While it is nice to escape the cold and go somewhere warm and dip your toes in the sand, there is something to be said about switching it up and heading to the mountains. This winter I embraced the cold and visited Utah for the first time and fell in love!
I admit that packing is a challenge, as winter gear is much more bulky and can cause a headache when trying to stay under the airline’s weight limit, but it is definitely worth it.
I spent a week venturing around Park City and Deer Valley, a dream vacation for any ski enthusiast. Whether you are planning a family vacation, girl’s getaway or a romantic rendezvous, all are welcome and there is so much to do beyond skiing.
If the slopes aren’t your thing, private cross-country skiing and snowshoeing tours through the Wasatch Range, are great ways to take in the spectacular scenery of the Utah mountains. For a truly unique experience try the Moonlight Snowshoeing tour, but my favorite was getting to cross-country ski at Soldier Hallow on the Junior Olympians' course.
Booking a snowmobile excursion through Daniels Summit with a private guide to explore the 200 miles of groomed trails accompanied with a gourmet lunch makes for an exciting first day.
Take ice fishing to the next level and hop aboard your private Snowcat for an unbelievable experience. Your guide will show you where the best rainbow trout and Kokanni salmon are in the Strawberry Reservoir, Utah’s premier still-water fishery.
Snuggle up under a warm blanket and enjoy a horse drawn sleigh ride through a winter wonderland filled with snow laden trees. This serene excursion is perfect for a romantic night under the stars. Wanting to pop the question...pair with a basket filled with delicious treats and bubbly guaranteed to make for a memorable surprise proposal!
Traveling with kids? Many of the resorts offer great options that keep the little ones entertained all day. Between camps, badge incentives, and family fun restaurants they will be begging to come back year after year. The Montage Paintbox or The Pendry’s Pinwheel Kids Club for ages 5-12 offer great activities for the kids to experience the outdoors in a creative way.
Dogsledding through the Wasatch Mountains is a unique adventure for the family. Glide through the snow covered meadow and sip on some hot coco while being pulled by a team of huskies.
Tubing is also a great family activity and fun for all ages. Woodward Park in the heart of Park City has seven lanes ranging from a bunny hill to the four advanced lanes for those looking for more adventure. Many of the resorts in the area also offer a small tubing hill for their guests, like the Montage in Deer Valley. In the summer, fly up to 50 mph down tubing hills at Utah Olympic Park.
Novice skiers don’t worry; take a lesson from the best. Spend the day learning the ins and outs from an Olympic athlete. Who better to teach you how to come down the mountain like a pro.
Speaking of the Olympians check out the Utah Olympic Park in Park City and plan to feel the G’s. The Bobsled Experience is definitely recommended for those thrill seekers wanting to be an Olympian for a day. Maybe a class in curling is more your speed and if being an observer is thrilling enough there is plenty to check out. You can also venture to Soldier Hallow to watch these athletes in action. Biathlon training and competitions are held throughout the season, as well as many other Nordic events.
For the more adventurous try heli-skiing. Get ready for a soaring adventure and take off in your private helicopter to find the best powder snow on backcountry terrain. This exclusive excursion is the ultimate experience!
For Snowboarding, head to Park City, as it is not permitted in Deer Valley. This ski and snowboard resort is the largest in the United States and offers more than 7,300 acres of terrain with over 300 trails ready for all levels. The Pendry Park City is a great new location with direct access to the lifts.
No matter what the activity you chose you might need a bit of relaxation when you are done. The spa at The Montage is one of the best and is a wonderful way to recover from a day out on the slopes. They also offer suites ideal for couples, bachelorette parties or a girls getaway. Day passes to the spa and classes in their top of the line fitness center are great for those rainier days.
Need a cocktail; après ski is my favorite time of day! Depending where you are skiing in Deer Valley make your way to the St. Regis or the Montage, both offer the perfect place to rest your feet and wet your palate with some bubbles as you dry off. Be sure to check out the champagne sabering ceremony at dusk, on the Mountain Terrace at The St. Regis.
If you are hungry after a day of skiing and want to feel like you are in the Alps, the Goldener Hirsch offers the best fondue and you can even learn how to make one of Bavaria's most iconic snacks: the pretzel.
Insider Tips-
Don’t let the cold fool you! The sun is strong reflecting off all the beautiful snow and sunburns and dehydration are actually more common during the wintertime. Make sure to drink plenty of water, and like this Irish girl always says, wear your sunscreen! Dressing in layers is also important as the temperature can change quickly.
What to pack
During my visit the temperatures varied drastically between -2 and 55 degrees. As I mentioned before, layers are essential. I brought a winter ski coat, as well as a vest and one pair of Gore-tex ski pants with many different base layers. As for shoes, I only packed two pairs of Sorel boots, one for hiking in the snow and the other for walking around. If you are planning on renting skis know that you will need your own goggles and gloves, while all the other equipment - boots, helmet etc. can be provided.
Park City is definitely more rustic and embraces the historic mining towns feel. Many people come right off the slopes shedding a few layers and head straight to restaurants/bars for a drink and a bite to eat, so no need to over pack and bring too much. I only brought two pairs of nicer pants and a few sweaters, which was more than enough for those upscale dinners.
Shopping
The good news is if you forget something, or like me live in an area where ski attire isn’t prevalent, there are many opportunities to fill your suitcase.
ColeSport offers everything ski. Some of my favorite brands are Fire & Ice, M Miller for more casual wear, and the Alp N Rock Henley is a must!
KÜHL & Stio on Main St. are two great options for hiking apparel and casual wear, always keeping technical performance in mind.
Gorsuch is gorgeous and I could spend hours telling you ladies about all of the beautiful things from Après Chic outerwear to Alpine home decor. Be prepared to spend quite a bit of time exploring the various themed rooms.
Burns Cowboy Shop & Overland offer a twist on the outdoor essentials. If you are looking for some new cowboy boots or a fur for those colder nights these two shops have a great selection.
New West KnifeWorks caught my attention immediately. While I recognize I have been talking about apparel, I cannot overlook this shop. Featured in Bon Appetit as "the perfect balance between power and grace." These visually striking chef knives are not only a piece of art for the kitchen, but a top quality, American made product. I promise it will be hard to choose, so I suggest the set of steak knives which offers all the color combinations.
Park City is filled with beautiful boutiques, amazing art galleries and great restaurants along historic Main St. and you should make sure to spend an afternoon strolling and shopping along this quintessential street.
Dining-
Stroll over to Sipping & Savoring through Park City and check out my reviews of; Chimayo, No Name Saloon, and Wasatch Brewery, as well as several other fun dining choices in the area.
Where to Stay-
There are so many great luxury resorts in the area. Some of my favorites include; the Montage in Deer Valley, very family friendly, but also filled with couples, the new Pendry in Park City, is more contemporary and has a bit of a younger vibe. The Goldener Hirsch brings you back to Austria and offers newly renovated rooms. The St Regis and the Waldorf Astoria are also great options, all offering suites and residences with full service kitchens. Want a bit more isolation The Lodge at Blue Sky, another Auberge Resort, is a great alternative.
Remember Park City and Deer Valley aren’t just winter destinations. You can visit 365 days a year and never get bored. Between mountain biking, incredible fly-fishing on the Provo River, hiking the many trails, horseback riding, golf, a sunrise hot air balloon ride, and whizzing along the signature Alpine Slide, Alpine Coaster and ZipRider Zipline you are bond to have an adventure wherever you go.
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