One of the first things to notice is the stunning surroundings with the tall Wasatch Mountain Range as a dramatic backdrop to Salt Lake City. These mountains with their white capped peaks have been a historic thoroughfare for many individuals seeking a better life out west.
Originally a Mormon pioneer outpost, this thriving city is now a premier destination with access for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. From humble beginnings, this gateway has evolved to a dynamic urban destination preparing for the 2034 Winter Olympics. A major feature is its growing tech scene near the hub of the city.
Venturing through the mountains, we traveled to Alta that is renowned for its pristine powder snow. On our recent visit, we were excited to ski in some great snow conditions, with a 13-inch+ snowfall the previous night. (As a skier’s haven, Alta remains one of the few resorts restricting snowboarding.)
With a diverse terrain, this mountain resort attracts skiers of all abilities with gentle slopes for beginners and intermediates, as well as challenging options for more advanced skiers.
Alta’s appeal is its high level of service and friendliness that creates a relaxing and enjoyable experience. At the ski rental shop, Manager William Travis took time to ensure that we had proper boot fitting and high quality ski equipment that would provide optimal performance.
Providing personal service is extremely important, as noted by Communications Manager Lexi Dowdall, who took time to help us navigate the different base areas. “If you are an intermediate skier, I would definitely suggest starting from the Albion base area,” she told us. “That one is further up the highway than the Wildcat base area, which you will see first when pulling up to the Albion base area.”
At the Albion Lodge, a sign is posted showing its elevation is at 8,695 ft (2,650 m), and rises to 11,068 ft (3374 m), which gave us plenty of terrain to test our skills.
Apart from the thrill of schussing down the slopes, we were impressed by the personal service that provided us with a pleasurable and exhilarating experience.
Park City’s Deer Valley Expansion Underway
In the Wasatch Mountains, Park City is an exciting resort that draws Hollywood celebrities and notable figures to its iconic destination. Locals and visitors come to this old mining town to experience the luxury and relaxation of a first class resort that’s full of high-end shops and restaurants. It also includes the top ski destinations of Deer Valley and Park City.
As we drove through mountain canyons toward Deer Valley, we felt energized by the forest surroundings and the fresh crisp air. The recent snowfall effectively settled like a white blanket that enhanced the winter colors and the contours of the Wasatch Mountains that surrounded us.
Exciting news abounds regarding the expansion plans at the resort. This includes the East Village that stretches from a new base area near the Jordanelle Reservoir up to Park Peak and beyond, connecting Bald Mountain by the new East Village Express Gondola. This massive terrain now spreads all the way to the South Peak.
In our eagerness to experience the various terrains, we were 6,570 ft (2,003 m) at the base altitude, with a vertical drop of about 3,000 ft (913 m). From this elevation, it was possible to take a chairlift ride up Silver Lake Express from the base and then board Sterling Express to mid-mountain to access Bald Mountain.
We could then summit one of the highest points by taking the East Village Gondola to the newer Park Peak. Atop this summit, we enjoyed stunning panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains, the Jordanelle Reservoir, Heber Valley, and other distant peaks.
To our delight, we experienced a variety of skiable runs, ranging from wide and classic groomers to off-piste and back country skiing. With more open space, there was also access to more lifts that enhanced our visit.
Noting this expansion, Deer Valley is fast becoming one of North America’s largest ski destinations. Largely responsible for this transformation is Todd Bennett, President and COO, who takes a hands-on approach to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
When asked about some of the most outstanding features at the resort, he described how the mindset is the same whether it’s snowmaking, food and beverage services, or customer interaction. “It’s attention to detail. It’s exceptional service. And it’s genuine care,” he claimed.
With this expansion, the skiing experience is ever-changing. It might have been another working day in the mountains, but for us, it was a defining moment of experiencing a world-class destination.
Just across from the slopes, we stopped at the Snow Park base lodge to dine at one of the mountain eateries. What’s ideal is its convenient location to the ticket booths, ski school, and ski rentals.
They’ll “valet ” your skis overnight at the base of the hill, so you don’t have to carry them all the way to and from your hotel room.
Alternatively, another place for ski rentals is at Aloha Ski & Snowboard Rentals Shop in Park City. With nine locations, we opted to be fitted for our ski equipment at the Bahnhof Sport location on lower Main Street. Manager Adrian Recinos provided excellent service in helping us choose what we needed.
A great feature, he said, is using their Elite Delivery service to bring ski equipment to a skier’s hotel or lodging. This extra service includes custom boot-fitting and local pickup and delivery.
Exploring Park City
Park City fascinates individuals who enjoy the bustling Main Street to visit the shops and dine in fashionable restaurants. Starting as a rich silver mining town, its special claim to fame is its Olympic legacy from hosting many events during the 2002 Winter Games, as well as Robert Redford’s Sundance Film Festival.
This mountain town is an ideal base to seek accommodations that offer convenience and accessibility to Deer Valley and Park City Ski Resort. The area offers both comfort and a wonderful woodland setting, as well as a perfect backdrop to many exclusive and upscale properties.
Staying in a self-contained condominium is also an option that often feels like being at home. The complimentary shuttle service in Park City is a convenient way to travel around town.
Fabulous Mountain Setting
The Wasatch Mountains retain their beauty and continue to attract the power moguls and sports elites who enjoy spending time in the open space and natural landscape. The major ski resorts boast wild and rugged land in the mountains that provide some of the best backcountry skiing spots.
The terrain creates a wonderful area for outdoor adventure that is still pristine and largely remote. This place offers plenty of opportunity to spend days out in the mountains that’s carefree and exhilarating, and no doubt a much needed respite from the mundane.
Deirdre Frost is a versatile writer who features food, wine, and adventure travel. She writes for travel trade and leisure publications, covering top destinations in North America and abroad. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, hiking, and exploring off the beaten track locations.
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