Tag Archives: Winter

Park City Utah Winter Activities

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As with many ski towns, Park City was originally established as a mining town. In the 1860’s, flocks of people moved here to pursue riches in silver mining. At this time the streets were lined with saloons and featured a very popular red-light district. In the 1930’s mineral prices fell due to the depression, and the town felt the effect. Business collapsed and the population dwindled. Over time things got better and in 1963 Park City Consolidated Mines built the first chairlift on what was then known as Treasure Mountain. At this time, $ 3.50 would get you a weekend pass to go skiing and sledding. Times have changed a bit since then, but the skiing is still world-class, and the town offers many cultural events and festivals.

Now that you have a little history of the town, let’s take a look at what there is to do during the winter months. Skiing and snowboarding is by far the most popular, but there are many other winter activities to be enjoyed.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Park City offers three distinct choices for your skiing or snowboarding vacation. Deer Valley Ski Resort offers 1,750 acres of skiable terrain with a vertical drop of 3,000 feet. On average Deer Valley receives about 300 inches of snow per year. It features 19 lifts, and 88 trails with the longest trail traveling 10,560 feet. This resort was rated #1 by Ski Magazine in 2001 and 2005. Although the terrain is great and the runs are endless, Deer Valley does not allow snowboarders. Skiers of all types can enjoy this wonderful mountain resort. The resort opened in 1981, and ever since then, it prides itself on providing high quality service both on and off the mountain.

The next resort on the list happens to be the largest ski and snowboard resort in Utah. The Canyons Resort features 3,700 amazing acres of skiable terrain, with 200 + acres opening for the 2006/2007 season. This skiers and snowboarders paradise features 17 lifts and 152 trails with the longest run being 13,200 feet. The resort also features 2 terrain parks and 6 half pipes. This ultimate winter playground also features a ski and snowboard school that can help the beginner, or the most experienced expert.

The last resort on our list was home to the 2002 winter Olympics. Park City Mountain Resort offers 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, and is consistently ranked in the top 10 North American resorts because of its varied terrain, ease of getting there, terrain parks and family programs. Park City Resort offers 15 lifts and 104 trails, with the longest trail traveling 18,480 feet. Park City offers 1 superpipe and multiple terrain parks for those that are looking to test their skills. Park City, offers something for everyone with fabulous skiing, snowboarding and many other winter activities.

Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing

Snowshoeing can be a great family activity. This is a great way to spend time together, get some exercise and to take in the fabulous views of the Rocky Mountains. Park City offers hundreds of trails to choose from, including beginner all the way through advanced. For more information visit Park City snowshoeing [http://www.parkcityinfo.com/events/fallwinter/snowshoeing.asp].

Cross country skiing can be a very rewarding activity. It can be both demanding and rewarding. Park City offers miles of groomed trails, or you can take a custom tour to view the Rocky Mountain sky line! For more information visit [http://www.parkcityinfo.com/skiing/crosscountry/]

If you don’t have your own equipment, there is no need to worry. There are many places where you are able to rent the neccesaary equipment. Many of the resorts offer equipment rentals, or you can visit any of the many shops in town to get set up for your next adventure.

Snowmobiling

For the fastest way to cover a lot of terrain and view the Rocky Mountains, try a snowmobile tour. There are many companies in Park City that offer everything from the basic tour, to the most intense excursion. Many of the companies will arrange pick up or transportation from where you are staying. Snowmobiling can be a great group activity. Take the whole family, or plan a business outing to bring your team together. For more information visit Park City snowmobiling – [http://www.parkcityinfo.com/events/fallwinter/snowmobiling.asp]

Sundance Film Festival

If you plan to be in the Park City area in January, the Sundance Film Festival is not to be missed. It takes place January 19-29. The Sundance Film Festival was started in 1981 by Robert Redford and provides developing artist a place to showcase new and independent work. This is a great time to come to Park City to enjoy skiing, the festival and to do a little bit of celebrity site seeing. For more information please visit [http://festival.sundance.org/2006/]

Park City Lodging Dining and Nightlife

Park City offers an abundance of lodging choices. Hotels, condos, private residence clubs and private homes are the most popular choices for travelers. Hotels can be found slope side or in the heart of the downtown area. Each hotel offers something a little bit different depending on how much you would like to spend. You will be able to find small budget hotels or very expensive high class luxury hotels. The high class hotels are well worth the money. From the moment you walk through the lobby doors, you will not have to worry about a thing. After staying at one of these types of hotels, you will never want to stay anywhere else.

Another Park City lodging choice for large groups or families would be a condo rental or a private residence club. A condo rental can be a great choice for a family. Many times condo rentals don’t offer the full services of a hotel or a private residence club but offer full kitchens and all the main ingredients to make your family trip memorable and more affordable. Private Residence Clubs are becoming the lodging choice of the future. These clubs can offer 2, 3 and four bedrooms suites in large complexes. These can be quite luxuries with a full staff including concierge, bell staff, ski valet, and sometimes twice daily maid service. A private residence club can be a great choice for a family getaway. Park City offers many choices for dining and nightlife activities when the playing is done for the day. The downtown area offers over 100 restaurants and bars to choose from.

Many of these establishments are award winning and serve some of the best dishes in the Intermountain West. Once you are done with diner, head out to a jazz club, dance club or just hang out at one of the many eclectic bars. Making the decision can be the toughest part because there is something for everyone in this town. Most restaurants and bars are very close to each other, or they are just a short free bus ride from where you are located.

Which ever activity or activities you choose to participate in while you are in Park City, you are sure not to be disappointed. We have only begun to scratch the surface with the activities listed above. The best advice is to do a little planning and research before you visit, so you can make the most of your next winter adventure to Park City.

Mike Buczek works for Blizzard Internet Marketing representing Premier Resorts. For more information on winter activities and Park City hotels please visit [http://www.DeerValleyLodging.com]

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Top 5 Attractions in New York City in Winter

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There are really two winter seasons in New York City — the holiday season and the post-holiday season.  During the holiday season (Thanksgiving to New Years) the top attractions differ from during the post-holiday season (Jan. 2-March 31).  Consequently, this list will have some alternates for the post-holiday season.

New York City is a cold and hard place, but that doesn’t detract from its beauty in the coldest, hardest season.  If you’re visiting New York between Thanksgiving and New Years, here are the top five attractions:


Rockefeller Center — There is something magical about this place.  The awe one might feel upon seeing the Sistine Chapel is very much alive in the glow of the Christmas tree.  There is no more “Christmasy” feeling to be had in the entire world.  Your every sense is indulged to its fullest with the season.  Never mind the crowds, this is a must.

The store displays along Fifth Avenue — Even during a recession, retailers in New York go all out with window displays.  You can walk along Fifth between 57th and 34th on either side of the street and see amazing creations.  Be sure to take pictures because they will be gone.  If you’re walking in a downtown direction, turn right at 34th and go a block or two to Macy’s.  If you’re walking uptown, turn right at 57th and check out Bloomingdale’s, plus a lot of beautiful shops on 57th.

Central Park — Everyone knows the ice skating rink is gorgeous, but my favorite view is from Strawberry Fields.  It’s wide open and nothing compares if there is snow.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art — If the weather is really crummy, spend an entire day here.  There are a lot of museums in New York, but this one has it all — from modern art all the way back to ancient Egypt. 

Greenwich Village and Soho — It may seem kind of cliche, but this is a great place to poke around in winter.  You can always duck into a little cafe for a coffee or libation, and there are a lot of pretty little shops to check out. 

There are about a thousand other attractions that are wonderful in the winter, but those five should keep you busy for a while.  If you’re visiting between January and March, replace the first two items on the list with:


The Theatre District — Again, if the weather is rough, you can kill a lot of time seeing incredible productions.

The Breakers — Head way uptown on a snowy day.  This place is absolutely beautiful.

Have a wonderful trip!

By the way, I know where to get a great walking tour of NYC.

And here are some NYC book recommendations so that you can be prepared.

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Utah – Your Dream Winter Destination

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Blessed with arid deserts with sand dunes to dense pine forests in deep valleys, the state is a dream destination for every discerning traveler.

If you are a nature lover you will simply love to stay at the unspoiled town of St George, where you can take a stroll along the meandering roads overlooking deep lush green valley. Visit the well landscaped parks such as the famed Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks that offer all kind of activities from fishing, golfing and hiking to biking, rafting, canoeing, and surfing. For avid skiers, Park City is the perfect destination, which is home to numerous fantastic skiing resorts including Park City Mountain Resort and the Canyons Ski Resort.

You can also explore the great historic like Monument valley, and Bingham Canyon Copper Mine, and Temple Square. Visit the beautiful Salt Lake City, which houses several museums showcasing an incredible collection of rare artifacts, documents, art, photographs, clothing, and furniture dating back to many centuries. You can also visit the charming cities of Solitude, Eden, and Sandy City. For art lovers, Utah hosts an array of events and festivals which exhibit the rich and vibrant culture of the state and feature stunning live dance and music performances.

For those who can’t do without shopping, every city and town of Utah state has something special to offer. From branded designer stores, swanky outlets, and chic stores to merchandise shops, quaint boutiques and vibrant street markets, options are aplenty meeting every budget and choice. For real gourmets, Utah offers an amazing selection of dining options, from roadside takeaway joints and eateries to plush restaurants. Experience the sizzling nightlife of Utah at its variety of wonderful pubs, bars and nightclubs where not only you can sip your favorite drink but also listen to some peppy music and dance your night away.

So what are you waiting for? Reserve your accommodation in one of the elegant Utah vacation rentals and experience the natural diversity and the magnificent past of Utah from the closest quarters, at your own pace.

Martin Taylor is an expert on vacation rentals solutions like Utah vacation rentals and loves to talk about vacation rental, vacation condos and other accommodations.

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Park City Utah is Great For Summer and Winter Vacations

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Park City, Utah sits in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains, a perennial favorite with vacationers from all over the world. Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort, and The Canyons, the three resorts in town, make the area a popular destination whether visitors are coming for the world famous Utah snow, or hiking and biking in the summer. Direct flights into Salt Lake City make the trip to Park City that much more tempting.

Very few ski areas can boast an afternoon on the mountain with a morning flight arrival, but with the Salt Lake airport a mere 45 minutes away from Park City, many visitors are able to take advantage of this claim. The local resorts are within 15 minutes of each other as well, which greatly increases the area to explore. The three mountains possess nearly 9,000 acres between them, which means more terrain than most could hope to venture to in one trip.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the town provides nearly limitless outdoor activities year round. The winter offers everything from cross country skiing and ice skating, to snowmobiling and sleigh rides. Summertime presents just as many options with hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing as just a few ways to enjoy nature.

The area provides plenty of other activities during the year in addition to mountain sports, however. Festivals in the summer and winter alike have put the mountain town on the map for visitors. For ten days in January, much of Hollywood descends upon Park City for the Sundance Film Festival. The summer has festivals that are not on as large of a scale, but are just as popular, such as the Kimball Arts Festival and the Park City Jazz Festival.

Visitors are drawn to Park City because of everything it has to offer, but many are unaware of the background that has made the area what it is today. In the late 1800s, mining led to a population boom, and lead, gold, and especially silver were found in large quantities. Today, the mining history can still be glimpsed throughout town; whether on Park City Mountain where the old Silver King Mine is a landmark or in Old Town with the picturesque refurbished miners’ homes.

There are all types of lodging options for visitors, including some of the miner’s homes, many of which can be rented on a nightly basis. Individually owned homes, town homes, and condos are available at nearly every price point and location throughout the area. For more traditional hotel lodging, there is a selection of chain hotels on the outskirts of town, boutique hotels right on Main Street, and everything in between.

Dining choices are abundant in Park City. Fine dining with locally influenced foods is prevalent in Deer Valley, while Main Street in Park City has a huge range of cuisine types and dining atmospheres from casual to high end. There are also yurts located at the resorts, which present diners with a low key environment, and a seclusion courtesy of the fact that they can only be accessed via snow cat.

Checking out the nightlife is a popular diversion while in town. There is a large selection of bars, pubs, and clubs lining Main Street, all a short walk from any of the restaurants. Musical and performing acts can also be found at different venues on Main Street.

Susan Mayloch is an resort destination and family vacation journalist who lives in Park City Utah. Susan recommends the following website for information on Park City Utah Vacations.

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How to Plan the Perfect Park City Winter Vacation

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If you are planning a vacation to the Park City Utah area, you may find yourself overwhelmed with options. While this ski town does have a few big name hotel chains, the majority of the lodging options are privately owned homes and condominiums. The question many vacationers ask is “Where do I even begin”?

These privately owned homes and condos are available for rent through professional management companies or directly through the homeowner. You may even make a reservation through a booking company or central reservations agency which typically takes a commission of up to 25% from the property manager or homeowner.

Savvy travelers often use the Park City Chamber and Visitors Bureau to find information on the various management companies and private owners that may potentially have rentals that fit their needs. This process requires searching through many different websites and comparing listings until a final decision is reached.

Since there are so many different rental management companies offering rentals as well as individually managed rentals available, many vacationers to the area end up making reservations through central reservations agencies simply out of frustration. While this undoubtedly saves time, you have to wonder if you are getting the best price since these booking companies have such a high commission built into the price.

I recently became aware of a website called LocalTourist.com that specializes in connecting visitors with businesses in the Park City area. Local Tourist is an informational directory similar to the Park City Chamber; however, it allows you to search individual rentals and then contact the property manager directly. You are probably going to get a better deal since they don’t take a commission like booking agencies.

The website also allows you to search restaurants, activity vendors, and do research on the three ski resorts. Local Tourist’s restaurant search is very intuitive and it even lets you search by neighborhood, so it’s easy to find a great restaurant close to where you are staying.

No longer just a ski town, Park City now features over 100 restaurants with many receiving top reviews. With so many choices and so little time you’ll want to make use of the search capability afforded by companies like Local Tourist and the Park City Chamber. The Chamber has the most complete restaurant listing as of the date of this article but Local Tourist is a close second. What it lacks in content it makes up for in search functionality and they must be adding new restaurants every day.

If you’re an avid skier, then Park City with its three world class resorts is a must visit destination. The town also offers many attractions for non-skiers such as the Sundance Film Festival, world class spas, and exceptional fine dining. Park City is also increasingly popular in the summer due to the crisp mountain air, pleasant temperature, and numerous festivals. No matter what season you choose for your vacation Park City will certainly be a memorable experience.

Barry Borenski is a Travel and Leisure columnist who currently resides in Lake Placid New York with his wife and two children. Barry recommends the website Local Tourist for vacation planning to Park City Utah.

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Travel Tip: Winter Stargazing

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Travel Tip: Winter Stargazing
In New Mexico, Astronomy Adventures will take you to dark sky sites near Santa Fe, led by a state park ranger who also happens to be an astrophotographer. Then there's National Bridges National Monument in Utah, which was the first place to be …
Read more on Peter Greenberg.com Travel News

National Park Foundation Reveals 2011 National Park Holiday Celebrations Not …
Utah – Golden Spoke National Historic SiteFrom December 28 – 30, visitors can take part in the annual Winter Steam Festival and watch one of their locomotives in action, as well as at rest in the same spot where the transcontinental railroad was …
Read more on MarketWatch (press release)

Best of Ski Utah 2011 – The Greatest Winter Ever?

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Best of Ski Utah 2011 - The Greatest Winter Ever?

The winter of 2010-11 in Utah was one of the snowiest on record. With 783 inches of the Greatest Snow on Earth® over a 202 day season, Utah skiers and snowboarders experience Utah’s 14 ski and snowboard resorts at their very best. Ride along with Ski Utah and Ride Utah as we experience all of what Utah’s mountains have to offer. Deep powder, amazing vistas, and exciting terrain all converge to make for the ultimate winter playground from the Cottonwood Canyons, Park City, Beaver Mountain, and more. Music by Salt Lake City’s own Red Bennies – “I’m Coming Home”. redbennies.net

Now Online | T Travel Winter 2011

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Now Online | T Travel Winter 2011
The winter travel edition of T sets out on a quest for adventure, starting in Utah's Canyonlands, where the model Heidi Mount takes a hike through her childhood stomping grounds. Next it's off to Ecuador for a look at how an ambitious new lodge hopes …
Read more on New York Times (blog)

Emery County is home to herd of 30 zebras
Gilbert says the zebras are "climatized" and have adapted to Utah's weather. "Sometimes we'll get up to a hundred degrees in the summer but in the winter time we'll get 20 below." The healthy herd produces offspring, Gilbert says, "We'll get between 8 …
Read more on Fox 13 Now – Salt Lake City

Thanksgiving travel to hit record level
Rounding out the list of the 10 states with the highest maximum speeding fines: Georgia and Nevada, $ 2000; Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, $ 1000; Utah, $ 750; Iowa, $ 625. But it doesn't take a mega-fine to take one's mind off the turkey and …
Read more on USA Today

Yellowstone National Park roads close to cars for winter; Snow travel to start …

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Yellowstone National Park roads close to cars for winter; Snow travel to start …
15. One park road will remain open to regular vehicle Travel during the winter. It runs from the north entrance at Gardiner, Mont. through Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and the Lamar Valley to Silver Gate and Cooke City, Mont.
Read more on The Republic

New construction could be coming to downtown Rockford
McDermitt says the Rock River Development Partnership, the Rockford Park District, and the city of Rockford are hoping to fix cracks, improve the aesthetics, as well as create a new image for this part of downtown. "Be more aesthetically pleasing with …
Read more on MyStateline.com

Transport Agency promises severe congestion on central city roads this weekend
NZ Transport Agency is advising drivers to chose alternative routes and avoid the motorway congestion through central Auckland this weekend because of intensive works to complete the Victoria Park tunnel. The NZTA plans to open two of the tunnel's …
Read more on Scoop.co.nz (press release)