Mountain Glade Home at Deer Valley Resort sits on a private ski run in Deer Crest

You don’t need to get first chair to enjoy first tracks. Armed with the right accommodations and a few locals’ secrets, you can ski fresh powder before the crowds hit, even if you sleep in a little.

The key to first dibs on fresh powder is staying mid-mountain at a ski-in/ski-out home. From your back door you can ski right onto the mountain, so you’re already taking turns while others are riding the chairlift. Mid-mountain accommodations are also two chairlifts from the base, so you can get a few runs in before most skiers can catch up. The Empire Pass area and the gated community of Deer Crest at are the best areas for fresh tracks at Deer Valley. The intermediate Fairview and Silver Hill runs in the Deer Crest area are often less skied that other parts of the mountain, leaving powder for guests who find them. Orion and Supreme from the Empire Express lift offer good pockets of powder to intermediate skiers as well.

At Canyons Resort, the spacious homes off Peak 5 run offer pristine powder and luxury accommodations perfect for multiple families or groups of friends. Each ski-in/ski-out home features more than 10,000 square feet of living space, a theater room, hot tub, game room, fitness room and at least 6 bedrooms. Park City Mountain Resort offers ski-in/ski-out accommodations at the mid-mountain Silver Star at Park City community, giving guests first tracks to the popular King Con area.

Recommended Lodging for President’s Weekend:

5 Northside (Ski Utah Home) - Empire Pass at Deer Valley Resort

3111 Deer Crest (Mountain Glade) – Deer Crest at Deer Valley Resort

Alpine Sanctuary – Canyons Resort

Peak 72 Home – Canyons Resort

Silver Star at Park City – Park City Mountain Resort

Can you spot the Grand Lodge?

The sprinkle of snow that began Thursday night in Park City became a full-blown storm by the next day, leaving 36 inches of fresh powder for skiers by Sunday afternoon and another 5 inches before Tuesday morning. Deer Valley Resort, which had opened all 21 of its lifts by last week thanks to heroic snowmaking efforts, has now opened 93 of its 100 runs. Park City Mountain Resort has opened 103 runs, and Canyons Resort has opened 117.

Skiers at all three resorts enjoyed knee-high powder over the weekend and can look forward to more snow-filled days throughout this week. The forecast calls for steady snow through Wednesday with scattered snow showers on Friday.

To start planning your day in the powder, call 1-8777-773-1117 or e-mail reservations@resortswest.com!

The FIS Visa Freestyle International World Cup will return to Deer Valley Resort this February with the world’s best aerialists and mogule experts, a live outdoor concert and fireworks. Robert Randolph and the Family Band will kick off the international celebration on Feb. 1 with a public concert on Main Street.

Schedule:

Wednesday, February  1

7 – 9 p.m.  Robert  Randolph & The Family Band, Lower Main Street

9 p.m.   Fireworks

Thursday, February 2:

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.  Ladies’ Mogul Qualifications, Champion run at Deer Valley Resort

5:50 – 7:15 p.m. Men’s Mogul Qualifications, Champion

6 – 9 p.m. VIP Tent Open

8 – 8:55 p.m. Men’s and Ladies’ Mogul Finals , Champion

8:55 – 9:10 p.m. Awards, Finish Area

9:10 p.m. Fireworks

Friday, February 3

1:05 – 1:50 p.m. Ladies’ Aerial Qualifications, White Owl at Deer Valley Resort

4 – 5 p.m. Men’s Aerial Qualifications, White Owl

6:30 – 9:30 p.m. VIP Tent Open

7:45 – 9:25 p.m. Showcase, White Owl

9:30 – 9:40 p.m. Awards

9:40 p.m. Fireworks

Saturday, February 4

3 – 4 p.m. Ladies’ Dual Mogul Qualifications, Champion run at Deer Valley Resort

4:50 – 6:15 p.m. Men’s Dual Mogul Qualifications, Champion

6 – 9 p.m. VIP Tent Open

7 – 9 p.m. Men’s and Ladies’ Mogul Finals, Champion

9 – 9:15 p.m. Awards, Finish Area

9:15 p.m. Fireworks

Recommended Lodging:

21 Bellevue – Ski-in/ski-out close to events in Deer Valley.

Black Bear Lodge – Walk to slopes at Silver Lake Village in Deer Valley.

816 Woodside – Georgeous, newly constructed home one block from Main Street.

For more lodging options, call 1-877-773-1117 or e-mail reservations@resortswest.com.

Skiers and riders at Park City Mountain Resort enjoy the sun before the flurries. An inch fell on Monday.

The National Weather Service predicts a snowy Sundance Film Festival for Park City, with 12 to 17 inches expected to fall by the weekend. The fresh snow enhances season-long snowmaking efforts of Park City’s three resorts, led by Deer Valley Resort with all 21 chairlifts in operation. More than 170 total runs have opened to date with a variety of terrain, from beginner slopes to double-black-diamond bowls. See what’s in store for Park City this week:

To start planning your Park City ski vacation, call 1-877-773-1117 or e-mail reservations@resortswest.com to speak with a local ski enthusiast who can help you find the perfect accommodations, whether you need a 2-bedroom condo for you and your family or a 5-bedroom home for a group of friends.    

Private vacation homes offer more than just space, privacy, gourmet kitchens and private outdoor hot tubs. Here are five extra advantages to staying in a private ski home for your Park City vacation:

Ski Access – Many homes sit directly on the slope, offering unparalleled access to the run, not just the chairlift, for true ski-in/ski-out access.

(True) Private Instruction - Deer Valley Resort’s private ski instructors can meet guests directly at a ski-in/ski-out  home, eliminating the need to ski or drive to the base. Resorts West’s Deer Valley ski homes sit on green or mild blue runs perfect for building beginner confidence.

Ticket Access – Deer Valley Resort offers ticket windows at Silver Lake and Empire Pass for easy access. Guests of Resorts West can also request ticket delivery.

Après Ski – When you have a private outdoor hot tub, spacious deck and concierge service to stock your gourmet kitchen full of your favorite post-ski snacks and spirits, the need to venture “out” for après ski suddenly vanishes.

Home Amenities - When planning your ski vacation, the advantages of a washer and dryer or separate family room for the kids don’t immediately come to mind. But after four days of skiing, the chance to dry your ski gear and wash the spaghetti sauce out of the kids’ clothes can be a live saver. An even bigger life saver? The option to send the kids to the play room with the flat-screen TV.

Featured private ski homes in Deer Valley:

King’s Estate – Deer Crest | 21 Bellevue Home | Ski Utah Home 

Find the perfect ski home for you by calling 1-877-773-1117 or e-mailing reservations@resortswest.com.

Best Sundance Film Festival Lodging

Best Condo Location: Silver Star at Park City – This community of condos, townhomes and cottages is also home to the year-round Sundance Institute headquarters. Complimentary bus service takes you to theater locations and Main Street, located less than a mile away. These luxury condos feature private outdoor hot tubs, gourmet kitchens and open living spaces.

Best Private Home Location: 953 Empire Ave. – A two minute walk from Main Street, this stunning 4-bedroom is in the heart of the action. High ceilings, modern decor, LCD TVs in each bedroom and two gas fireplaces add comfort to convenience. 

Best Value: Black Bear Lodge - Located just two miles from Main Street, the Black Bear Lodge offers 2- to 4-bedroom accommodations at great value.  Complimentary shuttle service based on availability and the gratis city bus service make it easy to get around town.

Best for Groups: Mountain Glade - This 9,000 square-foot Deer Valley home sleeps 17 guests with 6 bedrooms and 9 separate beds. Skiers in the group will love ski-in/ski-out access, and movie buffs will delight in the stadium-seat theater. Amenities include a pool table, lounge with wet bar, X-box, sauna and hot tub. This home is a 10-minute drive to Main Street Park City.

Best for Skiers: 6 Bellemont – Nestled directly on Deer Valley’s Silver Dollar ski run, this 6-bedroom home offers unparalleled access to the slopes, with the base of Deer Valley one ski run away. Main Street Park City is less than three miles away and accessible with complimentary shuttle service, based on availability. This home also features a heated two-car garage.

Ultimate Luxury: “Peak 72″ - This 15,000 square foot home is the pinnacle of luxury in Park City. Nestled on a private, wooded lot ina gated community, this home features 7 bedrooms, heated decks, a large-screen theater room, pool table and private outdoor hot tub.

For more information about these and other available properties during Sundance, please call 1-877-773-1117 or e-mail reservations@resortswest.com.

5 Films to See at Sundance 2012:

2 Days in New York - Marion (Julie Delpy) and Mingus (Chris Rock) live cozily with their cat and two young children. When Marion’s family unceremoniously descends upon them for a visit, it initiates two unforgettable days that will test Marion and Mingus’s relationship.

About Face -  An uncensored look at many of the biggest names in modeling, About Face reveals the stories behind the magazine covers displaying these multicultural pioneers.

Arbitrage - Arbitrage depends on a person’s ability to determine the true value of any given market. It’s a talent that has made billionaire hedge fund magnate Robert Miller (Richard Gere) the very portrait of success in American business. But on the eve of his sixtieth birthday, Miller finds himself desperately trying to sell his trading empire to a major bank before the extent of his fraud is discovered. 

Chasing Ice -  When National Geographic asked James Balog to do a cover story on glaciers, it became the most well-read piece in the magazine during the last five years. But for Balog, that story marked the beginning of a much larger and longer-term project that would reach epic proportions.

Ethel -  Intimate, humorous conversations and never-before-seen images from the family troves of Robert and Ethel Kennedy uncover an enthralling story of a vivacious, authentic heroine in Ethel Kennedy.

 Despite seeing less snow than usual this December, many skiers and snowboarders have reported surprisingly good conditions in Park City, with smooth groomers and widely open terrain.  And while powder hounds are still holding their breath for the one perfect storm to bring back the epic conditions of seasons past, here are 5 reasons why this year is still a great one for skiing and snowboarding in Park City:

1. World-Class Snowmaking. There’s a reason Park City Mountain Resort’s snowmaking team received a standing ovation at the company Christmas party. Thanks to cold temps and unparalleled snowmaking efforts, Park City Mountain Resort has opened 14 of its 17 chairlifts, 54 ski runs and two terrain parks as of December 28. Deer Valley Resort has opened an equally impressive 61 ski runs and 19 of 21 chairlifts, while Canyons Resort has opened 40 runs and 11 lifts. For skiers who love corduroy slopes, the current conditions are perfect — blue skies, clear visibility and pleasant day temperatures.  

2.  Easy Driving Conditions. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Park City at your leisure, but driving can be intimidating if you aren’t used to snow storms and winding mountain roads. This year, take advantage of Park City’s enhanced drivability. It’s a rare treat when the snow stays on the ski slopes and off the pavement. The icing on the cake? Reason #3:

3. A Faster Landing-to-Lift Commute. The already short driving time from Salt Lake International Airport to Park City is made even faster with clear roads, even nearing the 30-minute range.

4. More Family Skiing. In powder years — for example, last year – it’s tempting to leave the kids in ski school and take off for the steeps and the bowls. This season, you can watch your kids take on their first blue or even black runs without feeling a secret pull to the powder stash. (If next year is like the last post-drought season, though, you’ll have to get the kids powder skis for Christmas.)

5. An Incentive to Explore Park City. Who knew you could ride an Olympic bobsled in Park City? Or float across town in a hot air balloon? Or go shopping at one of the country’s largest outlet malls? Park City is full of off-mountain adventure that you might never have explored had last year’s conditions made a back-to-back appearance. This year, see why the Glitretind brunch is so heralded, or what makes the Egyptian Theater so renowned.  You can even shamelessly try the Alpine Coaster or Zip Line.

If you’re looking for the real skinny on Park City’s skiing conditions, the answer is – it depends. If you love waist-high power, it just isn’t here yet. But if you’re happy with sunshine, groomers and time with your family, Park City’s conditions are perfect.   

How much snow is enough snow? It depends on what you seek!

Come out and see for yourself! Call 1-877-773-1117 or e-mail info@resortswest.com.

1. The Sundance Film Festival – Running this year from Jan. 19 to 29, the world’s largest independent film festival holds something for everyone. Star gaze on Main Street, see world film premiers or simply enjoy empty the slopes.

2. Low Traffic – Avoid holiday crowds both on the streets and on the slopes during the first two weeks of January, winter’s sweet spot. Come over the weekend of Jan. 6 and 7, and participate at Canyons Resort’s “Learn to Ski & Ride” event. The $10 fee includes your lift ticket, rentals and instruction.

3. Deer Valley Women’s & Men’s Weekends – Enjoy the excitement and camraderie of skiing with other women of the same ability, while improving your skills. These clinics are specifically designed for women and are conducted by Deer Valley’s top female Ski Instructors. The cost is $550, and does not include lift tickets. Advance reservations are necessary; please call 888-SKI-TIPS (754-8477) or 435-645-6648 for details. Weekends run from Jan. 27 to 29, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

4. Intermountain Feestyle at Park City Mountain Resort - See some of the nation’s best in Halfpipe, Slopestyle and Moguls at this USSA sanctioned event, held Jan. 19 to 22.

5. World-Class Performing Arts – See MOMIX’s “Botanica” at The Eccles Center, a whimsical homage to nature created by famed choreographer Moses Pendleton.

Where to Stay:

Deer Valley | Park City | Canyons

What are you doing to ring in the New Year? You could be skiing and snowboarding in Park City, celebrating at Canyons Resort with live music and fireworks, or taking in the scene on Main Street. When you stay with Resorts  West, you get complimentary shuttle service, daily housekeeping and a Private Concierge to make your vacation hassle-free.

2360 Red Pine Villa offers accommodations for 13 guests with 8 separate beds. Amenities include a spacious den with wet bar, wood and gas fireplaces, flat-screen TVs and a private outdoor hot tub. Complimentary shuttle service takes you to the Canyons Resort base, located two minutes away, or Park City Mountain Resort, located five minutes away.

Experience an unforgettable New Year in Park City! Call 1-877-773-1117 for details or e-mail info@resortswest.com.

27 Belle Arbor Home

Thanks to early snowfall and world-class snowmaking, Deer Valley Resort has opened 18 of 21 lifts and 54 perfectly groomed ski runs as of Dec. 17.  These luxury lodge condos and private ski homes offer the greatest value for mountain-side accommodations:

Silver Strike Lodge – Catch the Silver Strike ski lift, located directly out the back door of this slope-side luxury lodge, for ski-in/ski-out access. Lodge amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, lounge, oversized hot-tub and outdoor fire pit. Enjoy a complimentary 5th night when you book four over select dates.

Belle Arbor Homes – Take a private ski elevator out your back door or a stroll across a private cul de sac to the gentle intermediate slope of Silver Dollar run before catching the green Success run to the base at Deer Valley Resort. A perfect option for families, the 5- and 6-bedroom Belle Arbor homes offer game rooms, private outdoor hot tubs, kids’ bunk rooms, snowman-worthy yards and easy access to ski school.

Arrowleaf Lodge - Ski-in/ski-out from this luxury lodge, complete with an outdoor hot tub, stunning mountain views and complimentary shuttle service to Park City. Hardwood floors, gas fireplaces, granite countertops and high thread-count sheets accent these luxury condos. Enjoy a complimentary 5th night over select night.

Black Bear Lodge – One of the greatest values at Deer Valley Resort, the Black Bear Lodge is located in Silver Lake Village for walking access to the slopes, as well as shopping, dining and après ski options. Take the Silver Lake Express lift to the base for ski school, or take off to Empire Pass and Lady Morgan for challenging terrain. Black Bear Lodge offers a heated swimming pool, private outdoor hot tubs, classic mountain décor and gas firelpaces. Enjoy a complimentary 5th night when you stay four over select dates.

Ironwood Townhomes – These luxury 4-bedroom townhomes sit on a quiet, ski-in/ski-out cul de sac in Empire Pass. Guests enjoy private outdoor hot tubs and deck space, a community fitness center and stunning mountain views. All bedrooms offer en-suite baths, and each home features a spacious den separate from the living room. Enjoy a complimentary 5th night when you stay four over select dates.

Pleae call 1-877-773-1117 or e-mail reservations@resortswest.com for details on special rates and services.