As frigid temperatures become our everyday reality, it's easy to pine away for those sunny, warm summer days of the past. And really...the past was just a few weeks ago, because in typical Utah fashion, the weather seems to go from 70 degrees to 25 degrees in the blink of an eye.

Today, we're going to focus on the positive. Sure, it's bitter cold out there, but there are some really wonderful things to look forward to about Utah's winter, and we've listed the first 15 that came to mind. Pour yourself a nice, steaming cup of Stephen's Gourmet Hot Chocolate (made right here in Utah!) and scroll through to find a few things that will cheer you up.

1. Utah has the best skiing and snowboarding in the nation.

Our snow really is amazing, and there's nothing like cruising down the mountain on skis or a snowboard. Whether you're still working on perfecting your snowplough, or you're good enough to look like those skiers in the Warren Miller films, a day on the slopes is a good day indeed.

2. A walk in the woods gets even better.

Strap on some snowshoes for a quiet, peaceful walk amongst the snow-covered trees.

3. Everything is prettier under a blanket of snow.

The landscape is more magical when it's covered in snow.

4. It's the season of the arts.

The Utah Symphony, Utah Opera, Ballet West, and all the local theatres start their seasons in late fall/early winter, so you can plan on spending cold, snowy evenings watching some of our most talents folks perform.

5. You get to wear all your cozy sweaters.

Pull out those warm, cozy sweaters, because it's sweater season! Not only will you feel snuggly and warm, that sweater will also hide that extra five pounds you put on after eating all those tasty casseroles.

6. Comfort food.

Whether it's mac 'n cheese, funeral potatoes, or green bean casserole you crave, winter is the time for comfort food. Pull out your favorite recipes, buy a few pounds of butter, and get baking!

7. You can stroll through ice castles like a prince or princess.

You don't need to be royalty to spend time in Utah's Ice Castles. Located in Midway, these icy creations only appear when it's cold enough to keep them frozen. Bundle up your little princes and princesses in their warmest winter attire and check out these beautiful castles!

8. The Sundance Film Festival warms up the winter with indie films and movie stars.

Sundance draws the A-list crowd every January, but there are still plenty of seats for us regular Utah folk, too. Be one of the first to see this year's best independent films at Sundance, in Park City, and in Salt Lake City.

9. Winter is the perfect time to visit Utah's national parks.

Utah's national (and state!) parks are begging you to visit during winter months. Temperatures are mild, crowds are lighter, and sometimes it snows, lending an extra layer of beauty to the landscape.

10. You can go on a bobsled ride.

Did you know that there are only two places in the country where the public can fly down an Olympic bobsled track? Your other choice is Lake Placid, New York, but Park City seems a lot closer, and you'll love this 70 mph experience that's available from December to April.

11. The thrill of sledding is free!

There are spots all over the Beehive State where you can hop on a plastic disc and fly down a hill for free. It's not quite the bobsled, but it's a whole lot of fun.

12. The mountains look even more magnificent.

Throw a bit of snow on the mountains, and they become even more beautiful.

13. Ice fishing!

Once winter is in full swing and the lakes freeze over, it's time to grab an auger and your fishing pole and land a fat trout for the frying pan.

14. Go dashing through the snow on a two-horse open sleigh.

Once there's enough snow on the ground, you can go on a sleigh ride with Rocky Mountain Outfitters. You'll fly over the wintery landscape, all while you're bundled under a cozy blanket.

15. Utah's hot springs will warm you right up.

Head to your favorite hot spring to bask in the warm water; it's even better when the air temperature is chilly. The Homestead Crater is one of our faves.

What are your favorite things about Utah's winters? Tell us in the comments, and stay warm out there!