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WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN PARK CITY, UTAH - by Visit Park City

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Dec 12, 2017

(Article by Visit Park City) Park City is filled with cheer during the holiday season! Explore the many ways you, your family, and friends can celebrate:

PARK CITY HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR SING-A-LONG!

December 14, 15, 16, 17, 7:30 PM at Egyptian Theatre An annual holiday variety show at the Egyptian Theatre, the Park City Holiday Spectacular and Sing-A-Long! is a perfect way to get you and your family in the holiday spirit. The show features a choir-led sing-a-long with local talent. More information and tickets available on the Egyptian Theatre website.

SANTA COMES DOWN TOWN LIFT

December 16, 5:30 PM at Town Lift Plaza An annual holiday tradition in Park City, join the merriment as Santa and his magical sleigh come down Town Lift. It’s a sight to be seen and a fun way to celebrate with family, friends, as well as the community. Once Santa lands his sleigh, he will be available for photos by EpicMix.

KAMAS VALLEY CHRISTMAS CONCERT

December 16, 7:00 PM at Dejoria Center A free Christmas concert hosted at the Dejoria Center in Kamas, features the Wasatch Back Choir and Orchestra, Caribbean recording artist, Marj Desius, Shrink the Giant, and more.  Doors open at 6:30 PM. All ages are welcome.

SNOWFEST

December 16-31 at Park City Mountain Park City Mountain’s 16-day winter festival, Snowfest, includes a variety of live music, village entertainment and other festivities daily. Explore specifics on Park City Mountain’s event calendar

SANTA CLAUS VISITS DEER VALLEY

December 24, 9:00 AM-1:30 PM at Deer Valley Resort Spend time Christmas Eve visiting with Santa Claus at Deer Valley Resort. Santa will visit with guests from 9:00-11:00 AM in the Snow Park Lodge area before heading to Silver Lake from 12:00-1:30 PM. Bring your camera along for a photo op!

TORCHLIGHT PARADE AT PARK CITY MOUNTAIN

December 24, 5:30 PM at Park City Base Area A 55-year-old tradition, the Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade returns to the slopes to help ignite the holiday spirit. Bring your friends and family for holiday music at the Park City Base Area at 5:30 PM, before the parade kicks off at 6:00 PM.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS DINNER SPECIALS

Choose from a variety of Park City area restaurants to celebrate the holidays with. From black-tie soirees to 4, 5, and 7-course prix-fixe menus, you will leave with a full heart and full stomach. Explore the full list of specials on the Park City Area Restaurant’s website

ROBERT RANDOLPH AND THE FAMILY BAND

December 28, 9:00 PM at O.P. Rockwell What better way to enjoy Christmas week than with a little Robert Randolph and the Family Band at O.P. Rockwell? Recently nominated for a 2018 Grammy Award for the Best Contemporary Blues Album, Robert Randolph and the Family Band is a show you don’t want to miss! Door opens at 8:00 PM and show starts at 9:00 PM. Tickets may be purchased in advance.

DEER VALLEY’S ANNUAL TORCHLIGHT PARADE

December 30, 6:00 PM at Deer Valley Resort Held on the resort’s Big Stick ski run on Bald Eagle Mountain, Deer Valley Resort’s annual Torchlight Parade is a don’t-miss Christmas Eve event. The parade begins at dusk, around 6:00 PM, with complimentary cookies and hot cider served in Snow Park Plaza.

PARK CITY MOUNTAIN’S NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION

December 31, 3:00-8:00 PM at Canyons Village Fireworks, fire pits, hot cocoa, and live music – we can’t think of a better way to kick off your New Year’s Eve celebrations. Held at Park City Mountain’s Canyons Village, the event is fun for all ages. Park at the Cabriolet Lot, or utilize Park City’s free transportation system.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION WITH BADFEATHER

December 31, 9:00 PM at O.P. Rockwell Join Badfeather, a five-piece local band from Salt Lake City, as they help kick off the New Year at O.P. Rockwell. Badfeather blends classic rock with soul, funk, and a little country-folk boogie. Show starts at 9:00 PM and tickets may be purchased in advance.

BLACK & WHITE MASQUERADE

December 31, 8:00 PM at Park City Live Ring in the New Year with Park City Live’s Black & White Masquerade. An annual event, this year’s bash features DJ Ross One from New York City.  Party kicks off at 8:00 PM and tickets may be purchased in advance.

 

Tags: Park City, Christmas, Holidays
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FALL COLORS SCENIC DRIVES by Utah.com

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Oct 10, 2017

Fall in Utah Will is a Never-ending Scenic Drive

Here's some of our must-drive scenic routes through the months of September, October and November. Grab your chai-pumpkin-spiced-latte drink thing, a sweater, and your camera. It's going to be awesome.

Brigham City to Logan to Bear Lake

Follow US 89-91 from Brigham City north to Logan via Sardine Canyon (25 miles). Continue northeast from Logan on US 89 to Bear Lake through Logan Canyon (now a National Scenic Byway) and the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Read More

Ogden Canyon to Huntsville to Woodruff

Follow UT 39 (Ogden Canyon) east from Ogden into the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Read More

Ogden to Weber Canyon to Parley's Canyon to East Canyon to Emigration to Salt Lake City

Follow I-84 southeast from Ogden to the Morgan exit. Take UT 66 south to East Canyon State Park and UT 65. Continue south on UT 65 along Pioneer Memorial Highway to I-80. Take I-80 west to Salt Lake City.

Bountiful Peak Drive

This route connects Bountiful and Farmington on unpaved roads in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. You can take the Lagoon exit in Farmington, head east to Main Stree and then stay on 600 north, and ends at 100 East. Merge onto Farmington Canyon Road.

Parley's Canyon to Emigration Canyon

This is a Salt Lake area version of tour #3a 25-mile loop tour along I-80 and Emigration Canyon. Near the entrance to Emigration Canyon, you'll pass by two landmarks: Hogle Zoo and This Is The Place Heritage Park. Other nearby sites: Fort Douglas (site of Olympic Village during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games) and the University of Utah. Option: follow I-80 east to Park City.

Big Cottonwood Canyon to Solitude to Brighton

In Salt Lake City, get off I-215 at Exit 6 and follow UT 190 south to the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Turn left here. UT 190 continues up this canyon. As you head up the canyon, you enter the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Toward the top of the canyon, you'll pass Solitude Mountain Resort en route to the village of Brighton and Brighton Resort. Read More

Big Cottonwood Canyon to Guardsman's Pass to Park City to Heber Valley

Same directions to Big Cottonwood Canyon (preceding tour). Just below the village of Brighton, take the Guardsman's Pass road over the mountain to either Park City or Heber. Look for the signs. You'll make a left turn just after Solitude Resort.

Little Cottonwood Canyon

Get off I-215 south at Exit 6, then proceed south on UT 190. Continue straight through the Big Cottonwood Canyon intersection. The route becomes UT 210. Follow this road, which becomes Little Cottonwood Canyon (UT 210). The route ascends into the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. En route to Snowbird and Alta. Read More

Kamas to Mirror Lake

This 30-mile drive on UT 150 takes you from Kamas into the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Read More

Alpine Loop - One of Utah's Most Spectacular Scenic Drives

Take UT 92 east from the Alpine / Timpanogos Cave National Monument exit #284 off I-15, or exit #272 off I-15 in Orem and take UT 52 east to US 189 to UT 92. UT 92-The Alpine Loop carves through dramatic mountain terrain as it traverses the Uinta National Forest. Regional sites include Provo Canyon, Bridal Veil Falls, Cascade Springs, Mt. Timpanogos, Tibble Fork Reservoir, Timpanogos Cave and Sundance Village. Read More

Vernal - Red Cloud Loop

Views of towering mountains highlight this route accessed 14 miles north of Vernal.Read More

Flaming Gorge - Uintas - Wildlife through the Ages National Scenic Byway

Running between Vernal and Manila on US Highway 191 and Utah Highway 44, this byway climbs foothills and major geological formations that go back a billion years and reveal the core of the Uinta Mountains near Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Read More

Mt Nebo Scenic Loop

At 11,877 feet, Mt. Nebo is one of Utah's highest peaks. Access to this tour starts on the north side of the loop in Payson or from the south via UT 132 east of Nephi. Although the route is entirely paved, it is unsuitable for large RV's, large motorhomes and large trailers. Route covers large forest recreation area in the Uinta National Forest. Read More

Skyline Drive

The "backbone" of central Utah, the Skyline Drive winds along the Wasatch Plateau through the Manti La Sal and Fishlake National Forests. Read More

Price - Castle Valley

Several roads and canyons surrounding Price offer colorful autumn drives including Price Canyon (US 6), Indian Canyon (Scenic Byway US 191 from Helper to Duchesne) and Nine Mile Canyon

UT 10 between Price and I-70 provides access to the Manti-LaSal National Forest

Once in Fairview, you can head south on US 89 (Utah's Heritage Highway)

Tushar Plateau

This 40-mile drive on UT 153 connects Beaver and Junction, Utah, through the southern end of the high Fishlake National Forest.

Fish Lake Plateau

Take UT 25 from its junction with UT 24 between Burrville and Loa northeast to Fish Lake. The east fork of UT 25 meets UT 72 5 miles north of Fremont. Option: continue east from Loa on UT 24 to Capitol Reef National Park. Read More

Aquarius Plateau to Capitol Reef National Park to Boulder Mountain

Access these destinations via UT 24 at Torrey or UT 12 at Escalante. These routes cut through the southern tier of the high Dixie National Forest and it is advisable to carry a good area map. Although it is major south-central Utah highway, UT 12 between Boulder and Escalante is not for the faint of heart! Called the Hogsback, this segment of UT 12 features steep drop-offs on both sides of the road. See the "All American Road" that follows. Read More

Highway 12 - All American Road

Highway 12, a showcase of dramatic, naturally-sculpted sandstone, winds its way through some of the most stunning geography in the United States--Bryce Canyon National Park, the Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park and thousands of acres of the Dixie National Forest. Although this route has been chronicled for years by the travel and automobile-enthusiast press, it defies description and must be seen first-hand. Read More

LaSal Mountain Drive

Take UT 128 east from Moab for 16 miles along the Colorado River. Then turn right (southeast) onto County Road 73 that leads into Castle Valley. As you proceed through Castle Valley, you'll ascend into the Manti-LaSal National Forest. Although this route is paved, it may be temporarily impassable in case of snow. Due to several hairpin turns, parts of this route, particularly on the Castle Valley side, are unsuitable for large RV's, large motorhomes and large trailers. Top regional destinations include Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park.

Highway 211 from Junction with US 191 to Canyonlands National Park

Called the Indian Creek Scenic Byway, this route begins at the junction with US 191 fourteen miles north of Monticello. Drive west on the two-lane paved road across a high sage plain before descending into a series of 'switchbacks' to Newspaper Rock--a sheltered alcove featuring rock art by several different ancient American cultures. Beyond Newspaper Rock the Byway continues through Indian Creek Canyon where cottonwood trees glow in gold...surrounded by red sandstone cliffs. The cottonwoods follow Indian Creek down to Dugout Ranch. Views encompass North and South Sixshooter Peaks. Cliffs rising from the valley floor reach 1,000+ feet to the Canyon Rims Recreation Area and Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands. Read More

Harts Draw Road from the Junction with Utah Highway 211

On the return trip from Indian Creek Scenic Byway (previous tour), three miles east of the 'switchbacks' and eight miles from the junction with US 191, you come to the junction of the Harts Draw Road. Turn south and start an easy climb on this paved two-lane road into the Manti La Sal National Forest.

Utah Highway 46 from US 191 east to the Colorado border

Resting on the southern slope of the Manti La Sal National Forest

Cedar Breaks National Monument to Brian Head to Dixie National Forest

The drive from Parowan up to the mountain resort community of Brian Head. A less challenging route that presents some of Utah's most stunning fall colors is UT 143 from Panguitch up to Cedar Breaks. The area around the junction of UT 143 and the Sidney Valley Road in particular hosts massive aspen groves that tend toward red in mid-late September. Regional attractions include Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. Read More

St. George to Zion National Park

You are deep in the heart of "Utah's Dixie" now. Take UT 9 off I-15 and proceed east through the Virgin River Valley to Springdale and Zion National Park. Option: continue east on UT 9 through Zion to US 89, then north to UT 12 and on to Bryce Canyon National Park. Read More

Bryce Canyon National Park

The red rock spires, pinnacles and canyons of this Utah landmark form a perfect setting for the golden aspens that line the amphitheaters of Bryce Canyon. Reach Bryce Canyon from UT 12. At the junction of UT 12 and UT 63 turn south toward Ruby's Inn. No matter what your point of origin, you'll wind up on UT 12, the All American Road described above in the Aquarius Plateau tour. The drive from the junction of US 89 and UT 12 east to the Bryce turnoff at UT 63 takes you through the Dixie National Forest and Red Canyon, a brilliant "teaser" of what's ahead at Bryce. Read More

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Trail Safety 101: When You Meet a Moose - By: Michaela Wagner

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Sep 20, 2017

Trail Safety 101: When You Meet a Moose -How to avoid angering one of Park City’s most frequently seen wild animals. By Michaela Wagner 9/19/2017 at 11:53am

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Moose are frequently spotted in and around Park City, but they’re not likely to be friendly if you get too close. Image: Shutterstock

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 (much to the delight of out-of-town visitors) or attack local gardens. 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 their 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 your 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: Park City, Moose, Trails
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America’s 20 Best Mountain Bike Towns

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Jun 15, 2017

America’s 20 Best Mountain Bike Towns

To foster authentic bike culture, a town needs more than just high quality trails. These 20 mountain bike hamlets around the country (in no particular order) offer bucket-list rides, new trail development, a variety of outdoor recreation, and a fun, bike-friendly vibe. Bike on.

1 / 20
#1 Moab, Utah

It’s almost impossible to overhype Moab. Its red-rock landscape is truly like nowhere else on Earth, and the best way to appreciate it is by riding it. Famed trails like Porcupine Rim, Slickrock, and the Whole Enchilada steal the spotlight, but it’s the area’s newer and lesser known trails that make a trip to Moab a mandatory pilgrimage for any mountain biker.

The new intermediate-friendly trail systems north of town—North Klondike, Sovereign, Klonzo, and the Brands—all connect. Navajo Rocks, off the road to Canyonlands, offers 18 miles of slickrock, flow, and scenic views and Magnificent 7 (or Mag 7) links upper and lower Gemini Bridges Road in one ledgy, memorable traverse.

With sunbaked desert riding, high-alpine singletrack in the nearby La Sal Mountains, and everything in between, it’s possible to ride in Moab year-round, but temperatures are most comfortable in spring and fall (fall being your best chance to ride the Whole Enchilada).

Beyond the riding, Moab is the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, a spectacular stretch of the Colorado River, and world-famous climbing at Indian Creek in Bears Ears National Monument.

#4 Park City, UtahThe International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) designates destinations as “ride centers” when they offer something for every rider, from backcountry epics to beginner-friendly singletrack. Of the 37 in the world, the first gold-level status was awarded to Park City. Beyond the sheer quantity of trails—about 400 miles of singletrack—Park City’s active and productive bike community has helped link them in a highly functional, user-friendly network.

Park City’s trail options include long, flat cruises, intermediate rolling terrain, and alpine singletrack with challenging climbs and thrilling descents. There are even lengthy tours like Mid-Mountain and Wasatch Crest. Plus, Deer Valley, Canyons Resort, and Park City Mountain Resort (now one property) all offer lift-assisted riding, which makes access to the higher alpine trails even easier. Gravity aficionados flock to Canyons Bike Park for its freeride trails (the lifts also access 20 miles of cross-country trails).

The town of Park City boasts scores of bars and restaurants, affordable accommodations (for a ski town), tons of kid activities, and cultural events like concerts.

Photograph by Danita Delimont, Alamy

Photograph by Whit Richardson, Aurora Photos

Read the entire article here.

Tags: Park City, Biking
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2017 SUMMER CONCERT ROUND UP by Emma Prysunka

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
May 31, 2017

2017 SUMMER CONCERT ROUND UP by Emma Prysunka

While Park City is often recognized as a world-class winter resort destination, summers here are truly magical.  Perfect temperatures, 400+ miles of easy-access trails, outdoor deck dining galore, and let us not forget the plethora of live music and outdoor concert venues.  Park City and Summit County’s live music scene is booming, and includes something for every budget (some are FREE!) and every taste.

DEER VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL - SUMMER HOME OF THE UTAH SYMPHONY/UTAH OPERA (USUO) When: Throughout the summer, starting in July Where: Deer Valley Resort’s Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater/various locations throughout Park City The Deer Valley Music Festival is the summer home to the Utah Symphony/Utah Opera.  Enjoy a unique variety of classical, chamber, and pops music at the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater at Deer Valley Resort.  Where else can you see Patti Austin performing the songs of Ella Fitzgerald alongside the Utah Symphony? Deer Valley offers a variety of delicious concessions during these performances, or, if you’d rather, you may bring your own picnic basket and your favorite beverages into the venue. Explore the full summer 2017 lineup. Deer Valley Summer Concert Symphony

ST. REGIS BIG STARS BRIGHT NIGHTS, A PROGRAM OF THE PARK CITY INSTITUTE When: Throughout the summer, starting July Where: Deer Valley Resort’s Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater Live performances by your favorite stars and crisp mountain air with a beautiful Park City backdrop – what could be better? This year’s Big Stars Bright Nights concert series features artists like Aloe Blacc, X Ambassadors, Melissa Etheridge and Kellie Pickler. All shows take place at Deer Valley Resort’s Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater, where seating ranges from assigned lawn chairs close to the stage, to lawn seating where it is BYOB – bring your own blanket (and beer!).  Picnic baskets and outside beverages are allowed. Buy your tickets here.

CANYONS VILLAGE FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES When: Saturday evenings, starting in July Where: Canyons Village, Park City Mountain Resort Grab your dancing shoes, your family, and a blanket for these summertime concerts at Canyons Village, hosted by Park City Mountain Resort.  The stage, located on the hill just above Canyons Village base area, allows for scenic views of the resort area and Snyderville Basin. This concert series highlights musical acts from across the U.S., and they always get the crowd moving.  Picnics are welcome. Canyons Village Summer Concert Photo credit: Park City Mountain Resort 

GRAND VALLEY BANK COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES AT DEER VALLEY RESORT When: Wednesday evenings, starting in June Where: Deer Valley Resort’s Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater This free concert series, held at the picturesque Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater at Deer Valley Resort, is a consistent favorite among locals and visitors alike. Grab a picnic, your favorite beverages, and a blanket, and allow an array of local and visiting musicians serenade you as you take in the beautiful Park City sunsets. The temperature cools off once the sun sets behind the mountains, so don’t forget a few warm layers.

DEJORIA CENTER SUMMER CONCERT SERIES  When: Thursday evenings, starting in June Where: Dejoria Center, Kamas A new addition to the list of Summit County music venues, Dejoria Center is located about 15 minutes from Park City in Kamas, UT and will offer free outdoor concerts every Thursday evening. Enjoy live music on the patio, accompanied by a beautiful backdrop of both the Uinta and Wasatch mountain ranges, before grabbing a bite to eat at the recently opened State Road Tavern or Bar Josephine. Dejoria Center will host a variety of other live entertainment throughout the summer, including their "First Friday" concert series. High Star Ranch

SILVER STAR CAFE When: Throughout the summer, starting in May Where: Silver Star Café, 1825 Three Kings Drive Located just off the beaten path, Silver Star Café is a rustic, cozy café, with delicious food, wine, beer and cocktails, accompanied by a beautiful outdoor seating area and a variety of live music offerings throughout the summer. Enjoy views of the Uinta Mountains, the Park City Golf Course, and Park City Mountain Resort as you listen to talented local musicians throughout the summer. Their 2017 summer lineup is something to get excited about! Silver-Star-Cafe Photo credit: Silver Star Cafe 

NEWPARK AMPHITHEATER When: Thursday evenings, June through August Where: Newpark Town Center (Kimball Junction) Located in the Kimball Junction area of Park City, Newpark Town Center’s Amphitheater sits between restaurants, shopping, and with Swaner Nature Preserve serving as a most perfect backdrop.  This free venue is incredibly family friendly, and offers a great space and environment for children to play.  The lineup for this free concert series features acts from all over the U.S.  Bring a cooler with your favorite local beer and some snacks, or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants in the Newpark area after the show.

WOODENSHOE PARK IN PEOA When: Friday evenings, starting in June Where: Woodenshoe Park, Peoa Peoa, UT is a small town, located just outside of Park City in Summit County and its outdoor concert venue, located in Woodenshoe Park, plays a large role in the vibrancy and sense of community created within the town.  Every Friday night throughout the summer, members of the Peoa community and greater Summit County join together for an evening of BBQing and dancing along to live music among family, friends, and neighbors.

Wait-- there is more! Check out Mountain Town Music’s website for a complete schedule of Park City summer concerts, some of which include:

  • Park Silly Sunday Farmers’ Market: Every Sunday, starting June 4, during Park Silly Farmers’ Market, stages are set up along Historic Main Street and feature local musicians
  • During Savor the Summit, June 17, Historic Main Street
  • Billy Blanco’s at Quarry Village: Every Sunday at 4:00 PM, starting in June

Tags: Park City, Summer, Concerts
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How to Experience Heber Valley's Luxurious Side - By Jenna Herzog

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
May 12, 2017

How to Experience Heber Valley's Luxurious Side, by Park City, UT
Heber Valley makes the perfect setting for a scenic and luxurious getaway.
Heber Valley makes the perfect setting for a scenic and luxurious getaway.

Approximately 40 miles from the bustle of Salt Lake City lies the hidden gem of Heber Valley. Nestled in the foothills of the impressive Wasatch Mountains and brimming with opportunities for year-round recreation, cozy lodging, and elegant dining, Heber Valley makes the perfect setting for a scenic and luxurious getaway.

Day 1

Whether planning a summer escape or a snowy winter vacation, the St. Regis Hotel at Deer Valley puts visitors within close reach of all that Heber Valley has to offer. With an ideal location in Park City at the base of the Deer Valley Resort, guests can head straight to the ski slopes in the winter, or the mountain biking and hiking trails in the summer. No matter what time of year, the St. Regis is known for its dining, exceptional spa, luxurious rooms and suites, and awe-inspiring mountain views. (For a complete guide to Heber Valley lodging options, click here).

Planning the perfect weekend in Heber Valley is all about tailoring your days around the activities of your choosing. Winter visitors at St. Regis will have ski-in, ski-out access to the slopes of Deer Valley Resort, which boasts 2,026 acres of groomed trails and more chairlifts than any other resort in Utah. Guests looking to mix it up can drive two minutes up the road to Park City Mountain Resort, where both skiers and snowboarders are welcome to enjoy the largest skiable terrain in the United States, featuring more than 300 trails.

Meanwhile, summer in Heber Valley offers opportunities for for many activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, golfing, and simply relaxing by the mountains. Head to Deer Creek State Park for some of the state’s best fishing prospects, as well as boating, sailing, windsurfing, and swimming in the mountain-ringed Deer Creek Reservoir. Jordanelle State Park, situated along the Jordanelle Reservoir outside of Heber City, provides another great option for those looking to take a dip in the water or cast a fishing line.

Golfers will be in paradise in Heber Valley, with five award-winning golf courses to choose from, each boasting incredible mountain scenery. Just north of the town of Midway, Wasatch Mountain State Park features two golf courses: the gentler Lake Course and the more challenging Mountain Course, both carved right into the mountain and marked by pleasantly cool summer temperatures.

The Wasatch Range is also home to two golf courses at Soldier Hollow, where golfers are treated to spectacular views of Heber Valley down below. In the valley itself is another beautiful golf course, Crater Springs, an 18-hole championship course that nestled between the mountains. You’ll also find dining options for the whole family, ranging from casual sandwiches to Simon’s Restaurant, which features classic American fare made with fresh, local ingredients.

After a day spent on the slopes, by the water, or out on the golf course, savor the farm-to-table cuisine and excellent wine selection at St. Regis Deer Valley’s J&G Grill. Sample fresh meats, fish and salads from the menu designed by famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and sip a glass of wine, craft beer, or a specialty cocktail all while taking in the mountain views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. For the true wine aficionado, spend the evening in the St. Regis Wine Vault tasting from its cellar of more than 14,000 bottles.

Day 2

The next day, save time for the most unique experience Heber Valley has to offer: Homestead Crater. Located in the town of Midway, this geothermal spring is enclosed by 55-foot tall limestone walls and stays within a perfect temperature range of 90 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit every day of the year. The crater’s opening brings in fresh air and a stream of sunlight, making Homestead Crater an ideal setting for a mineral-water soak, scuba diving, snorkeling, or a guided paddleboard yoga session.

Visitors enter the crater through the rock tunnel constructed from the ground level of the property, then walk down to the wooden decks alongside the spring for easy access to the water. Bring a bathing suit for a therapeutic soak in the spring, or rent snorkeling equipment to explore beneath the surface. Experienced scuba divers can enjoy the warm waters on their own, while those interested in taking lessons and getting certified can do so in Homestead Crater as well.

After visiting Homestead Crater, indulge in an equally unique dining experience at the Blue Boar Inn & Restaurant in Midway. This one-of-a-kind restaurant has earned an exceptionally high Zagat rating of 26, as well as the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. With an elegant combination of classic European and American styles, the ambiance of the Blue Boar Inn sets the scene for five-star cuisine. Executive Chef Eric May mirrors this European and American fusion with the three-course menu, which changes seasonally to feature the freshest ingredients and herbs from the Inn’s garden. Enjoy your evening in the formal dining room or al fresco on the restaurant’s Hinterhof outdoor patio in the summer.

Looking to create your perfect weekend in Heber Valley? Check out its schedule of events to see just how much there is to do.


Tags: Park City, Utah, Heber
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Seven Stunning Utah Chairlift Rides

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Mar 07, 2017

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By Yeti \ March 2 2017 \ 7 Pictures

Utah's 14 resorts offer some incredible skiing. From moguls and groomers to chutes and drops, you'll be hard pressed to find more accessible and diverse terrain anywhere. If that's not enough, the lifts you use to get to all that fantastic skiing offer some of the most spectacular views around.

With no shortage of striking peaks and sprawling terrain, these photos show off some of our favorite views from the comforts of a cushy chairlift ride.

Supreme Lift, Alta

Scope all kinds of lines from the top of Utah's classic Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Stats & Views: Panoramic views of Mount Superior and Twin Peak summits paint a jagged ridgeline against a bluebird sky while you are whisked up to 10,595 feet. After unloading, choose your way down some of the best terrain around, including top notch moguls, groomers, and gnarly chutes.

Lift Conversation: Don't be surprised to hear stories of "the good old days" or plans to hit secret stashes.

Olympic Tram, Snowbasin

Lose your breath as you ascend to the top of what was once the start of the downhill ski events in the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Stats & Views: From the top, enjoy 360-degree views of the Wasatch Range and the Great Salt Lake, then let loose on the definitely-not-for-beginners run and feel your heart jump into your throat as you harness your inner Bode Miller and descend from 9,500 feet. The eight-person car gets a little cozy, but the eight-minute ride to the top offers a perfect perspective to appreciate the steepness of the run below, not to mention pristine views of the landscape sprawling out from the resort.

Lift Conversation: It's not unusual to hear fellow passengers' worried conversations about how on earth they are going to get down. Or did you know that Olympians reached speeds near 80 mph on the upper section of this downhill course.

Jordanelle Express Gondola, Deer Valley

Breathe in the winter air while gazing out across a beautiful mountain lake and the distant Uinta Mountains.

Stats & Views: The gondola offers a panoramic shot of Heber Valley and Jordanelle Reservoir all along the smooth five-minute ride to the peak. From the top, look out across the rest of the resort and peer down into Park City from your 7,930-foot perch.

Lift Conversation: Speculation about whether or not you'll run into a celebrity (and which one you're hoping to).

Great Western Express, Brighton

Views for days. Look closely, and you might be able to pick out runs and lifts at Solitude, Alta, and even the top of the tram at Snowbird.

Stats & Views: Spanning from base to summit (1,748 vertical feet), the lift allows for seven minutes of extended photo opportunities before you have to raise the bar and put your phone back in your pocket. Underneath the lift, several beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs trickle down from the 10,504 foot peak, making it a great lift for the whole family.

Lift Conversation: Friendly games of ski resort "I Spy" interjected with debate on who went the biggest on that last jump.

Giant Steps Express, Brian Head

Appreciate desert skiing at its finest, while shredding some of the deepest, driest snow around. 

Stats & Views: Southern Utah is not known for an abundance of skiing as much as it is for stunning desert terrain. Brian Head shows off both, offering views of gorgeous red rock cliffs covered in fresh Utah powder. Get a bird's eye view of desert peaks and valleys from the 10,970 foot summit. With the highest base elevation in Utah (9,600 feet), Brian Head offers the perfect combination of great scenery and other-worldly skiing.

Lift Conversation: Not much to hear on this ride, everyone is too stunned by the unique beauty of skiing near this red-rock landscape.

Ray's Lift, Sundance

Take in the true austerity of the Wasatch underneath one of its most impressive summits—Mount Timpanogos.

Stats & Views: Perched beneath one of the Wasatch Range's most iconic peaks, Ray's Lift offers a chance to revel in the glory of all 11,752 feet of Mount Timpanogos. Stare in awe for eight straight minutes as the lift delivers you to the top of the front mountain, or enjoy watching beginners get the hang of it on the run below the chair.

Lift Conversation: Mom/Dad can I have my ski treat now? (Perfect for beginners with slow, steady groomers underfoot, crash courses in ski and board basics, including how to properly get off the lift are often overheard).

The Tram, Snowbird

Wrap your head around the sheerness of the Wasatch from one of its most iconic fixtures

Stats & Views: While the Tram offers a single green run amidst a collection of intermediate and advanced terrain, one should still be comfortable with steep groomers before embarking on this vertigo-inducing ten minute ride. That being said, if the staggering, beautiful terrain seen while enjoying the 2,900 vertical foot trip gives cause for concern, there is always the option to ride back down. And might we recommend grabbing a bite at 11,000 feet before returning to the base?

Lift Conversation: Last one down is a rotten egg! Excited chatter and careful planning of the next run down the Cirque, not to mention the operator's obligatory spiel prior to unloading.

Tags: Park City, Skiing, locals, fun, Outdoors
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Utah Ski Archives

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Nov 03, 2015

KSL posted the following article that we thought needed to be shared. After 25 years, thousands of images, Utah Ski Archives still collecting

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's ski past runs deep and wide in time, as much as with any ski community in the world. The problem, as Dr. Gregory Thompson found, is that this history was as scattered as snowflakes on the mountainside.

Utah's skiing history was, as he discovered, locked away in family scrapbooks, old boxes in dark closets and in fond memories.

So, he set about bringing it to one location — the Utah Ski Archives.

Today, a half-century later, the ski archives in the J. Willard Marriott Library on the University of Utah campus hold thousands of photos, films, books and recorded memories of Utah's skiing past all in one location and all open for public review.

To begin with, Thompson was asked to include Utah into a national look into the history of skiing, but money was short and the effort failed.

At the time he was involved in building a customized archive for American Indian tribes. It was there he learned to organize archives.

"I learned the ins and outs of being an oral historian," he said.

Hired on to work on special collections in 1983 for the U. library, he met Sue Raemer, then assistant to the director and an avid skier.

"I kept telling her that we've got to document (Utah) skiing. Skiing was a major activity here in Utah and the founding fathers, the very backbone of skiing, were passing,'' he added.

Together they approached the library director about opening a ski archives and were given permission to proceed.

Thompson and Raemer recognized early on that it would be impossible to write the history of skiing without dealing with Alf Engen and the Engen brothers, Sverre and Corey, and focusing on the early years of Alta and Sun Valley.

People leaving chair lift at the top of Ogden City ski lift. Photo credit: Utah Ski Archives

"We approached Alf about starting a ski archives and he was very supportive. His became the cornerstone collection and the Engen family collection absolutely became the cornerstone collection,'' he said.

This brought Alan Engen, Alf's son, into the picture.

"And he became a real driving force,'' Thompson said.

First, of course, they needed funding and hit upon the idea of a Ski Affair, a dinner banquet for interested skiers. The first was held at the Fort Douglas Club in 1990.

"We felt we'd be lucky to get 50 people. We ended up with around 150. The next year was even larger and by the third year we'd outgrown the Fort Douglas Club," he said. "People who hadn't seen each other for 30 to 40 years were delighted to see each other again . . . The event told us that, indeed, we could attract an audience."

The next step came with an agreement between the library and Alan Engen, who was working on establishing the Alf Engen Ski Museum in the Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City. The museum officially opened in May of 2002 and today is the official artifact depository for ski history, displaying more than 300 trophies, medals and photos of the late Alf Engen. It also houses skiing equipment dating from the very early days to today's latest and most modern, along with equipment, memorabilia and stories that came out of the 2002 Olympics.

The archives and museum, said Thompson, a perfect marriage. The archives became the intellectual part of Utah's skiing history and the museum became the depository for skiing artifacts.

"Over time it became obvious this relationship was extremely important. Both were supportive and self-service at the same time. Together the sum was greater than the two parts," he said.

"Over the long haul it allowed us to develop and document a pretty incredible story . . . the depth and grassroots of skiing and the ski industry. Utah and Utahns have contributed an incredible number of innovations into the industry.''

Photo shows Snowbird employees Marjorie Trulock (left) and Marge McKenna next to a sign warning of avalanche danger. Photo credit: Utah Ski Archives

Since the very first Ski Affair, Thompson has been very active in searching out and acquiring historical skiing facts. One of the best tools has been word of mouth. Skiers, and sometimes the family of skiers, have been eager to donate everything from photos to books. And, with funding from the affair, he has been able to purchase important collections that probably wouldn't have come to the archives as a gift.

"One of the real challenges has been that we've collected so much, especially photographs and film, we struggle to stay up with the tutorial side," he said.

"We thought in the beginning that in 10 to 12 years we'd top out on this initiative and have to move on to something else. That hasn't been true at all. We've seen some of the best collections come in the past six and seven years. Success beget success. It has allowed us to develop and document a pretty amazing story . . . the depth and grassroots of skiing and the ski industry here in Utah."

As of a few years ago, there were more than 70,000 still images, 5,000 motion films, 200 DVDs, 400 oral histories, 300 manuscripts and several thousand books in the archive. Thompson said there are now nearly 50,000 images online. Ski Racing Magazine recently gave the archives 300,000 photos.

As for the future, Thompson feels the archives needs to focus more on the 1970s on up to the 2000s, "where we wind up with the type of (ski) industry we have today.''

The 25th Annual Ski Affair will be held Thursday (Nov. 5) evening at the Grand America Hotel. Special recognition will be given to the late Dick Bass, co-founder of Snowbird. Social hour will begin at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7:15 p.m. and awards at 8:15 p.m. For information call 801-581-3421.

For information about the Utah Ski Archives call 801-581-8863 or visit the library website at www.lib.utah.edu or www.lib.utah.edu/collections/ski-archives/. For information on the Alf Engen Museum call 435-658-4240 or visit the website at engenmuseum.org.

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Beautiful Fall Foliage

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Aug 31, 2015

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Veranda just published the article 50 Small Towns Across America With the Most Beautiful Fall Foilage

Park City, UT finds itself at number 17 on the top 50 Small Towns in America with beautiful Fall foilage. Come visit our beautiful town and let us know if we may help find your next home here in Park City.

 

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Go flyboarding, geocaching at Jordanelle State Park

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Aug 27, 2015

This is a great article that was posted to KSL, for more great things to do in Park City check out our website.

Laurie Backus/Jordanelle State Park By Faith Heaton Jolley | Posted Aug 26th, 2015 @ 12:30pm

JORDANELLE STATE PARK — Located about 6 miles north of Heber City, Jordanelle State Park offers a host of different activities ranging from flyboarding to camping.

The construction of the Jordanelle Dam and Reservoir began in 1987 and was completed in 1993, according to park manager Laurie Backus. The area was dedicated as a state park in 1995 and is one of the largest state parks in Utah. As such, there is a variety of activities available at the park. Here are a few you can do this summer and fall:

Water sports: Jordanelle Reservoir has around 320,000 acre feet, making it a great place for water recreation. Rocky Mountain Flyboard is one of the park concessionaires and offers flyboarding lessons and rents the equipment. Other concessionaires rent paddle boards, kayaks, water trampolines, pontoon boats and wakeboard boats for anyone wanting to spend a fun day on the lake.

Jordanelle Reservoir currently has three boat ramps, one of which is for personal watercraft and non-motorized boats. The park has plans to construct a fourth boat ramp at the north end of the lake near Ross Creek, Backus said.

Fishing: Jordanelle Reservoir is stocked annually by the Division of Wildlife Resources and has a variety of fish including brown and rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and perch. Backus said DWR has recently performed several on-site surveys and has plans to improve the fishery.

Anglers can use motorized boats on the reservoir or fish along the shoreline. Ice fishing is also very popular in the winter and people have caught "monster" fish during the annual Wasatch Back Quad-fishalon, Backus said.

Solar geocaching: Visitors to the park can also enjoy a geocaching activity that teaches participants about the solar system. The activity starts at the park office where an interpretive display sign about the sun is located. Visitors can bring their own GPS units or smartphones to follow the coordinates to each of the other geocache locations. The solar system trail is to scale so the geocache sites get further apart along the way, Backus said.

Different activities are available at each station and backpacks with additional activities are available to check out at the office. The entire course can take as little as 45 minutes or as long as 6 hours depending on how many activities the visitor wants to do, Backus said. The sites can also be reached by vehicle.

Camping: Jordanelle State Park has a variety of camping options including 103 RV sites with power and water hookups, 40 primitive tent sites and 40 hike-in tent sites. Each site has a firepit, grill and picnic table available. The restrooms around the park have hot showers, flush toilets and a laundry facility.

Two cabins are also available for rent. One sleeps eight people and the other sleeps six. The cabins don't have running water, but they do have electricity and a microwave and fridge are available.

The main marina also has eight boat slips that can be rented at night for those wanting to sleep on their boats.

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Mountain Bike Paradise: Park City, UT

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Aug 25, 2015

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We love living in Park City as it is the first and only International Mountain Biking Association gold-level ride center in the world with over 400 miles of singletrack trails.

Check out this article to find out more and contact me to find your new homes on the trails.

Mountain Bike Paradise: Park City, Utah

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Gold Status Trails in Park City

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Aug 19, 2015

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The International Mountain Bicycling Association has awarded Park City and its Trail System with a gold rating! Check out the article below regarding our amazing 450 mile trail network.
Park city’s gold status was reevaluated and reconfirmed in 2015

https://www.imba.com/ride-centers/current/park-city

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