Set between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, the City of the Saints is best known for its Mormon roots and some of the world’s greatest skiing, which attracts visitors from all corners of the world to book flights to Salt Lake City.
Both Mormon and gentile (non-Mormon) travellers off flights to Salt Lake City visit Temple Square, the spiritual centre of the Church of Latter-day Saints (LDS). The ten-acre square has 15 points of interest, including the Salt Lake Temple, Tabernacle, and Assembly Hall. Mormons conduct tours through the square, focusing on Mormon history and life. When the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is in town, you can attend a performance, preview (rehearsal), or taping.
The powdery snow of the Wasatch Mountains is known as “The Greatest Snow on Earth”. Having hosted the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Salt Lake City offers winter-sports enthusiasts world-class facilities. In the summer, the mountains offer great hiking, ranging from easy walks to rock climbing the higher peaks.
But make no mistake, Salt Lake City has urban lifestyle offerings. In the performing arts the Utah Symphony and Opera and Ballet West are both nationally acclaimed. There are art galleries and museums to browse, the Utah Arts Festival draws a crowd, and the nightlife might surprise you.
Late June and early July bring the beginning of summer with low humidity, highs in the mid-20s and sometimes 30s (Celsius), and nighttime temperatures ranging from the low single digits to ten degrees. Afternoon thunderstorms are common over the higher peaks. September marks the beginning of autumn. Winter starts in November and by December there’s deep snow. Temperatures stay near freezing during the day. March starts the transition to spring, though snow remains in the valley until April and in the mountain passes until July.
Downtown Salt Lake City is easy to get around by public transport or on foot. The city has buses, light-rail and paratransit services. Streets are laid out in a grid, so you won’t have trouble with directions. To save some money with parking, look into the Downtown Token for discounts.