If you're planning a ski vacation in Utah, Salt Lake City is a great place to set up a home base. It is really easy to get to the mountains, and staying downtown is a lot more affordable than being right near the ski areas. There is a lot to do in Salt Lake City when you're not skiing, too, which makes it a great option. Here are our favorite places to go for a ski vacation -- including where to get rental gear if you need it.
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Use This Guide To Have A Great Ski Vacation In Salt Lake City
Where to Ski in Salt Lake City
There are several mountains to choose from in Salt Lake City depending on your skill level and preferences. Salt Lake City has four main ski resorts: Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude. Most of Alta’s trails are a little more challenging and all of them have beautiful views. Brighton offers night skiing and has free skiing for children ages five and under. Snowbird generally has longer seasons than the others. The mountain is divided into three areas, which are designed for everyone from beginners to experts. Solitude has 77 runs and is for skiers of all skill levels.
Where to get Rental Gear in Salt Lake City
You have several retail options in Salt Lake City when it comes to picking out the best rental gear for your ski trip. Ski ’N See, for instance, allows you to save money by reserving gear online that you can then pick up in the store. The store also offers a 25% discount for senior citizens, airline employees, and military personnel. Another popular ski rental store is Sports Den, which offers everything from boots to eyewear and racing gear.
Where to Go Out in Salt Lake City
For seafood, have dinner at the Market Street Grill downtown. If you’re looking for wine and Italian food, have a meal at BRIO Tuscan Grille. Another popular restaurant is the Red Iguana, which has been voted as one of the best Mexican restaurants in Utah. For bars, The Red Door is a sleek bar with live music, a patio, and a wide variety of martinis. Legends Sports Grill offers a more relaxed environment with a sports bar and billiards. The Westerner Club is a popular spot for karaoke while Club X is a nightclub known for its dancing.
Neighborhoods to Stay in Salt Lake City
Image credit: Edgar Zuniga Jr./Flickr CC-BY 2.0
Salt Lake City has a variety of different neighborhoods you can stay in. Emigration Canyon is a quiet residential area that’s great for biking but also has popular attractions such as the Hogle Zoo. Stay in the Downtown area to be close to the bars, restaurants, and nightlife. If you want to be really close to skiing locations, consider staying in Cottonwood Heights. Sugar House is a modern, progressive neighborhood with a Whole Foods and tons of great options for food and beer.
Public Transportation in Salt Lake City
You can ride the UTA, also known as the Utah Transit Authority, bus for free up to the slopes if you have a Super Pass. The bus can take you to Salt Lake City’s four ski resorts and it runs December through April. Otherwise, bring cash to pay for your fare.
This article was written by Colleen Regan.