As an almost native Denverite, I’ve raised eyebrows by suggesting to folks that Utah’s ski scene can be easier and faster to navigate than Colorado’s. After all, there are four world-class ski resorts (including Solitude, Deer Valley and Park City) within forty minutes of downtown Salt Lake City. Just twenty minutes from downtown, Airhelp ranked the spanking-new Salt Lake City Airport #1 in the nation, and eighth globally.
Utah is the fastest-growing state in the U.S, and Salt Lake’s population is booming. The 2002 Winter Olympics helped spread its accolades, and in fact, the city will host again in 2034. There is a new NHL hockey team, the Utah Mammoth, now playing its second season. The Winter Roundup, launched last year, will take place on February 7, drawing thousands. A metropolitan Urban Skijoring event, the Roundup shuts down a street in front of the Salt Palace Convention Center to celebrate Salt Lake’s heritage in sports, arts and culture.
For years, many erroneously thought Utah’s only claims to fame were that it is home to the Church of Latter Day Saints (commonly known as the Mormon Church,) as well as to the magnificent Big Five of National Parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion.) No longer the case! “I think we often surprise visitors when it comes to our nightlife, food and beverage scene and cultural offerings,” says Ryan Mack, Vice-President of Communications for Visit Salt Lake. “We're one of only a handful of the cities in the U.S. with a full-time professional ballet, opera and symphony. We also have a new Broadway Theatre and dozens of music venues and festivals. And, several James Beard nominated bars and
restaurants and over 30 breweries and distilleries in Salt Lake alone.“ By the way, those alcohol restrictions that Utah was known for ended in 2009. The glorious, towering Salt Lake Temple is under construction, but will reopen in April, 2027. A six-month open house is expected to draw some 3-5 million people from around the world to tour it. The tours will be ticketed and non-LDS members will be welcomed.
Meanwhile, the Salt Lake Tabernacle is open daily, with free half-hour organ recitals played on its enormous 11,623-pipe, five-manual console. Where to stay: Less than seven miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport, the 3 year old Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City is a few minutes walk to the city’s bustling Main Street, Temple Square, Capitol Theatre, City Creek Center, Vivint Arena and more. This season, the hotel is launching the Chalet on Six, a rooftop yurt dining concept, along with the festive Silver Bell Suite.
With a nod to Salt Lake City’s growing cosmopolitan vibe, the hotel’s Mar | Muntanya rooftop restaurant specializes in Spanish cuisine. The spectacular city skyline and snowcapped mountain ranges surround the restaurant. Basque Country and Catalonian dishes are served, along with an outstanding wine list. “At Mar | Muntanya, we want to recreate a similar feeling of being in Northern Spain,” says Executive Chef Tyson Peterson.
Salt Lake City may be smaller than Denver—about 200,000 residents in town and 1.2 million metro-wide—but it delivers an impressive mix of culture, food, and outdoor access. To explore with ease, Southwest Adventure Tours (800-970-5864) runs daily driving and walking tours, plus curated trips beyond the city. Before heading out, grab Visit Salt Lake’s free digital passport for discounts on local attractions, favorite restaurants, and indie shops. The site also features helpful add-ons like the popular Ski Super Pass, ideal for planning your next powder day.
www.visitsaltlake.com