I visited Utah in the winter for the first time and made 4 mistakes I won't repeat

Business Insider's reporter traveled to Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah, during the peak winter season.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider Visiting Utah in the winter isn't for everyone.

I learned that the hard way in January 2025.

My first mistake led to the rest.

Gazing out my window at the snowcapped mountains on the train to Utah, I had no idea that I'd already set myself up for regret.

Some mistakes were set in motion before I'd even left my apartment.

In January 2025, I flew from my home in NYC to Denver and hopped on a 15-hour Amtrak train to Utah's Silicon Slopes — a tech hub lining the Wasatch Front that includes Salt Lake City , Park City , and the surrounding suburbs.

I spent three days exploring Utah's pocket of luxury amid ski season and left with four regrets.

My first mistake was booking my trip in the peak winter season as a non-skier.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider As a first-time visitor to Salt Lake City and Park City, I thought seeing the mountains blanketed in snow would be awe-inspiring — and it really was.

I knew winter would be a popular time to visit Utah since it's a ski hub , but I underestimated how busy it would be.

Park City was packed with winter sports enthusiasts.

Skiers and snowboarders crowded the sidewalks lining congested 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.