Soldier Hollow, which served as a host venue for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, continues to operate as a premier multi-use recreation destination within Wasatch Mountain State Park, offering a diverse array of year-round activities ranging from biathlon training to mountain biking.
Year-Round Recreational Programming
Nestled above the town of Midway in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains, Soldier Hollow Nordic Center provides a variety of seasonal and year-round programming. The facility is home to the Sport Discovery Center, which serves as a hub for Nordic skiing and large-scale events, such as the annual Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championships and U.S. Cross Country Skiing Championships.
Beyond competitive sports, the venue functions as a community space for social gatherings. The Courtland C. Nelson Day Lodge is available for bookings including wedding receptions and family gatherings. Additionally, the Legacy Event Space within the Sport Discovery Center offers rental options for large gatherings and weddings.
Specialized Training and Amenities
The center offers specialized summer and winter programs designed for various skill levels. Summer activities include adventure camps, mountain and e-bike rentals, and biathlon experiences. The facility also provides a summer trail season pass to facilitate access for enthusiasts.
For those seeking more intensive training, the center hosts various sport programs, including Devo Biathlon, Devo XC, SR DEVO XC, and programs specifically focused on mountain biking and skiing. The basecamp café, located at the center, serves visitors daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Historical and Natural Context
Soldier Hollow is located within the nearly 23,000-acre Wasatch Mountain State Park, a preserve established by the state in 1961 and opened to the public as a state park in 1968. The park is a significant historical site, having proudly hosted the 2002 Olympic Winter Games at the Soldier Hollow venue.
The park's landscape includes two historic areas: the Huber Grove, which features the Huber Farmhouse and Creamery, and the Tate Barn, which serves as an architectural landmark at the southern end of the park. The park's elevation reaches 5,900 feet, and it provides a vast area for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
Camping and Lodging Options
Visitors to Wasatch Mountain State Park have access to extensive camping and lodging options. The park includes 122 camping and picnicking areas, such as the Cottonwood, Mahogany, and Oak Hollow loops. The Soldier Hollow Loop and Chalet Loop are also located within the park, situated six miles away from the traditional camping area in the Pine Creek Campground.
Lodging options include various cabin rentals and a cottage designed for two adults. The cottage features a queen bed, a small table, a kitchen with a fridge and microwave, and a loft with approximately four feet of headspace. While the park offers many amenities, visitors should note that the loft ladder in the cottage is not ADA-compliant.
Safety and New Amenities
Current park regulations include Stage 2 fire restrictions, which prohibit all open fires of any kind, including those in established fire pits, charcoal grills, or pellet grills. Only properly shielded gas or liquid-fueled portable camp stoves are permitted, provided they are used in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren of flammable vegetation.
New amenities have also been introduced to the park, including the Wasatch Mountain Sauna. This automated, communal sauna allows campers and visitors to book sessions online to relax after outdoor activities. Visitors are reminded to bring their own towels, swimwear, and water when using the sauna.
Park Management and Stewardship
The Utah State Parks department continues to manage the park's diverse offerings, including day-use fees for non-seniors and seniors. The park also provides various volunteer and employment opportunities, such as camp host positions and visitor center volunteer shifts, to support the preservation and protection of the Heber Valley gem.
