dusts the hoodoos and spires of Bryce Canyon,” said Lance Syrett, general manager of Ruby’s Inn. “Our goal this year was to make the 34th festival even better while still keeping an intimate vibe. Attendees don’t even have to be outside to participate in some the activities we have planned.”
While the festival targets all age groups, it focuses on generating opportunities for different generations to create and share experiences in winter in a new way. Families and attendees can also participate in more competitive races for those who like the thrill of winning.
“Our goal has always been about bringing people together for an experience every attendee will fondly remember,” said Deanna Moore, director of the winter festival director. “This year we are continuing fan-favorite events and included a hot air balloon glow-in. Most of the clinics and events are free and only require registration.”
The activities for this year’s festival include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and a workshop, photography clinics and a photo contest, an archery clinic and contest, kayaking in the pool, pottery, yoga and Zumba classes, line dancing with Coleen West, and a runners’ clinic.
All winter sports equipment is available for rent at Ruby’s Inn, or participants can bring their own. Participation in the biathlon, archery, and some contests require contestants to demonstrate proficiency or attendance to an introductory class at the festival.
Registration is required for all activities in the Red Canyon Rooms at 8 a.m. on Feb. 16. For more information and a full listing of festival events, please visit rubysinn.com.
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