Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, the "Center of Scenic America" is the geographical center of the eleven Western States and the commercial, recreational and financial center of the Intermountain West. From its red-rock deserts and national parks in the south to its pine and aspen-forested mountains and Great Salt Lake in the north, Utah is a land of astounding scenic diversity. Eight National Parks are within an easy day’s ride from Salt Lake City. More than half of the State’s population lives within an hour’s drive of Salt Lake City on the western fringe of the Wasatch Mountains, known locally as the "Wasatch Front."
Salt Lake City was founded July 24, 1847 by the Mormon Pioneers, led by Brigham Young. Salt Lake City has evolved to become a major city, which is not only diverse and beautiful, but also safe and friendly.
Ready access to the mountain country surrounding the city and a four season climate invite participation in outdoor life including skiing, biking, hiking, boating, hunting and fishing. The forests abound with deer and elk; the streams with several types of trout and the marshes an abundance of ducks, geese, quail and pheasants. During the winter, the "Greatest Snow on Earth" settles on the Wasatch Mountains east of the city. Deep powder snow, every type of terrain, excellent lifts and trams, and internationally renown ski resorts (Alta, Snowbird, Park City, Deer Valley) are all less than an hour’s drive from the city. Sports facilities are readily available on campus. Both professional and college sports are easily accessible. Downtown Salt Lake City offers an outstanding wealth of arts and entertainment. At the Capitol Theatre, you’ll see Ballet West perform, as well as America’s most-traveled modern dance troupe, the Ririe-Woodbury. The City also has a Repertory Dance Theatre. The Utah Opera Company, and the nationally-rated Utah Symphony perform most Friday and Saturday evenings in Symphony Hall. The Utah Jazz (the 1997/1998 NBA Western Conference Champions), IHL Hockey, and AAA baseball all play in downtown Salt Lake City. Many fine restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines and prices can be enjoyed. Excellent wine stores and many coffee houses are easily accessible.
