Salt Lake City airfare deal: $89 each way

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

There's still lots of winter left, so head West to enjoy the white stuff. You'll be even more inspired to go after viewing the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Friday evening!

But you don't need deep pockets to reach some of the nation's finest ski resorts.

Take advantage of a tremendous offer of $89 each way on Continental Airlines to Salt Lake City, Utah - Host city of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

This rate is valid on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through January 7, 2011 - without any blackout dates.

Simply give a one-week or more advance notice of travel. The ticket rate, including all taxes, fees is $108.90.

Hurry to buy tickets. This sale doesn't have a ticket-by date which means it could vanish in hours.

http://www.continental.com

Plan your flight schedule for an early morning departure from Atlanta so that you can ski free later that same day.

The Park City Quick START - "Ski Today and Ride Today" - lets you convert your airline boarding pass into a same-day lift ticket to the Park City resort of your choice - Deer Valley Resort, The Canyons Resort, or Park City Mountain Resort. Park City is located just 35 short minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport.

The offer is valid from March 28 until resort closing day (typically April 1-10).

Follow this link for details: http://www.parkcityinfo.com/static/index.cfm?contentID=1047

If you go, here are a few budget-friendly activities in Park City that are free to $10:

- Park City Museum: After a $9 million renovation and a two-year closure, the newly remodeled Park City Museum provides a hands-on experience with the city's historic mining past. Take a peek at a 30’ diorama of the old Park City mine shafts and buildings, test out what it was like to use a jackhammer or dynamite to dig through the tunnels. Or, spend some time in Utah’s only remaining territorial jail cells (in the basement of the museum, naturally). Adults are $10; Youths (7-17) $5; free for younger children; http://www.parkcityhistory.org

- Utah Olympic Park: Free admission to the 2002 Eccles Winter Olympic Museum - a tribute to the world-class athletes competing for the gold. The Alf Engen Ski Museum pays homage to the founders of skiing and snowboarding and educates visitors on the ski/snowboard impact in Utah. The entire facility continues to be used for athlete training and hosts numerous professional and competitive events, most of which are free for the public to watch.

http://www.olyparks.com

- Park City Film Series at Jim Santy Auditorium: The Park City Film Series provides year-round screenings of independent films that aren’t typically shown in the usual movie theatres. The selected films are often recognized as unique and exceptional cinematic efforts, occasionally including past films from the Sundance Film Festival - Park City’s most famous event. Viewings are $10; http://www.parkcityfilmseries.com

- Stroll through the art galleries: On the last Friday of each month, local galleries offer a showcase that highlights artists with special exhibits. Locals and visitors are encouraged to explore Park City’s dynamic art scene - from modern contemporary to more traditional Western art. Participating galleries serve light refreshments. http://www.parkcitygalleryassociation.com