"You have stolen our snow." That is the constant refrain we are hearing here in Utah. We plan to ski Park City and Deer Valley - will keep you posted. So far, rain and not snow in Salt Lake City.
We had a smooth flight on Delta, which actually left BWI early to outrace the winds. Spent our first nights at a great Super 8 Motel near the airport. For about $70 a night, a large
room, high speed internet, breakfast, kitchen, heated indoor pool and spa, and dog friendly. It will cost us more in Park City, but we will be able to walk to the slopes. The Sundance Festival is over, and the big star visitor is "The Roaming Gnome." Hope we meet it! Enjoy the snow back home - hope our house survives! Connie and Charles

Utah is sumptuous - by Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman, February 7, 2010

Utah is one of my favorite states in the nation, along with Colorado and the Tahoe region. It has been two long years since my husband Charles and I visited Utah, and I am so glad to be back, even if the trip is a short one. I chose the most visitor-friendly resorts, Park City and Deer Valley. In addition to the beauty of the area, the trails are designed and cut in such a way that encourages you to feel like an Olympic athlete. Of course, I did lose it and wimped out in fear on one short diamond trail. But, in general, I sang my way down Home Run, Bonanza, and some of the many others. There was a huge variety to choose from, with 108 trails, 9 bowls, and 4 parks open. The altitude is not too bad - around 10,000 feet at the summits. I took it slow, and it did not really bother me on the way down. Walking up hill, in heavy boots, makes my heart pound. Thanks to Charles for carrying the skis!
The weather was mild - in the 30's or 40's. It was gentle snow flurries at the lower elevations, but became biting sleet higher up. The peaks were foggy, but I have been in much worse white out conditions. When the snow and fog cleared, you could view the beautiful mountains and valleys, and look across to Deer Valley, with its expensive homes.
Deer Valley and Park City are expensive resorts, but you get a lot of value for your money. I always remind people to get a package if you can - especially one that includes air fare, hotels, lift tickets, and - if you want - rental equipment and instructions. Also try to avoid peak events. We missed the Sundance Festival and Presidents Weekends by one week, and were probably lucky. Despite that, Park City was still busy, but there were short lines - even at the most popular base lifts, and there is music, laughter. Everyone treats you like an old friend. I love the spirit and the skiing at Park City! It took my mind off the problems of the world, for a while. But, I could not escape worrying about Snowmageddon back home, and wondering if I still have a house left. I also hope our favorite regional areas got tons of snow!
For lodging, we chose The ChateauApres, in downtown Park City. It is a folksy, laid back, family owned lodge, which they had the foresight to build in the 1960's. It is steps away from the runs, but you do have to walk up several flights of stairs to get to the lifts. The staircase next to the lodge has an easy pitch, steel grated with sturdy wood railings, and was cleared of snow and ice. But leave your equipment off at the slopes, and then drive down and park your car at the hotel. The hotel has reasonable but spartan rooms and dorm space. We paid about $100 a night and that includes continental breakfast, wifi, and cable HDTV. Some visitors have been coming here for 30 years, and feel as though they are an extended part of the Hosenfeld family. It is not as fancy as the big chain hotels or fancy condos, but it's more Park and less City!
There are so many aspects we like about Park City - it caters to all ages and groups. A scavenger hunt was underway for spirited children. Extremely fit senior skiers, in sexy racing suits, were competing in Masters competition. They were fast, and fearless, and claimed I was "a kid," compared to them! Not true, but inspiring. Also inspiring were the Adaptive Skiers, who were doing a great job on the mountain. Park City has one of the largest National Abilities Centers in the nation. Park City is definitely a resort for all ages and abilities.

I would gladly travel 2,000 miles to enjoy the expansive views, manicured trails, and yes, the gold faucets in the bathrooms! The helpful assistance of the Mountain Hosts and rest of the staff is also wonderful. It is no surprise that Deer Valley was named the #1 ski resort in North America by readers of Ski Magazine for this year and the past two.
Now, we know there are many awards, and sometimes there appear to be as many as exist for the movies, music, and tv, but this vote is deserved.
Most of the views are breathtaking, but the best is from the top of Bald Mountain, at 9,400 feet. Three chair lifts come together there - Sultan Express, Wasatch Express, and Sterling Express. From the top, you see the vast expanse of Heber Valley and the Jordanelle Reservoir. From the top, you can proceed right, and go down the more difficult Stein's Way, and the Mayflower Chutes and Bowls. Or you can go to the left, where you have a vast variety of easier runs. There are good greens, blues, and blacks. Most of the ones we saw or took were perfectly groomed. It's true, they did not have the fresh snow we have in the Mid Atlantic area this week, but what they had was hard packed and in great shape. By the way, Deer Valley and Park City are filled with Easterners. Most of us are worried about our families, friends, and homes, and wonder if we will ever get back. It is great to visit Utah, but we also have responsibilities back home!
On the other hand, if one must be stranded on an extended trip, this is the place to be. The weather was warm, in the mid thirties. There were some clouds, but most of he time the bright sun was shinning. There are 6 mountains and numerous trails and bowls. Deer Valley is also known for its gourmet, organic cafeterias and restaurants, and the famous Stein Ericksen Lodge and restaurant. Deer Valley is definitely the best of the West! It combines great skiing and luxury. It is expensive - with peak season tickets running as high as $89 a day, but some people were buying at noon for $60 and, as always, there are those package deals. You get your money's worth, and do not have to stand on long, slow lines. You can also ski for FREE on certain airlines and certain days. Just show your proof that you flew in that morning. What a great idea.
Deer Valley is less than an hour drive from Salt Lake City. You can stay at airport motels, hotels in Salt Lake, or lodges at Park City. There are ways to economize, so you can take advantage of the Deer Valley experience. It is definitely worth it!
On Monday, we returned to Deer Valley, for another blue bird day. Warm, sunny, and not a cloud in the sky. In fact, a real blue bird actually flew past Charles face as he was skiing!
We took advantage of a tour provided by Mountain Hosts, and flew over a lot of the mountains. My favorite trail is "Last Chance," past some of the exquisite private homes (but we do not pass close to the dramatic, round house of Charlie Gibson, which dominates part of the resort). Other good trails included "Success," "Homeward Bound," "Ontario" and "Blue Bell." There are so many - all well groomed with superb views.
Deer Valley does not allow snowboards, and has no terrain parks - they are at nearby Park City. It does make a difference. But, I still believe snowboards are the future of the industry. That is especially true as ski equipment becomes heavier, stiffer, and harder to handle. Why can't we go back to the more comfortable days of the sport?

Speaking of equipment, we used up to date boots and skis supplied by Ski Butlers. What a great concept! They came to our hotel, and fitted the equipment. Since they had all our dimensions, it only took a few minutes. The next morning, they returned for a minor adjustment. On Monday, we called from the slopes and said we were finished. They met us at Deer Valley in twenty minutes, and gathered up the equipment. Way to go! Check the Web or contact byrn@skibutlers.com.
Ski Butlers was started six years ago by Bryn Carey, an ambitious young man from New Hampshire. (Most of the people we met this week were former Easterners). Ski Butlers now serves 25 resorts in the West and British Columbia. They operate out of 8 shops or warehouses. Like many rental establishments, they sell much of their equipment at the end of the season, and get new skis, boards, and boots the next year. This is an idea that works! I appreciate any thing that takes the burden out of skiing, and lets the love flow through!

Skiing with the blue birds on a blue sky day in Utah - doesn't get any better than that Connie! Don't come home, enjoy Utah. We'll notify you when the roads and airports are clear in DC, might take a week or two though.

Wow, Connie, great trip reports, I loved reading those as I wait for another 8-12 inches here in Loudoun County!

Thank you Jim. Keep up your great work! Connie

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No offense, but I've been skiing for nearly 45 years and I have completely disagree with that comment. If you've found that to be true, then you are getting some seriously bad advice on what ski equipment to use. Is some 20 year-old bro/bra ski shop dude placing you on 120mm wide pontoons? Or are you getting older and less fit? If so, you need to place better context in your writing.

Today's ski equipment is by far more comfortable, lighter, easier to handle and easier to ski than at any point I've been enjoying the sport. I'd rather carry 180 cm skis than 205's and I'd also rather ski 'em.

Today's lifts are much easier to ride. Remember poma lifts, J-bars, T-bars, rope tows and fixed grip quads? Today's ski areas also have much more ammenities. At one point in time, the facilities at Blue Knob were state of the art. I don't think most skiers want to go back to that time.

Canyon Sports Discount Tickets

A great way to save money on lift tickets for The Canyons, PCMR and to a lesser extent, Deer Valley. Similar savings at other ski shops and grocery stores. But you have to buy in Salt Lake City, they're not available in Park City and it's surroundings.

Nice report Connie! On Friday I saw a site you would not have believed...at 4pm in the afternoon the beltway was empty. We flew through the DC area into NOVA with little or no traffic. It was snowing to beat the band and everyone else was staying home I guess.

I agree with your assessment of Deer Valley. I think the place offends something in our hard-core compatriots but hell, if someone wants to carry my skis I am all for it.

As for equipment, I started skiing 4 years ago when I was 48. I doubt I would have stuck with it had it not been for shaped skis.

JohnL thanks for passing on the discount info. Looks like there is an online ordering link on the bottom of the page. Might have to give it a try.

Alta is A #1 for thrills, beauty, and value. We had an exceptional day on Feb 9th - will write more later. We were graced with an extra day of skiing, when our flights got cancelled. Tremenduous thrill to ski groomed easy runs, while viewing the steep peaks around us.
Alta is good bargain skiing - $66 a day and $56 half day. There is a special deal for rentals after 2:30 - $16 from Alta Ski shop, and free skiing after 3 on Sunnyside Lift. This is a great idea for large families.
Alta is another area which denies Snowboards, but you can ride down from the Snowbird side. You might feel uncomfortable; signs say "Alta is a skiers mountain; Snowboarding is not allowed."
Still, an incredible mountain - we highly recommend it. Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman

...alta is an elitist country club...when you visit be sure to wear your fur boots, throw your nose in the air and make a couple snowboard jokes...

What? Alta is one of the least pretentious areas I've ever skied. I also don't see how a place with $66 lift tickets can be considered country club. That's cheaper than Snowshoe and only $9 more than Timberline on the weekends.

What???!!! Alta is not elitist, it is the skiers' "Mecca". Beautiful, easy to get to, throw-back lodges, very few frills...just snow on top of snow, deep powder and groomed runs, unbelievable...
The Colonel

...country club for sure...sounds like fur boots are optional...be sure to make some snowboard jokes....

LOL @ Tucker.

I agree with him a bit, Alta is a tad elitist. After all, if you're often called "The Mecca", isn't that the definition of elitist?

Alta is value-priced, but it is no longer cheap. It is no longer a dirt-bag haven. 66$? There are better values in Utah. Spare the Snowshoe comparision, since Snowshoe may be the most over-priced area in the entire U.S.

As to "country club", Alta like several country clubs are some what picky about who they admit...

Alta is not exactly "no frills." It does have limited base area ammenities/lodging, but it has two high-speed detachable quads, a magic carpet to load on another triple, and new on-mountain restaurants with pretty hefty prices.

Powder Mountain, Solitude, Brighton, Beaver Mountain, Sundance, and if you consider lack of lodging options, Snowbasin, have way less frills than Alta and are cheaper to visit.

Isn't "snowboard joke" redundant? (Quickly ducking...)

Hey Tucker, did you make it out to Tahoe? How wuz it?

Hey Tucker have you returned to the Mecca of the Mid-Atlantic?




Hey T do you know why most snowboarder jokes are one liners?

I guess Madriver is country club too.

BTW, I agree that Alta is no longer the bargain it once was. Personally, Solitude is my favorite out there.

Depends. The "official" reason has been that snowboarders caused issues with the old single chair. Plausible reason. Even if they didn't, I'm not sure if boarders would be allowed.

Deer Valley, without doubt is a country club. At numerous levels.

So snowboarders can understand them and skiers can remember how to tell them?

Deer Valley is definitely country club in many respects. The ski valet people kind of freak me out...I'm just not used to that level of service.

I'll admit that if I'm going to drop $15 for a lunch at a ski area that its country club amenities pay off in that respect.

...I knew the snowboard jokes would start flying...dam snowboarders...but seriously I haven't even been to alta cause they won't let me in....tahoe was vary excellent-glad to be back in one piece!!!this weather in the valley is getting ridiculous...we got 12 last night and it is hammering down right now, I heard reports of 12 more tonight and more tommorrow-its about time to head to the backcountry to find something steep...if JohnL didn't snake your punch line then "no jimmy I don't know, why do snowboarders like the one line jokes???"...

So teh skiers can understand them.

Actually a couple weeks ago I caught one of our new snowboard instructors sitting with her group lesson on the snow. I asked if she was in a lesson and they had just finished. I told her nice, I'd always wondered what part of the lesson they taught the students to sit around on the snow, now i know it's at the end . See ya

If your wearing fur at Timberline..it was Trapped & Skined somewhere close!
Beaver creek,Co, Sunday River Maine, & Stratton,Vt are my CC experiences...Wore my Camos up at Sunday River & when the Door guy opened the door for me I could tell he was Shocked..but amused. I should have told him I was out hunting Fur.