Fodor’s Travel Names Salt Lake “America’s Best Mountain City”
Published October 2025 — Source: Fodor’s Travel, article by Amber Gibson
Salt Lake has officially been named America’s Best Mountain City by Fodor’s Travel, recognizing the destination’s one-of-a-kind blend of vibrant urban culture, mountain adventure, and year-round accessibility. This national recognition reinforces what locals and visitors alike already know: Salt Lake offers the perfect balance of city energy and alpine escape.
A Leader’s Perspective
“Being named America’s Best Mountain City by Fodor’s Travel is a meaningful milestone for Salt Lake. It validates what our residents and visitors experience every day — a community where vibrant urban life and mountain adventure meet seamlessly. At Visit Salt Lake, we’re honored to share this story with the world and to continue building a destination that inspires people to live, work, and explore here.”
— Kaitlin Eskelson, President & CEO, Visit Salt Lake
Why Salt Lake Stands Out
Salt Lake’s urban-meets-mountain character is what sets it apart. Visitors can explore a bustling downtown filled with award-winning restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions — then reach four world-class ski resorts and scenic trails in under 45 minutes. It’s this unmatched accessibility that makes Salt Lake a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and city lovers alike.
In her feature, writer Amber Gibson praised Salt Lake’s thriving food and drink scene, calling out standout spots like Cosmica, Urban Hill, and Water Witch, along with vibrant cultural institutions such as the Utah Symphony and The Maven District. Fodor’s Travel also spotlighted Salt Lake’s quick access to the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, home to a wide variety of mountain trails for hiking and biking along with the area’s world-famous ski resorts, and “The Greatest Snow on Earth®.”
Together, these experiences showcase what makes Salt Lake unlike any other mountain destination in the United States — a place where you can savor chef-driven dining, world-class art, and unforgettable alpine adventure all in a single day.
