I took a winter trip to Utah for the first time and made 4 mistakes I won’t repeat on future visits

As a first-time visitor to Salt Lake City and Park City, I thought seeing the mountains blanketed in snow would be nice — and it really was.

I knew it would be a popular time to visit Utah since it’s a ski hub, but I didn’t realize just how busy it would be. Park City was packed with winter sports enthusiasts. Skiers and snowboarders roamed the sidewalks of traffic-filled streets in downtown Park City all suited up — some with gear in tow.

I stopped by the slopes at Deer Valley Resort and spotted long lines of skiers waiting for lifts. I waited in lines to ride a funicular up and down the mountain.

Maybe seeing the snow was worth the crowds — I won’t know for sure until I visit during another season. But had I realized I’d be visiting during the busiest time of year, I would have likely pushed my trip to the spring during shoulder season.

Overpacking is a common mistake when traveling, so I go to great lengths to avoid stuffing too many outfits into my bag. But this time, I overcorrected.

When packing for a trip that’s less than a week long, I typically only bring layers that can be worn all at once when needed or that I can mix and match. Since I was traveling in winter, I brought a couple of extra shirts, one additional pair of pants, and zero extra outer layers.

But in January along Utah’s Wasatch Front, when temperatures ranged from 24 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit, I needed to wear most of my layers daily.

After bundling up for a flight and a train ride, I felt desperate for fresh layers when I arrived in Salt Lake City.

What do you do when you need clean clothes on the road? Utilizing the hotel’s laundry services seemed the most straightforward solution, but I regretted it.

That night, I stayed at the five-star Grand America Hotel, where laundry services were top-tier. My shirts and sweaters were returned to me on hangers in individual hotel-branded bags. Smaller items were wrapped in paper in a cardboard box.

I felt like I was opening a present as I sorted through my clean clothes. It excited me — until I saw the receipt.

I paid $115 for three shirts, two pairs of pants, one hoodie, six undergarments, and one two-piece blazer. It was certainly the most luxurious laundry service I’d ever experienced, but for the same money, I could have bought a whole new outfit — and what a great excuse it would have been to treat myself.

I didn’t consider the other winter activities I could have enjoyed that weren’t skiing and snowboarding.

I wish I’d taken time to tour Utah Olympic Park in the snow and get a feel for what it was like during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

After my trip, I learned that Park City offers mountain-top snowshoe yoga classes, which I would have loved to try.

Next time I travel to the Silicon Slopes, I’ll pack enough clothing and make use of the season’s offerings.