Utah aims to host the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, upgrading infrastructure and improving visitor experiences. The state’s Olympic legacy includes 35% of U.S. winter Olympians linked to Utah, with Salt Lake City hosting the 2002 Games. Officials stress the blend of urban amenities and natural beauty as a key factor in attracting global interest. The 2002 Games, which saw Australia’s Alisa Camplin and Steven Bradbury secure their nations’ first Winter Olympic gold medals, showed Utah’s role as a training ground for international athletes. This legacy, combined with the state’s commitment to accessibility, positions Utah as a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts worldwide.
Expanding Winter Sports Infrastructure
Deer Valley Resort in Park City is expanding for the 2026-27 season, adding 16 chairlifts, 135 runs, and four new peaks in the Wasatch Range. The upgrades aim to improve accessibility and terrain for skiers and snowboarders. Located just 58 kilometers from Salt Lake City, the resort’s expansion reinforces Utah’s reputation for world-class skiing, with its proximity to urban centers enhancing the appeal for both domestic and international visitors.
Utah Office of Tourism Associate Managing Director Dave Williams emphasized the state’s long-standing winter sports culture. “We’re proud of our Olympic legacy,” he said, noting that Utah’s natural conditions and infrastructure are “only getting better.” The 2002 Games, he added, “captured the world’s imagination,” a legacy now amplified by preparations for 2034. Williams highlighted the state’s unique ability to merge urban sophistication with natural beauty, a trait that has drawn Australian athletes like Camplin and Bradbury to train in Utah, further cementing its global appeal.
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Dark Skies and State Parks
Utah’s tourism strategy extends beyond winter sports. Global Market Director Rachel Bremer highlighted the state’s 46 parks, including the “Mighty 5” national parks and 28 certified International Dark Sky Places. Snow Canyon State Park and Bluff recently earned new IDA designations, while parks offer unique stays like luxury yurts and Conestoga wagons. Beyond certifications, the state is developing dedicated Dark Sky toolkits and industry workshops to enhance the nighttime experience for stargazers, ensuring that Utah remains a leader in night sky preservation.
“When the sun goes down, the adventure is just beginning,” Bremer said. Utah’s parks provide affordable, accessible options for travelers, with local rangers offering personalized experiences. The state’s focus on night sky preservation positions it as a leader in dark sky tourism, complementing its outdoor recreation appeal. Parks such as Dead Horse Point State Park, the first in Utah to achieve IDA certification, and East Canyon State Park, just 56 kilometers from Salt Lake City, showcase the state’s commitment to unique accommodations, from luxury yurts to historic Conestoga wagons.
