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.

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

Park City has rolled out the white carpet this November, with another three snow-filled days expected before the weekend and even more before Thanksgiving. Celebrate Thanksgiving with first tracks as Canyons Resort opens for the season on Nov. 25 and Park City Mountain Resort expands its Opening Day runs from Nov. 19.

When you stay two nights with Resorts West from Nov. 21 to Nov. 28 at a luxury lodge condo or select private homes, you can enjoy the slopes an extra day with a complimentary third night. Use your savings to enjoy Black Friday at the Tanger Outlet Mall, or the pristine slopes at Park City Mountain Resort or Canyons. Park City is celebrating the holiday with community events, live shows and film:

Park City Events  

Park City Gallery Stroll

Imagine  - The Fab Four (Beatles Tribute) at The Egyptian Theatre

Park City Film Series presents Bill Cunningham New York

Featured Park City Lodging 

Rossi Hill Townhome –  private hot tub, walk to Main Street

Empire Home – three blocks from Park City Mountain Resort

Juniper Landing Condo – walk to the Frostwood lift at Canyons

Park City Mountain Resort moves Three Kings chairlift as part of $7 million in improvements for 2012.

As winter rapidly approaches, each of Park City’s three world-class resorts looks forward to the 2012 ski season with improvements and new amenities. This year, resorts paid close attention to their ski schools and lift placement:

Deer Valley Resort

Among Deer Valley’s novelties this year is a new place in history. Readers at SKI Magazine voted the resort no. 1 in North America, marking the first time ever that a single resort has maintained the top spot five years in a row. It’s hard to improve on perfection, but Deer Valley seems to find ways each year. This season, the resort has eliminated the need for young skiers to ride a chairlift by revamping the ski school area. The Celebrity Skifest will return to Silver Lake for opening weekend, and the resort will again host FIS World Cup competition.

New Vacation Rentals at Deer Valley Resort:

2888 Deer Crest | Aspen Hollow #4 | Black Diamond #121

Park City Mountain Resort

Named the no. 1 Family Ski Resort this year by the SKI Magazine reader survey, Park City Mountain has invested $7 million in improvements for the 2012 ski season. The resort has installed two new conveyor lifts for its beginner area and expanded freeride terrain, including improvements to the Eagle Superpipe that allows it to open earlier in the season. PCMR has also expanded its environmental efforts with more energy-efficient snowmaking or grooming equipment, a wind turbine and solar panels.

New Vacation Rentals at Park City Mountain:

Woodside Townhome | Empire Villa | Northstar Haven

Canyons Resort

Utah’s largest ski and snowboard resort is now in phase #2 of a $50 million “re-creation” that last year included 300 acres of new terrain, new restaurants, a novel Orange Bubble Lift, a ski beach and enhanced snowmaking. Canyons will start the 2012 ski season with all these improved operations in full swing, along with enhanced dining and apres options.

New Vacation Rentals at Canyons Resort:

Peak 72 Home

SKI Magazine asked its readers for the 24th year to vote for North America’s Top 50 ski resorts, and for the fifth year in a row, Deer Valley Resort claimed the no. 1 spot. Deer Valley’s loyal skier base lauded the resort’s impeccable service, luxury ski-in/ski-out lodging, corduroy grooming and four-star dining. The SKI Magazine reader survey is open to subscribers and Facebook fans and judges the top 50 North American resorts on 18 factors, including service, grooming, terrain quality and variety, family friendliness and overall satisfaction. 

Deer Valley Resort is the only ski resort in the annual reader resorts survey history that has won top accolades for five years in a row. The last time Deer Valley did not win, in 2006-2007, it took the second spot to Vail. The resort has not dipped lower than third in a decade.

Park City Mountain Resort, which shares a rope with Deer Valley, placed sixth overall and took the top spot for Fmily Resorts. Park City Mountain has remained in the Top 10 throughout the last decade with an average place of fifth. SKI touted the resort’s night skiing, kid-friendly alpine coaster and eating options.

Utah’s largest lift-served ski resort at 4,000 skiable acres, Canyons ranks 16th in the reader survey, keeping this wide-ranging luxury resort in hidden gem status.  Dubbed a “mystery” and a litle “overwhelming” by SKI Magazine, Canyons’ sprawling cruiser runs and fresh powder are the very attraction of locals and visitors alike. With $50 million in recent improvements, including a ski beach and North America’s first heated “bubble” chairlift.

See full results of the survey here

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.

Planning a Park City ski trip with the guys doesn’t have to mean sub-par accommodations. Not that the tiny condo you rented in college doesn’t carry a certain amount of nostalgia, but  now that you can afford to do it right, it might be time to nix the pull-out sofa and find Park City lodging where you and everyone else in your group can enjoy space and privacy. This year, take advantage of the time you spend with friends on the slopes by renting a truly mancation-worthy mountain home, complete with  a hot tub, pool table and easy access to skiing or snowboarding.  

These spectacular Park City vacation rentals and lodge condos will ensure that your trip is just as epic off the slopes as on: 

9 Colony

A basketball court, theater and game room? Yes, really. This home does have it all, including ski-in/ski-out access.

Ski or snowboard access to Canyons Resort is less than 100 yards from your door at this 17,000 square-foot alpine residence. Relax in the theater, play a game of ping-pong, or take advantage of the indoor basketball court. This is the ultimate Canyons vacation rental.

27 Belle Arbor Home 

A luxurious home with a pool table, hot tub and ski access to Deer Valley Resort across the street.

This 5-bedroom ski home features a spacious den with a pool table and wet bar, a private outdoor hot tub with scenic mountain views and access to Deer Valley’s Silver Dollar ski run right across the street.

544 Rossi Hill

Enjoy easy access to both Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort from this centrally located townhome. Main Street is less than half a mile away.

 The restaurants, bars and entertainment venues on Park City’s Main Street are less than half a mile from this townhome on Deer Valley Drive. This home is also centrally located less than five minutes by bus from both Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort. Each of the three bedrooms features a private bath and TV.  Amenities also include an iPod docking station and, of course, a private hot tub.

Black Bear Lodge

Rustic lodging in Silver Lake Village, complete with a private hot tub and easy access to the slopes.

 Walk to the slopes of Deer Valley Resort from these 2-bedroom slope-side condos, conveniently located in Silver Lake Village. You can also walk to fine dining restaurants and après-ski hot spots for a drink, including the new Cena Lounge. Black Bear Lodge condos feature rustic dècor, private hot tubs, balconies and access to the on-site fitness center.   

For more Park City lodging options, contact us at 1-877-773-1117 or reservations@resortswest.com.

All guests of Resorts West receieve daily housekeeping, complimentary shuttle service and private concierge service to arrange everything from stocking your kitchen upon arrival to arranging a day of heli-skiing.

Park City’s 2011 ski season may be nearing a grand finale, but Canyons Resort has only just begun its biggest event of the year. “Spring Gruv,” a 10-day affair of music, film and lighthearted competition, begins this Saturday with the storied Pond Skimming Contest, a costumed affair that sends brave skiers or boarders across a 100-foot pond. A live performance by John Popper and the Duskray Troubadours follows on Sunday, and a special screening of Greta Eliassen’s movie, “Say My Name,”  will take place on April 2.

Before the excitement of Spring Gruv, Canyons Wine Club will host a sleigh ride and dinner Friday night with a special menu and wine pairing. Billed as an “Evening in Napa,” the event features reception appetizers, a four-course meal, dessert and five different wines from Napa’s Somerston Winery. David Zurowski, Director of Somerston Winery, will attend as a special guest.

Photo by Canyons Resort

With another month to enjoy skiing in Park City, there’s plenty of time to plan a long weekend on the slopes. Consider these five reasons to grab your family or friends and hit the mountains for some spring powder:

1. Lodging Specials: Enjoy a 4th complimentary night when you stay three nights at select lodge condos and townhomes in Deer Valley and Park City. Choose from ski-in ski-out condos in Empire Pass, finely appointed Silver Lake properties and slope-side condos in Park City.

2. Free Lift Ticket: As long as you’re enjoying an extra day, why pay for lift tickets, too? The Park City Chamber offers a free lift ticket when you book three nights at select lodging in late spring.

3. Free Live Music: Enjoy live outdoor music at Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons  during aprés ski. Families can attend the Canyons’ outdoor concerts on Saturday afternoons, starting at 3 p.m., whether they skied at the resort or not. Music presented by the Silver Star Café also runs on Thursdays, starting at 2:30 p.m.

4. Winter Storms, Summer Sun: March is known for its snow storms, but warm weather and blue skies peek through for some of the best days of the year. With an average snowfall of 19.7 inches, March sets April up for spectacular spring skiing with warm days and great snow pack.

5. More to Do – Ski one day, play a round of golf the next. With Salt Lake in such close proximity to Park City, the opportunities to combine winter and summer activities — from road biking to fly-fishing to lounging on the ski beach – are endless.

Get a 4th Complimentary Night at:

Silver Star at Park City

Black Bear Lodge

Town Pointe Condos

Silver Strike Lodge

Call 1-877-773-1117 for details and additional properties!

Spring skiing enthusiasts looking for a final thrill on the slopes can now stay in luxury at select Deer Valley and Park City properties with a complimentary 4th night from Resorts West.

As Canyons Resort extended its ski season to April 17, Resorts West has extended its spring special, which includes a fourth free night at select condos for all stays of three nights or longer, to reservations with arrival dates from March 19 to the end of April. The special includes properties at the ski-in ski-out community of Silver Star at Park City, the luxurious slope-side Ironwood townhomes in Deer Valley, and select ski-in ski-out condos at Deer Valley’s Silver Strike Lodge and Grand Lodge. All condos and townhomes in the thriving hub of Silver Lake Village are included as well.

With more than three feet of fresh snow in the last week, Park City has experienced incredible March conditions so far, with even more snow expected in coming weeks. In addition to luxury lodging, Resorts West offers comprehensive services to ensure a seamless getaway, no matter how spontaneous your vacation. Enjoy concierge service, daily housekeeping and complimentary shuttle service.

Featured Spring Properties: