 Utah, a renowned paradise for outdoor enthusiasts! From our seven National Parks to world class ski resorts and golf courses.
The state of Utah is unique. We have more variety of landscapes, geology, and recreational opportunities than even we can imagine. While our national parks are considered national treasures, there are many more places to see and things to do that are just as amazing... and certainly less crowded! This section will help you to discover and explore some of Utah's more famous attractions.
About Utah's Landscape
Most of Utah lies on a plateau higher than 4,000 feet above sea level. The geology of this region takes on an amazing variety of shapes and colors. Elevations rise and fall dramatically in the shape of mountains, buttes, and plateaus, the highest reaching over 13,000 feet! Within this varied landscape are hidden treasures and experiences that appeal to everyone--from the rugged, solitude-seeking explorer to the family wanting a relaxing getaway. Utah has something for everyone.
Utah's wide open spaces are a patchwork of scenic, recreational, and historic venues. With five National Parks, seven National Monuments, two National Recreation Areas and one National Historic Site all accessible within a days drive of the airport-Utah is the place to experience your next vacation. Utah is also the gateway to several neighboring national parks.
In Utah's 45 heritage, scenic, recreation and water front state parks, visitors camp, boat, swim, fish, picnic, ride horseback, visit interpretive areas, enjoy nature trails, play golf, hike,Skiing, bike, ride off-highway vehicles or just relax with family and friends. Even in winter, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, ice fishers and hardy campers are taking advantage of Utah state parks. Recreation opportunities found in the state parks are as diverse as the parks themselves.
Sure, Utah has some pretty neat National Parks. We'd like to think we have some nice State Parks too. But we would never think to limit ourselves. Utah is also home to one of the world's foremost dinosaur fossil sources, the standard course for world land speed records, and the Pony Express Trail. Don't sell yourself short by simply visiting the National & State Parks, there is so much more to see . . .
Experience the "Greatest Snow on Earth" by skiing and snowboarding in Utah. Only in Utah can you experience 14 downhill resorts and 7 cross country areas all within a day's drive. Many of them minutes away from the airport. From the steepest hills to long groomed runs, nothing matches the experience of skiing in Utah. Our resorts offer a wide variety of ski terrain to suit everyone's tastes--that means fun for the entire family. Ski the resorts that will be featured in the 2002 Winter Olympics.
If you've heard amazing stories about Utah's incredible snow . . . belive them. Better yet, come try it for yourself. It truly is "The Greatest Snow On Earth!"TM It should be no surprise that the headquarters for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association are in Utah, and that Utah's mountainsides will welcome the world's best athletes during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The venues which will be used througout the Olympics, as well as other mountain sites, are available this winter for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and other adventures.
The mountains of northern Utah, as well as those near Beaver and Cedar City in southwestern Utah host fourteen downhill ski resorts - seven are less than an hour's drive from Salt Lake City [mileage chart]. This proximity affords skiers and boarders a full range of lodging, dining, and entertainment to ensure that your days and nights off the slopes are as perfect as Utah's powder snow. Skiing and boarding begin statewide in early to mid-November and generally continue through April.
Ski Resorts: Total Salt Lake City Resorts – 6,950 skiable acres. Salt Lake resorts receive 500 inches of snow annually
Snowboarding
Snowboarders are welcomed with open arms on Utah's slopes. In fact, many of our resorts specifically cater to boarders. Our resorts boast titles such as "snowboarding mecca" and "the capital of snowboarding." We've got halfpipes (natural and otherwise) for everybody, plus diverse terrain parks and fresh backcountry chutes. For those of you who would rather ride than ski the mountain, many of Utah's resorts offer lessons.
Utah's Legendary Snow
How can we claim to have "The Greatest Snow on Earth?"TM Because the right mix of ingredients come together at the right place and time--moisture from the Pacific Ocean, the West's dry landscape, Utah's dense collection of the Rocky Mountains, and cool temps. Mix these ingredients together, stir well, and--voila--you've got 500 inches of Utah's light, powdery snow.
Utah is ready to host the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Most of the venues are already completed! This state of readiness translates into the ultimate in fantasy recreation for today's travelers who come armed with a little imagination. Utahns and visitors alike are skiing on the race courses. Skating on competition ice rinks, watching ski jumpers train at a year-round facility, and even trying out those jumps for themselves.
All of the venues for Utah's Olympic Winter Games are within an hour's drive of downtown Salt Lake City. Most have already established reputations as winter and warm weather destinations in mountain settings.
Utah Overview
Salt Lake City is situated in a large valley surrounded by the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Oquirrh (pronounced "oaker") Mountains to the west. Parts of the city on a series of terraces known as benches capped by the 3,500 meter (11,500 foot) peaks of the Wasatch Mountains that form the backdrop to the city's skyline. Salt Lake City is 1,320 meters (4,300 feet) above sea level and in the Mountain Standard Time Zone of the United States of America; (plus-seven GMT).
The city is on land once covered by Lake Bonneville, a prehistoric lake that engulfed parts of Utah, Nevada, and Idaho. The remainder of Lake Bonneville is today's Great Salt Lake, the world's second-largest saltwater lake.
The geographic center of four western states, Salt Lake City is often referred to as the "Crossroads of the West." The Salt Lake City International Airport is one of the West's major Airports, serving over 21 million passengers a year. It is nearer to the center of the city it serves than any other major airport in the United States.
Our Virtuoso Travel Consultants can arrange your Winter Olympics vacation now. You can get a head start on your Olympic vacation plan by using the "Trip Planner" and guarantee yourself a place to stay.
The XIX Olympic Games will take place February 8th through February 24, 2002; afterwards, the VIII Paralympics Winter Games will begin March 7th, coming to a close March 16, 2002.
Salt Lake Olympic Committee's volunteer program has three phases with approximately 8,000 volunteers for pre-Game activities; 18,000 core volunteers for the Olympic Winter Games; and 6,000 volunteers for the Paralympic Winter Games.
SLOC estimates it will accredit approximately 70,000 individuals for the Salt Lake Games. An estimated 2,345 athletes and 1,200 officials are expected from 80 National Olympic Committees (NOC's). More than 1,100 athletes and officials from 40 regions are expected to compete in the Paralympic Olympic Games. |
