The Olympics are certainly more than just your run-of-the-mill competition - Winter Sports buffs from around the world will be dreaming of visiting the Salt Lake Games in February 2002 as spectators. But what if you are your average skier or rider and would rather blast down a few runs of your own than watch the world's best battling it out? Fear not, Olympic season could be the ideal time to visit Utah for a spot of skiing.

The thought of skiing alone down Utah's slopes might not not be one to concern you, but it is worrying the locals. They are concerned lest visitors assume the Olympics will monopolise the slopes and cause transport chaos during the 2001/2002 season.

They are at pains to point out that the Games themselves will only last 17 days, and even when they are on, they will actually occupy just 2 percent of Utah's skiable terrain. Only 3 of Utah's mountain resorts will be affected - Snowbasin, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley. The other areas will be unaffected.

"History has shown at other Olympic venues, Olympic communities have typically been slower the entire year of the Games. If this holds true here in Utah, any visitors taking advantage of the wonderful skiing and snowboarding in 2002 will have the slopes to themselves," says Park City Chamber Bureau Director of Communications Shawn Stinson.

Kip Pitou, Ski Utah President outlines Utah's master plan for visitors during the Olympic season: "Skiing as usual - that's what will be going on here in 2002. We hope skiers and snowboarders won't be afraid to visit Utah then. Sure while a skier is here in 2002, they may have the extra benefit of getting to see an Olympic downhill or slalom. That's incredibly exciting. But there's still unlimited skiing and riding at the resorts hosting events and at the plethora of resorts that are not involved with the Games."

Most of Utah's Olympic venues have been ready far in advance of the Games and the organisers have laid great emphasis on giving the public access to them. Fancy yourself as Hermann Maier? Have a go on the Giant Slalom course at Park City Mountain Resort. Wanna mix it with Johnny Mosely and Janne Lahtela? Try the Olympic Moguls at Deer Valley.

With the exception of the few weeks leading up to and including the Games themselves, visitors will be able to ride the Olympic snowboard half-pipe at Park City Mountain Resort or ski the downhill and Super-G courses at Snowbasin, where a new access road has shortened the drive from Salt Lake City to just 40 miles.

Olympic Park is especially worth a visit - as a national training center they offer the chance to try your hand at luge, bobsled or even Ski Jumping (they have some jumps so small even Eddie the Eagle would feel at home). You can try curling on the Ice Sheet at Ogden or Cross-Country skiing at Soldier Hollow in Midway.