Originally published on Forbes.

Discover Salt Lake City, Utah—Where Urban Culture Meets Outdoor Adventure

Whether you love city experiences or easy access to nature and the outdoors, Salt Lake City is a perfect home base—especially in the winter season.

By Wendy Altschuler,

Utah’s capitol city has a lot to offer visitors, whether you’re interested in a short getaway for a few days, or a longer travel adventure. With a population of nearly 218,000, this mid-sized city not only has plenty to do, see and eat, but also, there’s a plethora of outdoor cold-weather activities well within reach.

The city was founded by Mormon pioneers and built with a grid system that fans out from the Temple Square. Streets are handsome and wide and easy to navigate. The only question is: What will you do while you’re here?

Top Winter Things to Do in Salt Lake City

Wintertime is a wonderful season to visit the capital city, where a blanket of snow covers the buildings and parks and caps the mountains. Whether you explore inside or out, there’s plenty to experience.

• Catch a Utah Jazz NBA basketball game at The Delta Center, situated in the heart of the city and within walking distance to many hotels and attractions.
• See the newly created National Hockey League’s Utah Mammoth at The Delta Center for a game full of hard hits and ice shots.
• Travel to nearby Park City and visit Utah Olympic Park, built for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, where you can learn about Olympic history on a guided tour, fly down the Comet Bobsled ride, visit the Winter Games Museum, and test your stamina on the uphill trails.
• Spend time wandering the many museums that the city has to offer visitors and locals. From the Natural History Museum of Utah, perched above the city in the foothills to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, where engaging museum tours are available to the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, where you’re sure to see something that will make you pause and ponder.
• Explore the Maven District, a vibrant and empowering community of women-owned and operated businesses. This area is full of murals and joyful boutique shops like Lovebound Library, Pantry Products, and Acrely Farms.

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City

One of the most beautiful and historic hotels in Salt Lake City is Asher Adams, Autograph Collection. With nods to the Union Pacific Depot, this 225-room luxury hotel features an art-filled grand hall with plenty of well-designed spaces to work or relax with friends and family. From Rouser to Bar at Asher Adams to Counterpart No. 119, you won’t go hungry or thirsty while staying here. And the best part: you’ll be located at The Gateway, Salt Lake City’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment district.

Travel Further Afield for Big Mountain Skiing

If you venture slightly further outside of the city, you can be skiing within the hour in one of the snowiest canyons in the country. Solitude Mountain Resort has terrain for a diversity of abilities and interests on over 1,200 skiable acres.

The instruction at their Ski and Ride School can’t be beat. You can join a group lesson or reserve a private session, both of which are insightful whether you’re a seasoned or newbie skier. Learn fresh proficiencies or sharpen the ones you have through professional coaching. There’s also a special Women on Wednesdays program that is perfect for meeting new friends and developing your abilities in the sport. Rent skis onsite or bring your own and hit the slopes for a fun day playing outside.

When you’re not skiing or snowboarding, you can relax at Club Solitude and enjoy their sauna, heated pool, and hot tubs. Families love the access to indoor games like pool or air hockey, and there are plenty of multi-media hang out spots as well.

The Inn Solitude, a Bavarian-style lodge with ski in and ski out access, where rooms have balconies and plush amenities, also has an outdoor hot tub, which is a nice escape from the rest of the villages’ soakers.

Where to Eat at Solitude

You’ll have plenty of dining and imbibing options while skiing, riding, or staying at Solitude. Honeycomb Grill, Stone Haus Pizzeria & Creamery, The Thirsty Squirrel, St. Bernard’s, Moonbeam Lodge, Roundhouse Lodge, and Last Chance Lodge are among the favorites.

But there’s one dining experience that you must try while at Solitude. Tucked in the woods, accessible by snowshoe, The Yurt offers something truly remarkable for guests. You’ll meet your guide in the Solitude Village, strap on snowshoes, and wear a headlamp as you make your way through the snow-covered terrain full of beautiful trees to reach the yurt. Once inside the cozy and warm yurt, you’ll be treated to a four-course prix fixe meal that is sure to delight.