I am a Utah native, still living here. Non-Mormons are treated differently, and often their children are shunned by the Mormon kids in the neighborhood. The Mormon Church absolutely dominates Utah politics and though they vote Republican, they are high taxers and they believe in restrictive laws rather than freedom.
I agree with the poster who says there is a socialistic bent to Mormon philosophy and therefore, Utah politics.
The mountains are wonderful, as are other natural attractions nearby and if you like to ski, it's fantastic -- as long as you are prepared to be heavily taxed and regulated.
I don't get the statement that Mormons tend to be socialist. We are taught to be independent and self-reliant. Can you elaborate further?