Industry News
Attention skiers and snowboarders looking to chase bottomless powder: the Salt Lake City International Airport is revamping their entire complex with traveling snow seekers in mind. The $4.1 billion reconstructions, complete with a new baggage system, terminal, and two new concourses, will not only expand one of the country’s busiest transit hubs but will also cater to the likes of traveling outdoor enthusiasts.
The focus for the redesign was centered around creating a pleasant passenger experience in a unique environment. With ten world-class ski resorts only 60 minutes via car from the Salt Lake Airport, accommodating skiers was a top priority throughout the design and construction process as well. With a brand new baggage system implemented, oversized luggage, such as skis or gear, is handled conveniently and with supplementary caution. The automated system, utilizing seven miles of conveyor belts, is conveniently located on the same level as ground transportation, whereas the previous process involved a separate baggage area and the use of stairs or escalators.
Adding to your traveling experience, the redesign of the airport took an innovative, aesthetically pleasing approach by incorporating a Utah-inspired glass wall. Designed by California-based artist Gordon Huether, the Canyon plaza uniquely represents the deep and narrow valleys of Utah. The massive art installations instantly give you a taste of the Wasatch Mountains and a sense of place. In explaining the inspiration for the glass wall, Huether commented:
“The prime objective from the start was to celebrate the natural beauty of Utah in a fully architecturally, integrated art program. The big idea is to blur the lines between art and architecture. If there was ever a time that art mattered, where art should transport you to a higher place, where art could unite us in inspiration, nature, and beauty, this is that time.”
Making the Utah skiing experience even more convenient, the Utah Transit Authority makes getting from the SLC Airport to the local resorts incredibly easy. Utilizing multiple public transportation options, UTA is also upgrading its light rail systems, TRAX, station to better serve the new ground transportation location. If you would rather rely on alternative transportation, the airport’s new elevated roadways allow for surplus space for passenger pick-up and drop-off.
As if these upgrades were not enough, the new airport now offers affordable food options without having to pay an arm and a leg. Places like the new Squatters Pub Brewery and Wasatch Brewery locations will feature specialty sandwiches, as well as canned and draft beers from various local breweries. Once you are ready to depart, no need to worry, the new linear concourses handle passenger capacity to ensure faster departures, as well as arrivals.
With upgrades complete just as the snow starts to fly, travelers can be sure their experience at the new Salt Lake City Airport will be a uniquely satisfying one. As skiers and snowboarders, we can cross travel stress off our list when planning for the next Utah ski trip.
