Midway

Travel to Midway, and you might think you’ve accidentally landed in a small European town. Located just 50 minutes outside Salt Lake City, this Heber Valley village conjures images of pastoral Swiss landscapes with stunning accuracy. Quaint bakeries line the streets, alpine meadows dominate the view, and you’ll find gingerbread-cottage architecture nestled in every little neighborhood. In fact, Midway vacations are so reminiscent of jaunts through Zurich that the town throws an annual Swiss Days celebration. Every August, residents dress in traditional clothing, yodelers warm up their pipes, and the entire town transforms into a full-on European wonder. It’s the sort of experience in-the-know travelers covet, and the best Midway vacation packages cater to the festivities. Of course, like Switzerland itself, trips to Midway are often based entirely on the surrounding terrain. Because several 2002 Olympic events were held in the area, it’s garnered a reputation for being among the state’s best places to ski, snowboard, and snowmobile. Thrill-seeking tourists and vacationing families flock to Wasatch Mountain State Park to snowboard until dusk, hike through the valleys, or tee up on the summer greens. The formerly Olympic Soldier Hollow is another much-loved area within the park, and cross-country skiers should budget a fair amount of time to explore its courses. What’s more, this area is home to some of the coziest apres-ski spots, and it’s not difficult to track down cheap deals, rates, and discounts on the top locations. Go for the snow-capped mountains, but stay for the Swiss-inspired lodges. Of course, slightly less adventurous travelers will find plenty of Midway deals to keep them on their toes. Take a stroll along West Main Street to browse the local galleries, boutiques, and cafes, and then venture out to the Midway Ice Rink for a few hours of skating. Want a little locals-only advice? Visit during the evening hours. When the sun dips behind the mountains, the ice twinkles with reflected light. It’s an unforgettable moment.