Salt Lake City has been named the "Fittest City in America" by Men's Fitness magazine, as announced in the February 2009 issue which hits newsstands this week. The title was secured as a result of the magazine's annual survey of the top 50 U.S. cities to determine which urban locale demonstrates the strongest commitment to health and fitness. This accolade is in addition to being recently singled out as the best city for women by Women's Health and the third best city for men by Men's Health in their respective January/February 2009 issues.

Salt Lake's wealth of natural, nearby resources for staying fit year round is a huge draw for the majority of its residents. In addition to being home to four world-class ski resorts-Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude-Salt Lake boasts a network of biking, walking and hiking trails that wend through the city and offers immediate access to virtually endless outdoor recreational opportunities in the Wasatch Mountain range that forms the backdrop to the city.

The Men's Fitness title was secured as a result of the magazine's annual survey of the top 50 U.S. cities. Now in its 11th year, the rankings are determined through the magazine's collaboration with a research firm, to gather such city data as accessibility to fitness centers, air quality, and television viewing habits.

"Though honored to receive such a distinction, it really does not surprise me that Salt Lake is recognized as the ‘Fittest City in America,'" commented Scott Beck, President and CEO of the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors. "We have a unique fusion of sophisticated metropolitan living that meshes naturally with some of the most spectacular outdoor activities in the country. It's an ideal place for anyone who wants a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing the perks of a thriving cultural hub."

Over half of Utah's out-of-state ski visitors opt for staying in Salt Lake, and with good reason. Located just minutes from SLC International Airport with multiple daily flights from most major domestic gateways, the downtown area provides guests with the best of all worlds. Using Salt Lake as their "base camp," visitors are less than an hour's drive from 11 of Utah's 13 world-class ski resorts and over 60 public golf courses. From shopping to skiing "The Greatest Snow On Earth" to biking the Wasatch Crest Trail, Salt Lake is a versatile destination offering something for everyone.