Salt Lake City: Winter wonderland

Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney is Salt Lake City's poster-child at present, but don't be mistaken into thinking Utah appeals only to Mormons.

This beautiful Midwest city, framed by snow-clad mountains, is a mecca for outdoor adventure-seekers, laced with world-class slopes within spitting distance of the city.

To the west, Great Salt Lake is another photogenic draw.

Start your exploration in the heart of the city, and tick Temple Square off your checklist.

I was lucky enough to be here after an overnight dusting of snow, and Temple Square resembled a fairy tale.

Home to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the colossal neo-gothic, multi-spired Temple was built in the late 19th century. Its grandeur does not fail to impress.

For a complete change of scenery, pop into Brewvies Cinema Pub where you can choose from 18 beers on tap, order a meal and take in a movie. Unforgettably good fun.

For higher-brow tastes, the Capitol Theatre boasts a spooling reel of nightly concerts, plays and dance recitals.

Snow bunnies should head over the hill to Park City.

With 3,300 acres of what is known as the "Greatest Snow on Earth", Park City Mountain Resort offers enthusiastic snow-riders nine bowls and 100 trails that will challenge your skills in the deep powder, through the bumps, between trees, across rails and over jumps.

However, don't be intimidated by all of this talk of the steep and the deep. If you're a novice, Park City Mountain Resort, which hosted the winter Olympics, has an excellent beginners ski school.

Night-skiing is all the rage at Park City; the well-groomed trails positively twinkle under the lighting towers.

Great Salt Lake is one of the world's largest salt lakes, and is nicknamed America's dead sea.

The heavy salt content allows bathers to float with ease, which is a most unusual feeling on your first foray.

If you're not up for a swim, opt for a sightseeing cruise to Antelope Island, for a unique perspective on the expansive lake.

If you're travelling with kids, Hogle Zoo and Clark Planetarium, complete with Imax Theatre, are absorbing inner-city attractions.

Hotel Monaco left me with such a sparkling impression, that I would rate it as one of my favourite hotels in the world.

This landmark downtown property and cozy furnishings and a funky atmosphere are highlights of the lavish lobby, which includes a complimentary wine service at night.

The spacious 225 rooms and suites reflect the eclectic, homely nature of the hotel with a blend of classic and contemporary decor.

Loaded with amenities and excellent in-house dining, including the award-winning Bambara exhibition kitchen, you will love Hotel Monaco.

Across the road, for a cheap and cheerful eat, the German deli Seigfried's is a cracker.