Park City Lodging - What's the Best Option For Your Ski Vacation

There are many Park City lodging options to consider when planning your next ski vacation to Park City, Utah. Hotels, condos, bed and breakfasts and even vacation homes are available year round. The high season is of course during the winter, from mid-November to mid-April.

If you can spare no expense, ski-in/ski-out luxury, 4-star accommodations is the way to go. When staying on the slopes, everything you need is usually right there at the base of mountain and ski resort. All three resorts in town including Deer Valley, Park City and The Canyons all have a variety of accommodations right on the slopes.

As far as Park City lodging options go, Deer Valley Resort has some of the most luxurious accommodations in town. There is the infamous Stein Eriksen Lodge and The Chateaux at Silver Lake as well as many other hotels, condos and private homes available for rental. The Silver Lake Village, at mid-mountain, has 26 properties alone. Prices can go as high as $4,000/night or more for a 4-bedroom suite, such as at the Chateaux.

The Park City Mountain Resort's closest hotel to the slopes is the Marriot Mountainside. This is a good choice if you are planning to do most of your skiing at Park City. It's right at the base of the slopes with ski-in/ski-out access and very close to Main Street for apres-ski activities later in the evening. The Marriot is also located at the resort's base village, which has lots of shops, restaurants and even a skating rink.

The Canyons Resort has several hotels in their ski village. Most people like the Grand Summit Hotel which is the closest hotel to the gondola, the main lift for mountain access. The Grand Summit is a 4-diamond, AAA resort and has hotel rooms, studios as well as one, two and three-bedroom suites. Other lodging options at The Canyons include the Sundial Lodge, Silverado Lodge, The Westgate and Miner's Club hotel condos.

Like Bed and Breakfasts? There are several all within walking distance to Park City's Main Street, the center of town and evening entertainment. Bed and Breakfast's are the best choice if you will be skiing at the Park City Resort and prefer this style of lodging. Some of the popular B&Bs include the Washington School Inn, the Old Town Guest House and the Woodside Inn.

Looking for some cheaper Park City lodging options? No problem. There are a few places around town that offer lower rates if you're on a budget. Most of the cheaper accommodations are located at Kimball Junction, about a 10-15 minute ride (depending on traffic) from the center of Park City. There you will find a Hampton Inn and Suites, Holiday Inn Express and a Best Western Landmark Inn. The only "cheap" place closer to the center of town is the Chateau Apres Lodge. It is a no-frills place for sure, but you can walk to the Park City Resort instead of having to drive yourself or take the bus from Kimball Junction.

Be sure to make your Park City lodging reservations early. Don't wait until the ski season begins because you may find your first choices are gone and possibly all properties are full. Some people will even book their vacations as early as April for the next ski season. And early reservations are definitely a must if you plan to visit during the Sundance Film Festival, held annually every January, mid-month for 10 days.

Park City Utah Winter Activities

As with many ski towns, Park City was originally established as a mining town. In the 1860’s, flocks of people moved here to pursue riches in silver mining. At this time the streets were lined with saloons and featured a very popular red-light district. In the 1930’s mineral prices fell due to the depression, and the town felt the effect. Business collapsed and the population dwindled. Over time things got better and in 1963 Park City Consolidated Mines built the first chairlift on what was then known as Treasure Mountain. At this time, $3.50 would get you a weekend pass to go skiing and sledding. Times have changed a bit since then, but the skiing is still world-class, and the town offers many cultural events and festivals.

Now that you have a little history of the town, let’s take a look at what there is to do during the winter months. Skiing and snowboarding is by far the most popular, but there are many other winter activities to be enjoyed.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Park City offers three distinct choices for your skiing or snowboarding vacation. Deer Valley Ski Resort offers 1,750 acres of skiable terrain with a vertical drop of 3,000 feet. On average Deer Valley receives about 300 inches of snow per year. It features 19 lifts, and 88 trails with the longest trail traveling 10,560 feet. This resort was rated #1 by Ski Magazine in 2001 and 2005. Although the terrain is great and the runs are endless, Deer Valley does not allow snowboarders. Skiers of all types can enjoy this wonderful mountain resort. The resort opened in 1981, and ever since then, it prides itself on providing high quality service both on and off the mountain.

The next resort on the list happens to be the largest ski and snowboard resort in Utah. The Canyons Resort features 3,700 amazing acres of skiable terrain, with 200 + acres opening for the 2006/2007 season. This skiers and snowboarders paradise features 17 lifts and 152 trails with the longest run being 13,200 feet. The resort also features 2 terrain parks and 6 half pipes. This ultimate winter playground also features a ski and snowboard school that can help the beginner, or the most experienced expert.

The last resort on our list was home to the 2002 winter Olympics. Park City Mountain Resort offers 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, and is consistently ranked in the top 10 North American resorts because of its varied terrain, ease of getting there, terrain parks and family programs. Park City Resort offers 15 lifts and 104 trails, with the longest trail traveling 18,480 feet. Park City offers 1 superpipe and multiple terrain parks for those that are looking to test their skills. Park City, offers something for everyone with fabulous skiing, snowboarding and many other winter activities.

Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing

Snowshoeing can be a great family activity. This is a great way to spend time together, get some exercise and to take in the fabulous views of the Rocky Mountains. Park City offers hundreds of trails to choose from, including beginner all the way through advanced. For more information visit Park City snowshoeing [http://www.parkcityinfo.com/events/fallwinter/snowshoeing.asp].

Cross country skiing can be a very rewarding activity. It can be both demanding and rewarding. Park City offers miles of groomed trails, or you can take a custom tour to view the Rocky Mountain sky line! For more information visit [http://www.parkcityinfo.com/skiing/crosscountry/]

If you don’t have your own equipment, there is no need to worry. There are many places where you are able to rent the neccesaary equipment. Many of the resorts offer equipment rentals, or you can visit any of the many shops in town to get set up for your next adventure.

Snowmobiling

For the fastest way to cover a lot of terrain and view the Rocky Mountains, try a snowmobile tour. There are many companies in Park City that offer everything from the basic tour, to the most intense excursion. Many of the companies will arrange pick up or transportation from where you are staying. Snowmobiling can be a great group activity. Take the whole family, or plan a business outing to bring your team together. For more information visit Park City snowmobiling - [http://www.parkcityinfo.com/events/fallwinter/snowmobiling.asp]

Sundance Film Festival

If you plan to be in the Park City area in January, the Sundance Film Festival is not to be missed. It takes place January 19-29. The Sundance Film Festival was started in 1981 by Robert Redford and provides developing artist a place to showcase new and independent work. This is a great time to come to Park City to enjoy skiing, the festival and to do a little bit of celebrity site seeing. For more information please visit [http://festival.sundance.org/2006/]

Park City Lodging Dining and Nightlife

Park City offers an abundance of lodging choices. Hotels, condos, private residence clubs and private homes are the most popular choices for travelers. Hotels can be found slope side or in the heart of the downtown area. Each hotel offers something a little bit different depending on how much you would like to spend. You will be able to find small budget hotels or very expensive high class luxury hotels. The high class hotels are well worth the money. From the moment you walk through the lobby doors, you will not have to worry about a thing. After staying at one of these types of hotels, you will never want to stay anywhere else.

Another Park City lodging choice for large groups or families would be a condo rental or a private residence club. A condo rental can be a great choice for a family. Many times condo rentals don’t offer the full services of a hotel or a private residence club but offer full kitchens and all the main ingredients to make your family trip memorable and more affordable. Private Residence Clubs are becoming the lodging choice of the future. These clubs can offer 2, 3 and four bedrooms suites in large complexes. These can be quite luxuries with a full staff including concierge, bell staff, ski valet, and sometimes twice daily maid service. A private residence club can be a great choice for a family getaway.
Park City offers many choices for dining and nightlife activities when the playing is done for the day. The downtown area offers over 100 restaurants and bars to choose from.

Many of these establishments are award winning and serve some of the best dishes in the Intermountain West. Once you are done with diner, head out to a jazz club, dance club or just hang out at one of the many eclectic bars. Making the decision can be the toughest part because there is something for everyone in this town. Most restaurants and bars are very close to each other, or they are just a short free bus ride from where you are located.

Which ever activity or activities you choose to participate in while you are in Park City, you are sure not to be disappointed. We have only begun to scratch the surface with the activities listed above. The best advice is to do a bit 'of planning and research before you visit, you can make the most of your adventure this winter in Park City.

All You Need To Know About Skiing In Utah

Whether you know how to ski or not, Utah is an awesome place for a skiing trip. Utah has several world class ski resorts and is home to some of the best skiing in North America. They claim to have "the best snow on earth." But why take their word for it. Why not get out there and see if it's true. With the top notch resorts and beautiful snow they boast about, Utah is a spectacular place to take a skiing vacation.

If you want world-class skiing but don't want to travel abroad, then Utah is where you belong. You will find fine powder almost all year long in Utah, and if you love skiing you're crazy not to check out the skiing in Utah sometime soon.

The Deer Valley Resort is one of the finer resorts in Utah. They were voted best resort in North America by Ski Magazine in 2005. If you visit, you will see why. The amazing skiing, awe-inspiring surroundings and gorgeous resort facility found at Deer Valley will leave you breathless. Even better, Deer Valley is not far from Salt Lake City, but it feels like you're a million miles away. The ski resort has more than 20 ski lifts, so queues are not long, and the price is very agreeable, especially when you consider the high quality of the skiing.

Powder Mountain is another one of Utah's best ski resorts. Powder Mountain is popular with the locals but stays under the radar compared to other area resorts, even though it is truly top notch. In fact, if you're looking for the best value for your money, Powder Mountain is the perfect choice for a skiing trip to Utah. Powder Mountain has just seven ski lifts, but don't mistake smaller size for lower quality. If anything, the smaller size is a benefit because there are fewer skiers so you have more slope for yourself.

The atmosphere at Powder Mountain rings true to the spirit of traditional Utah. And if the down home friendliness wasn't enough, the ski school at Powder Mountain is one of the most impressive in the state. The prices are reasonable, and the instructors are some of Utah's best. Powder Mountain has everything you will find at a world-class ski resort, except the crowds. With nightly grooming and slopes for every skill level, Powder Mountain is really one of the best kept skiing secrets in Utah.

So, whether you are planning a family skiing vacation or just looking for a place to practice your skiing skills, Utah is the perfect choice for you. With world class resorts and enviable natural skiing conditions, Utah is truly one of the best skiing states in America. One visit and you will see why. With its great resorts and thick, powdery snow, there is something for everyone in Utah. Go and see for yourself. Like the millions that have gone before you, you will not be disappointed.

Alta Ski Area Discount Tickets

When your planning you ski vacation one of the primary concerns is always price. Finding the good deals key and when it come to putting together a whole ski vacation package it becomes even more important. This article will attempt to cover some methods for getting some good deals on you ski vacation package plus basic information on the town of Park City and the Alta Ski Area.

First, Park City Information, Park City and Alta are located southeast on Interstate 80 from around downtown Salt Lake City. The short distance makes it an excellent resort for your trip because the relatively short distance from the Salt Lake City International Airport, especially if you're flying in from around the country or Internationally.

If you're planning on a group trip for a company getaway or perhaps a ski retreat with a few friends, it's nice to know that a short drive is all it will take after a potentially long flight. This also can save you some money too, which never hurts. Park City was the host of the 2002 Winter Olympics and because of the influx of tourist travel and foreign money the city drastically increased its outlets stores and now boasts the greatest collection of factory outlet stores in northern Utah.

Alta happens to be one of the oldest ski areas in the Unite States of America. The snow in the area is famous because the salinity of the Great Salt Lake. When storms blow through they pick up moisture and salt from the Lake and carry it to the mountain resorts and deposit it in the form of some of the lightest powder in the world.

The Resort itself has a base elevation of 8,530 Feet and a top elevation of 10,550 Feet. Thirteen ski lifts give access to 116 ski runs throughout the territory, which covers 2,220 acres of skiable terrain. The runs break down by experience as follows: 6% for beginners, 25% for intermediate, and 69% for advanced to experts, allowing for play areas for everyone from first timers to seasoned veterans. Don't forget the Alta get an annual snowfall of 514 inches so expect tons of that amazing powder for everyone. As for the good deals check into buying a all encompassing package. If you purchase airfare, lodging, lift tickets, and ski rentals all together you more likely to get the best deal possible.

Restaurants Near Deer Valley Resort

The ski resorts in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado have been competing over the last 20 years to create the perfect mountain vacation getaway. The ski vacation is no longer the same experience it was in the 1980s when lodgings of marginal quality were considered the norm.

Over the last 10 years western ski resorts have continually expanded their size, quality of facilities, and breadth of services. Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah and Vail Resort in Vail, Colorado have risen to the top of the ski resort show down. Deer Valley Resort has been ranked the #1 Ski Resort in North America by the readers of Ski Magazine in 2001, 2005, 2007, and 2008. Vail Resort held the honor in 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2006.

To earn the #1 spot Deer Valley Resort has focused not only on the quality of its skiing, but also on mountain services and the Deer Valley dining experience. Deer Valley Resort does not just serve skiers lunch during the day. At night they convert their lodges into fine restaurants which are arguably some of the best restaurants in Deer Valley and Park City Utah.

Deer Valley Fireside Dining is held in the Empire Canyon Lodge and features a Swiss menu of alpine delights served fireside. The Seafood Buffet located in the Snow Park Lodge offers all types of seafood delicacies including sushi, prawns, shrimp, crab legs, and even duck and prime rib. The flagship Mariposa Restaurant serves continental cuisine and is located in the Silver Lake Lodge at mid-mountain.

The town of Park City Utah has followed suit by increasing the number of luxury accommodations, fine dining, and shopping options. The expansion over the last 10 years has been very dramatic with literally hundreds of new luxury lodging options gradually replacing the more traditional ski vacation accommodations.

As a result of the recent transition towards a more discerning palate, area restaurants have responded by introducing a rich dining experience worthy of top honors. Distinguished rating agencies such as the Michelin Travel Guide, Mobile Travel Guide, and Zagat Restaurant Guide have awarded Deer Valley area restaurants with their highest ratings.

The Goldener Hirsch restaurant located in the famous Goldener Hirsch Inn and the Glitretind restaurant located in the Stein Eriksen Lodge are two such restaurants. My personal favorite is the Goldener Hirsch Restaurant because of the delicious cheese fondue appetizer and the quaint Austrian decor.

Deer Valley resort definitely lives up to its #1 North American ski resort reputation. Why not have it all and visit a resort that not only provides the utmost experience on mountain, but also the perfect balance of off mountain dining and shopping as well? I definitely recommend taking a closer look.

Ski Property

If you are looking for a ski resort community to purchase ski property then you may want to consider Park City, Utah. The Park City Utah real estate market offers a great selection of ski property to choose from including ski in ski out property. Park City is one of the easiest ski towns to get to with the Salt Lake International Airport a short 30 minute drive away.

There are 3 ski resorts in the ski community of Park City which includes Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain Resort & The Canyons Resort. Deer Valley Resort is a skier only ski resort whereas Park City Mountain Resort and The Canyons Resort allow for both skiers and snow boarders.

Deer Valley Resort was rated the #1 Ski Resort by Ski Magazine in 2005 and #2 in 2006. Deer Valley is know for it's high level of customer service, impeccable grooming of their ski slopes and fantastic mountain food. There are opportunities to buy ski in ski out property at Deer Valley whether it's a luxury condo, custom home or vacant lot to build your dream getaway. Deer Valley is a great place to consider if you enjoy skiing without snowboarders. There are only four skier only resorts in North America. The median 2006 lot price is $1,758,000, condo price is $1,785,000 and home price is $5,400,000.

Park City Mountain Resort was rated the #5 Ski Resort by Ski Magazine in 2005 & 2006. It is centrally located near the popular Park City Main Street area which includes a town lift from the Main Street area. If you are looking to buy ski property near Park City Mountain Resort there is no true ski in ski out property but you can find property a short walk away. In 2006 the median condo price is $630,000, median home price is $1,871,000 and median lot price is $799,000. Most of the homes and condos are a little older but there are a few projects offering new construction opportunities.

The Canyons Resort is known as Utah's largest ski resort and is one of five of the largest ski resorts in North America. The Canyons Resort area is an up and coming area with a well organized Village plan. Only 10% of the Village is developed so it's a great area to get in early on. There are several pre-construction projects for condohotel units, townhomes and single family homes. At the Canyons Resort you can find ski in ski out property or property a short walk to the gondola or lift. At the Canyons area there is also an exclusive gated community, The Colony, offering some incredible ski in ski out property. The Colony is unique in that it offers very large lots averaging 5 acres in size that are ski in ski out for The Canyons Resort. If you are looking for your own private lodge, on the market for sale there is an amazing 17,000 square foot home at the base of two lifts at the Canyons Resort which resembles a ski lodge more than a home that is price around 25 million. There are both custom built homes and vacant lots available at The Colony. In the Canyons Resort area the median condo price in 2006 is $670,000, median lot price is $1,797,000 and median home price is $3,345,000.

With 3 ski areas in this easy to get to ski community there is no doubt you will find just the right ski property for your ski getaway retreat.

Play In The Snow In Idaho

Those in the know head for Idaho to play in the snow when it blankets the state's outdoors. Bright blue skies and deep bone-dry powder are Idaho promises for fun, without crowds. It's the perfect scene setting for the variety of winter activities.

Everyone has a different idea about what the winter offers. There are those who can't wait to be schussing down a snowy mountain on one board or two. Some thrill at racing across a snow field atop a snowmobile. Then, there are some who like to trek through it on snowshoes, or glide across it Nordic-style. There are even some who just want to lay in it and make "snow angels".

Still others ignore play in the snow, and turn to a frozen lake for ice skating or ice fishing. For those wanting something less strenuous, several Idaho communities hold colorful winter carnivals, complete with ice sculptures, musical entertainment and fireworks.

Which fun winter activity suits you? Whatever it is, Idaho has it!

Ski Resorts

Idaho features 18 ski centers and resorts on a total of 16,000 acres of tests for everyone from beginner to expert. Several have guided snowcat trips with access to thousands of additional acres of virgin powder. The most famous is Sun Valley, the nation's first destination ski resort, located near Ketchum. Other popular resorts include Schweitzer Mountain, found in the state's "panhandle" near Sandpoint, Bogus Basin Mountain, close to Boise, and Grand Targhee, not far from Driggs. Most ski resorts in Idaho have designated areas for snowboarders and tubers, and many have groomed trails for those who enjoy the Nordic-style, cross-country activity.

Nordic Cross-Country Skiing

The incredible beauty and quiet serenity of Idaho's outdoors in the wintertime can best be enjoyed on skinny cross-country skis. Some trails are groomed and maintained like those found at ski resorts. Or, make your own trail.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) operates a unique program called Park N' Ski for cross-country fans. IDPR features 13 trail systems across the state. The program has some locations with overnight yurt lodging. Other locations in the program have rest areas, warming shelters and restrooms.

Snowmobiling

Idaho has 7,200 miles of perfectly groomed trails and endless miles of untracked, fresh powder for the snowmobiler. With a season that runs from November through April, you'll have plenty of time to take in the picturesque landscapes found throughout the state.

Snowmobiling on groomed tracks and open public lands does not require registration or consent, but it is recommended that you obtain permission from land owners if you would like to sled on private lands. Many snowmobile shops in communities close to snowmobiling areas have rentals available if you do not own or bring your equipment.

If you want to play in the snow, you can't beat the State of Idaho. Make your plans soon to give it your winter season test. The door to Idaho is open, and you are welcome. Come on in!