by Chelsea Clark

As mentioned above, I, Chelsey Clark, am a complete newbie to the Park City lifestyle. 

As I begin my few months of life as an intern for Resorts West, I have decided to take anyone and everyone along on this journey.  So please, join me!

Coming from the barren and desert laden land of eastern Washington, Utah as a whole is a different and fresh scenery.  The Olympics is what originally put Utah on my radar and Park City is a perfect representation of the ideal ski town that still has the contagious Olympic spirit and pride.

Not only are there the beautiful as well as abundant ski slopes and resorts, but Park City also has a unique old mine town feel that seems to draw crowds of all kinds. After walking down Main Street I was thrilled by the variety of little shops, boutiques and restaurants — to the point I needed to shop and I needed to eat, the two most important activities in life as far as I am concerned.  Luckily, I was able to do a bit of both.

I have had the wonderful opportunity of trying Wahso, An Asian Grill; Zoom, a Sundance Resort Restaurant; and Maxwell’s East Coast Eatery.  Each has a definite different feel and flavor,  each delivered a tasty and environmentally appropriate experience.

After finding the landscape, shopping and dining brag-worthy, I was amazed to learn of the unique lodging options Park City has to offer. The 953 Empire Home is definitely a favorite of mine for its proximity to Main Street as well as all three ski resorts.  With a cozy yet modern feel, it is an inviting choice after a fun-filled day on the slopes.

953 Empire Home is located 400 meters from Main Street and Park City Mountain Resort's Town Lift

This is only the beginning of my many experiences in Park City; I can’t wait to see what else this town has in store for me!

To experience Park City for yourself, please call us at 1-877-773-1117 or e-mail info@resortswest.com.

435 Park Ave, known as Chateau de Bonheur (House of Happiness), is a block from Main Street and the Town Lift

Although many luxury ski homes throughout Park City offer heated garages and ample parking space for a rental car, many visitors happily nix their wheels on vacation thanks to an abundance of transportation options, from the gratis Park City bus system to Resorts West’s complimentary shuttle service. The next time you plan a ski vacation, consider these alternatives to a rental car:

Park City on Foot

Park City offers a number of luxury vacation homes within walking distance of the shopping, dining and nightlife on Main Street Park City, as well as ski lifts at Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley. If you prefer to stay near Deer Valley Resort, accommodations at Black Bear Lodge let you walk to a hub of fine dining restaurants, après options, boutiques, ski runs and lift ticket windows. The Black Diamond Lodge at Snow Park sits directly at the base for walkability to ski school, dining and ski lifts.

For guests who value nightlife, dining and a lively social scene, Park City offers luxury accommodations in Old Town Park City, a short walk from Main Street and Park City Mountain Resort’s Town Lift.

Park City by Bus

The complimentary city bus takes guests to all three world-class ski resorts and other important highlights throughout Park City, including Main Street, grocery stores, liquor stores, restaurants, activities and attractions. Buses typically stop every 20 minutes, with more frequent stops at high-traffic areas.  The extensive routes cover accommodations from Empire Pass to Silver Star at Park City.

Park City by Shuttle

Guests of Resorts West can take advantage of on-demand complimentary shuttle service, based on availability, from Canyons Resort to Deer Valley Resort and everywhere in-between. Guests of Empire Pass also have access to complimentary on-demand Dial-A-Ride service throughout Park City. A wide number of cab companies also operate within the city, with most fares between $10 and $20.

Call at 1-877-773-1117 to learn more about going car-less in Park City. You can also e-mail reservations@resortswest.com.

Silver Strike Lodge

There’s something about a Park City ski lodge that inspires romance — cozy fireplaces, stunning scenery and après ski with a fine wine on the balcony or a relaxing dip in the hot tub. Aside from skiing, Park City offers endless options for romantic adventures, from fairy tale horse-drawn sleigh rides to hot air balloon soirees, complete with a champagne toast. If you’re planning a romantic ski vacation, consider these ideas for lodging, dining, relaxing and exploring:

Romantic Ski Lodges

Silver Strike Lodge (Deer Valley Resort) – This ski-in/ski-out lodge sits in the stunning mid-mountain setting of Empire Pass at Deer Valley Resort, featuring breathaking views and exceptional access to the slopes. Each condo features a gas fireplace, private balcony, luxurious master suite, spacious bath with jetted tub, hardwood floors and a gourmet kitchen. Couples also enjoy tub access, a state-of-the-art fitness center and relaxing lounge. Main Street Park City is less than three miles away.     

Black Bear Lodge (Deer Valley Resort) – This rustic mountain lodge is located within walking distance of the slopes at Deer Valley Resort’s Silver Lake Village. Each condo features a private outdoor hot tub, gourmet kitchen, cozy fireplaces and beautiful views.

Silver Star at Park City (Park City Mountain Resort) - Nestled mid-mountain at Park City Mountain Resort, this collection of condos, townhomes and cottages features private outdoor hot tubs, a heated swimming pool, flat-screen TVs, gas fireplaces and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Juniper Landing (Canyons Resort) - These luxurious townhomes lie within walking distance of the Frostwood Gondola at Canyons Resort. Each condo features a private outdoor hot tub, floor-to-ceiling French doors, beautiful views and large flat-screen TVs.

Services for Two

When you reserve your ski vacation through Resorts West, you receive daily housekeeping, complimentary car service based on availability and comprehensive concierge service. Your concierge can arrange a number of services for two:

Couple’s Massage – Enjoy a relaxing spa experience in the comfort of your suite with En’ Suite Spa services. Choose from hot stone treatments, deep tissue massage or a unique massage designed just for your needs.

Private Chef - You’ll have the best seat in the house when you design the perfect evening for two in your own dining room, complete with your favorite foods and a bottle of your favorite wine. 

Snowshoe Picnic – Test your stamina while enjoying stunning backcountry scnery that is only accessible on foot. Guided snowshoe tours longer than 2 hours include a backcountry picnic.

Recommended Park City Restaurants

These restaurants offer quiet tables for two in an intimate setting. Your concierge can make reservations for you:

Wahso - Light and healthy Asian fare with a French influence, Wahso features roomy screened booths for privacy and comfort

Grappa - Considered the  pinnacle of Italian cuisine in Park City, this quaint fine dining restaurant features private dining areas and a warm atmosphere

Fireside Dining - This unique experience features four fireplaces at Deer Valley Resort’s Empire Lodge, each with a unique alpine course. Try Swiss style raclette at one before moving on to roasted leg of lamb or a simmering venison stew.

The Farm - Canyons Resort’s newest hot spot offers a welcoming lounge, extensive wine list and beautiful views of the resort. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, the menu is unique to Park City.

 To start planning your romantic Park City vacation, call 1-877-773-1117 or e-mail reservations@resortswest.com

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!

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.    

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.

Dreaming of a snow-filled New Year with fresh powder, fine dining, après ski and walkable access to nightlife? Allow us to introduce Woodside Villa.

This 5-bedroom ski home sits 30 yards from Park City Mountain Resort’s Creole run and a block from the Town Lift on Main Street. Ski or snowboard all day, then retreat to your 4,500 square-foot getaway for an easy walk to restaurants, boutiques, pubs and nightlife. When you reserve this home between Dec. 26, 2011 and Jan. 2, 2012, you are also treated to $250 to spend at the world’s only ski-in gastro-distillery — the High West Distillery and Saloon. This unique Park City establishment features gourmet fare, locally made spirits and live music.

After a day of adventure on the slopes and in town, relax in your private outdoor hot tub or cozy up to one of four gas fireplaces or seven flat-screen TVs.

Call Resorts West at 1-877-773-1117 or e-mail us at reservations@resortswest.com for details.

Celebrate the New Year on the slopes with a Park City ski or snowboard vacation. With live entertainment, fireworks, world-class nightlife and slope-side lodging to enjoy maximum time on the slopes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Lodging 

All of these options offer complimentary shuttle service throughout Park City, daily housekeeping and a Private Concierge:

Woodside Haven: 5-bedroom ski villa a block to Town Lift and Main Street Park City

Ironwood Townhome: 4-bedroom residence 50 yards from ski-out access to Deer Valley Resort’s Flagstaff Mountain

Silver Strike Lodge: 4-bedroom condo with ski-in/ski-out access to Deer Valley Resort

2360 Red Pine Villa: 4-bedroom ski home two minutes from base of Canyons Resort

Peak 72 Home: 7-bedroom villa with ski-in/ski-out access to Canyons Resort

Silver Star at Park City: 2-bedroom condos at ski-in/ski-out community of Park City Mountain Resort

Ironwood Townhome Living Room

Events

Little Big Town at the Eccles Center: Known for radio-friendly hits like “Boondocks” and “Little White Church,” this Grammy-nominated vocal quartet hits the stage at 8 p.m.

Canyons Resort New Year’s Celebration: Free fireworks show and live music at ski beach

Jesus Christ Super Star at the Egyptian Theatre: Professional talent in the heart of Main Street

Deer Valley Torchlight Parade (Dec. 30)

Local’s Secrets

- Many restaurants have a set menu on New Year’s Eve, with an early seating and a late seating that often goes until midnight. Reserve early or book through your concierge to get your first choice.

- The best nightclubs for New Year’s Eve entertainment are Downstairs, The Sidecar and The Spur.

- For a mellow night, the Park City Film Series shows an acclaimed movie on New Year’s Eve at 8 p.m.

- The slopes are blissfully empty on New Year’s Day for ambitious souls.