Salt Lake City Getaway and Hotel Guide

With some of the deepest, driest snow in the world, and no less than seven major ski resorts located within an hour’s drive of downtown, it’s no wonder Salt Lake City has long been a favorite winter playground. But there’s more to Salt Lake City than winter sports and Olympics hype.

Temple Square

Of course, Salt Lake City is also home to the Mormon Church, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Founded in 1847 by Mormons fleeing persecution back East, the city features broad avenues and spacious blocks, based on an easily navigable grid system. The focal point of the city is Temple Square, featuring the architecturally magnificent Mormon Temple (open only to Mormons) and the famed Tabernacle, where visitors are welcome to attend Thursday evening rehearsals of the renowned Tabernacle Choir. Guides and visitor centers in the square provide plenty of information to curious tourists.

Other Mormon attractions include the newly developed Brigham Young Historic Park downtown; Beehive House, the 1854 home of the founder of the LDS; the Family History Library, the world’s largest repository of genealogical records; and the Deuel Log Home, built in 1847. This structure, located across from Temple Square, is an example of early pioneer homes. Most attractions, including many others not mentioned here, are free and open to the public.

Secular points of interest

Perched at the foot of the Wasatch Range, the city is adjacent to the Great Salt Lake, which is the remnant of a once-immense inland sea. In the late 19th century the lake featured numerous resorts and attractions along its shores, but a mysterious decline in water volume left many establishments high and dry. Most fell into disrepair. Just as mysteriously, the lake began rising again in the 1980s, to the extent that nearby I-80 had to be raised to avoid flooding. For those interested in visiting the lake, Great Salt Lake State Park, located 16 miles west of town on I-80, is open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily. There are few attractions, but waterfowl and wildlife have begun to return to the lake that is the second saltiest body of water in the world.

The Utah Museum of Fine Art, and the Utah Museum of Natural History, both affiliated with the University of Utah, are open to the public, as is the Pioneer Memorial Museum, which contains 19th century artifacts and information about pioneer heritage. Old Deseret Village, a re-created pioneer village, may also be of interest to visitors. Red Butte Gardens and Arboretum, also affiliated with the University of Utah, is one of the city’s newest and most popular attractions. Featuring specimens from around the world, the more than 150 acres of gardens and paths are open year round.

When to visit

Skiers and snowboarders will, of course, want to sample the many world-class ski resorts in the winter. With so many tempting venues to choose from, some skiers opt to lodge in town and make the convenient drive into the surrounding mountains each day. Hard-core skier’s heaven Alta, Brighton, family-friendly Snowbird, Solitude, The Canyons, posh Deer Valley and world-class Park City are all within 40 miles of Salt Lake City International Airport, located northwest of downtown. Interstate Highways 15 and 80 serve the city, but keep in mind that I-15 is under construction as the city braces for the increased transportation demands of the upcoming 2002 Winter Olympics.

Summer visitors will also find much to do in and around the city, from visiting a working dude ranch to attending free tours of the extensive gardens surrounding Church Office Building Plaza. There’s a free 15-minute Pioneer Trolley ride, which provides an open-air overview of things to do and see in town. Visitors may also attend free recitals on the famous 11,623-pipe Tabernacle organ, daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Temple Square Concert Series, held Tuesday and Friday evenings in June, July and August in Brigham Young Historic Park, is billed as free family entertainment.

Seasons

Salt Lake City’s summer weather is usually warm, dry and sunny with pleasantly low humidity. Spring is usually warm enough for golf in the valley, with skiing opportunities lingering in the mountains. Fall brings out colors and cooler temperatures, and usually heralds the first snow in the mountains. Located in a high mountain valley, the city generally remains considerably warmer and drier than the nearby mountains, regardless of the season.

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