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Park City Without Sundance

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Jan 20, 2021

This week we look at Park City without Sundance and things to do in our mountain town during the pandemic. Vogue's Sheila Marikar has written How America’s Most Star-Studded Ski Town Is Faring Sans Sundance and she sits with our friends Sara and Rob Sergent, the owners of Alpine Distilling.

From January 28th to February 3rd, attendees will be able to participate in panels and screenings from home; several cities around the country will also screen this year’s entrants at their own theaters. The new format is a boon to potential participants who may not have been able to travel to Park City in years past. For local business owners, though, it’s kind of a bummer.

But a recent visit suggests that for some out-of-towners (me, for one), the glare of Sundance obscured what’s truly special about this place: the snow, the sky, the abundance of fresh air, and a plethora of ways to reward yourself after you’ve availed yourself of that trifecta. Over the past 10 months, Park City’s bars, restaurants, and hotels have reinvented themselves to meet the needs of COVID-era patrons; sleek new homes are flying off the market faster than they can be built. And it helps that one of the region’s prime pastimes might as well have been made for social distancing.

Like the slopes, the restaurants at Park City Mountain require advance reservations, via a QR code plastered inside every gondola. It’s an innovation that ought to outlast the pandemic. Alpine Distilling’s Pie Bar have reformatted their interiors, spacing out tables and adding high-tech bells and whistles. “Sara has a sanitizer gun,” says Rob Sergent, referring to his wife and co-founder in Alpine Distilling, which makes award-winning, small-batch gin, whiskey, and vodka. “We take it very seriously,” says Sara. She points underneath a table on the other side of the lounge—cozy, clubby, with piping hot pecan pie and a bracingly good boulevardier—at a foot-tall mechanical fan emitting a bright, violet light. “We have a collection of these air purifying units,” Sara says. “One of those would do a space twice our size.”

One of the hottest tables in town is actually a yurt. In December, the St. Regis Deer Valley erected three insulated yurts that look like pop-up ski chalets, complete with chandeliers, framed art, personal heaters, and the sort of cross-hatched wood paneling you’d expect to find inside an Alsatian hut.

But to experience the best meal in Park City, you’ll have to book a room at the Washington School House. This 12-room boutique hotel, which occupies a 19th century schoolhouse and feels like a cross between a Parisian atelier and a Nancy Meyers movie, only serves guests. Sheila says "Park City’s got is well worth the trip".

Outside of Sundance, Park City Magazine shares How to Navigate Park City This Season On- and off-mountain tips to make the most of pandemic conditions. Utah is open for skiing and riding. Following is a rundown of what Park City’s skidom looks and feels like this winter. As of this publication’s print date, there were no Covid-19 travel restrictions in Utah, meaning out-of-state visitors were not required to quarantine upon arrival. In the event you think you may have contracted Covid-19 during your visit to Park City, call one of three testing centers in town for information and to make an appointment to get tested: Redstone Clinic, 435.658.9200; Snow Creek Medical Center, 435.655.0055; and Intermountain Healthcare Park City Hospital, 435.658.7000.

Face coverings are required everywhere on Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain property (and at all of Utah’s other 13 resorts). And while one of those thin neck gaiters is OK for when you’re actually skiing, it is not enough for riding chairlifts or spending any time indoors at the resorts. Have a mask on or with you at all times.

If you’ve got a Deer Valley Season, IKON, or IKON Base Pass, you can stroll directly to the lifts at Deer Valley as you have in the past. Advance reservations are required for Epic passholders to ski or ride Park City Mountain, but Epic passholders do have priority over day-ticket purchasers. Make those reservations through the EpicMix app, parkcitymountain.com, or by calling 435.649.8111.

Advance reservations are required for ski and snowboard rentals from Deer Valley and Park City Mountain. If you’re an adult and have rented from DV before, you may reserve and pick rental gear without being fitted at the rental shop. At PCM rental shops, gear delivery is available and rental shop hours have been expanded to allow for social distancing.

On-mountain dining and drinking is significantly different this season. Deer Valley’s cafeterias at Snow Park, Silver Lake, and Empire Canyon Lodges have all been converted to table-service restaurants with full bars where reservations are required (435.649.1000). Grab-and-go items are available outside the dining areas at Snow Park and Silver Lake lodges. While the service hours and frequency of Park City’s free bus system have been scaled back a bit due to the pandemic, its service imprint—which covers Park City proper, Kimball Junction, the resorts, Summit Park, and Kamas—remains the same. Passengers are required to wear nose-and-mouth-covering masks when both riding and waiting in line for buses.

As you might guess, lodging deals are in abundance for this winter season in Park City. Properties like Stein Eriksen Lodge and Montage Deer Valley are offering unheard-of wintertime booking incentives including flight vouchers, generous resort credits, and relaxed cancellation policies. There are plenty of services in Park City that will stock your condo or house’s fridge for you (including wine, liquor, and beer), many even before you arrive, minimizing the chance of exposure—and the hassle—of making a trip to the supermarket: Grocery Girls, 866.278.2254; Park City Grocery Express, 435.729.0090; Store 2 Door, 435.633.1650.

Tags: Park City, Ski, Utah, Sundance, Snow
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Sundance 2021

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Jan 13, 2021

Park City will be different this Sundance as the two week festival in our little mountain town is going virtual for 2021. Whether you are a local or one who has traveled the US to come to the event and stand in the snow to make it to one of the coveted movies. The New York Post has shared, How to watch Sundance Film Festival 2021 movies at home. Tickets are less expensive than the package costs of years past and no more waiting online for a scheduled window to purchase. Individual tickets ($15) and passes go on sale Thursday at 2 p.m. E.T. at Sundance.org. See the whole New York Post article with highlighted films here.

Movies will play live at a handful of locations across the US. In Utah, Utah: Park City, The Ray and in Salt Lake City with Salt Lake Film Society. Click here for the full article from Sundance.org .

Since the movies are changing this year, ABC4.com shares Ultimate winter adventure guide and tips: Outdoor winter activities you can safely enjoy this season. Try these fun outdoor activities to get some fresh air.

Skiing - Many resorts in Utah are open, with guidelines in place for keeping everyone safe from COVID-19.

  • Face coverings are required. All 15 Utah ski areas will require face coverings that align with CDC recommendations when social distancing isn’t possible. This applies to both outdoor and indoor spaces, except when eating or drinking. 
  • Practice social distancing. Lift queues, ticket queues, ski and snowboard lessons, employee spaces, and food outlets will all encourage appropriate spacing to allow social distancing between parties. 
  • Ski resorts will be cleaning and disinfecting regularly. High-touch surfaces, such as bathrooms, restaurants, dining facilities, ticket offices, and rental shops will all be cleaned and disinfected following CDC guidelines. 
  • Operating plans may change. To optimize safety, Utah ski areas may review and change their operating plans to comply with local regulations. 
Hiking and snowshoeing - Utah has a beUTAHful landscape, and to truly experience it in all its glory, embarking on snowy mountain ranges is the only way to go – you don’t have to be a skier. For a list of the best winter hikes in Utah – including safety tips – click here. 

Some Utah ski resorts have designated snowshoeing trails that are family-friendly and good for beginners. Nordic Centers are available at the following resorts:

Dog sledding in Park City - A dog sledding excursion costs $420. It’s available in every season (wild, right?) and rides can range from 25 minutes to one hour.

Snow tubing and sledding - these totally tubular places with you,” shares Utah.

Tips for safely enjoying outdoor activities - According to Intermountain Healthcare, it’s just as important to protect yourself from the elements just as it is important in protecting yourself from COVID-19.
  • Be avalanche aware. If your plans include venturing into the snowy mountains, make sure you’re aware of potential avalanche hazards. To learn more, visit the Utah Avalanche Center.
  • Prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Knowing the symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia is important since many people are numb (literally) to their onset.
  • Dress appropriately. Since your body loses heat faster than you can produce it in the cold weather, make sure you dress appropriately. Wear a hat, boots, gloves, and layers of loose-fitting, water-resistant clothing.
  • Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids is just as important during the winter season as it is in the summertime. Since the cold air is dryer, it’s easier to become dehydrated.
  • Use sunblock. Yes, even in the wintertime, you need to protect your skin. In Utah, the UV exposure risk increases due to higher elevation and poor air quality in the winter.
  • Monitor weather conditions. Always check the weather forecast before heading out for your winter run, hike, or snowshoeing excursion.
  • Tell someone where you’re going. Outdoor winter adventures are fun, but the risks may be higher, depending on the activity you choose. A good rule-of-thumb for safety is to always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return — especially if you’re heading into a remote area, such as the mountains.
Click here to read the entire article from ABC4.com

Tags: Park City, Utah, Sundance, Movies, Snow, Winter, Events
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Merry Christmas

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Dec 23, 2020

Judy and I wish you all a safe and healthy Christmas.

This week we are sharing the the best places to see Christmas light displays in Utah for free from ABC4.com and 60 holiday ideas for this season. Going out with family and friends to see Christmas light displays can be a fun Christmas season activity. The best part is, most of the light displays this year are drive-thru displays.

Check out Bluffdale, where you can find a Christmas light display at 15727 Packsaddle Dr.

Christmas Pond Town in Salem runs from Nov. 27, 2020 to Jan. 1, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Downtown Salt Lake at 239 S Main Street and near the Gallivan Center is lit with beautiful Christmas lights all over.

Every year in Draper, the city puts more than 65,000 lights on the trees and the bridge in Draper City Park. The biggest attraction in the park is the large willow tree in the center of the park, popularly known as the tree of light. The park is located at 1300 East 12500 South.

In Highland at 11605 North 6000 West, the lights are programmed to a radio station that plays Christmas music.

Layton City has the “Lights Before Christmas” display in the Layton Commons Park. Those who attend must wear face masks and maintain social distancing guidelines. Organizers also require one member from each group to check-in with the Layton City table, for contact tracing purposes.

In Magna, there is a Christmas music and light show at 3547 S Mesa Garden Cir.

The City of Orem has the Orem tour of lights. The city’s website has a comprehensive list of all the places in Orem where you can go and see Christmas Light displays with friends and family. The website also allows residents to add their homes to the list if they are not already on there.

Another display in Orem can be found at 1155 North and 50 East. The Stanley Christmas House 2020 light display is up. Enjoy a fun winter wonderland as you listen to Christmas carols. The public is welcome to park their cars and walk the front and backyards to view light displays between the hours of 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. every evening through Jan. 1.

Pioneer Park at 500 West Center Street in Provo is lit with thousands of colorful lights.

Roy City has had their lights up since Nov. 23 and will have them up through Jan. 10 at the Roy City Municipal Offices at 5051 South 1900 West in Roy. The public is strongly encouraged to wear masks and adhere to all social distancing rules.

In Saratoga Springs, Utah’s Hamilton-themed lights display caught Lin-Manuel Miranda’s eye earlier this month. We think you will love it too. You can watch the display at 632 N. Meridian Dr. Saratoga Springs, UT 84045.

In Sandy at 1545 East and 11400 South, you get to see a fun display of a genuine antique snow sleigh with Santa, reindeer, and much more. There is also a full-size “Letters for Santa” mailbox. Santa will even respond to you with a personalized letter (if there’s a return address), so don’t forget your letters to Santa!

Lights at Temple Square at 50 W. North Temple in Salt Lake City is a Utah classic. This year due to the Temple renovation, the public will have to view the lights from surrounding roads and exterior city sidewalks. The lights typically turn on at 5 p.m. Those walking around are encouraged to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

In West Valley City at 4249 South 6485 West, one home welcomes the public to Whoville. You get to see the Grinch, Cindy Lou, and Max and some other Whos. The public may also tune their radio to 94.5FM to listen to “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” and some more “Grinchy tunes”. Lights turn on at dark until 10 p.m. and will be up until Dec. 27. The public is also asked not to block the block driveways.

Traditions have always underscored the holiday season. It’s a time of routines, when the same people gather in the same place at the same time, and everyone welcomes the chance to act out familiar expectations. That’s why this year is so different. Instead of feeling bad over the loss of big parties - embrace the small one or virtual one this year. Rather than arranging a buffet on an oversized table, parcel beloved dishes into personalized deliveries. And speaking of sending things to go, ship a handful of presents in thoughtful (and ingenious) ways—even if it’s ordinarily a short trip away. This week we share Apartment Therapy's 60 Holiday Hacks, Shortcuts, and Time-Savers You'll Be Amazed You Lived Without.

Genius gift wrapping hacks

  1. If your wrapping paper is a bit too small to properly cover your gift, turn the gift diagonally on the paper for some extra room. It’s a holiday miracle!
  2. An inside-out paper grocery bag makes for a great recycled wrapping sheet, which also happens to be fashionably neutral. Add a ribbon and a sprig of lavender or evergreen for a minimalist finish. 
  3. Use a bread clip on the end of your tape roll to help you easily find the edge. Nobody likes a tape Grinch. 
  4. Instead of buying tags, get a tag maker—now you’ll never run out.
  5. A toilet paper or a paper towel tube can help wrapping paper from unraveling when not in use. To see it work, cut a slit in the empty tube and slip it around the wrapping paper roll.
  6. Use a pants hanger or paper towel holder to organize ribbons in one easy-to-see stack. Color-block the ribbons if you want to make them pretty to look at as you work.
  7. Are you using mason jars to conceal your presents? Dress them for the part by wrapping faux greenery around the lids.
  8. For those who are short on storage space, a garment bag can be used to corral wrapping paper in one clearly-defined place.
  9. Print out photos of loved ones as tags for their presents. Better yet, make them all childhood images, and older relatives are sure to smile. 
  10. Dress up plain butcher paper by drawing stars or snowflakes on it with white marker. You’ll save on buying wrapping paper for different occasions and it’s the perfect mindless task to take on while bingeing Netflix.
  11. The secret to a pro-looking wrap job: Line up the seams of wrapping paper at or close to the bottom of the box, and tape along the edge. This creates a clean line so that the present looks perfect.
  12. If you’re not good at wrapping presents but you still want to do it, matte sheets are the most forgiving to any imperfections. Also invest in or recycle square gift boxes to make for an easy square canvas. You got this.
  13. For those loved ones who like vintage finds, wrap a present in a thrift-store bandana or scarf and add a brooch to one side. The receiver just got three presents in one.
  14. If you don’t have a box to wrap an oddly-shaped gift in, never fear. Cut a piece of cardboard slightly larger than the base of the gift, and place it at the center of thick wrapping paper. Gather the wrapping paper a few inches above the top of the gift, and secure it with ribbon.
  15. Care to know how to make tissue paper look its best? Lay a rectangle sheet of tissue paper flat on a surface, and then place one hand underneath it and the other pinching the center. Lift the tissue paper and make sure its edges are pointed down, and then do a light swirling motion in the air—almost like a magician—up and down to create a bouquet of even points. With the base still gathered in one hand, fix all the points so that they’re perfect, and place the base in the gift bag.
Mind-blowing bow tricks
  1. For those who learned to tie a shoe “bunny ear” style as a kid, the same method works perfectly for bows. Create two event loops of ribbon in each hand, cross the right loop over the left, fold the right loop behind the left and through the hole. Adjust to make the two ends of the bow even. Cut the ends into a V-shape by folding them in half and cutting at an angle from the open end in toward the folded end, as shown in the illustration above.
  2. Want to make a kid’s gift pop without a lot of effort? Use washi tape to adhere a fistful of crayons to the box, or a trio of candy canes. Say hello to your new title as “favorite.”
  3. Cut and arrange shiny red duct tape into a bow for a twist on the traditional ribbon finish. It looks especially great on patterned paper.
  4. The key to beautiful bows is in the scissors. Invest in two super-sharp versions, one for paper and one for ribbon. Paper dulls scissor blades so you’ll get neater-looking cuts on ribbon if you stick to using separate scissors for each task.
Smart shipping shortcuts
  1. If you’re shipping small gifts, skip envelopes and wrap individual presents in this Scotch roll, which conforms to and protects each little thing you send off. Because you can cut it to fit whatever gift you’re sending, you can use the same roll for all your gifts.
  2. You can order flat-rate USPS boxes to be delivered to your home—helpful if you’re sending out a lot of gifts at once.
  3. Here’s your cheat sheet for holiday shipping. If you live in the lower 48 states, keep these deadlines in mind for shipping with USPS: In order to ensure delivery by Christmas, mail retail ground parcels by Dec. 15 and first-class parcels by Dec. 18. Priority mail can wait until Dec. 19, while priority mail express pushes the deadline to Dec. 23. Hawaii, Alaska, and international deadlines can be found here. 
  4. Before sealing a package, remember to shake it gently. If your present moves, it’s not secure enough for the road. Phew, that was close. 
  5. Are you worried about potential water damage to your box? Line it with a garbage bag before placing the present inside. It’s better to have a dry gift than a damp one.
  6. Worn-out pool noodles can be cut to size and placed around the edges of a box to act as a cold-weather buffer. ‘Tis the season for seasonal fixes!
  7. If you’re shipping breakables, make boxes extra secure by adding egg cartons to the bottom.
  8. Holiday doodles make a boring shipping box feel a little more festive. Just make sure the label is clear and readable.
Time-saving tree tips
  1. A tree is tough to move, but it doesn’t have to be that hard if you place a no-slip bath mat rubber side up underneath its trunk. That’ll make it easier to rotate.
  2. Here’s an easy trick for buying lights: You’ll need 100 lights per vertical foot of a tree. Make sure to check that they’re all illuminated before getting to work. 
  3. Opt for floral wire instead of ornament hooks to secure fragile ornaments to a branch.
  4. Put the tree topper on first to avoid the possibility of knocking off any ornaments as you reach for this so-called finishing touch. 
  5. Add pieces of artificial pine garland to help fill in any patchy parts of the tree. See? All better.
  6. A trick for watering your real tree is to make sure it gets one quart of water per inch of trunk diameter. And don’t worry about adding anything other than water to your tree to keep it hydrated—it doesn’t have an intense nighttime routine.
  7. Use empty egg crates to store breakable ornaments when the holidays are through. (Yes, egg crates pull their weight during the holidays.)
  8. If you buy a real tree, ask to keep the trimmings to decorate with at home. Then, arrange them on a mantle, table, or anywhere else that needs some cheer.
  9. Instead of a traditional tree skirt, a sheepskin throw makes for one that’s stylish, festive, and cozy—plus, you can use it as regular decor during the off-season.
  10. Did a little tree sap get stuck on your skin? Olive oil will remove it just fine.
  11. If you have to bag your tree for removal at the end of the holidays, place a bag under your tree stand before setting the tree up. It’ll make everything easier once it’s time to take your tree to the curb.
  12. If your tree is placed in a corner, don’t add lights to the back. Instead, zig zag them from the top to the bottom of the tree so that they’re only covering what’s visible.
  13. If you want your lights to stand out, spray paint the cord a bold color before reattaching the bulbs. Gold, silver, and red are obvious contenders, but you can think outside the box, too—hot pink would be fun! 
  14. Use a brush attachment on a vacuum to clean extra dirty fake trees. Otherwise, a microfiber cloth will do the trick.
  15. Want the option to move your (small) tree from a living room to a dining room and maybe even a bedroom? Put it on casters. 
  16. An easy wait to “hang” lights: Fill outdoor lanterns with battery-operated lights for a soft holiday glow.
Easy decor ideas
  1. Add a cinnamon stick or two to a roaring wood fire to create that holiday-ready scent without using a store-bought candle.
  2. Store holiday decor in clear or matching bins so it’s easy to find next year. And don’t forget to add labels of what’s inside.
  3. A blanket ladder can make for a modern advent calendar that doesn’t take up extra space. String numbered bags on ribbon, and add them to the rungs. 
  4. An abundance of holiday mugs can work as vases for small seasonal arrangements on nightstands and coffee tables. Springs of evergreen, small ornaments, and cinnamon sticks would look great.
  5. Use curtain rings, a tension rod, and decorative napkins to create festive cafe curtains for a kitchen or bathroom window.
  6. Festive scarves—like chunky knits, plaids, and anything with glitter—can act as makeshift runners under evergreens, candles, and pinecones for a table centerpiece.
  7. To make sure every room in your home has decoration, “wrap” the exterior bedroom doors with strips of oversized ribbon in your favorite color to resemble presents. 
  8. Use Command hooks, not staples, to adhere lights to your roofline. Otherwise, those holes can cause damage you can still spot next summer. 
  9. If your stocking looks flimsy before it’s stuffed with goodies, fill half of the stocking with plastic or reusable bags to make it look full before the big day.
  10. Put holiday lights on a timer, or go the extra mile and use a smart plug connect them to a smart home device like Google Home or Amazon Echo. You’ll be able to easily turn them on and off from afar.
Clever tricks for all the rest
  1. Use a “Secret Santa” site to help get gift lists for family and friends, like Elfster. That way, you’ll know exactly what a loved one wants. 
  2. Need to send gifts in bulk? Buy a pack of drawstring gift bags and fill them with essentials everyone will love to have—hand sanitizer and lotion comes to mind.
  3. Paper cookie bags will make your homemade creations look professional, and you won’t have to worry about getting leftover containers back.
  4. Making a gingerbread house or fancy holiday cookies? Use condiment bottles to hold the icing, which makes it easier to apply.
  5. Much like popular eucalyptus, evergreen branches can be bundled and hung from a shower head for a festive and restorative bathroom detail.
  6. Use a spray bottle filled with water to lightly mist tree branches and wreaths to prolong their deep green color for as long as possible.
  7. You don’t have to wait long for a bottle of Champagne or sparkling cider to chill with this trick: Fill a bucket halfway with ice, and toss in salt to cover it. Then, put the bottle in and add water so the bottle is submerged up to its neck. It will be cold and ready to serve in 10 minutes. Cheers!

Tags: Park City, Fun, Utah, Snow, Holiday, Christmas
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The Best US Ski Resort - Park City

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Dec 16, 2020

The US is home to an abundance of amazing ski resorts, but Park City, Utah is the best US ski resort according to Planet Ski in their Top Ten Ski Resorts of the USA. Research by Koala has examined the offerings of more than 450 ski resorts. It has taken into account factors such as annual snowfall, length of runs, the cost of an adult ski pass and review ratings to create a ranking of the best resorts in America. As America’s largest ski resort, it boasts 348 of trails and over 7,300 skiable acres, meaning you’ll never get bored. Not only home to world-class skiing and snowboarding, the village’s lively main street is renowned for its après-ski, with nightly live music and dancing.

Planet Ski also shares THE EVENING ACTIVITIES IN PARK CITY: Now one of the questions I am often asked is “Can you get a drink in the Mormon state of Utah?” You can not only get a drink, you can go one further and make you own gin in a distillery on Main Street at Alpine Distilling. So, how do you go about making your own gin? Step forward Rob Sergent from Alpine Distilling.

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First you chose your ‘botanicals’ – these give it the flavour. Juniper is a must and with three different varieties I went for the strongest. Plenty of Coriander too. Then you simply make your selection from Orris Root, Angelica Root, Licorice Root, Ginger Root Lavender, Rose Hips and several more beside. I decided not to hold back and got a bit carried away. Then my choice went into the hands of Rob’s wife, Sara, and I walked in to have a look.

“Sorry James this is known as an ‘explosive area’ due to the flammable and explosive ingredients here and the public aren’t allowed in.” So, I watched her making my gin through protective glass. We were then asked to come up with a name for our gin. There was only one choice for me. “Explosion Gin”. And then the moment of truth.

Travel and Leisure shares Utah's Ski Resorts Have Finally Reopened — Here's Where to Stay, Eat, and Shred Safely, here is everything you need to know before you book your Utah ski trip this winter.

After the longest ski resort closure in Utah’s history, all of the state’s ski areas are now open for everyone to enjoy the "best snow on earth." On March 16 — when Utah resorts closed due to the coronavirus pandemic — ski areas began to carefully establish plans to make the 2020-2021 ski season as safe and socially distant as possible. All ski areas have established cleaning and disinfection strategies, physical distancing guidelines, and strict mask requirements. 

Utah has always been a favorite ski destination — most resorts are within an hour of the airport, the terrain is accommodating to every skier, and each season there’s an average of 40 feet of light and powdery snow. Utah resorts have taken hints from New Zealand and South America’s summer ski season and banded together to create a streamlined safety plan that was presented and approved by state health officials to keep locals and tourists safe and distant this winter. 

Deer Valley Resort is one of three ski-only resorts in the nation. This year, they stand out again by eliminating day-of ski tickets and limiting the number of ski reservations in order to keep the slope and ski village well below capacity. Plus, all dining is reservation only to keep everyone safely distant while enjoying lunch or dinner. Snowbasin has set up warming yurts where skiers can take breaks and warm up and brought in food trucks to allow for outdoor dining.

All the resorts in Utah have similar safety guidelines in place, along with après ski activities that follow CDC and NSAA guidelines and have been carefully designed to ensure the safest experience possible.  

The Washington School House Hotel is a sophisticated and charming historical gem steps from Main Street in Park City. The artfully restored 1889 school house has gone above and beyond to establish COVID-19 protocols that make every guest feel safe. There's hand sanitizer and masks in each room, private room entrances, and upgraded amenities. Upon request, the hotel can set up in-room work stations with a printer, notepads, and even complimentary snack deliveries. There is even the option to have a private dinner prepared by executive chef Ryan Frye in-room or virtually anywhere on the property. But most hotels in Utah have adopted strict guidelines to ensure a clean, safe, and social distant stay — including popular options such as Goldener Hirsch Inn, St. Regis Deer Valley, and Montage Deer Valley.

One of the best places for a bite after a long day on the slopes has long been the High West Saloon — and it still is as they have implemented better-than-recommended guidelines to their indoor dining and will add an Alpenglobe later this month for isolated dining. Also, try Alpine Distilling and the Alpine Pie Bar - Park City's only locally owned distillery. Hearth and Hill quickly transitioned to an awarded curbside program and has a menu that will please the whole family. The Stein Eriksen Lodge is installing four Alpenglobe deck dining additions this winter that will be perfect for après ski. They will be available to reserve for a 90-minute dining experience.  

Plan ahead. Most resorts are operating on a reservation system, so make sure you have reservations for both parking and for your ski ticket. It’s vital to do your part by always wearing a mask and following all marked protocols. Ski Utah has put together a comprehensive list of expectations for all resorts in Utah that will be helpful to review prior to any Utah ski vacation this winter. 

Tags: Park City, Fun, Ski, Utah, Snow
Posted in Social Network, Local Events, Things To Do in Park City, Food and Beverage | 1 Responses to "The Best US Ski Resort - Park City"

  1. Dale says:
    January 19, 2021 at 6:40:09 AM

    I love to go skiing! Add a little bit of booze and some warm heating and we're in business.

Visit Park City

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Nov 03, 2020

Happy Wednesday - Thank you for reading our 300th blog last week! We hope you all had a Happy and Safe Halloween. This week we are sharing recent articles on Park City in both Vogue and Living Gossip as our little town proves to be a lovely place to visit, especially at Christmas.

Last week, Airbnb released a report about how Americans’ travel habits have changed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Once upon a time, weekend trips or journeys to far-flung locales were on everyone's wishlists. But with international borders closed and many metropolitan destinations under stringent lockdowns, Airbnb found that its users were searching for domestic escapes with close proximity to nature. And they wanted to stay longer: The company found that people who have the opportunity to work from anywhere booked longer stays—as in two-plus weeks—especially in places with abundant natural surroundings. Vogue shares Where Americans Are Traveling Locally in 2020 and Park City is the number one trending location.

Nestled in the Wasatch Mountain range, Park City, Utah, is an adventurer’s paradise: you can hike, fly fish, horseback ride, white river raft, skeet shoot, mountain bike, and so on. In the winter, skiers flock to the slopes of Park City and Deer Valley. The town itself is a classic western outpost with many stores selling cowboy boots or wood carvings by local artisans. Stop by 350 Main, the classic bistro that’s served Park City for over 25 years and Alpine Distilling.

Need some suggestions about where to stay? They love this cottage chock full of vintage details that’s a few minute’s walk from Main Street, or, for a splashier stay, this luxury cabin perched on the slopes of Park City Mountain that has an outdoor fire pit overlooking the evergreens. If a hotel is more your style, there are plenty of luxurious options: the Montage and Stein Eriksen Lodge in Deer Valley are both storied ski resorts, whereas the 3,500 acre The Lodge at Blue Sky in nearby Wanship is perfect for all-season alpine adventures. To find out the other cities that made the list - CLICK HERE.

Christmas may be a couple months away, but in The Best Christmas Getaways in the US by Living Gossip Park City comes in number one. Christmas is a magical time of the year wherever you spend it, but there are some places that are just a little more magical than others. Coming in number one is Park City, Utah. This charming village is nestled in between mountains, creating the perfect wintry backdrop for your Christmas getaway. It might be the snowy landscape or the numerous Christmas events, but Park City is a popular place to celebrate the festive season and here are a few things not to miss.

  • Take a ride on the North Pole Express - During the holiday season, Park City runs a North Pole Express service on the Heber Valley Railroad so everyone can experience the magic of Christmas. Passengers will be treated to live entertainment, hot cocoa, and even a present from Santa himself!
  • Attend the tree lighting ceremony - The perfect start to the festive season, the annual tree lighting ceremony will get you in the holiday spirit. There’s live music, market stalls, and fireworks to make the night truly special.
  • Snowfest at Park City Mountain - Snowfest runs for two weeks over Christmas and New Year’s at Park City Mountain. There are different events every day and you just might get to meet Santa!
  • Park City Holiday Spectacular Sing-a-long - A family favorite, the Park City Holiday Spectacular Sing-a-long brings people of all ages together to sing their favorite Christmas tunes. The show features many local performers – come prepared to sing your favorite Christmas carols!
To find out all the cities that made the list according to Living Gossip - CLICK HERE.

Interested in all things happening in Park City, visit www.visitparkcity.com

Tags: Park City, Fun, Utah, Homes, Adventure, Christmas
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Happy Halloween

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Oct 27, 2020

This week we look at some socially distanced dining experiences in Park City, bulbs to plant in your garden for Spring and a continuation of more things to do and celebrate at home as Halloween will be quieter this year without our Main Street celebration.

If you are in Park City, Travel Awaits' Wendy Lee shares 8 Fantastic And Unique Dining Experiences In Park City. Due to changing advisories, please check local travel guidelines before visiting. Here are eight fantastic and unique dining experiences to consider on your next trip to Park City, listed in no particular order.

1. Go For A Sleigh Ride up the snowy slopes of the Park City Mountain Resort to the rustic Snowed Inn Lodge. This adventure is well suited for a multigenerational gathering, since children of all ages can be accommodated. Reservations are required. If you’re visiting during the holidays, be sure to make reservations far in advance. Though the sleigh ride is short, it can be very cold, so dress accordingly.

2. Have Dinner In A Yurt -Instead of taking a sleigh ride to a lodge, you can opt to take one to a yurt. This time, the sleigh is pulled uphill for 1,800 feet along a snowy trail that concludes at The Viking Yurt. Joy and Geir Vik came up with the idea for the experience and opened the yurt in 1999. Inside this unique structure, you’ll see a baby grand piano. Throughout the evening, guests enjoy music performed by a concert pianist. It is a wonderful option for couples seeking a romantic evening out. Reservations are required. If you can’t make it for dinner, but do want to see the yurt, try coming for lunch instead.

3. Enjoy Fireside Dining - Fireside Dining, they aren’t just for ambience, the dining room features large windows that provide lovely views of the surrounding mountains. The meal begins with warm raclette cheese served with cured meats and freshly baked baguettes. Then you’ll choose from several entrees, like veal and mushroom stew, roast leg of lamb, and beef short ribs. The perfect winter dessert of fondue concludes the dining experience. Beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase. Come hungry, since this is an all-you-can-eat meal.

4. Sample Seafood On The Slopes -You may not expect excellent seafood high up in the mountains, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Rime Seafood and Raw Bar. Located in a refurbished cabin at the top of the Jordanelle ski run, Rime is the first-ever slopeside raw bar. And since it’s also a ski-in, ski-out establishment, you can enjoy a meal of fresh seafood at any time during your day of skiing. If you don’t ski, or just want to visit the restaurant, you can purchase a foot passenger lift ticket.

5. Dine Outdoors Amidst Mountain Scenery - Glitretind Restaurant in the Stein Eriksen Lodge offers award-winning summertime al fresco dining. Take a seat on their wooden terrace and admire the surrounding forested mountain slopes. Summer days bring hundreds of mountain bikers to this area, but at night, it’s a quiet oasis. The lodge is named for the famed Nordic skier Stein Eriksen, who lived for many years in Park City.

6. Have A Drink Fireside - head to the St. Regis Bar in Deer Valley for great views and memorable cocktails. During the winter, you can ski up to this bar, but at other times of year, you’ll need to take the funicular from the parking lot. If the weather permits, head outside, grab a seat by the fireplace, and appreciate the views of the surrounding mountains. While the drinks are the main attraction, the food is also excellent. Try the steak frites, the desert mountain cheeseburger, or the black truffle pizza. The bar is restricted to guests 21 and over.

7. Savor A Locally Sourced, Wood-Fired Dinner - Firewood. Every dish is cooked over a wood fire. Located in a historic building on Park City’s Main Street, Firewood features decor that’s almost stark, with reclaimed bricks and timers. Guests can watch their food being prepared through the large bank of windows dividing the seating area and kitchen. Be sure to make reservations in advance.

8. Combine Mines And Wines - Park City has a long history of silver mining dating back to 1868, and from those days come great stories. The Fox School of Wine weaves those tales into a unique 3-hour wine-tasting experience. Perfectly paired snacks are provided along the way. Much of this tour takes place outdoors, so dress appropriately. Guests must be at least 21 years of age.

There may be snow on the ground in Park City, but there is still a little time to think about your Spring garden. Here are 8 Bulbs to Plant Now for the Prettiest Flower Garden in Spring. October is the best month to plant your flower bulbs, which need to over-winter in order to bloom in spring. Daffodils and tulips might be the most familiar picks, but they’re not the only bulbs worth planting for spring.

Daffodils - these are an old-school trademark of spring—and for good reason. When they start to pop out of the ground, it’s a sign that winter is over and warmer months are on the way.

Lily of the Valley - appear at the beginning of spring. The plant produces sweet, white bell-shaped flowers that look like they’re made of porcelain. It is a perennial and has been known to survive the harshest of winters, so you’ll only have to plant this one once.

Tulips -add variety amongst all the bright colors of spring. If you choose to plant and love this tulip, be prepared for a wild amount of depth and dimension to appear in your garden beds.

Crocus - The spring crocus is one of the first blooms to emerge from the cold ground at the end of winter. The typical snow crocus has thin leaves and only reaches 4 inches tall. These plants produce the most adorable blooms that make them perfect for the smaller, empty spots in your garden.

Grape Hyacinth - is in the lily family, which you can tell by the long, thin foliage. It is a small plant that makes a great addition to the small corners and borders of gardens.

Anemones - not only do they bloom at the onset of spring, but they continue to produce flowers until the early summer. Anemones can generate a huge amount of blooms per bulb—sometimes up to 20.

Ranunculus - the other favorite spring flower, have crepe-paper thin petals that overlap in dozens of layers. Note: If you live in zones 7 or colder, you’ll need to plant your ranunculus in early spring instead.

Allium - The last place on this list goes to a plant the looks like it’s straight out of a Dr. Suess book. Allium, also known as ornamental onion, are part of the same vegetable family as shallots, onions and garlic. However, this ornamental variety of onion doesn’t belong in the veggie plot—instead, give it a well-deserved spot in your perennial garden.

Last week we shared Apartment Therapy's 100 Things to Look Forward to This Fall and Winter, this week we share the continuation of More things to do and celebrate.

Send a book, get a book: Set up a book exchange with friends where you mail a book, read it, then send it along to the next person on the list. You can also do this same system with other items, like puzzles or board games.

Establish a TBR fall/winter list: Create a “to be read” list of reads, then make it a mission to knock out all the books by the end of winter (deadline of March 21, set). Get a friend to do it with you (with their own list of books) so you can hold each other accountable.

Guess that scent: Put your nose to the test with this fun guessing game. Grab the candles you already own, put them in brown paper bags, mix them up so you’re not sure which is which, and try to sniff out the scents.

Virtual potluck, “Chopped” style: Write common pantry staples on individual strips of paper, throw them in a bowl, and pick three at random. Then, communicate the ingredients to a group of friends, and let everyone get cooking/baking with the three ingredients, plus up to three additional items of their choosing.

Short story club: Start doing a virtual short story club with a group of friends or family. Someone different picks a short story (that’s available for free online), and every week you pick a night to discuss. It’s a low-lift way to keep reading and stay in touch with friends.

Treat yourself with learning: Browse MasterClass, Coursera, Airbnb Online Experiences, etc. and treat yourself to one class that’s something you’ve always wanted to learn more about or have a passion for.

Dream virtual destination: Pick a destination that you’ve always wanted to travel to (perhaps it was on your 2020/2021 list) and create an at-home itinerary that’s inspired by it!

Future trip planning: While international travel isn’t really a thing right now, there’s nothing preventing you from planning that dream trip. Pick the destination and do some fun research—browse rentals, search for the best restaurants/activities, what you would do for transportation, etc.

Coloring pages-turned-wall art: Create your own piece of wall art while getting to expressively color.

Switcharoo Day: Set a date with a family member/friend to gather up five home items each of you no longer want (board games, planters, books, blanket, etc.), then trade them for the five items they want to give you.

Thematic TV/movie night: Do a pop culture binge-watch night where you set the scene and make drinks/snacks based off of what you’re watching.

Pen pal partnership: Establish a pen pal to keep in touch with throughout the fall and winter months. Use your favorite stationery, shower your envelopes with stickers, create a fun theme for every month’s letter, ask a fun question at the end of each note to leave you in suspense—make it fun and personal.

At-home spa time: Recreate a spa-like experience at home.

Let is snow (angel): If you happen to live in a place where there’s snow, don’t just let it sit there on the ground (although it is pretty to watch). Grab your waterproof pants and jacket, head outside, and get down (literally) with making some snow angels.

Old-fashioned snowball fight: Again, if you live where it snows, round up your housemates and any neighboring friends and family for a playful snowball battle. Not only is this activity free and comes with easy setup (thanks, Mother Nature), but it also abides by social distancing rules.

Epic fort-building: Revisit one of the best childhood activities and build yourself the best fort with everything around you. Grab a kitchen chair, drape your favorite massive fleece blanket over it, throw every single pillow imaginable underneath, and continue on the mission to achieve the ultimate coziness.

Leaf decorating: Put all the vibrant, unique leaves that fall to the ground to good use within your home. Go outside, take a long walk around your neighborhood, and gather the leaves that catch your attention along the way. Then, find a glass vase or bowl and arrange them inside, or hang them all on a string or wire and drape your walls with them.

Cozy happy hour: Pick a day in the middle of winter and schedule a virtual happy hour with friends and/or family where everyone comes with their favorite hot beverage of choice, from mulled wine to hot cocoa and chamomile tea.

DIY sanctuary space: Work on creating a peaceful area at home where you can practice wellness, if you haven’t already established one. This can be a room, table, even a corner—just a place where you turn off all devices and can sit with yourself and reflect.

Virtual walk/run: To keep you moving, sign yourself up for a virtual walk or run in the fall or winter months. Not only is it great motivation to practice wellness, but you can also do it for a great cause.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween! Ramon & Judy

Tags: Park City, Fun, Utah, Home, Halloween, Hike, Garden
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Staying Safe On The Trail

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Aug 25, 2020

Park City’s 400 miles of trails are a tremendous recreational outlet, they also crisscross wildlife habitats and migration corridors. Jane Gendron shares Tips for staying safe and protecting Summit County’s resident animal friends in the Summer/Fall 2020 issue of Park City Magazine. Just around the next switchback could be a moose, deer, elk, or fox—maybe even a black bear, bobcat, or cougar - what do you do when you encounter wildlife on the trail? Here are tips on what to do if you’re lucky enough to meet a wild animal in its native habitat.

Most animals don’t want to engage with humans, so make them aware of your presence. Always make noise when hiking or biking, and slow your roll around blind turns in the trail. As Scott Root of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources says, “Never approach or try to touch wildlife.... And don’t ever feed wildlife.” For more information, visit wildawareutah.org.

When you meet a moose: Give moose ample space (at least 25 yards) and leash dogs immediately, as a curious canine can anger an otherwise unperturbed animal. The most aggressive moose tend to be a cow moose with a calf. Don’t try to outrun a charging moose - they can run up to 35 mph; look around and see what you can get behind to separate you and the moose, such as a tree or boulder.

When you meet a mountain lion or cougar: Stop, pick up small children and pets, make yourself look big, and slowly back away. No matter how scared you may be, do not run (you don’t want to trigger that prey-chasing instinct). In the rare case that the cougar won’t back down, throw rocks or other objects to scare it off.

When you meet a black bear: Stand your ground (don’t run or scale a tree), keep calm, and give the bear the opportunity to skedaddle on its own. If a bear attacks, fight back.

When you meet a coyote: Keep your pets close, make noise, and do not run. While making yourself look as big as possible, back away slowly. If necessary, throw rocks or other objects to frighten it away.

When you meet an elk: Give elk, and deer of any species (mule deer are most common locally), at least 25 yards of breathing room. Though elk are unlikely to charge, during the fall “rut” (mating season), males can become aggressive. If one charges, get behind a tree, boulder, or something else solid.

UPDATES FOR THE HOME: After months of quarantine, living spaces are becoming multifunctional - Apartment Therapy shares 6 Up-and-Coming Bedroom Trends Real Estate Agents Love Seeing.

Bedrooms doubling as office spaces - with more people working from home during the pandemic—and likely to continue to going forward—the bedroom can serve as a nice and quiet place to work, Blacker says. “Buyers like to envision how they are going to live in a home, so when you have a work-from-home spot already built in, they can much easily picture themselves living there and working from home.”

Bedrooms doubling as wellness spaces - Don’t want to sleep where you work - try a wellness space with a yoga mat and plants. Some are carving out a fitness space in their rooms with free weights, resistance bands and balance balls. ”

Integrated headboards - show homes for new construction developments often showcase integrated headboards with lighting, often with small task lighting or ambient lights, and are usually connected to the smart home system.

Live, not artificial, plants in the bedroom - adding live, air-purifying plants to the bedroom makes sense as people are spending more time at home and want their bedrooms to feel like a peaceful, clean oasis.

Mixed textures - like wood, fabric, metals, and glass—with a neutral color palette is a trend with matching furniture pieces that look like a set. The trend has staying power because it’s flexible allows and transitions if they move to a home with a different architectural style.

Balconies - after spending months in quarantine, apartment renters and homeowners alike are prioritizing bedroom balconies. This extra space is very appealing to buyers and can add value to a home.

We are on an upgrade roll - here are 7 Timeless Bathroom Upgrades You Won’t Regret in Five Years, According to Pros by Maria C. Hunt with Apartment Therapy. To help decide if your upgrade investments will stand the test of time, top interior designers across the country have shared their tips on the wisest ways to invest when it comes to renovating your bathroom.

Go frameless for the shower - A clunky feature of older shower enclosures is the metal strip that runs around the edges. If you’re updating your shower, leave off the metal frame.

Install an LED mirror - vanity mirrors with LED lights built into the frame add a great clean look for a more modern bath, and it has a feel of sophisticated luxury like you would find in an upscale hotel.

Do a riff on classic subway tile - subway tile is a timeless and traditional choice for the bath and instead of being laid in the horizontal brick pattern, try them stacked or turned on their side vertically.

Add a freestanding tub - the original style of tub since the invention of bathing and you can't go wrong with this statement piece.

Choose a warmer white - off white is more interesting than bright white and it’s not as stark, it feels more forgiving.

Put your tub inside your shower - add a spa-like element to your bathroom by placing the tub inside an extra-large shower enclosure.

Upgrade your shower tile enclosure - little changes to your shower tile can be life-changing: add a little 3 x 3 outcropping or a tiny niche at ankle height so you have a place to rest your foot while shaving in the shower, make the niche to hold your soap and shampoo or add a shelf.

Tags: Park City, Utah, Home, Upgrades, Rennovation
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Mortgage Rates & Economic Updates

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Jul 15, 2020

This week we will start our blog with the current conforming and jumbo mortgage rates for Utah as shared by Josh Mettle followed by the golfing options in Park City and few ideas for freshening up your home's curb appeal.

The Conforming rates are based on a $300 loan amount and 65% loan to value and the Jumbo rates are based on a $1,000,000 loan amount with a $1,250,000 purchase price.

Loan Type Interest Rate APR    
30-yr fixed Conforming 3.25% 3.378%
15-yr fixed Conforming 2.75% 2.981%
 
Loan Type Interest Rate APR    
7/1 ARM Jumbo 3.00% 3.096%
30-yr fixed Jumbo 3.125% 3.219%
15-yr fixed Jumbo 2.875% 3.045%
In more home news - CoreLogic released home appreciation figures for May, showing that prices rose 0.7% from April to May and 4.8% when compared to May of last year and inflation continues to remain tame. At the wholesale level, the Producer Price Index was down 0.2% in June after rebounding in May, coming in much lower than expectations.

CoreLogic also noted that a lot of the demand was pent up from spring to summer with elevated unemployment, and that purchase activity and home prices could fall off once summer ends. It remains to be seen if this latest forecast will prove true, or if the surge in sales and appreciation levels off less steeply, which could still allow for home price gains over the next year.

Now for golf - there is no shortage of golf courses in the Park City area to enjoy. The Park Record has put together a list of all the local golf courses - from public and municipal courses to private clubs there is something for everyone.

Park City Golf Club (public) 1541 Thaynes Canyon Drive, Park City 435-615-5800 18 holes, par 72 $24-$70 This scenic municipal course offers lessons, leagues and a pro shop. Reservations can be made seven days in advance.

Canyons Golf Course (public) 3636 Willow Draw, Park City 435-615-4728 18 holes, par 70 $30-$150 This course features more than 550 feet of elevation change, including 270 feet on Hole 10 from tee to green. Group and individual lessons available.

The Outlaw Golf Club (public) 990 Longview Drive, Hideout 435-901-4227 9 holes, par 30 Located in the eastern foothills of the Jordanelle Reservoir, at the Outlaw, players can enjoy views of the glistening waters of the Jordanelle and the towering mountain peaks.

Soldier Hollow Golf Course (public) 1370 Soldier Hollow Drive, Midway 435-654-7442 Silver Course: 18 holes, par 72 Gold Course: 18 holes, par 72 $40- $50 Silver is the tamer of the two courses, slightly shorter with wider fairways, while the Gold has narrower, more undulating fairways, tee shots requiring longer carry and trickier greens.

Wasatch Mountain Golf Course (public) 975 West Golf Course Drive, Midway 435-654-0532 Lake Course: 18 holes, par 72 Mountain Course: 18 holes, par 71 $45-$50 Wasatch Mountain’s two courses offer serious variety, from the Lake’s gentle terrain to the Mountain’s dramatic elevation changes and potential wildlife sightings.

Mountain Dell Golf Course (public) Interstate 80, Exit 134 in Parleys Canyon 801-582-3812 Lake Course: 18 holes, par 71 Canyon Course: 18 holes, par 72 $13- $58 This Salt Lake City-run municipal course offers a variety of affordable amenities, from lessons to play-until-sunset twilight rates.

Jeremy Ranch Golf & Country Club (private) 8770 Jeremy Ranch Road, Park City 801-531-9000 18 holes, par 72 Membership required Nestled in Upper East Canyon of the Wasatch Mountains, Jeremy Ranch is the only Arnold Palmer Signature Course in Utah.

Park Meadows Country Club (private) 2000 Meadows Drive, Park City 435-649-2460 18 holes, par 72 Membership required This Jack Nicklaus Signature course has been called one of the best courses in Utah and Park Record readers have selected its Hole 15 as the best in Park City multiple times.

Glenwild Golf Club (private) 7600 Glenwild Dr., Park City 435-615-9966 18 holes, par 71 Membership required This course features a meandering creek with a series of lakes and shot values that enhance its playability and scenic appeal.

Promontory (limited public availability) 8758 N Promontory Ranch Road, Park City 888-458-6600 Pete Dye Canyon Course: 18 holes, par 72 Nicholas Painted Valley Golf Course: 18 holes, par 72 Limited open play at Pete Dye Canyon Course, $100-$250 Membership required at Nicholas Painted Valley Golf Course Dye Canyon rewards accuracy and takes dramatic advantage of the rugged terrain, while the links-style Painted Valley rewards the ability to hit the ball an incredible distance.

Talisker Club, Talisker Tuhaye Course (private) 9875 N. Tuhaye Park Drive, Kamas 866-253-8538 18 holes, par 72 Membership required Tuhaye is set against spectacular long-range views of Mount Timpanogos, Deer Valley’s ski runs and the shimmering waters of the Jordanelle Reservoir.

Victory Ranch (private) 7474 Victory Club Drive, Kamas 435-785-5030 18 holes, par 72 Membership required The course features 400 feet of elevation change but of all the vistas on the course, the 360-degree panoramic view from the championship tee box on the 17th hole is the real jewel.

Red Ledges Golf Course (private) 205 Red Ledges Blvd., Heber City 877-733-5334 18 holes, par 72 Membership required In addition to the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, Red Ledges boasts a family-friendly 12-hole Golf Park, with optional oversized cups and a layout that encourages bounces toward the hole.

We will wrap up this week's blog with 3 Tips to Glam Up Your Curb Appeal from Realtor Magazine. Curb appeal is even more important as more home buyers shop for homes from a distance and narrow the lists of which homes they want to view in-person. Here are some of their ideas to boost your curb appeal:

Pay attention to the driveway and walkways. You can take steps to make even concrete look good. After all, the driveway and walkways are what lead the eye toward a home’s front door. Any cracks or weeds popping up can present an eyesore. Patch the concrete with caulk and finish a concrete driveway and walkway with a clear, glossy sealer.

Fix up the garage. The garage is often an after-thought but it takes up a big portion of a home’s curb appeal, try painting the garage doors the same color as the home’s trim. Garage doors with a row of windows filter in more light and make it feel part of a home. Garage window kits are available for many models. You can swap out existing panels and add glass inserts.

Paint the front door. Peeling paint or rusty hardware on the front door isn’t very welcoming to a potential home buyer. If you’re going to spend money on one thing to add curb appeal, make it a new door. Front doors with glass inserts can help create a more welcoming space. But for homeowners looking to save, a fresh coat of paint may suffice.

Tags: Park City, Golf, Utah, Homes, Mortgage, Loans
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Summer Highlights

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Jul 08, 2020

This week we are reviewing the top questions of home Buyers and Sellers during these changing times, outside activities that give space and some great alternatives to the top national parks.

Navigating the real estate market was already intimidating, but in this uncertain time, we all have even more questions about how to do it. Vince Malta who is president of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has channeled his 43 years of experience to offer advice about buying and selling in this strange new environment. We are sharing the top four questions of the article, click here to read all twenty-five.

1. Is now a good time to buy? Every person who dreams of owning a home has to answer that question individually based on a variety of factors — ranging from their personal financial picture to what’s available in their market to how long they plan to stay in one place.

While searching for and buying a home during the COVID-19 pandemic presents some challenges, with mortgage interest rates at an all-time low, for some it may be an ideal time to buy. Thankfully, the real estate industry has quickly adapted to the current circumstances and is leveraging technology that allows buyers to continue their home search virtually and close transactions using safety precautions or remote online notarization.

One of the biggest challenges buyers have faced in the last several years is a shortage of inventory. With the health crisis and stay-at-home orders, some sellers have pulled out of the market or delayed listing their properties, which only exacerbates the inventory challenge.

2. Is now a good time to refinance? Historical data, going back 50 years, shows that mortgage interest rates have never been lower. So, it sure sounds like a good time to consider refinancing, but this is a question to discuss with a lender or qualified financial planner.

If you do decide to refinance, be prepared: Lenders I’ve talked to are managing a high volume of applications, so you’ll need patience — along with outstanding credit. More than 2 million borrowers have sought forbearance on their mortgage payments as a result of the current situation. Some lenders have responded by tightening credit standards, including raising minimum credit scores. So make sure your financial house is in order, you’re continuing to pay bills on time, and you’re keeping debt manageable.

3. What is the best place to find information about how COVID-19 is affecting the home-buying process in my area? Realtors® can provide insights into how your local market is affected by COVID-19 and can help you understand how stay-at home orders, and other local, state and federal government actions and recommendations, are impacting the home-buying process.

4. Is it currently more of a buyer’s or seller’s market? Is COVID-19 shifting these? Every market is different, so it’s a good idea to speak with a Realtor to learn what’s going on in your area. That said, in the past few years, many areas have been experiencing inventory shortages, in part due to insufficient home building and increased tenure in home. On a national basis, a thriving economy combined with low interest rates and limited inventory have led to 97 straight months of home price increases. Generally, low inventory and increasing prices indicate a seller’s market, but historic low interest rates have helped keep homes affordable for buyers in most markets.

NAR data shows Realtors® are experiencing significant slowdowns in their business as a result of COVID-19, but that hasn’t necessarily shifted the market to a buyer’s market. In fact, the national median existing-home price for all housing types in March was $280,600, up 8% from March 2019.

To read the entire article "Everything You Need To Know About Buying and Selling a Home in This Pandemic" - click here.

As we look to get outside while keeping space we are sharing Park City Mag's Fly Fish & Feast. Here are some tips for where to drop a line and get a post-river bite for yourself.

The Middle Provo River is one of Utah’s finest blue-ribbon fisheries, stretching from Jordanelle to Deer Creek Reservoirs. Great public access is only a 15-minute drive from Park City. Take UT-224 out of Park City to US Hwy 40 East, travel nine miles, and turn right at the light at River Road. Two fisherman’s access areas are right there (one on the right, one on the left) with parking, portable restrooms, and lots of other fishers to swap tales with. You’ll catch brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout on this beautiful, braided section of river, with lots of easy spots to fish from shore or by shallow wading (depending on water flow). Flies and lures only. Best bets: PMDs, caddis in the evenings, and grasshoppers in late summer.

Then visit Back 40 Ranch House Grill and take in the beautiful, pastoral views of the Heber/Midway Valley while sipping nothing but the water from their own artesian aquifer, but … with so many farm-to-table, locally sourced ingredients, you’d be remiss if you didn’t order, say, the smoked jalapeño cheddar burger made with beef from the Circle Bar Ranch two pastures away and artisan cheddar from nearby Heber Valley Cheese.

Each summer, Jans Mountain Outfitters hosts, beginner fly-casting lessons at the ponds at lower Deer Valley (next to the gazebo). You don’t need a reservation, but call ahead to confirm and let them know you’re coming so they can bring enough rods (bring your own if you have one). Typically, you’ll end up with a group of 8 to 10 new anglers perfecting their “10 o’clock, 2 o’clock” casting technique. Then, book a guided trip with the fine folks at Jans or Trout Bum 2 for a true fly-fishing experience on a local river.

Then visit Deer Valley Grocery Café. Sit on the outside deck and check out the duckies and stand-up paddleboarders floating by. DVGC also carries gourmet to-go items if you want to pack a picnic. 2250 Deer Valley Dr, 435.615.2400, deervalley.com

Known as an “urban fishery” since the Weber River runs parallel to I-84 and I-80, a lot of the Weber is private access only, but anglers can enjoy several nice stretches of tailwater with lots of brown trout and mountain whitefish. Try the Creamery Lane access in Coalville (20 minutes from Park City). From I-80 east, take exit 162. Travel west on Icy Springs Road (SR-280) for 0.2 miles. Turn left and travel south on the frontage road that parallels I-80 for approximately 1.3 miles. Cross over Hobson Lane and continue traveling south on the frontage road for an additional 1.4 miles to reach this access point. Flies and lures only.

Follow with the family-friendly Taggart’s Grill is located in a log house nestled in a beautiful canyon between Morgan and Henefer. Taggart’s doesn’t take reservations, so expect a bit of a well-worth-it wait.

Before You Go you need a License to Fish. Anyone older than 12 must purchase a license to fish in Utah. Purchase one at any of our local fly-fishing shops, Walmart, by downloading the Utah Hunting and Fishing NICUSA app, or online at wildlife.utah.gov. Nonresident three-day license, $24; Utah residents, $16.

Find Fishing Buddies- Join High Country Fly Fishers (highcountryflyfishers.com), the local chapter of the national Trout Unlimited organization, and be privy to monthly activities including fly-tying classes, guest speakers, women’s-only events, group fishing outings, social hours, conservation activities, and more.
Support a Cause - The 5,000-member-strong Utah Stream Access Coalition works to “promote and assist in all aspects of securing and maintaining public access to Utah’s public waters and streambeds per Utah law.” (utahstreamaccess.org)

We wrap up this week's blog with a snippet of the The Salt Lake Tribune's article, 11 great alternatives to the top national parks.  The glories of the national park system draw hundreds of millions of visitors each year, even in normal times. But in this upside-down year, with the pandemic still limiting much travel in and outside the United States, it’s likely that the National Park Service’s 419 sites, 62 with a “national park” designation, will attract even more people looking to get away.

For potential park-goers who wish to avoid these crowds (and this season, who doesn’t?), one strategy is to skip the Grand Canyon, the Great Smoky Mountains and the other top 10 parks that typically receive the majority of visitors. There are alternatives that are still awe-inspiring for your summer and fall fresh-air retreats, ones that offer many of the Top Ten’s sights, sounds, wildlife and activities.

South Carolina Congaree, instead of Great Smoky Mountains - Congaree, a park named after the original Native American inhabitants, was created in central South Carolina to preserve 15 different species of trees that are the tallest such specimens anywhere. These includes the most statuesque loblolly pine in the world, towering 167 feet above the surrounding tupelo forest. Tree lovers know Congaree, with only 159,445 visitors last year, as the Redwoods of the East — this year it’s worth forgetting about nearby Great Smoky Mountains and its 12 million-plus visitors.

Arizona Petrified Forest, instead of the Grand Canyon - In east-central Arizona, 110 miles from Flagstaff, the Petrified Forest adjoins the Painted Desert, 7,500 square miles of badlands and hills tinted lavender and red by Triassic Age strata. The annual visitation of this park is one-tenth that of the nearby Grand Canyon. The Petrified Forest, a drive-through park, holds the greatest and most spectacular concentration of fossilized, coniferous tree logs in the world. Once a lush and subtropical climate, the forest of 200-foot-tall trees was buried by volcanic ash and preserved 225 million years ago.

Utah Canyonlands, instead of Arches - Instead of ogling the sandstone formations in traffic-jammed Arches, opt for a wilderness desert experience amid the reddened Wingate sandstone in Canyonlands. Canyonlands is southwest of the tourist mecca of Moab, Utah. Most visitors take the Island in the Sky scenic drive out to spectacular overlooks, but otherwise the 527-square-mile park has few roads.

Minnesota Voyageurs National Park, instead of Glacier Bay - If you haven’t seen the Northern Lights, never mind Alaska. Instead, grab a camera and a paddle and head to Voyageurs National Park, named after the French Canadian canoeists who plied these waters three centuries ago. This park of lakes is 40% water and adjoins another 10,000 square miles of aquatic wilderness. Its remoteness, flanking the Canadian border in northern Minnesota, enables incredible stargazing opportunities all year long and an estimated 200 nights of Northern Lights (even in summer).

Colorado Great Sand Dunes or Black Canyon, instead of Rocky Mountain - Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve features the highest dunes on the continent, towering 755 feet above the surrounding trails. These are set in an otherworldly catchment basin, below the 14,000-foot high Sangre de Cristo Mountains, some 200 miles south of Denver. All trails and most of the campgrounds are now open, along with overnight backcountry access, but the visitor center remains closed.

Texas Big Bend or the Guadalupe Mountains, instead of a trip to Mexico - This park in West Texas, which opened for day use June 1, lies along the namesake curl of the Rio Grande, marking the Mexican border. At this renowned dark-sky park, you can count more than 2,000 stars — 10 times the number typically seen above most cities — surrounding the canvas of the Milky Way. During the days, especially when temperatures cool in the fall and early winter, enjoy 150 miles of trails throughout the park. You might be joined by a bird watcher or two, who roam Big Bend’s 1,200 square miles to spot more than 400 avian species, more than in any national park.

Nevada Great Basin, instead of the Grand Circle - The “Grand Circle” marketing campaign pushed Utah’s national parks to record-setting visitations in recent years, but Great Basin — a few miles over the border in eastern Nevada — got left out of the loop. The 121-square-mile park is named after the enormous basin it sits in (spanning nearly all of Nevada, it is 20 times larger than the park), which pulls all water underground so that it can’t reach the ocean and other waterways.

California Lassen Volcanic, instead of Yellowstone or Yosemite - In place of the crowded Yellowstone geysers or Yosemite mountains, a panorama of wildflowers, volcanic peaks and steaming fumaroles can be seen at Lassen Volcanic, 180 miles north of Sacramento. The 30-mile park highway reopened in late May, along with most of the trails and overnight backcountry camping. The still-smoking, glacier-clad Lassen Peak is one of only two volcanoes in the contiguous 48 states that erupted in the 20th century (Mount St. Helens erupted 40 years ago last month). Today, more than 100 years after magma first flowed from the Lassen Peak, amateur volcanologists can delight in finding the remains of the four types of volcanoes: shield, cinder cone, strato and plug.

Washington state North Cascades, instead of Mount Rainier - Although still emerging from snow banks and currently open for only day use, North Cascades is typically one of the less-visited parks of the entire parks system, seeing less than 3% of Mount Rainier’s yearly traffic. Adjoining the Canadian border, 120 miles northeast of Seattle, this wilderness has only 6 miles of internal roads — all unpaved — and stretches over 1,000 square miles. It boasts 312 glaciers (12 times Mount Rainier’s), as well as more than 500 lakes and a lush carpet of old-growth evergreens. From its dry ponderosa pines in the east to the temperate rain forest in the west, this is landscape of tremendous biodiversity.

To read the entire article, Click Here.

Tags: Real Estate, Park City, Utah, Homes, selling, Buying
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Home Buying

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Jun 23, 2020

Homebuyers will ‘gobble up’ houses for sale this summer, according to Barbara Corcoran, host of ABC’s Shark Tank and founder of the Corcoran Group, an New York City-based residential brokerage firm as interviewed by Yahoo! Finance.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. did not have enough homes for sale to meet demand. But with sellers slow to re-enter the market because of the nationwide lockdowns and demand higher than ever, the U.S. has become an even more competitive market, said Corcoran.

For the week ending June 13, inventory was down 27% compared to last year, according to Realtor.com. Inventory hit a 25-year low in December 2019, with moderate improvement at the beginning of 2020. But it plunged when the pandemic hit the U.S. in mid-March and sellers pulled their homes off the market, according to an analysis by Odeta Kushi, deputy chief economist for First American Financial Corporation, a a Santa Ana, California-based provider of title insurance, settlement services and risk solutions for real estate transactions.

The coronavirus forced Americans to work from home and redefined how Americans see their home. Some Americans are now looking for new homes with bigger yards, home offices and more square footage, after spending months in lockdown. Studies also show that more buyers are now looking to the suburbs for their next home, according to Redfin. Plus, mortgage rates hit an all-time low this week, incentivizing even more buyers into the market.

When more people want a product than the market can supply, the price goes up. Home prices already rose to an all-time high before the pandemic, as homes in the U.S. sold for an average $384,900 in the first quarter of 2020 — well above highs before the Great Recession, which reached an average of $322,100 in its peak, according to the Federal Reserve of St. Louis.  With heightened demand, homes in the U.S. could get even more expensive this summer, according to economists.

Looking to shop outside - the Park City Farmers Market has opened at Park City Mountain Resort’s Silver King Lot. The market will follow COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of the patrons as well as vendors according to the Park Record's Scott Iwasaki. The Farmer's Market will be open Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-noon for senior citizens; noon - 5 p.m. for general public at the Silver King parking lot at Park City Mountain Resort. The market will start with 20 vendor tents that will be 10 feet apart and will have at least two workers each. Handwshing stations will be setup and all vendors will be wearing gloves. parkcityfarmersmarket.com

The Salt Lake Tribune has shared that Ski resorts are gearing up for summer season with new features — and new rules to deal with COVID-19. It’s been a quiet three months in the mountains since COVID-19 caused Utah’s ski resorts to shut down their lifts and cordon off their restaurants in mid-March. Now those wilderness areas are beginning to show signs of life. Woodward Park City, which opened for some indoor sports on May 22, now is also allowing indoor trampolines and parkour and will open its rental shop. Sundance broke out its zip lines, stable, spa and lodging. Utah Olympic Park, though technically not a resort, opened June 4 with tubing and an alpine slide.

Summer has become an increasingly important season for resorts across the country, even before COVID-19 hit. According to the publication Ski Resort Management, revenue for resorts in the summer of 2016 was nearly twice what it was in 2007. During that time, the number of summer visitors rose nearly 45% , even as the cost of a summer visit went up nearly 30%.

This year, however, a successful summer could be critical to a resort’s survival. Consider that most ski areas this year closed prior to spring break, one of their three most lucrative times in the winter season. Those concerns have kept some resorts from jumping into the pool this summer. Solitude Mountain Resort, for example, has made some lodging available but otherwise has announced no plans to reopen.

SUMMER IS IN SESSION

A rundown of what area ski resorts are offering — or not offering — this summer:

Alta • Access to more than 13 miles of hiking trails will open on June 27; lodging expected to open July 1; Albion Basin campground opens July 17.

Beaver Mountain • Hiking and OHV trails open; camping for RVs only.

Brian Head Resort • Activities (disc golf, the zip line, archery, bungee trampoline, climbing wall, avalanche tubing and mountain biking) open Friday through Sunday starting June 26.

Brighton • Hiking trails to open after snowpack melts; Brighton Store is open.

Cherry Peak • All summer operations and concerts postponed.

Deer Valley • Lift-served biking, hiking, scenic rides and some restaurants open daily starting June 26.

Eagle Point • Self-accessed hiking and biking trails open; Canyonside Lodge opened Friday; Mountain Archery Festival scheduled for June 26-28.

Nordic Valley • Summer operations postponed.

Park City Mountain Resort • Alpine slide, mountain coaster, scenic lift rides, hiking and bike haul, and some restaurants scheduled to open Thursday-Sunday starting July 2.

Powder Mountain • Wolf Barn Short Track trail is open; other trails will open as snowpack melts.

Snowbasin Resort • Lift-served mountain biking, hiking and scenic rides via Needles Gondola, mini golf (limited to groups of six or fewer), and dining and mountaintop yoga at the Needles Lodge scheduled to open Saturdays and Sundays starting June 27.

Snowbird • Open daily for summer activities (aerial tram, alpine slide, mountain coaster and Chickadee chairlift), with some restaurants and lodging. Mountain biking off the tram on the Big Mountain Trail remains closed.

Solitude • Summer operations postponed.

Sundance • Open daily for summer activities (chairlift rides, hiking, mountain biking, zip line and stables), with some restaurants, lodging and the spa also open. Reservations required Friday through Sunday.

Utah Olympic Park • Open daily for alpine slide, extreme tubing, zip lining and ropes course in two-hour increments. Alf Engen Ski Museum and Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum open and free, but masks are required.

Woodward Park City • Indoor and outdoor parks for wheeled sports, including scooter, skateboarding and BMX, and lift-served mountain biking open daily for a limited number of guests. Trampolines, parkour, gym floor and indoor airbags along with rental shop and food service also available.

Source: Ski Utah

Tags: Park City, Ski, Utah, Homes, Buyers, Outside
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Bouncing Back

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
May 13, 2020

Judy and I hope you and your families are well and safe. We continue to limit visits to the grocery store and the office and we always have our face masks. So, we were excited to read in Yahoo! Finance that Salt Lake City was one of the cities positioned to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic based on Moody's Analytics. The analytics analyzed U.S. metro areas capabilities for a strong recovery post-coronavirus using two primary factors: population density and educational attainment. Click here for the full article.

Thank you Vail - the Park Record has shared that Vail Resorts has announced credits for 2019-20 passholders and a new insurance program for next season. Vail Resorts announced updates to its season pass program for next ski season in response to the coronavirus pandemic, offering credits for 2019-2020 passholders and launching a new insurance program to protect against any lost dates in 2020-2021. People who had an Epic Pass during 2019-2020 will receive a minimum 20% credit toward a 2020-2021 pass, the company said. Those who used their pass fewer than five days will be eligible for higher credits, meanwhile, topping out at an 80% credit for people who didn’t use their pass at all. People who purchased an Epic Day Pass will receive credit for unused days.

Additionally, everyone who buys a pass for the 2020-2021 season will receive free pass insurance through a new program called Epic Coverage, which allows for refunds in the event of resort closures, including closures related to the coronavirus. The program also allows for refunds due to other circumstances included in the company’s typical pass insurance, such as an injury that prevents a passholder from skiing.

Ready to get back on your mountain bike? Check out these tips and tricks to get back in the saddle again in Park City Magazine's article: Back in the Saddle Again. Ease into the saddle and prep for the mountain biking season now with these great tips:

Start slow. Give yourself some space and expect that you’re going to be slow on your first ride out and find a trail that’s not challenging for your first ride back.

Re-train your vision. Without even realizing it, when you’re in mountain bike shape, your eyes naturally look far ahead to anticipate the terrain and any obstacles. Over the winter, it’s easy to lose that skill, when you’re getting back into riding, try to look ahead a little bit more than you naturally would. It takes self-control to do this, and to anticipate what’s coming up.

Loosen up. No matter what you’ve been doing over the winter, riding always feels different, see if you can loosen up on the climbs and the descents.

Start with an athletic stance. When you get tired—which can happen quickly during the early season—your posture is one of the first things to decline. Start the year with good habits and think about holding an athletic stance with your core tight, your spine strong, and your neck up.

Turn your fear into excitement. If you’re a bit more skittish on technical sections than you were last year, try to put your nerves to good use. Tell yourself, ‘I’m not nervous,’ ‘I’m excited to be on my bike".

Just get on a saddle. If the trails are still too muddy, grab your road bike and to get used to being back in the saddle.

Don’t forget a maintenance check. Whether it’s you or your trusty mechanic, do a thorough check of your bike before hopping on. Check the bolts with torque wrench, clean and lube the drivetrain, and test the front suspension. And, of course, put air in your tires, but maybe a little less than you think.

A reminder: Wait until the trails are dry. Riding muddy trails ruins it for everyone else for the rest of the season. Where to find trail updates: Check the Mountain Trails Foundation’s website and Facebook page for the latest trail conditions; Basin Recreation also frequently updates the status on its Instagram and Facebook pages.

Looking for something fun to do tonight, here are 11 Ideas For a Fun and Perfect Date Night In from Apartment Therapy. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or make an entire meal from scratch if that’s not your thing, so maybe this translates into planning a surprise activity for your significant other, or treating them to a special gift that they’ve always wanted. Whatever you choose to do, the point is to set aside specific time to have a date—no movie tickets, fancy restaurant reservation, or bar hopping required.

1. Do a Giant Puzzle Together - Pop some popcorn, open a couple bottles of wine, and put on your favorite music when you two sit down to do a jigsaw puzzle. It’ll kill some serious time, and you’ll work together in a way you probably haven’t before (unless you just happen to be really into puzzles).

2. Have a Book Club Date - If you and your partner find yourselves reading much more than usual, then choose a book you both like and make a goal to read it by the end of the week or month (depending on just how fast you’re reading these days). Make a date of sitting down to discuss the book together—maybe even watch the film version of the book if possible.

3. Sit Down and Create the Ultimate To-Do List  - What are those things you’ve always wanted to do around the house but just haven’t? Write it all down together and check things off one by one each weekend—it’ll keep things fresh and make you feel like you’re prioritizing doing more than just watching Netflix (though that’s fun too).

4. Create an At-Home Movie Theater  - If you love (and miss) going to the movies, then make a point to plan an at-home movie theater style date. Think ahead and order groceries like popcorn, candy, and soda and set up a cozy spot to watch as many new releases as possible.

5. Have a Bake-Off - With only the ingredients you have in the house, challenge each other to a bake off and then judge the results together. Bonus points if you have episodes of the “Great British Bake Off” playing in the background throughout.

6. Take a Dance Lesson …via YouTube, of course. Get some exercise in and learn a fun new dance from the privacy of your own home. Film the final results and send to your friends and family if you’re feeling really confident.

7. Have an Arts & Crafts Afternoon - Pull out the paper, glue, scissors, and markers and create something fun—maybe a banner with an encouraging message to hang in the window or just greeting cards for each other.

8. Create an At-Home Olympics  - Create a series of fun (and kind of ridiculous) games and have an at-home Olympics. Think of this like that episode of “The Office”. If all else fails, you’ll laugh a lot.

9. Have a PowerPoint Party - Challenge each other to create a PowerPoint on virtually anything. Surprise each other with your topic and give a quick, fun presentation. This is also fun to do as a Zoom activity, if you want to invite more people!

10. Throw a Wine Tasting Party for Two - host a tasting in your living room (or on your couch, in bed, whatever!). Maybe even watch a few videos with tips from sommeliers to learn a thing or two.

11. Paint Something Together … anything! Whether there’s a piece of furniture you’ve been meaning to refinish, a wall that you’ve always wanted to spice up, or you just want to get artsy with a canvas, painting together can be as fun as it is rewarding. And odds are, if your home is anything like mine, you have 200 half-used cans of paint in the basement just waiting to be used.

 

Tags: Park City, Fun, Utah, Biking, Safe, Date
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Staying Safe

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Apr 07, 2020

On Monday March 29th, Real Estate was deemed essential and we can continue to market and sell Real Estate with COVID-19 precautionary measures in place.

Intermountain Healthcare has opened 20 new COVID-19 Testing Sites. When should you visit a testing site? Well, understanding the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 is an important first step to finding the right point of care. If you have very mild cold or flu-like symptoms, please stay home, self-isolate, and rest.

When to Stay at home: If your symptoms are not apparent or mild, which is most cases, stay at home and recover. Rest, drink fluid, stay six-feet away from others, and wash your hands and surfaces often.

Use Intermountain’s Symptom Checker: If symptoms are mild to moderate use our symptom checker or call the COVID-19 Hotline at 844-442-5224 to determine your risk and refer you to the right services for care.

Visit a Testing Site: If your symptoms are mild to severe visit one of Intermountain’s 20 testing sites locations in your community. Please don’t visit a testing site if you aren’t experiencing symptoms.

Do you have extra goggles? Goggles for Docs is an effort to get used or new ski goggles into the hands of healthcare workers who currently have no eye protection as they treat COVID-19 patients. If you are a skier/rider, shop, or manufacturer and have goggles to donate, use the link below to find hospitals to send your goggles to. gogglesfordocs.com

Looking for something new - the team at Apartment Therapy shares how You Can Virtually Hike Grand Canyon National Park and See the Colorful Rock Layers Up Close.

If you’re yearning for the great outdoors and want to be transported to another land, you’re in luck. Anyone with an electronic device can virtually travel to one of the most iconic national parks across the country: the Grand Canyon.

Thanks to Google Earth, users can enter the Grand Canyon National Park with the click of a button. You get to visit 18 stops throughout the grand tour, letting you witness the hanging cliffs, canyon walls, and panoramic views that the park is famously known for.

And there are many more stops where that came from (15, to be exact). Each one reveals a new perspective of the rock formations, plus a few attractions that you might not have known existed. Check out a 800-year-old ruins of an Ancestral Puebloan village, and walk across a suspension bridge that extends over Colorado River.

In addition to the Grand Canyon, Google Earth also offers tours of 30 other national parks across the U.S., from Yosemite to Badlands and Joshua Tree. So once you’re done with the Grand Canyon, there’s still plenty of exploring left to do.

Tags: Real Estate, Park City, Utah, Safe, Essential, Goggles
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Spring Cleaning

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Apr 01, 2020

This week we thought we would utilize our additional time at home and share 7 Pro Organizers Reveal Their Biggest Organizing “Don’ts”. Organizing and decluttering can help you end up with the most functional, beautiful space you can, but it also saves you time, energy, money, and stress in the long run.

Don’t delay - The quickest way to declutter is to actually physically DO IT. Don’t buy a bunch of organizing products before you start decluttering. Our inner clutter about our outer clutter holds us back more than we know. Think of decluttering as a practice that brings peace, instead of a chore that brings fear. Do use labels, they don’t have to be pretty, but they do have to be legible.

Don’t try to organize clutter - You shouldn’t start organizing until you declutter. If you don’t value it, get rid of it. Whether it’s in drawers, cabinets, or on shelves, use appropriate containers to hold your items so that they don’t all get mixed up and disorganized.

Don’t try and tackle too much at once - Instead of working on the entire room start with a box, drawer, or a shelf. Once a week file, scan or shred documents. Put clothes, shoes, jewelry that you have worn throughout the week away. When you do the laundry schedule enough time to actually put it away. If you can devote one hour a week that is 52 hours dedicated to staying organized.

Don’t try to be someone you’re not - Don’t buy any organizational tools before you declutter. You probably already have most of what you need to organize your home. Try using things like old box tops and clean peanut butter jars for organizing. Don’t keep something just because it cost a lot of money. It’s the sunk-cost fallacy and it’s keeping you stuck. Everyone buys things they don’t need and everyone’s house gets messy from time to time.

Don’t keep something for the person you aspire to be. A lot of people keep jeans because they hope to fit in them someday. Don’t do this! Guilt is a terrible motivator. Donate the jeans, work on feeling better about your current body and move on. And don’t keep something because it was a gift from someone. The gesture was the gift. If you don’t like the object, sell it or donate it without guilt. Everyone buys things they don’t need and everyone’s house gets messy from time to time. Decluttering and organizing is an opportunity to reflect on your habits and create a happier home. There’s no need to beat up on yourself for having four can openers or clothes with tags still on in the closet.

Don’t hold on to something “just in case” - It’s easy to get into a spiral of keeping things just for the sake of keeping them, when six months down the road, you end up getting rid of it anyways. And after you accomplish an organizing or decluttering task, don’t forget to celebrate. So often when we organize, we finish and then look for the next thing that needs to be tackled. What you’ve just accomplished is a big deal and deserves to be enjoyed.

Don’t disrespect the limitations of your space - Respect the limitations of your space, give everything a home, store like with like, and buy less.

Don’t go out and buy containers first - When you start an organizing project do not start by buying containers, you could actually be ADDING to the clutter. Buying product is the last step of the process after things have been sorted and minimized, often we can repurpose containers we already have. Prioritize getting organized. Consolidating like items and then letting go of things you no longer need is the biggest part of getting organized.

In an effort to minimize travel, ordering food online can be a good option. Here are 9 Grocery Delivery Services to Bring Fresh Food to Your Door. Grocery shopping is one stress point for many of us and for many immunocompromised people, visiting the grocery store is not a viable option at all. Sites including Instacart, Shipt, and Amazon are options, but there are other services out there too, some of them with unique features and benefits. Here are some favorites from the team at Apartment Therapy.

1. Misfits Market sources “misfit”produce (wonky-shaped fruits and vegetables) from certified organic farms and ships them in boxes to zip codes in around two dozen states. The produce subscription boxes come in two different sizes — Mischief and Madness — which contain a mix of 12 to 14 different types of fruits and veggies, respectively. For more information: Misfits Market

2. Hungryroot is a weekly subscription service that sends groceries to your door (all across the continental U.S.) based on pre-set personal preferences (gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, vegan, etc!). The company recently announced heightened food safety standards and increased sanitation measures. For more information: Hungryroot

3. Farmbox Direct - Serving the entire continental US, Farmbox Direct is a produce delivery service whose offerings change weekly, depending on what is “fresh, local, and in-season.” Customers appreciate the control that comes with this service, as you can choose five fruit and veggie substitutions per delivery. For more information: Farmbox Direct

4. Imperfect Foods - Similar to Misfits Market, Imperfect Foods has made it its goal to provide less-than-perfect produce to consumers at a discounted price to reduce food waste and change customer perceptions. Imperfect Foods currently delivers to most of the West South Central region, Midwest, Northeast and all along the West Coast. Check here for to see if they serve your area. For more information: Imperfect Foods

5. Hungry Harvest is a food-rescue minded company that ships affordable produce and elected add-ons to MD, Washington, D.C, VA, and parts of PA, NJ, DE, FL, NC, and Detroit. Based on where you live, how often you cook, your produce preferences, and how many people you’re feeding, you can choose a Harvest Box that works for you. For more information: Hungry Harvest

6. Boxed is an online bulk delivery service that ships everywhere in the continental U.S. They offer cleaning products, snacks, drinks, canned goods, spices, cereals, and much more. For more information: Boxed

7. Moink provides customizable meat subscription boxes, filled with beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and wild-caught salmon. You can elect for your box to be sent in 3, 4, 6, or 8 week intervals. The ethical meat is sourced from family farms. For more information: Moink Box

8. Butcher Box allows you to order curated mixes of high-quality beef, chicken, or pork — or you can customize your own box. For more information: Butcher Box

9. Thrive Market offers pantry staples like wine, meat and seafood, beauty products, and much more.  For more information: Thrive Market

Stay well, Ramon & Judy

Tags: Park City, Utah, Home, Organize, Buyer, Seller
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Sundance 2020

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Jan 22, 2020

Sundance starts tomorrow and the box office is open! For Locals and visitors alike this means giving yourself plenty of time to arrive where you need to go as traffic and parking will be congested. For skiers and snowboarders head to the mountains as it is a great time to enjoy the slopes with everyone at the movies.

We found a great article, Insider Tips and Tricks for Making the Most of Your Sundance Film Festival, that is useful for locals as well as for those coming into town.

Prepare for the Weather - Temperatures in Park City this time of year tend to hover around 12°F and 33°F during the day, so don’t be tempted to pack light.

“Put a pair of gloves in each of your jackets/coats (and bring extras). You will lose a glove or two,” says Rosie Wong, our director of industry relations, who’s coming up on her 16th Sundance Film Festival. “And if you live near a Uniqlo, I swear by their Heattech thermal leggings and undershirts. They’re thin, but they really work.” Don’t overlook the smaller details when it comes to your wardrobe choices. “Change your socks once a day—you’ll feel like a whole new person,” says Ashley Hoyle, assistant to our director of programming. Our director of producing and impact strategy, Brenda Coughlin, had some of my favorite advice on the subject of staying warm: “Two words: Hot. Toddy.”

Eat Well and Stay Energized - As several colleagues have pointed out, when you’re rushing between screenings, it can be hard to find time to eat—which is probably fine on the first day of the Festival but won’t feel so great by the end. Some words of wisdom?

Do stock up on food when you arrive—that way you won’t be tempted to subsist on sugary snacks and caffeine as the Fest wears on. But don’t go overboard: “That pot of lentils? Not going to get cooked or eaten,” notes Brenda. “Don’t drink [alcohol] on your first day; the altitude is a huge game changer,” says Ashley. “Drink as much water as you can. When you think you’ve had enough, drink some more!” “Put some protein or snack bars in your coat pockets for those times you forget to take time to eat (because who has time to do that???),” Rosie says. As for dining recommendations in and around Park City? “For all the Brits out there, the mushrooms on toast at Five5eeds is delish,” Brenda advises.

Plan Out Your Schedule - There’s an art to planning the perfect Sundance Film Festival schedule for yourself, and to master it, you’ve got to think about the distance between venues (“Allow at least 45 minutes to get anywhere,” says Brenda), sprinkling in a good amount of variety into the mix, and knowing your limits in terms of how late you can stay up (or how early you can wake up).

Luckily we’ve got an app (available in the App Store and Google Play) that can make things way easier, especially when you’re on the go. “The Sundance app’s eWaitlist works,” Ashley says; just make sure to show up to the venue at least 30 minutes early once you get your waitlist number.

And make sure you check out all of the things we have going on outside of the theaters. One highlight we hope you’ll join us for? “The Imagined Futures bonfire following Power of Story on Thursday, January 30,” Brenda says. “It’ll make for an amazing afternoon of rabble-rousing inspiration and warm contemplation as we head into the end of the Festival.”

See the Sights in Salt Lake City - Locals are already hip to the fact that we host a ton of our screenings and events in Salt Lake City (as well as at the Sundance Mountain Resort). In fact, buying our Grand Theatre Pass is one of the most economical ways to experience the Festival; it offers you admission to every screening at the Grand between January 24 and February 2.

“Experience the Festival in Salt Lake,” advises Michaela Buccola, assistant director of operations for artist programs. “Great theaters, amazing restaurants and bars, the same movies, and the same buzz! And if you want to ensure you have an experience like being on Main Street in Park City, be sure to select the Rose Wagner or Broadway theaters, and go to my favorite restaurant and next-door bar combos, such as Takashi and Post Office Place or Current and Undercurrent.”

Avoid the Festival Flu - Yes, it’s a thing. That’s why our volunteers recommend staying hydrated and starting a vitamin regimen ahead of your arrival at the Festival.

“Don’t touch doorknobs or elevator buttons with your bare hands!” Rosie cautions. “Use your elbows—do you know how many germy fingers touch those things every day? And carry antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer; you WILL encounter someone who is sick.”

And Finally, a Few Things You Might Not Have Thought to Pack … Courtesy of our volunteers, who come from all over the country (and even all over the world) to help us put on the Festival every year. If you see a volunteer, remember to thank them, and note that Wednesday, January 29, is Volunteer Appreciation Day!

  • Lotion (your poor chapped hands will thank you)
  • Altitude-adjustment pills (FYI, Park City is about 7,000 feet above sea level)
  • A phone battery pack
  • A small flashlight (so helpful late at night)
  • A good thermos (good for eating in line)
Need a day off from the hill or away from the movies of Sundance? Here’s the skinny on dozens of energy-burning activities for all ages, from ropes courses and ice castles to swimming and tubing. Park City Magazine shares Family Fun 101: Guide to Off-Piste Play in and around Park City. Parlay a break from the ski hill into all manner of indoor and outdoor fun. Check out these off-piste, energy-burning, adventures.

Sled and slide - Grab a couple of sleds and head to a local hill. For newbies, hit the mild slope beside Park City Library (1255 Park Ave), also home Lucky Ones Coffee, a convenient hot cocoa warm-up spot. For a bit more speed and air, try Park City Ice Arena (600 Gillmor Way) and slide off the back side of the rink into a soccer field runout; helmets are handy if you’re planning to hit the oft-present jumps. For those willing to work for the downhill, grab a handheld swiss-bob, and hike roughly a mile and 800 feet of vertical up Iron Mountain Trail (mountaintrails.org); slide the entire way down (helmet recommended).

Prefer to be pulled up the hill? Nab a seat on Park City Mountain’s Alpine Coaster (parkcitymountain.com) and control your own speed as you whoop through the track. Or mosey over to Midway’s Soldier Hollow (utaholympiclegacy.org) and allow the conveyer to pull you—and your tube—up to the top of six lanes of downhill sliding. Tips: Book ahead. You can also check out the new Woodward Park City’s tubing hill and more (details on p. 98). Olympic venue Soldier Hollow is also ideal for a Nordic outing (see more cross-country options on p. 76).

Reach new heights - Throw on a harness and hit the ropes courses at Utah Olympic Park (UOP, utaholympiclegacy.org). Start at the Discovery Course beside the Nordic jumps, then work your way up to the Canyon and Summit Courses, both located beside the bobsled track. Winter and spring at the UOP tends to be less crowded in terms of ropes course antics, but team training can be in full-throttle mode, which means you could spy an elite athlete while hanging out 55 feet in the air. Not into ropes courses? Check out the hands-on exhibits at the on-site museums, take a tour, consider splurging on a bobsled ride with a pro (if you’re age 16-plus and have a minute), or plan your trip to coincide with an event—perhaps the IBSF Para Sport World Cup in February. Tips: Call ahead, as the ropes courses are not always open during snowy months (also, check to see if additional activities, such as the Extreme Zipline and Drop Tower, may be up and running); stop by the Visitor Information Center (1794 Olympic Pkwy) to grab a BOGO coupon for the UOP’s Gold Pass; and check the weight requirements for the activities to avoid disappointing little ones.

Icy magic - As long as the temperatures are right, the Ice Castles in nearby Midway (Homestead Resort, icecastles.com) provide a fantastical outing from late December through late February. Stroll, crawl, and slip through the 25-million-pound ice edifice, covering roughly an acre with tunnels, slot canyons, thrones, slides, 40-foot spires, and infinite LED-lit icicle wizardry. Tips: Book ahead online, try to hit weekdays to avoid crowds, and wear waterproof pants for exploring the frozen slides and tunnels.

Glide in the Zamboni’s wake at two local rinks: Park City Ice Arena (600 Gillmor Way, 435.615.5707, parkcityice.org; check the website for open skate times) or Resort Center Ice Rink, outdoors at PCM’s base (1415 Lowell Ave, 435.615.8165, parkcityicerink.com). Have your own skates? Head to the pond at Willow Creek Park, and maybe drop in on a hockey game—but check Basin Recreation’s grooming report (basinrecreation.org, under the Trails Report tab) to make sure the ice is solid and cleared first.

New kid on the block - If the 125-acre action sports playground replacing (and expanding) what was once Gorgoza Park is half as cool as its sister POWDR properties, Woodward Park City (3863 Kilby Rd, 435.658.2648, woodwardparkcity.com) is vying to be the top spot as kid, teen, and teen-at-heart heaven. Slated to open this winter, the campus rolls out lift-served skier/snowboarder zones, targeting starter snow bunnies to extreme athletes. And for those lamenting Gorgoza’s passing, there’s a revamped tubing hill, too. Feel like heading indoors? The on-site, 66,000-square-foot facility (well equipped for testing those flips, twists, and beyond) is tricked out with ramps, a trampoline, a foam pit, a spring floor, parkour, and a concrete zone—essentially a skatepark, but for all nonmotorized wheels (think BMX); there’s a pump track, too. Already, plenty of elite athletes have loaned their expertise to the creation—slopestyle fans, don’t miss Red’s Backyard (a Red Gerard-designed park). Oh, and there’s a bar-café on tap for viewing the action, lodge-style eats on the main level, and a digital media lab on the lower level. Though the campus is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., folks can drop in or stay all day. Tips: Book the two-hour tubing hill or indoor facility passes ahead, snag a day pass, or go all-in for a $100 monthly pass.

Splash - Sometimes the best way to tire out the clan is a day of swimming—yes, even in winter. The South Summit Aquatic Center (350 E 200 South, Kamas, 435.783.2423, ssafc.org), also known as the Kamas Pool, has a massive indoor leisure pool complete with lazy river, two-story tube slide, small slide, and splash features, as well as a lap pool with two diving boards and a climbing wall (open intermittently). Tips: For added indoor fun, the facility’s 33-foot climbing wall (not the more petite poolside one) is open Saturdays. Wrap up the outing with a slice of cheesy pie at Summit Inn Pizza (80 S Main St, Kamas, 435.783.4453, summitinnpizza.com). And don’t show up on Sunday, when the Kamas pool facility is closed.

Tags: Park City, Fun, Utah, Sundance, Movies, Film
Posted in Social Network, Local Events, Real Estate Stats, Things To Do in Park City, Food and Beverage | 0 Responses to "Sundance 2020"

Sundance and Small Towns

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Dec 11, 2019

The 2020 edition of the Sundance Film Festival is set to run January 23rd through February 2nd in and around Park City. This week we share the unveiling of the Sundance lineup, the best small town in Utah and what to do if you cross paths with a moose.

Sundance Unveils Female-Powered Lineup Featuring Taylor Swift, Gloria Steinem - the indie festival, which is close to achieving its goal of gender parity, will debut films that center on a Russell Simmons rape accuser, Jamal Khashoggi’s murder and the opioid crisis, among many others.

As Sundance director John Cooper’s 11-year run at the helm of the indie film festival comes to a close, he is going out with a bang. With a nod to what he dubs “youth’s role in activism,” Cooper has packed the 2020 fest lineup with a slew of hot-button films that cover everything from an abortion road-trip drama to high school gun control efforts.

Cooper, who will step down after the 35th incarnation of the festival wraps and segue to the newly created role of emeritus director, has filled his final slate with such films as Eliza Hittman’s Never Rarely Sometimes Always , which revolves around a pair of teen girls in rural Pennsylvania who hit the road to cross state lines when one is faced with an unplanned pregnancy, and Kim A. Snyder’s documentary Us Kids , which tracks the survivors of a Parkland, Florida, school shooting and the birth of a youth gun control movement. Both films are playing in competition.

Among the 118 films that will screen across 10 major categories are Julie Taymor’s The Glorias, featuring Alicia Vikander, Julianne Moore and Steinem herself as the trailblazing feminist at varying ages, as well as Lana Wilson's doc Taylor Swift: Miss Americana, which delves into the pop icon’s transformation from apolitical star into someone willing to harness the full power of her voice. And Barack and Michelle Obama will be represented by Nicole Newnham and Jim LeBrecht’s doc Crip Camp , about a 1970s summer camp for disabled teens (the Obamas’ Higher Ground banner produced the film).

Unlike other high-profile film festivals, Sundance is close to reaching its goal of gender parity. This year’s lineup features 118 full-length films, representing 27 countries and 44 first-time feature filmmakers. Of the 65 directors in the four competition categories, comprising 56 films, 46 percent are women, 38 percent are people of color and 12 percent are LGBTQ+.

The Robert Redford-founded fest often embraces and reflects current events, and the upcoming edition will be no exception with a slate that includes Rodrigo Garcia’s Four Good Days (Glenn Close stars as the mother of an opioid-addicted daughter), Bryan Fogel’s doc The Dissident (about the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi) and an untitled Kirby Dick-Amy Ziering doc , which chronicles the plight of a former hip-hop executive who accused one of the most powerful men in the music industry of rape (though the film’s logline is vague, the music mogul is said to be Russell Simmons).

As was the case for the 2019 edition, the most commercial films of the coming fest will screen in the premieres section, namely Jim Rash and Nat Faxon’s Downhill (starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Will Ferrell), the Benedict Cumberbatch Soviet-era drama Ironbark, Miranda July’s Kajillionaire (led by Evan Rachel Wood), the Margot Robbie-produced Carey Mulligan-starrer Promising Young Woman and the serial killer drama Lost Girls, documentarian Liz Garbus' narrative feature debut . And though Sundance also hosts a robust acquisitions market, many of the hottest titles are already spoken for, including Downhill (Fox Searchlight) and Taylor Swift: Miss Americana and Lost Girls (both Netflix). Kajillionaire was poised to be distributed by Annapurna/United Artists, but it is now being sold by UTA.

Sundance 2020 will also see the return of directors who enjoyed breakout career moments at the festival in the past, including Dee Rees (The Last Thing He Wanted , starring Anne Hathaway, Ben Affleck, Willem Dafoe and Rosie Perez), Justin Simien’s horror satire Bad Hair and Benh Zeitlin’s Wendy , which offers a twist on the classic story of Peter Pan. But the event known for discoveries should produce several in this year’s U.S. and world competition sections.

The 2020 edition of the fest is set to run Jan. 23-Feb. 2 in and around Park City.

A list of the films confirmed for the 2020 Sundance Film Festival follows.

A few days ago, The Best Small Town to Live in, in Every U.S. State was released as Heber tops the list for Utah. There’s something universally alluring about a small town like “Gilmore Girls”’ Stars Hollow. The coffee shop owner knows your order, your name, and if you’re having a bad day. There’s no traffic. It doesn’t take 30 minutes to find a parking space when meeting friends for a drink. It turns out, The Wall Street Journal reported that more and more millennials have been relocating to small towns, claiming that, “Since 2014 an average of about 30,000 residents between 25 and 39 have left big cities annually.”

According to Beatrice de Jong, Consumer Trends Expert at Opendoor, there are many reasons why we’re seeing more folks head to small towns. She tells Apartment Therapy, “Remote work is becoming more common, and this growing trend has empowered homebuyers to live outside of major metropolitan areas. While cities have historically been prime real estate with higher price tags, homeowners can get more bang for their buck in the suburbs or rural areas.”

On top of the flexibility and cost, small towns tend to have better public school systems than cities do. Broker Michael J. Franco at Compass Realty explains, “One of the other main reasons I see people leaving New York is the cost of raising kids in the city and schools where the process can be complicated and, of course, expensive with private schools. Many suburban areas have top-ranked public schools where attendance is granted simply by your residency/domicile.”

We defined a small town as one having a population of less than 20,000 based on the most recent Census data available, and our criteria included attractiveness in terms of what the town offers its residents (parks, shopping, landmarks, food options, etc.). We noted median home listing or value based on data from Zillow, as well as median rent, according to data from Best Places—most of the small towns we chose are less expensive than big cities, minus a few special gems.

Heber City, Utah - Population: 15,792 - Median home price listing: $660,726

Median monthly rent: $1,033 for a 2-bedroom

Life in Heber City is lived outdoors. Located about a 45-minute drive to Salt Lake City, the town is home to Jordanelle State Park, Deer Creek, and Uinta National Forest—all perfect for those who love to hike or go camping. In town, make it a date at the Avon Theater, and grab dinner at Back 40 (known for its fresh, farm-to-table eats), or Snake Creek Grill, which looks like a vintage saloon and serves some of the best comfort food in Utah.

Around this time of year we always like to share Park City Magazine's Trail Safety 101: When You Meet a Moose - How to avoid angering one of Park City’s most frequently seen wild animals.

If you’ve spent any time of Park City’s trails, you’ve probably spotted a moose or two. Around these parts, moose are even known to wander into town to take a stroll down Main Street. Presumably, most people who live here know how to handle themselves around these notoriously irritable animals, but it’s always worth mentioning again for those of us who just can’t seem to help wanting to get closer.

If You Meet a Moose

  • Give the moose plenty of space and DO NOT approach it. Keep at least 50 feet between yourself and the moose while you walk past slowly. From a distance, a moose may simply be content to watch you warily or move away, but if you get closer, your presence might agitate it.
  • Make sure your dog is leashed and under control. The moose will likely decide you and/or your dog is a threat if your pup is running around and barking. Moose will not hesitate to kick a dog, which can be lethal.
  • Don’t get between a mama moose and her calves. If you happen upon a female, be extra careful to assess the scene in case she has little ones nearby. Baby moose are vulnerable to a number of predators, including cougars and bears, so mothers won’t hesitate to aggressively defend their young.

Reasons a Moose Might Charge & Signs of Aggression

Just like other animals, moose have their way of telling you they’re feeling threatened. An angry moose will likely pin its ears back, lower its head, or raise the hackles along its shoulders. If the moose starts moving towards you, it’s a crystal clear message for you to run and get under cover if possible. Usually, if you stay well away from them, moose will simply run away or eye you suspiciously as you pass. A stressed, cornered, or harassed moose, however, might decide to charge. Bull moose are more aggressive and particularly dangerous in September and October during the mating season while cows get prickly during the late spring during calving season.

If A Moose Charges

Should a moose decide to charge you, your only option is to run and take cover. Moose can reach speeds of 30+ m.p.h. so you probably won’t outrun it for long, but at least you’re not going to trigger a predatory response. Your best bet is to try find some kind of cover or climb up a tree if you have time. If the moose catches up and knocks you down, curl into a ball, cover your head as much as you can, and don’t move until the moose leaves. Getting up might make the moose think you’re a renewed threat.

Remember, if you provoke a moose, you’re setting yourself up for a loss since they’re much bigger and more dangerous than you. Best to make some noise, stay away, and let it go about its day.

Tags: Real Estate, Park City, Utah, Sundance, Moose
Posted in Social Network, Local Events, Things To Do in Park City, Food and Beverage | 0 Responses to "Sundance and Small Towns"

Happy Thanksgiving

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Nov 27, 2019

Judy and I would like to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

The Best Ski Resorts for Families list is out from Travel+Leisure and Park City Mountain's expansive trails make it one of the best ski resorts for families in the United States. Adults will love exploring the 330 trails over 7,300 acres of terrain on this Utah mountain while kids (and adults who are learning) will find themselves at home at the resort’s High Meadow Park, which includes “Adventure Alleys” where beginners can try their hand at “off trail, groomed” runs. After a day of skiing, relax with a 23-minute snowcat-pulled sleigh ride up the mountain to a yurt where guests are served a five-course dinner and greeted with hot spiced glogg. Park City Mountain Resort, 1345 Lowell Avenue, Park City, UT.

Park City Mountain Resort also makes the list in Travel + Leisure's Best Ski Resorts in the US. Whether you're gliding down black diamond runs or down Main Street, you're sure to have a great winter vacation in Park City. Take a skiing tour of the city's old, abandoned mining buildings to learn about its history. Later in the evening, pick from several après-ski options while still in your ski and snowboard gear, or close out the night with a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Total trails: More than 330 Total skiable acres: More than 7,300 Longest run: 3.5 miles

We understand that skiing and snowboarding is not for everyone and wanted to share Park City Magazine's 20+ Things To Do In Park City This Winter That Have Nothing To Do With Skiing or Snowboarding. The slopes might be Park City’s calling card, but you don’t need to strap on a pair of skis or a snowboard to have a great time here. Not only are there plenty of other ways to enjoy the snow, our little mountain town also offers a plethora of options for foodies, art connoisseurs, and anyone who just wants a bit of rest and relaxation.

There’s no better way to see Park City’s winter wonderland than by strapping into a pair of snowshoes. It’s a fun, easy, and economical winter sport to get into. You can rent a snowshoe set up (plus trekking poles) for as low as $18 a day from local retailers (Cole Sport, JANS Mountain Outfitters, and White Pine Touring) and strike out on the surrounding trails. If you don’t want to do the planning, no worries. Multiple outfitters offer tours with guides, including excursions across the local wetlands with the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter. You’ll be surprised with what a good workout this almost 6,000-year old form of winter travel, so dress in light layers and don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses on bluebird days.

No ski town would be complete without ice skating options. Gliding across the ice is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. For a dreamy outdoor experience, check out the cozy Resort Center Ice Rink (1415 Lowell Ave) in the middle of Park City Mountain’s base area or if you’d prefer to skate indoors, head over to larger sheet of ice at the Park City Ice Arena and Sports Complex (600 Gillmor Way, Quinn’s Junction). Other options include Basin Recreation’s neighborhood ice rink at Willow Creek Park and the city ice rink in the cute Swiss-inspired hamlet of Midway. Click here for details.

Unless you follow winter sports avidly, you may never even have heard of curling. This relatively obscure winter sport, first played in Scotland during the 16th century, is surprisingly entertaining. Curling teams consist of four players who take turns sliding 42-pound stones across a sheet of ice to try to score points (a bit like a giant shuffleboard). If you’re keen to learn, check out the latest information from the Park City Curling Club and book yourself a time to throw some rocks at the Park City Ice Arena (600 Gillmor Way). Curling is also available at the Olympic Oval and Ogden Curling Club.

Live out your own version of jingle bells in a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the wintry wonderland of Park City. You could hardly ask for a more romantic outing or escort to dinner. Whether you’re looking for a one-horse open sleigh or one large enough to accommodate the entire family, local sleighing companies have your back. This is just one of those unique activities you really can’t get back in the city.

Horses don’t have a monopoly on pulling sleighs; by way of a team of dogs and a musher, aka dogsledding, is another exhilarating way to experience winter. On your trip, you’ll not only be zipping along the snowy trails, you’ll also get to meet the dogs, usually huskies, and learn about the art of dogsledding from the sleigh handler, a.k.a. musher. This is a perfect excursion, especially for families with kids (ages 3+) and we guarantee you’ll leave with a smile on your face.

If you lived somewhere cold as a kid, chances are high that you remember sledding on a local hill. In Park City, you have the chance to relive those childhood days sans the exhausting trudge uphill when you hit up local tubing areas Gorgoza Park (closed 2018-19 season) and Soldier Hollow. Both locations offer lower lanes for the younger kiddos and longer runs that are thrilling even for adults.

Shredding powder isn’t exclusively for skiers and snowboarders. For adrenaline-pumping fun without breaking a sweat, hop on a snowmobile and go full throttle. Even if you’ve never been on a snowmobile before, or even considered the possibility, you might just find yourself an enthusiast after one go. Head 45 minutes out of town to Daniels Summit Lodge for a snowmobile retreat, or check out a few of the outfitters in town like Destination Sports and Adventures, Red Pine Adventures, Summit Meadows Adventures, Thousand Peaks, and Wasatch Adventure Guides.

Park City is well-known for its stellar mountain biking scene, but for winter excursions on two wheels fat tire bikes are the way to go. Some of the best areas to hit up include Round Valley, McLeod and Willow Creek, Glenwild, and the Historic Rail Trail. Just keep in mind, many of Park City’s trails are multi-use so make sure to stay clear of classic skiing tracks and review the trail conditions before heading out. For rentals, check local outfitters All Season Adventures, Storm Cycles, Jans Mountain Outfitters, and White Pine Touring.

Have you ever done yoga on a paddle board inside a geothermal crater? Well, now’s your chance yogis because Park City Yoga Adventures offers sessions at the Homestead Crater, a geothermal spring with Caribbean-clear blue water that’s a balmy 95 degrees--go ahead and fall in! You can also pair your yoga session with snowshoeing or sunrise/sunset hikes. We dare you to find a more unique yoga class out there!

A trip up to the Utah Olympic Park is worth an entire day for many. They offer a number of winter activities, including rock climbing, zip lining, adventure courses, and the unforgettable bobsled experience where you zoom down the 2002 Olympic sliding track. While you’re there, you can also visit their free museums chronicling the Salt Lake Winter Games and the Alf Engen Ski Museum to learn about the skiing history in the area through interactive displays, games, and a virtual reality ski theater.

You can’t beat the spectacular bird’s eye view of the Wasatch mountains from a hot air balloon. Pop a bottle of champagne with your sweetie over a romantic breakfast for two above the world or bring the whole family along for an unforgettable ride. Two companies in town offer balloon rides, Skywalker Ballooning Company and Park City Balloon Adventures.

Traditional horseback riding and sleigh rides are both readily available in the area, but there are far more ways to enjoy horses than just saddling up. Park City Horse offers a number of unique experiences--from horse meditation circles and reiki to family adventures and corporate team building--that allow you to connect with horses and yourself while exploring self-awareness, intention, and communication. Or, check out Wild Heart Sanctuary where you can practice yoga and experience the healing powers of rescued wild horses.

Park City isn’t just an outdoors mecca, this quaint mountain town also embraces arts and culture in a major way, too. For two weeks every January, the film industry pours into Park City for the iconic Sundance Film Festival. But that’s really just the tip of the iceberg, er, mountain.

Park City’s historic Main Street has a higher density of art galleries than most places. Walking up and down the street, you can pop into more than a dozen. While you can pop into the galleries any time, we recommend joining in on the Last Friday Gallery Stroll when local gallerists throw open their doors and ply passersby with refreshments from 6 to 9 p.m. on the last Friday of each month.

For a dose of independent film, check out the exquisitely curated program from the Park City Film (PCF). Almost every week of the year, PCF screens films ranging from artful child-inspired sagas to thought-provoking documentaries and features. They also have some pretty amazing popcorn toppings (everything from Parmesan cheese to chile sauce).

If music is more your thing, you don’t have to look far because even if you don’t ski the après concerts at Park City Mountain and Deer Valley are free and open to everyone. You can also hit up popular live music venues on Main Street, including Park City Live and O.P. Rockwell or see what’s on Park City Institute’s line-up.

While the cultural program at the Eccles Center, the home of the Park City Institute, includes its fair share of concerts, there’s much more available on the line-up. This venerable organization, which celebrated its 20th birthday in 2018, also prides itself on bringing in unique dance groups and a variety of entertainers, authors, and public figures.

Find out the nitty, gritty history of our mountain town by visiting Park City Museum. This isn’t some small, outdated town museum smelling of moth balls and mildew either. Inside you’ll find interactive, attention-grabbing displays that will immerse you in the by-gone days of Park City’s formative silver mining era. The museum even houses its own dungeon, a.k.a. the town’s old jailhouse, which is supposedly haunted.

This historic Egyptian Theatre may have changed names over the years, but its been a constant in Park City’s cultural map since the late 1800s. Today this landmark venue hosts a variety of music performances, theater productions, comedy acts, film, and community events, and more.

In addition to art exhibits, the Kimball Art Center also hosts dozens of classes throughout the year in almost every artistic discipline. Highlights include family-friendly holiday themed classes like Gingerbread House Sculpture, Egg Dying, and Valentine’s Day Bowls and adult only Sip & Paint sessions at Old Town Wine Cellars where you can (as the name implies) sip wine while creating. Whether you’re looking for a one-off session or multi-week courses, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Did you know Park City is home to a number of ghosts? Find out all about them and the rough-and-tumble mining days by taking a Park City Ghost Tour. Even if you’re not a big believer in the supernatural, the tour guides make the experience entertaining and the stories they tell about Park City’s earliest residents are quite interesting despite the inclusion of horrific deaths.

Are you ready to get your Catan on? If you’re a board game lover in Park City, then you need to check out the new Sunset Room Board Game Café (1781 Sidewinder Dr). With a library boasting dozens of different types of games, ranging from classics like Monopoly to strategy, deck building, and party games, this is a great place to chill out, relax, grab some food and drink, and make new friends.

Are you ready to shop till you drop? Forget the chain stores you can find anywhere and opt for the mom and pop chops unique to Park City. Spruce up your wardrobe with Western flair at Burns Cowboy Shop or mountain chic looks at Farasha, Flight Boutique, Prospect Clothing, and Cake Boutique. Don’t limit yourself to the Main Street thoroughfare, you’ll also find cute shops in Prospector and Kimball Junction, including Indigo Highway (1241 Center Dr), Whimsy (1351 Kearns Blvd), and The Exchange (1755 Bonanza Dr).

While Park City’s food scene is certainly inspired by our surroundings, skiing is certainly not a prerequisite for indulging in the dining scene. We couldn’t possibly name all the options out there, but here are a few to get you started.

Despite the significant (and sober) Mormon population, the craft distilling and brewing scene are blossoming in Utah these days, including right here in Park City where High West Distillery reigns supreme. Stop by their saloon for a tour and finish off with a meal and craft cocktails featuring their whiskeys or take the short drive out to Wanship to visit their new distillery on the Blue Sky Ranch. But don’t stop there, you’ll want to hit all the stops on our roadmap to beers, wine, and spirits in town.

If wine is your thing, then check out one of the many tours and classes offered by the Fox School of Wine. This is “educational happy hour,” meaning in addition to tasting several wines, you’ll also learn about their characteristics and add to your wine vocabulary.

You can make dinner into an event when you book a table at the Snowed Inn. Your evening begins with a horse drawn sleigh ride up to the Snowed Inn (located on the mountain at Park City Resort) followed by a gourmet western dinner, entertainment, and finally a sleigh ride back down the mountain.

There’s nothing quite like a spa day to make your feel like you can take on the world. Pamper yourself with full body treatments, facials, waxing, and, of course, massages of all kinds. You’ll find no lack of options in town with hotels/resorts ready to cater to all your wellness needs, including the Spa Montage, Knead A Message, Remède Spa at the St. Regis Deer Valley, the Spa at Hotel Park City, and more.

Channel Eleven from Stranger Things and lose yourself in a sensory deprivation tank at the new Sync Float (1200 W Lori Lane). The tanks are loaded with nine hundred pounds of Epsom salt to you can float effortlessly and forget the world. As the name implies, sensory deprivation removes external inputs like light, sound, and gravity so your body can heal physically and mentally. Just don’t open a door to the upside down!

Tags: Real Estate, Park City, Outdoors, Utah, Thanksgiving, Visit
Posted in Social Network, Local Events, Things To Do in Park City, Food and Beverage | 0 Responses to "Happy Thanksgiving"

Ski Maps and Snow

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Nov 19, 2019

Ever wondered who hand painted all those tiny trees on your favorite ski resort map? Meet Jim Niehues, the man behind most of the ski resort maps you've probably ever admired. Ski Utah Magazine shares that more than 25 years ago, Niehues painted this craggy landmark along with the rest of Alta’s terrain and 116 runs, capturing the Little Cottonwood Canyon resort in his distinctive style. He admits tackling Alta early on in his career was a challenge. But since doing so, he’s painted 194 more trail maps for ski areas both big and small, and his work has become as endemic to skiing as GORE-TEX and Stein Eriksen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76yg1oT_Z0c&feature=youtu.be

Niehues’s 30-year career as a trail map illustrator began partly by chance. While looking for work in the Denver area, he approached Bill Brown, a painter who worked on landscapes and trail maps. Hoping to be adopted as an apprentice, Niehues asked Brown if he had any extra work and Brown handed him a project to paint the Mary Jane Territory at Winter Park Resort in Colorado. To ensure the resort’s management was happy with the illustration, Brown asked Niehues to leave his work unsigned until Brown had a chance to confess to his employers that it had actually been painted by Niehues. Winter Park accepted the map and Niehues went on to paint revisions of Brown’s older trail maps, eventually striking out on his own.

Each trail map Niehues paints begins with him climbing into an airplane to take aerial photos of a resort, which he admits is his favorite part of the process. This step also helps him understand the features and terrain as he manipulates multiple aspects and cardinal directions to fit the mountain into one or two perspectives. “It’s very important to depict the mountain at a point when shadows are cast across the slopes,” he says. “I usually find that the best time of day is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.”

When asked about which resort he most enjoyed painting, Niehues relays, “I would say Snowbird because of the backdrop. It just has dynamism to it in terms of the composition. Alta is right in there, too.” He says he also enjoyed painting a regional map depicting all the Utah resorts, which presented the heady challenge of combining multiple mountain ranges, aspects, perspectives and resorts into one, digestible view.

Though Niehues, now 72, contemplates retiring, he's' apparently not done yet. At press time he was working on maps for Oregon's Mt. Bachelor, Cardrona in New Zealand, and a remake for Sun Peaks in British Columbia. "I announced several years ago that I was retired, and that sure didn't last long," he laughs. Maybe I'll retire next year. It's not really a job, it's a passion." Jim Niehues's iconic body of work is now available in James Niehues: The Man Behind the Map. Containing nearly 200 maps, the book can be purchased here.

Is Park City, UT, The Most Accessible Ski Town in the USA? InTheSnow.com share that when Brits think of skiing in the USA, they tend to associate the reliable powder and friendly hospitality with the necessity of extended flight times, lengthy transfers and generally inconvenient journeys.

But what if we told you there was a charming US town with two world-class ski areas, just 35 minutes from a large international airport – meaning you can hit the slopes the same day you fly in? Set at 7,000 ft in altitude, Park City offers exceptional snow conditions across two of America’s top ski areas, and has everything you could ask for when it comes to a ski holiday. Here are eight reasons why we think Park City is the best destination for your next stateside ski holiday:

1. Direct Flights from London to Salt Lake City - It’s never been easier to get to Park City, with a newly reinstated direct Delta Airlines flight between London Heathrow and Salt Lake City, ensuring a early-mid afternoon arrival. Regular flights will run from December 19th 2019 throughout the ski season and beyond.

Park City resort is also just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International airport and November 2020 will see the opening of a new $3.6 Billion airport, meaning visitors will arrive in to state-of-the-art luxury – a far cry from a crowded Saturday afternoon at Grenoble!

2. Free In-Town Transportation - If you’ve ever had to carry your skis further than a few metres from the ski slopes to your accommodation, you’ll know how much of a godsend a free ski bus can be – particularly If you’re travelling with small children in tow! Providing free and easy access to the Historic Main Street, recreation areas, both ski resorts, and the Utah Olympic Park, this free transport system allows your holiday to run just that little bit smoother.

A brand new fleet of Electric Xpress buses will whisk you from A to B. Not only more environmentally friendly than previous offerings, but they are highly state-of-the-art, with USB outlets, free wifi and oversized windows allowing unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains. The express route operates from 7:00 AM to midnight, seven days a week, and features stops at the Canyons Transit Hub and Fresh Market. There’s even a free trolley so that you don’t have to make the climb all the way up Main Street with your skis. They’ve truly thought of everything!

3. The Main Street - Speaking of the town’s Main Street, this is definitely another draw for holidaymakers. A vibrant mixture of historic stores, unique art galleries and independent boutiques, this street provides a breath of fresh air from the kitschy souvenir stores of many ski resorts.

Mary Jane’s shoe store and DiJore boutique are two of Park City’s best kept shopping secrets, treasure troves of quality handmade goods, unique apparel and community events. Meanwhile, independent bookstore Dolly’s is also well worth a visit, sure to capture the imagination of the whole family.

Over 150 inventive restaurants are available to fill those rumbling stomachs after a day on the mountain. For a truly special meal, try one of our personal favourites, tupelo. Here, they combine local artisanal produce, sustainable production and huge flavours to create one of the most exciting menus in town. You will enjoy the story behind your food just as much as the meal you are eating. Or, for the best way to fuel up before you hit the slopes, try local hotspot Harvest, which serves up exceptional coffees and breakfasts all the way through until 3pm.

4. Town Lift - Forget lengthy walks to and from the closest ski lift each day; in Park City, there is a chairlift located right in the heart of Main Street. This gives you easy access to both après ski entertainment and accommodation, whilst simultaneously offering some of the best views of the Wasatch peaks that overlook this street.

5. Diverse Lodging Options - Whether it’s the luxurious ski-in, ski-out resorts of Deer Valley or the great value suites of Kimball Junction (ideal for those on a budget), Park City offers pretty much every accommodation type you can think of.

Keen skiers should stay at the mountain hotels in Park City Mountain or Deer Valley, where you can enjoy the maximum time on the slopes. In Deer Valley, stay at the Montage or Stein Eriksen, where you can ski right back to your door at the end of the day. In Montage, not only are the nightly s’mores a hit with both adults and kids, but so too are the delightfully comfortable beds and relaxing heated pools.

If you’d rather be closer to the energetic town centre, stay downtown, where you can enjoy walk-in access to the Park City’s many bars, restaurants, sights and events. Newpark Resort in Kimball Junction might be a more budget option, but it’s by no means lacking in quality. Book a suite to get your very own balcony hot tub, overlooking the mountain peaks, and enjoy the spots’ close proximity to one of the best local pizza joints, Maxwell’s.

6. One Destination, Two World-Class Resorts - How many times can you say you’ve holidayed somewhere with not one, but two exceptional ski areas?

Deer Valley is particularly unique in that it is one of just three skiers-only resorts in the country, which makes it a great choice for skiers that might be less confident amongst crowds. Here, the slopes are rarely busy and you can often enjoy the piste all to yourself.

How? Well, ticket sales are limited each day to ensure that skiers have plenty of space on the mountain and that the slopes are never over-crowded. 2000 skiable acres and 21 chairlifts await skiers on the slopes, while off the slopes, the resorts legendary cuisine boasts signature favourites such as turkey chilli and huge chocolate chip cookies. For increased luxury, there’s even a Veuve Clicquot champagne yurt, where glasses of bubbly are paired with cheese and charcuterie plates!

Park City Mountain Resort - The recent merging of Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons Resort as part of its purchase by Vail has not only made this one of the largest ski resorts in North America, but has also allowed it to become part of the popular ‘Epic Pass’ program.

Park City Mountain Resort is one of North America’s most versatile ski areas, with terrain for every level of skier and snowboarder. Uniquely, you are also skiing in an area steeped in heritage, with mining shafts and buildings left over from the silver mining boom visible on the slopes. We haven’t skied many resorts where you are so immersed in the area’s history and can learn so much from your skis!

The slope-side eating establishments here are also fantastic – at Miners Camp you can enjoy filling flatbreads, salads and Mediterranean kabobs on the sunny terrace with stunning mountain views. Or head up the mountain to Cloud Dine, to sample the famous Cloud Dine doughnuts, with six types of dough made in house each day.

7. Ski-in, Ski-Out Happy Hour - Speaking of apres ski, Park City is home to possibly one of our favourite mountain bars anywhere in the world, the High West Saloon. A joyful combination of tradition, character and history meet here, in what is Utah’s first distillery since Prohibition. It’s also the world’s first ski-in gastro-distillery, so you can hop straight out of your skis and into the saloon! Located at the bottom of Park City Mountain’s Quit’N Time run, this livery stable turned saloon is famous for its award-winning whiskies. Warm up after a day in the snow with a hot toddy or spiked coffee or try one of the delicious hand-crafted cocktails.

8. An Abundance of Off Slope Activities - There’s no escaping that Park City is best known for its excellent ski resorts, but beyond the slopes, you will find plenty of excitement here. It’s a perfect destination for any groups who may be travelling with non-skiers, or for those who aren’t inclined to spend the whole day on their skis.

Explore the picturesque snowy landscapes through a range of alternative activities, such as dog sledding, snow biking or nordic skiing. Or, take on activities you will (probably) never have the chance to do again, such as paddle board yoga in a geothermal crater! Certainly one for the photo albums! So, with all this and more so easily accessible from the UK, Park City might be the perfect place for you to finally take that stateside ski break you’ve always been dreaming of.

For more information, head to visitparkcity.com

Tags: Park City, Fun, Utah, Snow, Maps, Outside
Posted in Uncategorized, Social Network, Food and Beverage | 0 Responses to "Ski Maps and Snow"

Stephen Roney - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Nov 05, 2019

Judy and I have been a part of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties team for many years and we wanted to share a recent article on Stephen Roney, the CEO and owner.

 

Stephen C. Roney: Service and Marketing Expertise Make the Difference - As the former president and CEO of the First American Corporation’s Residential Group and its subsidiary, MarketLinx, Stephen C. Roney was responsible for building one of the largest residential real estate platforms to provide transaction management, MLS and CRM software and services to more than 500,000 agents and brokers. Today he serves as CEO and owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties, one of the state’s largest brokerage firms.

What are you seeing in the Utah market this year?

Stephen Roney: Along the Wasatch Back (Park City area), there continues to be significant development activity throughout our market area coupled with enhancements to both Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain. We believe this, in conjunction with anticipated inventory increases and low interest rates, will continue to drive our markets in a positive direction. As the market begins to stabilize, we see increased buying opportunities in Summit and Wasatch counties, especially with the continued growth around the Jordanelle Reservoir and Heber Valley. Along the Wasatch Front (Salt Lake Valley through Ogden), strong demand and low inventory levels persist. We expect appreciation to continue, sales to remain strong, and a variety of development options to emerge across all sectors of the Wasatch Front. We anticipate mortgage rates will reduce slightly in the near term and also expect increased buyer activity, especially at or below median prices. With a strong regional economy in Utah, we see little sign of a market downturn in the foreseeable future.

Are you planning to grow your firm in the next 12 months? If so, in what capacity…increasing agent count, new offices, new markets, mergers/acquisitions, etc.?

SR: In short, yes. We have recently opened an office in St. George, which has seen rapid growth as retirement, warm weather and business expansion bring more and more buyers to the area. We are also actively evaluating entry possibilities in other markets in Utah and nearby states.

What most sets your firm apart in the marketplace?

SR: In one word, culture. We have great agents and employees who demonstrate knowledge, services, integrity and teamwork every day. Additionally, we have unparalleled experience in development marketing, sales and advisory services in our markets. We also have an in-house marketing department that includes marketing strategy/planning, graphic design, digital and social media marketing, and print and public relations capabilities.

How are you updating your technology and training to provide the resources agents need to succeed?

SR: Our chief technology officer and executive leadership team are constantly evaluating new technology and maintaining alignment with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ existing platforms and future initiatives.

How are you attracting new agents to your firm and retaining top producers?

SR: We have a very selective recruiting process for new agents. We look for strong-producing agents or other individuals with significant sales and service backgrounds who will fit our culture and benefit from the strength of our marketing capabilities, development experience, and leadership team. We also place great value on collaboration and collegiality. Retaining top-producing agents requires building and maintaining the “best in market” leadership team and support capabilities.

What do you look for in someone new coming into the company?

SR: A successful and sustainable business will flourish in a culture that honors service, knowledge and a strong work ethic. Preserving the trust of our agents and their clients is our No. 1 priority.

Vitals: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties - Years in Business: 43

Size: 30 offices, 475 agents - Regions Served: Northern Utah: Wasatch Back (Park City, Heber Valley, East Summit County, Jordanelle), Wasatch Front (Utah, Salt Lake, Davis and Weber Counties); and moving into Southern Utah: St. George

2018 Sales Volume: $2.195 billion - 2018 Transactions: 3,556 - www.bhhsutah.com

We will wrap up this blog with 4 Tips for Home-Buying During the Colder Months. Here are four ideas to help make the home search process faster and more convenient during the colder months:

Attend cozy open houses - Use the time you're looking for a home to mingle and fight the winter blues. Go see what's open in your area, check out a new location or inspect a home you really want. Open houses provide many opportunities including the chance to mingle and network. Even if you don't like the house you visit, you may hear of others nearby. You'll find many houses for sale in the winter that have open houses, and checking them out in person can show you exactly what the house will be like during the colder months.

Read the home inspection reports - While it's chilly outside, pull up a comfy chair and a mug of hot chocolate or coffee and do some research. With the bad weather and cold air that come with the season in some areas of the country, it's easier to sit inside and get the monotonous part of moving out of the way first. Plus, getting some of the boring stuff done early gives you more time to spend on the fun things like getting open house gifts.

Look for drafts and other leaks - There's no better time than winter to check out houses for sale. With the home working at the highest level, potential buyers can easily check out windows and doors for air leaks. Gaps are easier to find because drafts are often present when the winter wind is blowing hard outside. Plus, going to showings in the winter lets you see the property during the drab months of the year, allowing you to envision it in the nicer weather.

Check out the parking in bad weather - When you need a parking spot close to home in the winter, it's best to go for showings during this season. Looking at houses when there's snow on the ground lets you see where the problems occur in the area. You can avoid houses that have access problems, drainage issues or are last on the list for the snowplow.

Many people think winter is a bad time to look for a new home; however, several advantages make this season better than most. For example, if you don't want to go out in the cold weather, then chances are neither will your neighbors. Second, a home will show all its problems in the winter because the systems have to work extremely hard to keep up with frigid temperatures.

Tags: Real Estate, Park City, Utah, BHHS, Properties
Posted in Social Network, Local Events, Real Estate Stats, For Sale | 9 Responses to "Stephen Roney - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties"

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Happy Halloween!

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Oct 29, 2019

Halloween is tomorrow! Get into the spirit with wagon rides, spooky soirées, Old Town traditions, and more. Don’t miss the trick-or-treat tradition on Main Street, followed by the Howl-O-Ween parade.

Halloween on Main Street 2019 - Thursday October 31st, 2019

3:00-5:00 p.m. Trick-or-Treating: Little ghosts and goblins are invited to Main Street for fun and safe Trick-or-Treating, compliments of participating merchants!

5:00 p.m. Dog Parade on Lower Main Street: Leashed, costumed dogs and their owners will meet below the Lower Main Street Pedestrian bridge at 4:45 p.m. The parade will begin at 5:00 p.m. and will march to Heber Avenue.

Looking for more - Park City Magazine shares Ways to Celebrate Halloween In and Around Park City. It’s the spookiest season of the year, and whether you like celebrating with adults-only costume parties or trick-or-treating with the kiddos, there is a local event for you. From walking in the legendary Howl-O-Ween dog parade to haunted wagon rides, use this guide to find the ten best Halloween happenings around town—plus a few favorites beyond Summit County’s borders.

Sleepy Hollow Wagon Rides - ends tonight! Spy the Headless Horsemen on a spooky horse-drawn wagon ride winding around the woods of Midway. Hear “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” as Rocky Mountain Outfitters guides your wagon through the forest. Rides available from 6–10 p.m. Tickets: $25 per person online, or find discounts on Groupon and Rocky Mountain Outfitters’ Facebook page. sleepyhollowutah.com

Family Fright Nights - ends tonight! Get in the spirit with free screenings of family-friendly Halloween classics at the Park City Library. Popcorn and lemonade provided. Catch Hocus Pocus October 26 at 3:00 p.m., and Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween October 30 at 6:30 p.m. parkcityfilm.org

16th Annual “Transylvania Tea Party” Blood Drive - Thursday, October 31. Deer Valley partners with ARUP Blood Services for its annual Halloween blood drive, encouraging folks to donate to those suffering from emergencies, illnesses, and blood disorders. Walk-ins welcome from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., but you may also book an appointment online at arupbloodservices.org using search code B068. Costumes are encouraged; light refreshments provided.

Howl-O-Ween and Trick-or-Treating on Main Street - Thursday, October 31. Trick or treat! Bring the kids for safe, fun, candy gathering along Historic Main Street from 3–5 p.m., courtesy of local merchants. Stay for the best Park City Halloween tradition of all: the Howl-O-Ween parade. Watch costumed pups march down Main at 5 p.m., or bring your own dressed up four-legged friend and don a costume to participate. historicparkcityutah.com 

Grappa Halloween Party - Thursday, October 31. After Park City’s parade, celebrate with grown-ups at Grappa’s Main Street patio for a reception-style event with craft cocktails and delectable bites served in a spooky atmosphere. Wear a costume, mingle to the music, and enjoy this haunted Halloween evening from 6–9 p.m. Tickets required: $75 at grapparestaurant.com.

Park City Ghost Tours - Nightly. Get in the Halloween spirit on an Old Town tour uncovering the ghosts of this old mining town. From the Man in the Yellow Slicker to the Woman in the Window, you’ll hear the local lore and walk past haunted homes and buildings where ghosts linger. Tours take place at 8 p.m. daily. And reservations are not required. Just show up at Miner’s Park on Main Street and look for the costumed tour guide. Tickets: $20 for adults, $10 for children. parkcityghosttours.com

Beyond Park City

Pumpkin Nights in Salt Lake City - Through November 4. Drive down the canyon to witness the Utah State Fairpark transformed into an immersive, pumpkin-filled land. Perfect for children too young for scary haunted houses, wander from room to room to see decorated pirate ships, dragons, and undersea worlds with a vibe that’s delightful, not frightful. See over 3,000 hand-carved pumpkins, watch fire dancers perform, paint a pumpkin, and stay for a Halloween movie screening on select nights. Tickets: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $16 for kids. If your family stays up late, save with the daily night owl discount from 8 p.m. to close. pumpkinnights.com

Sundance Halloween Lift Rides - Through October 31. Catch the fall colors and the rising moon on family-friendly Halloween Lift Rides at Sundance Resort. Lasting 45 to 60 minutes, the ride on Ray’s Lift takes you above spooky scenes under moonlight. Back at the base find games, cozy blankets, steaming cups of hot cocoa, and snacks for sale. When the weather permits, a Halloween movie plays outdoors at the base. Lift rides run 7-10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays). Tickets available online at sundanceresort.com. Lift tickets: $25 for adults, $22 for children and students, and $19 for seniors. Add a Halloween Zip Tour for $59 per person.

In real estate news Utah ties for #1 in 10 States With the Fastest Rates of Job Growth, 2020. U.S. job growth in 2019 is likely to average 170,000 jobs per month, down from 223,000 in 2018. The decline is partly attributable to fewer available workers to hire with the low unemployment rate. Also, businesses are reluctant to aggressively pursue growth, given increasing economic uncertainty from the trade war with China.

Hiring in some sectors –-particularly health care-– remains robust. Services associated with a growing economy, such as computers, restaurants, and temporary help, are also up. The weak spots? Retail is shedding workers as stores continue to close. The telecom sector also continues its long decline. The drop in oil prices has led to job cuts in the oil and gas sector. As a result, some states buoyed by thriving industries are adding jobs at much faster clips than others. Check out the 10 states with the fastest projected rates of job growth for 2020.

T-1. Utah

Population: 3,161,000

Unemployment rate: 2.8%

2019 job growth: 3.0% (46,200)

2020 job growth: 2.0% (31,300)

Utah's economy is humming, consistently one of the best-performing in the country with expansion continuing in every major sector from healthcare to basic manufacturing. Hiring will expand by 3.0% this year, down slightly from last year's sizzling 3.2% growth. Slower workforce growth may be a helpful development with unemployment at a low 2.8% rate that underlines the scarcity of workers to fill jobs.

Utah has a large presence in a number of rapidly growing high-tech sectors including cloud computing and software development as well as in aerospace and life sciences. Its relatively cheaper real estate, growing talent pool and proximity to other higher-cost Western tech centers is fostering growth of a "Silicon Slopes" cloud computing and "Bionic Valley" bioengineering center around Salt Lake City. As many as one in every seven jobs in the state –-300,000 in all-– are generated by high-tech companies that typically pay more than other industries.

T-1. Nevada

Population: 3,034,000

Unemployment rate: 4.1%

2019 job growth: 3.0% (42,400 new jobs)

2020 job growth: 2.0% (29,200 new jobs)

3. Florida

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Population: 21,299,000

Unemployment rate: 3.3%

2019 job growth: 2.5% (222,300)

2020 job growth: 1.9% (173,300)

4. Idaho

Getty Images

Population: 1,754,000

Unemployment rate: 2.9%

2019 job growth: 2.5% (18,600)

2020 job growth: 1.8% (13,600)

T-5. Arizona

Population: 7,172,000

Unemployment rate: 5.0%

2019 job growth: 2.5% (72,300)

2020 job growth: 1.7% (50,400)

T-5. Washington

Population: 7,536,000

Unemployment rate: 4.6%

2019 job growth: 2.6% (89,500)

2020 job growth: 1.7% (60,000)

7. Texas

Population: 28,702,000

Unemployment rate: 3.4%

2019 job growth: 2.3% (290,600)

2020 job growth: 1.6% (207,200)

8. Colorado

Population: 5,696,000

Unemployment rate: 2.8%

2019 job growth: 2.1% (57,700)

2020 job growth: 1.4% (39,200)

9. Oregon

Population: 4,191,000

Unemployment rate: 4.0%

2019 job growth: 1.9% (36,500)

2020 job growth: 1.3% (25,400)

T-10. Alabama

Population: 4,888,000

Unemployment rate: 3.1%

2019 job growth: 1.8% (37,000)

2020 job growth: 1.2% (25,000)

 

Tags: Park City, Fun, Utah, Halloween, Events
Posted in Social Network, Real Estate Stats, Things To Do in Park City, Food and Beverage | 0 Responses to "Happy Halloween!"

Park City Instead Of Universal Studios

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Oct 22, 2019

Priorities change when kids come into the picture. This applies especially to vacation destinations that we choose for our families. We need to have family-friendly, wholesome and educational vacations that everyone will enjoy. When traveling to the United States, we often see Universal Studios as one of the must-visit places to see. However, there are many more family vacation destinations that we can choose from among many tourist spots in America. These are places with activities that all family members from different ages will surely enjoy. Parents will appreciate the care that staff in these places give to our families, plus the added attraction of entertainment and accommodation options. In 10 Family Vacation Destinations In America Better Than Universal Studios Park City comes in #1.

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah - The perfect winter vacation in your family is waiting for you at the Park City Mountain Resort. Quaint lodgings will welcome you as you prepare to enjoy the different winter activities offered by the resort. Ski and snowboard lessons are available not just for adults but for children as well. The village around the resort deserves a visit as well because of the history it holds as an old mining village. There are also events that you can take part in like music festivals, holiday celebrations, and fireworks displays. Stop by the numerous cute shops that offer tasty snacks, handcrafted cocktails and mouth-watering dishes for your family.

Mark your calendars - Pendry is letting locals in on a sneak peek every Wednesday now through November 20th.

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Something to keep in mind for 2020... Savor the Summit will take a break next year to evaluate and improve annual dinner party. The Park City Area Restaurant Association announced that Savor the Summit will take next summer off, but, according to Executive Director Ginger Wicks, the break will not be a vacation. Instead, she and her crew will form a committee and take time to reevaluate Park City’s largest outdoor dinner party, which has been an annual event featuring an iconic mile-long dining table that runs down Main Street. “Because it’s such a big event, we haven’t been able to really do a deep dive and examine what works for the restaurants, and what the guests really like and what they don’t like,” Wicks said. “So we we’re starting the deep dive immediately.”

Savor the Summit started 13 years ago as a multi-day event on upper Main Street in conjunction with the now-defunct Park City Jazz Festival, which was held at Deer Valley Resort. “In the old days, if you didn’t get a reservation early, you weren’t eating, and we have noticed that has changed in the past couple of years,” she said. “Not all of the restaurants sell out, and we want to take a look at that.” If all goes well, the association will have a good idea of what the new Savor the Summit will look like in the early spring of 2021.

Tags: Park City, Utah, Homes, Pendry, Universal
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