20 May 2024: Renowned for The Mighty 5® national parks, The Greatest Snow on Earth® and everything in between, there is an abundance of outdoor activities and experiences on offer in the US state of Utah. This year brings key anniversaries, more accommodation, and exciting events across the state; find out what's new below.

NEWS

Winter Olympics 2034
Salt Lake City has been selected as the preferred host for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The last time the city hosted the Winter Olympic Games was 32 years ago in 2002. An official announcement will take place in Paris in July 2024. For more information, please visit: https://slc-ut2034.org

Utah Historical Film Trail
To celebrate 100 Years of Film and Television in the state, the Utah Historical Film Trail will take travellers off the beaten path to discover landscapes that have drawn some of the most accomplished filmmakers to this corner of the USA. Details to be released in summer 2024. For more information, please visit: https://film.utah.gov/100years/  

Salt Lake City International Airport
Construction continues at Salt Lake City International Airport and is scheduled to open in autumn 2024. Phase 3 comprises a new central tunnel connecting A and B Concourses and five new gates.
For more information, please visit: https://slcairport.com/

Under Canvas camps recognised as the world's first official Dark Sky certified resorts
Founded in 2012, Under Canvas is dedicated to connecting guests with the outdoors and each other through experiences in nature. Now offering 11 safari-inspired glamping locations, its tents include amenities such as ensuite bathrooms, plush king-size beds, and wood-burning stoves for chilly nights. This year, all four of its camps across Utah – Under Canvas Zion, Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell-Grand Staircase, and Moab – have been recognised as the world's first official Dark Sky-certified resorts for their outstanding commitment to preserving the nighttime environment. A night's stay costs from $319 / £258 for a Stargazer Tent (sleeping two).For more information, please visit: https://www.undercanvas.com/

KEY ANNIVERSARIES

100 Years of Film and Television
Once known as “Little Hollywood”, Utah's inspiring terrain has made the state a popular backdrop for filmmakers since the production of two silent films, 'The Deadwood Coach' and 'The Covered Wagon', both in 1924. Since then, Utah has slipped into countless roles, sometimes as different states, or even different planets, as well as setting the scene for many blockbusters including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Thelma & Louise, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. In addition, Forrest Gump (featuring Highway 163 in Monument Valley) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and Footloose (filmed entirely in Payson) is 40 in 2024. To honour this milestone, Utah is hosting various exhibits, events, and film screenings this year. For more information, please visit: https://film.utah.gov/100years/

NEW ACCOMMODATION

NEW: Mirror House Rentals at East Zion Resort, Utah
With increasing populations, high demand for housing, a desire for financial freedom, and the chance to be greener, there is a growing trend for tiny homes. Stay at Mirror House Rentals at East Zion Resort, which has debuted stand-alone tiny homes adorned with mirrored facades designed to blend into the surroundings and offer stargazing in style. Having opened in April 2024, the accommodation showcases contemporary king beds, ensuite bathrooms, useful kitchen appliances including a microwave and refrigerator, plus electricity, air conditioning and heating so guests can sleep comfortably whatever the weather. Heated floors add an extra level of comfort. After exploring Zion National Park, unwind on the private patio – taking in the mountains, trees, and town beyond – and light the gas fire pit for warmth or the propane grill for a barbeque. Alternatively, stroll down the hill where the pool and hot tubs await. A night's stay costs from $154 / £125 per Mirror House (sleeping two). For more information, please visit: https://www.eastzionresort.com/mirror-house-rentals

Black Desert Resort in Greater Zion
Set to open in autumn 2024, Black Desert Resort is the ideal place to deepen existing passions or discover new interests with its array of outdoor pursuits. Every detail of the hotel is thoughtfully designed: deep, private terraces encourage outdoor time, an open-air restaurant overlooks the spacious swimming pool, the Basalt steakhouse creates a first-class culinary experience, and a 19-hole Lava Field Golf Course awaits enthusiasts. Black Desert Resort also has a Golf Village with a 36-hole putting course, driving range, virtual golf simulator, sports bar, common areas, and hot tubs for pre-and-post game soaks. Alternatively, families can enjoy the Family Village, home to a resort style pool with a lazy river and waterfalls. Playgrounds with rope bridges, zip lines and obstacle courses will delight little ones, while tweens and teens can navigate their own surf wave pool, red-rock climbing installation, and survival skills wilderness camp. Finally, the Desert Boardwalk is a pedestrian-only promenade featuring bistros, boutique shops, family-friendly events, and entertainment offerings. Prices to be released. For more information, please visit: https://www.blackdesertresort.com

America's first glass-dome resort to open near Bryce Canyon National Park
Clear Sky Resorts has announced a soft opening of its new, one-of-a-kind resort, on 1 August 2024. America's first and only glass-dome resort, located off Utah Highway 12, is nestled in a private 80-acre canyon, near Bryce Canyon National Park (a certified International Dark Sky Park). The complex will feature 62 Sky Domes, with floor-to-ceiling glass, allowing guests to sleep in an aquarium of stars. Each dome has luxury furnishings, opulent beds, modern bathrooms, sleek kitchenettes, and privacy blackout curtains. The resort is also home to Sky Nova Café Bar & Grill, which has an impressive 28 ft glass wall overlooking the spectacular scenery and will be one of the largest glass dome restaurants in the world. A night's stay costs from $525 / £425 per dome (sleeping two). For more information, please visit: https://clearskyresorts.com/

The Valor Hotel in Parowan
Opening later this month, The Valor Hotel will feature 77 upscale rooms spaced across three floors, including six suites. Guests staying can experience culinary delights, a garden terrace, and an indoor swimming pool. Leave The Valor Hotel and explore the nearby area, home to Brian Head Resort (wonderful for skiers and snowboarders in the winter, and mountain-bikers in the summer), Cedar Breaks National Monument (a breathtaking amphitheatre of multi-coloured rock formations with unforgettable wildflower displays), and Parowan's historic Main Street, lined with charming shops, restaurants, and beautifully preserved buildings. Prices to be released. For more information, please visit: https://mockup.thevalorhotel.com

Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City
Opening in advance of the 2024/25 ski season, guests can make the most of sophisticated dining, fun après-ski, welcoming kids' club, entertaining games room, on-site ski lockers, and electric vehicle chargers alongside the 442 luxury rooms, suites and private residences. Although part of Park City, Deer Valley's atmosphere and accommodation makes it stand out. Deer Valley limits the number of skiers on the mountain each day, and guests are encouraged to purchase lift tickets, lodging, ski lessons, and rental products in advance. In addition, the resort is currently undergoing an incredible expansion, which will see new ski terrain (3,700 acres – the largest increase of skiable terrain in resort history) linked by new lifts, a new village and hub with direct access to Route 40, and new world-class accommodation, dining, and retail. The new area will have a soft opening in winter 2024/25 and a grand opening in winter 2025/26. A week's stay at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, from 1 March 2025, costs from $6,993 / £5,667 total for two people sharing a room. For more information, please visit: https://www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/slcgp-grand-hyatt-deer-valley

LaFave Luxury Resort in Greater Zion
For more than seven years, LaFave has provided luxury lodging for those visiting Zion National Park. The resort has 31 new luxury villas, homes, and suites, plus a brand-new spectacular outdoor pool to complete the experience. LaFave is in the heart of Springdale, known as the gateway town into Zion, and just one mile from the main entrance to the National Park. And to make it easy for guests, there's a shuttle that runs between the property and the park. One of The Mighty 5®, Zion National Park is home to an expansive canyon offering incredible hiking opportunities, plus the option of swimming in this area of the Virgin River. A night's stay costs from $495 / £400 per suite (sleeping two). For more information, please visit: https://lafavezion.com/

EVENTS NOT TO MISS THIS SUMMER

23-25 June 2024: Utah Arts Festival in Liberty Square, Salt Lake City, is esteemed by travellers, locals and artists from all around the US. Founded in 1977, the festival brings community members together around all forms of art through three days of exhibition, activity, and performance. Tickets start at $12 / £10 per adult and $8 / £7 per child. For more information, please visit: https://uaf.org

Mid-June to September/October 2024: Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City welcomes more than 100,000 guests and this year's performances include Henry VIII, The Winter's Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing. Tickets start at $4 / £3 pp (for groups of 12 or more). For more information, please visit: https://www.bard.org

5 July to 9 August 2024: Deer Valley® Music Festival in Park City celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Guests can spread out their blankets and enjoy beautiful views accompanied by the world-class talent of the Utah Symphony – performances feature renowned guest artists and conductors, with music from Whitney Houston, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon plus celebrated classical pieces and well-known Disney tunes. Tickets vary in price depending on the concert. For more information, please visit: https://deervalleymusicfestival.org

31 July to 3 August 2024: World Folkfest in East Springville is Utah's only International Folk Dance Festival. Cultural dance groups from across the world travel to Utah to share their traditions and heritage through the art of folk dance. Enjoy unique performances, traditional costumes, live music, global food trucks, kids' activities and more. A family ticket (two adults and four children under 18) costs from $45 / £39. For more information, please visit: https://www.worldfolkfest.org

22-24 August 2024: Western Legends Heritage and Music Festival in Kanab comprises country concerts, wild rodeo, movie stars and the vendor fair – all surrounded by the red rocks of Utah. Tickets to be released soon. For more information, please visit:  https://westernlegendsroundup.com/events/

28 August to 14 September 2024: Moab Music Festival is an award-winning event known for its distinctive programme and performances of chamber music, jazz, and Latin music. Don't miss the star-studded roster of artists perform at wilderness, outdoor, and historic venues. Join musical raft trips, hike to remote concerts, listen to unique acoustics, and absorb the sounds surrounded by nature. Some performances are free, several ask for a donation, and others cost $490 / £395 pp. For more information, please visit: https://moabmusicfest.org

For more information on Utah, please visit: www.visitutah.com                            

FOR MEDIA INFORMATION ONLY:

For more information and images, please contact Rosie Barcroft or Rachael Mathewson at the Utah Office of Tourism UK Press Office on: rosie.barcroft@kbc-pr.com / rachael.mathewson@kbc-pr.com