Give Your Mind Over to the Wonders and Great Escapes of Western Fancy
The Snow Must Go On. Okay, so we’re playing off Utah’s bragging rights as the place where they have “The Greatest Snow on Earth” ® The state has more than a dozen world-class ski resorts, most of which are an easy drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport. Each has a distinct list of fabulous attributes; we recommend trying two or three during a weeklong stay. You won’t go wrong, no matter where you park your skis — the Utah powder provides an unparalleled winter playground for any level or type of skier. Nordic, cross-country, alpine, enjoy! www.visitutah.com
Non-Skiers Rejoice! The white stuff has plenty to offer you as well, from the quiet thrills of ice fishing to the revved up adrenaline rush of racing across amazing landscapes on a snowmobile tour. Whatever your preferred winter activity is, you’re likely to find more for your money and your memory bank, thanks to the incredible and varied options of The Beehive State.
Hit the River. Whether your boat of choice is a kayak, canoe or raft, you’ll find a river in Utah with gorgeous scenery for a relaxing glide or an adventurous whitewater adventure. Take the challenge of the class IV rapids found on several rivers, including the Colorado, the state’s most popular one. Canoers and kayakers will enjoy the more peaceful waters of the Provo and Weber Rivers. For multi-day adventures, plan a camping trip through Cataract Canyon where unforgettable views and heart-stopping rapids provide inspiration to fill countless pages in a travel journal.
National Treasures are Calling. We put Utah on the list of top-notch family escapes for anyone looking to take in some spectacular desert scenery along with a lesson in natural history, and a chance to gain appreciation for the world of the Native American. The photos you take here will make it hard to choose just one for the annual family holiday card. Make Moab your home base, mix in some biking and hiking and leave your electronic leashes in the safe inside your hotel room. Give your mind over to the wonders of Monument Valley, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion, etc. Ask a local for their favorite spot to avoid the crowds. No matter where you end up, you’ll feel as if you’re on a movie set, and you’ll be wondering what took you so long to get here.
Park Yourself at Park City. Here’s a place with Olympic ties and a personality that’s unmatched in the American West. Whatever your western fancy, from skiing to spa-ing, fine dining or dude ranching, a vacation in Park City can be just what you need to feed your spirit and remember what’s important in life. The sports scene is awesome, but this is also one of Utah’s cultural gems, not only home to the Sundance Film Festival, but also a place to find year-round theater, symphony and a calendar of events filled with performing arts. www.parkcityinfo.com
Go Fly A Kite. Kite power is taken to new heights in Utah. Adventurous souls will find a home amid the Rocky Mountain scenery where every season has a way to harness the strength of the wind. From snowkiting, kiteboarding to kitesurfing, we can’t wait to see what they come up with next in this all-season state for adventure.
