The State of Utah has unique natural beauty and an unparalleled combination of recreational and cultural opportunities. The local canyons of the Wasatch Mountains offer hiking, running, cycling, boating, fishing, snowshoeing, downhill and cross-country skiing within 30 minutes of downtown. Two hours away, the Uintah Mountains offer extensive back country experiences. Park City, the home of Utah's largest ski resort, will host many of the events of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park are just five hours to the north, and 11 national parks and monuments, including Zion, Bryce, Arches, the Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, Natural Bridges, Lake Powell, and Mesa Verde are within a one-day drive south.
Mountain lakes and reservoirs provide both fishing and boating.
Salt Lake City has many cultural and entertainment activities. The Utah Symphony performs in Maurice Abravanel Hall, hailed as one of the world's finest concert halls. Ballet West, one of America's leading ballet companies, and the Utah Opera Company perform at the Capitol Theater downtown. Art galleries, museums, and live theater productions can be found throughout the city. The NBA's Utah Jazz, the WNBA's Utah Starzz, the Salt Lake Buzz - a AAA baseball team, and the IHL's Utah Grizzlies bring sports competition to the Salt Lake valley.