From Nature to Culture: Salt Lake City Has it All
By Barbara Wade
After taking one glance at the peaceful valley and majestic mountains of Salt Lake City, Brigham Young uttered the immortal words, "This is the place." That same reaction can still be found from those who visit this Olympic city today. Flanked by the Wasatch and Oquirrhs mountain ranges at east and west and home to numerous well-known performing arts venues, you'll find it all - from nature to culture - in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Hotels Put You in Close Proximity to All the Fun
When planning a trip to this area, it is recommended that you book your lodging first. For close proximity to all the fun, including skiing, the arts, shopping, golf and hiking in and around Salt Lake City, a hotel in the downtown district is usually your best bet.
Cultural Delights
In the downtown area you'll find the Utah Opera featuring outstanding performances of classics including Madame Butterfly, The Marriage of Figaro and Regina. If visiting during January, the Sundance Film Festival is a must-see event. If theater is your passion, the Capitol Theater downtown performs Broadway favorites including The Lion King, STOMP and more.
Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company offers exciting, original performances for dance enthusiasts. You can also catch concerts and rehearsals by the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir at the tabernacle weekly.
World-Class Skiing Near Salt Lake City
Utah is ski-central. Hotels in the heart of Salt Lake City give you a prime location to take in all downtown has to offer as well as some of the best skiing in the U. S. With over 500 inches of snow annually, the alpine terrain and granite mountain peaks combine for some awesome downhill runs and one of the longest ski seasons ending in May each year. By staying in Salt Lake City, you have close access to the numerous resorts in the area including:
Alta: Boasting over 110 inches of deep powder in peak season and 116 runs, there's little wonder why Alta has been named the #1 ski resort in the United States by SKIING magazine for the last five years.
Snowbird: With a top elevation of 11,000 feet and vertical drops in excess of 320 feet, Snowbird will get any ski enthusiast's heart pumping. Cradled in the cleft of the mountain, Cliff Spa at Snowbird also gives you impressive ways to unwind and rejuvenate amidst a setting of inspirational mountain views.
Brighton: Brighton offers the most night skiing terrain in Utah with 22 lighted runs. With five-star grooming, Brighton has some of the most sought-after slopes in the state. Truth Terrain Park is also a unique element at Brighton. With four parks, snowboarders can take on ramps, rails, pipes and other fun obstacles: a huge hit with the kids.
Other Outdoor Activities
But snow isn't the only call for nature lovers. During dry months, the surrounding mountain ranges offer a haven for hikers, rock climbers, mountain bikers, sightseers and others who admire the outdoors.
If golf is your game, you'll be pleased to know the highest number of golf courses in the nation can be found in Salt Lake City. Hotels in the area can assist you with booking a tee time.
Whatever your passion, from skiing to sightseeing, chances are you'll find a way to indulge it when you visit Salt Lake City.
About the Author: Barbara Wade writes articles for the Hotel Monaco, a Salt Lake City, Utah hotel with exceptional accommodations and a profound sense of environmental responsibility. Its convenient downtown location puts you near all the excitement. Visit http://www.monaco-saltlakecity.com.
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