Salt Lake City, UT

When: Year round!

Alta in the summer

Danielle’s Highlight: 8 ski resorts within an hour drive

Jason’s Highlight: The skiing and access to the outdoors

Where to stay:

• Downtown or Avenues: Access to bars and nightlife

• Sugarhouse or 9th & 9th: Local neighborhood vibes in a lively area with bars and restaurants

• Cottonwood Heights: Nearest to the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons for skiing, less nightlife

• Park City: Touristy and expensive, but access to skiing, shopping, and bars/restaurants.

TLDR: We have a deep affection for SLC, having lived here for almost a decade. During the winter, there are several ski resorts within an hour's drive. In the summer, opportunities for hiking and biking abound. Salt Lake is increasingly lively, with festivals and a vibrant nightlife. You'll find outstanding restaurants, fascinating museums, and stunning natural beauty.

Skiing: There are 8 major ski resorts within an hour drive from Salt Lake City. There is also excellent nordic skiing all around Park City, Ogden, and the Big Cottonwood Canyon. The Little Cottonwood Canyon hosts Alta and Snowbird and some of the greatest views in the county. The Big Cottonwood Canyon houses Brighton and Solitude, which are slightly less famous but still provide great fun. Any one you ask will have a different opinion about which resort is the best. You cannot go wrong with any of these, but we listed them in the order of where we love the most. Keep in mind the traffic and parking issues we have been facing. Getting up the canyons can be miserable on a weekend. We recommend aiming for weekdays when possible. Also make sure to check if parking reservations are required (and not included in your ticket, you need to book it separate).

• Snowbird: The super resort of the LCC. We believe it is the best terrain in Utah, but it comes with the corporate prices and sometimes-tourist vibes. Check out the Tram Club for Apres shot+beer combo and the infamous spicy cheese fries.

• Snowbasin: The hidden gem that is quickly becoming not so hidden. Snowbasin has incredible views, diverse terrain, and fancy lodges. It is just under and hour from SLC, but has a great parking system with shuttles, so you don't face the long, awful lines like the Cottonwoods.

• Brighton: Another favorite resort of ours. It doesn't feel as crowded or corporate as Snowbird and has awesome terrain for the whole family. Brighton is a favorite for park. Molly Green's is the Apres pick for the BCC. Make sure you get a parking reservation!!

• Alta: A locals vibes, skiers only mountain. Alta feels more like a small intimate mountain, but boasts amazing terrain from a world class resort. Check out the Peruvian bar for live music. If you're in town during Easter weekend, Frank is the greatest closing party in Utah.

• Deer Valley: Another skiers only resort. The terrain is generally less technical compared to other resorts, but DV has super fun groomers. Prices are insane and you'll love the people watching. This is a great option if you're staying in Park City or if the Cottonwood canyons have too much traffic. DV has back up parking lots with shuttles.

• Solitude: Solitude feels the smallest in our opinions, but is loved by many. Honeycomb is considered the best terrain, but it isn't always open. The parking infrastructure is not great on busy days, but Solitude is often the least busy resort in the Cottonwood Canyons.

• Park City: Expensive, fancy, touristy. We have had great days at PCMR, but IMO it's not worth the price unless you have lodging nearby or a deal on your ticket. If you ski here, definitely check out the Town Lift which takes you to the heart of downtown. This is also the largest resort in Utah (and the US).

• Sundance: We ranked this last because we haven't actually been. We have heard good things about fun terrain and a more intimate feel.

Yearly Events

• Snowbird Oktoberfest: This occurs between August and October. They have booths to shop from, activities like climbing walls, trampolines, obstacle courses, and of course, beer. There is a big beer hall with German music and plenty of German food choices. We love booking a room for the night and enjoying the pools with mountain views.

• Red Butte Concert Series: Weekly concerts at the Red Butte Garden's concert venue. It's BYOB and food. Make sure you arrive very early to get a good spot! Also try to bring a low concert chair or stadium seat.

• Cirque Series: Typically done in July and/or August, there are mountain running races held at Snowbird and Alta.

Museums

• Natural History Museum: A huge museum with dinosaurs, geology, and other cool science exhibits. Our favorite museum that is fun for all ages.

• Aquarium: A reasonably sized aquarium with several exhibits that can entertain you for a couple of hours.

• The Leonardo: They have varying exhibits that come through, so check online to see what's going on during your stay. We really enjoyed the flight exhibit which appears to be there year-round.

• Gateway Children's Museum: We haven't been yet, but it's on our list. We have heard great things. The Gateway also has plenty shopping and restaurants.

• Red Butte Gardens: Acres on acres of flowers, plants, and trees. A great way to get some steps in and enjoy nature's beauty.

• The LDS downtown temple: We are not LDS, but visiting the temple grounds downtown is still very interesting and worth the visit. They have a museum/self guided tour which shows some insights into their beliefs and the Mormon culture.

Food and Drink

• Food Hall

  • HallPass: Excellent choice for large groups. This food hall has several delicious options and fun ambiance.

  • Woodbine: Another food hall that is great for big groups. This is more casual and simple than HallPass. Excellent food choices and a larger outdoor seating area.

• Restaurants:

  • Mumbai House: Such good Indian food! We love the butter chicken.

  • Corner Brewpub: Previously Wasatch Brew Pub. An all-American eatery with a large variety menu. Casual and good for the whole fam.

  • Somi: Asian fusion. Great pho.

  • Spitz: Sit-down fast food. Mediterranean and tastes a little healthier.

  • El Chihuahua: The strongest drinks in SLC. They serve actual fishbowls.

  • Mint: Amazing sushi. Expensive but worth it.

  • Eight Settlers: Modern restaurant with great food and drinks near the Big Cottonwood Canyon.

• 21+

  • Craft: One of our favorites. Known for the beer, but they do have a full bar. They have nightly events like trivia, bingo, and free pool night. There are two pool tables and a buck hunter in the basement arcade. It is also BYOFood.

  • Van Ryder: Rooftop, expensive, modern

  • Level Crossing: Pizza and beers. Dog Friendly.

  • Fisher Brewing: One of our favorites. Dog friendly. Casual.

  • Waterwitch: Small, hip, tiki lounge cocktails.

  • White Horse: Modern, cocktails.

  • Whiskey Street: Good food, sit-down bar.

  • Proper Burger: There is a small, all ages sit down section, but the fun area is the bar with arcade games, pool, and burgers.

  • Sayonara: Asian themed bar with pool, live music section, and great drinks.

Enjoy SLC!!

-D&J