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Archive for September, 2011
Park City’s reputation as a winter, and even summer, destination is well established, but this mountain retreat is also a stunning place to enjoy a Park City vacation rental for a fall getaway. With autumn colors at their peak and sunny skies bringing temperatures to a mild 70 degrees, Park City is a hidden gem for a stress-free autumn weekend.
Top 5 Reasons to Rent a Park City Vacation Rental This Fall

1. World-renowned mountain biking and hiking. Imagine temperate weather, cool autumn breezes, stunning colors, and the chance to see deer or even a red fox on the trails.
2. It’s apple season – and pumpkin season, and fresh-baked-bread season. The Park City Farmers’ Market continues through Oct. 26 with local produce, baked goods, Utah cheese and crafts. The open air market is a summer staple but a fall hallmark.
3. Fine dining at a steal. For Park City residents, fall means 2-for-1 entrees and prix fixe menus at all the best restaurants in town. These deals are found in the local newspaper (The Park Record) and apply to visitors and locals alike.
4. Experience Sundance all over again. The non-profit Sundance Institute screens select films from the previous Fest during fall, often with filmmaker Q&A. See the events calendar at www.visitparkcity.com for dates and times.
5. Exceptional lodging value. Experience a luxury Park City vacation rental at a fraction of ski season prices. Find a condo or private home with a hot tub, state-of-the-art entertainment system, theater, library or even a wine cellar. Browse fall properties.
Call 1-877-773-1117 or e-mail reservations@resortswest.com to plan your fall retreat.
Finding the perfect lodging for your ski vacation can take some research. Even if you are familiar the resort, knowing the ski access, amenities, privacy and unique factors of each area can be confusing — particularly when you’re traveling with different types of skiers. What was perfect for your honeymoon might not be so perfect when you have small children. This guide to Deer Valley lodging breaks down the best options for your current situation, whether you’re traveling with girlfriends, “the guys” or even grandma and grandpa:
For professional assistance in planning your ski vacation, complete with luxury lodging at exceptional value, contact Resorts West at 1-877-773-1117. You can also e-mail reservations@resortswest.com
Resorts West is excited to announce the first ever ROCK for Research fundraiser on September 16, an outdoor event at the Silver Star Plaza to benefit the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Free to attend, this community event will also serve as the last Plaza Palooza, which the Silver Star Cafe has hosted since June. Park City mayor Dana Williams will provide live music with The Motherlode Canyon Band, nad guests will have an opportunity to support the Foundation through a silent auction, raffle and specially priced taco bar presented by The Silver Star Cafe.
The list of generous local donors for the silent auction grows daily, and attendees will have a chance to bid on everything from Victory Ranch golf packages and a weekend at Snowbird Reosrt to Deer Valley multi-day ski passes and spa packages. If you don’t live in Park City or cannot make this event, you can still support the Huntsman Cancer Foundation by making an online donation.

Find the best value for luxury Deer Valley lodging with these insider tips. Researching your options and knowing what services are include with your accommodations can help you find the best value for you:
1. Think early powder and late-spring sun. You can typically find the best rates for ski lodging before Dec. 16 and after March 25. Another little-known pocket for value is the first week in January, right after the New Year. An added bonus? You’ll likely have the slopes all to yourselves.
2. Consider services included in your accommodations. Will you receive daily housekeeping? Lift tickets, ground transfers or shuttle service throughout your stay? If you are looking for a relaxing, seamless vacation, you might find added value in services like a private concierge, which will allow you to spend more time with your friends or family versus planning ski rentals, dinner reservations and luggage shipment.
3. Call your lodging provider to learn about specials or services that you might not find while shopping online. Discussing your lodging needs with a reservations agent can also give you specific, helpful information — for example, how many steps away ski access may be and how advanced the surrounding terrain is. An agent can also give you recommendations based on your bedding needs and budget.
4. Consider amenities. Two vacation homes might offer identical square feet with the same number of bedrooms and even the same ski access; but a hot tub, theater, pool table and flat-screen TVs in each bedroom can make a difference in your vacation, particularly if you’re traveling with a group.
Consider these Deer Valley luxury lodging options at great value:
6 Bellemont
Highlights: 6 bedrooms, sleeps 12 guests, ski-in/ski-out access, two master suites, flat-screen TVs in each bedroom, private hot tub, wood and gas fireplaces, den, BluRay player, iPod docking station
$3,900-$5,500/night ($1,950-$2,750/night based on two families)
 One of six bedrooms in this 5400 square-foot ski home
Black Bear Lodge
Highlights: 2- to 4-bedroom accommodations, heated pool and hot tub, fitness center; lodge is within walking distance of ski slopes and fine dining
$636-$1,224/night (2-bedroom) /$1,260-$2,716/night (4-bedroom)
 Walk to the ski lifts at Silver Lake Village from the Black Bear Lodge
3111 Deer Crest
Highlights: 6 bedrooms (sleeps 17), ski-in/ski-out to private trail, pool table, hot tub, theater, wet bar, X-Box, Playstation 2
$5,250 to $6,500/night
 A vacation in and of itself: theater, pool table, game room, hot tub and private ski access

A message from our friends at Mountain Media:
9/2/2011
Boulder, CO
“I miss the water.” It’s a standard refrain for those of us here at Mountain magazine that grew up or came of age in the Adirondacks, Green Mountains, and White Mountains of Northern New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire (about half of our company). It’s not the ocean we’re talking about. Here, in the dry foothills of Colorado, we miss the north country rope swings and secret swimming holes, backyard brooks and mill town rivers, the flyfishing streams and whitewater rapids. And we miss the predictable rain that feeds them all and makes the corn sweet and the hills verdant—the hyper bucolic beauty of the northern mountains.
But we don’t miss the type of rains that fell recently. As our friends, co-workers, contributors, business partners, and family members struggle to recover from the devastating rains of Hurricane Irene we at Mountain want to help. In lieu of running a chainsaw (exactly what our VP of Sales, Rob Hudson, is doing at his family home in New York’s Keene Valley), we’re talking cold hard cash donated to the Vermont and New York United Way Disaster Relief Funds.
You can help: Subscribe to Mountain in the next 30 days using promo code VTrelief or NYrelief and your entire subscription fee ($20) will be donated to the United Way’s Vermont or New York Disaster Relief Fund. There’s no skimming. Your entire donation goes directly towards helping local mountain communities recover from damage caused by Hurricane Irene.
Please go to mountainonline.com/subscribe today to get the funds flowing to Vermont and New York. And then tell your friends.
—Mountain Media

A family ski vacation is often a special tradition filled with warm memories for kids, parents and grandparents alike. There’s nothing quite like flying down the perfectly groomed runs of your favorite resort to feel like a kid again yourself, and no experience more heart-warming than to see the excitement of little ones who conquer their first real green run.
Planning family ski vacation, however, can often be difficult, from finding the right lodging and coordinating ski school to simply keeping everyone happy and entertained. These tips can help you plan a seamless and hassle-free family ski vacation for everyone involved — from your 72-year-old parents to your 2-year-old toddler:
1. Sign up for ski school early. Ski school sells out, particularly during popular times. Since most resorts require that you make ski school arrangements personally (rather than through a concierge), it’s a good idea to sign up as soon as you have chosen your resort. Before you enroll, ask about the class size, instructor experience and what other activities they might participate in. Learn more about ski school in the Park City area at: Deer Valley Resort | Park City Mountain Resort | Canyons Resort
2. Choose a professionally managed vacation rental. Of course we’re biased on this, but we have sound reasoning. When you rent through VRBO or another DIY rental venue, your lodging doesn’t have to meet any standards for cleanliness or safety. With a professionally managed rental company, you know your sheets have been industrially cleaned, safety inspections have been completed, and you have a point of contact in case something goes wrong — even if it’s just trouble with your TV remote. When you’re on a family ski vacation with the whole gang, we think the peace of mind is worth it.
3. Utilize your private concierge. If your accommodations include a private concierge, your entire vacation is instantly more seamless. From making dinner reservations to stocking your kitchen before you arrive, a concierge can take care of the little things so you have more time to relax with your family. When booking your accommodations, ask about the extra services that come with your lodging. You might be surprised by what you can cross off your family ski vacation “to do” list.
4. Choose a comfortable “home base.” When traveling with a large group of all ages, chances are good that not everyone will feel like hitting the slopes everyday, and at some point your kids, your parents and even you will feel the need to have a moment alone. Choosing accommodations that offer space and privacy will keep even the closest family members from stepping on each other’s toes. Private homes with full kitchens, game rooms, movie libraries and WiFi access will ensure that anyone who feels like staying home from the slopes or a dinner out with the family will still be comfortable and entertained. Here are a few recommended lodging options at each of Park City’s ski resort:
Deer Valley Resort
 The Laughing Ranch at 6434 Silver Lake
Two king master suites, five total bedrooms and a “Kids Only” play room make The Laughing Ranch at Deer Valley Resort a great choice for a family ski vacation. Ski-out access is for advanced skiers only, but complimentary shuttle service takes kids and less experienced skiers directly to the base for ski school or to Silver Lake Village for beginner and intermediate runs. More family-friendly Deer Valley lodging.
Park City Mountain Resort
 435 Park Ave. - Old Town Park City
This 4-bedroom Park Ave. home sleeps 14 people and features a relaxing den, hot tub, kids’ bunk room and flat-screen TVs throughout. Located a block from the center of town, 435 Park Ave is perfectly situated to allow older kids the freedom to explore Main Street without needing a vehicle. More lodging near Main Street Park City.
Canyons Resort
This 6-bedroom villa features two master suites and sleeps 16 people. Guests enjoy a hot tub, theater with stadium recliner seating and a spacious den with a wet bar and pool table. A rental car is recommended for this home, although complimentary shuttle service is available. More lodging at Canyons Resort.
 2350 Red Pine Villa at Canyons Resort
For more advice on planning a family ski vacation to Park City and what accommodations will best fit your needs, call 1-877-773-1117 or e-mail reservations@resortswest.com.
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