Salt Lake City Tops TripAdvisor's List for 'Best Bargain Ski Destination'

SALT LAKE CITY, December 2011-- TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site* and trusted among savvy travelers, recently launched its inaugural TripIndex Ski, a cost comparison of popular ski destinations across the United States and Canada, naming Salt Lake City the most affordable ski destination.

Numerous factors went into creating the TripIndex Ski, not the least of which was accommodations, a category Salt Lake City also rated 'most affordable.' Another of the categories Salt Lake, and its four world-class resorts - Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude - scored high in was the cost of lift tickets. The Ski Salt Lake Super Pass, valid at all four of the Cottonwood Canyon resorts, is the most convenient and value-laden lift ticket program in the ski industry. In addition to providing an easy and inexpensive way to experience each of the Cottonwood resorts through a single lift pass, it includes free transportation to/from the resorts on UTA Ski Busses and TRAX light rail.

Additional categories making up TripAdvisor's TripIndex Ski include rental equipment, meals and the cost of a beer. With Utah's capital city offering a true urban experience in the form of endless dining options, including award-winning brewpubs, a full array of cultural arts offerings and a nightlife scene to suit every taste and budget, Salt Lake is North America's biggest ski town and has redefined après ski.

"It is great to receive national recognition from such a consumer-focused organization" said Scott Beck, President CEO of Visit Salt Lake. "The world saw during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games that Salt Lake is the largest ski town in North America. That, combined with the value noted by TripAdvisor, makes Salt Lake a 'not-to-be missed' ski destination."

Visit Salt Lake is a private, non-profit corporation responsible for the promotion of Salt Lake as a convention and travel destination. Visit Salt Lake's mission is to improve the area economy by attracting and providing support to conventions, leisure travelers and visitors while being a leader in environmental responsibility. Salt Lake is a unique fusion of metropolitan city and quaint mountain town; the towering Wasatch Mountains that embrace Salt Lake offer a dramatic backdrop to the vibrancy and activities of downtown.

* According to comScore Media Metrix Core Reports, a leading online audience measurement agency.