Park City Lodging is asking for your help. Park City Lodging has been supporting the Summit Land Conservancy in Park City for many years by donating to the 1% for Open Space. For every reservation that is made guests are given the opportunity to donate $1 to the Summit Land Conservancy and Park City Lodging matches every donation. We are now asking for your support to help save the Osguthorpe Round Valley Ranch. The Osguthorpe Round Valley Ranch consists of 121.5 acres of land used for alfalfa/oat farming and sheep grazing.

The Park City Council and the Summit Land Conservancy have reached an agreement with the Osguthorpe family to purchase a conservation easement on the family’s farm. The property is adjacent to 1300 acres of open space that the City already owns in Round Valley and it also connects with the open space on PC Hill and is proposed to be used for winter and summer trails. In order to do so, the Summit Land Conservancy needs your help to raise the last million dollars to finish the preservation. As of yesterday, February 2, 2012, $963,000 has been raised and Summit Land Conservancy is $87,000 short of their goal of $1,050,000. Any contribution will help! You can donate online or checks can be sent to PO Box 1775, Park City, Utah 84060. To read full details about the program or to donate online, please visit the Summit Land Conservancy website. Please help to meet this goal!

About Summit Land Conservancy

Established in 2002, the Summit Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It holds conservation easements on over 2,000 acres, and is currently working with several Summit County landowners to place another 1,700 acres under conservation easement. We are a strictly local organization, staffed and run by Summit County residents. The money we raise here stays here.

The Sundance Film Festival  may be over, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops in Park City.  This week kicks off the 2012 VISA Freestyle International World Cup Event hosted by Deer Valley Resort, as well as the 10 Year Anniversary of the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics.  There’s a ton of fun going on in and around town.  Bottom line, it’s a great time to book your trip to Park City, Utah!   Visit our Specials Page and read below about upcoming events, celebrations and fun!

Competitors from around the world will challenge each other and themselves on Deer Valley’s 2002 Olympic runs.  The festivities started last night, Feb. 1, with Robert Randolph and the Family Band on Main Street in Park City, followed by an amazing fireworks display!  Best of all, the snow was falling.  Have you seen fireworks in the snow?! Below is the full schedule for the remainder of the week/weekend.  *All events are FREE and open to the public and take place in the evening under the lights.

Thursday, February 2
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Ladies’ Mogul Qualifications
Champion
5:50 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Men’s Mogul Qualifications
Champion
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
VIP Tent Open
Competition Venue
8 p.m. – 8:55 p.m.
Men’s and Ladies’ Mogul Finals (16/16)
Champion
8:55 p.m. – 9:10 p.m.
Awards
Finish Area
9:10 p.m.
Fireworks

Friday, February 3
1:05 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Ladies’ Aerial Qualifications
White Owl
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Men’s Aerial Qualifications
White Owl
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
VIP Tent Open
Competition Venue
7:30 p.m. – 7:40 p.m.
Showcase
White Owl
7:45 p.m. – 9:25 p.m.
Men’s and Ladies’ Aerial Finals (12/12)
White Owl
9:30 p.m. – 9:40 p.m.
Awards
Finish Area
9:40 p.m.
Fireworks

Saturday, February 4
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Ladies’ Dual Mogul Qualifications Champion
4:50 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Men’s Dual Mogul Qualifications
Champion
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
VIP Tent Open
Competition Venue
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Men’s and Ladies’ Dual Mogul Finals (32/16)
Champion
9 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Awards
Finish Area
9:15 p.m.
Fireworks

But that’s not all… this week also kicks off the Salt Lake 2002 10 Year Olympics Anniversary! Here is what’s happening:

The Relighting the Flame ceremony starts the evening of Feb. 8 at Cauldron Park, Rice-Eccles Stadium.  This ceremonial relighting of the 2002 cauldron will remain lit for public viewing through Feb. 11.

Come join the Community Celebration at the Utah Olympic Park, Feb. 9 from 5-6 pm.  *Admission is FREE and open to the public!  And you have the opportunity to meet Olympic and Paralympic athletes who have special ties to the Park City and Summit County community.  Come join the grand opening of the Silver Bean Café at the Utah Olympic Park as well.

10-Year Anniversary Olympic Sport Festival. On Saturday, Feb. 18, from 10 am-5 pm, an outdoor sport festival will be held in the streets of The Gateway shopping center in downtown Salt Lake City. During the street festival, participants will have an opportunity to meet winter Olympic athletes, participate in interactive winter sport demonstrations and view commemorative exhibits about the 2002 Winter Games.

The festival will also serve as an official stop for the United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) “Road to London” Tour – a family-friendly, interactive experience that offers fans a chance to learn about the Olympic Movement, participate in simulated events and meet athletes. The 2012 Road to London Tour, sponsored by Hilton HHonors, Samsung and TD Ameritrade, will make a total of four stops before culminating in Chicago in July.  Click here to view full information.

A Tribute to Salt Lake 2002 with Stars on Ice. Come pay tribute to the success of the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games on Feb. 18, from 7-9 pm at the Energy Solutions Arena.  This special event features skating performances and memorable highlights from Salt Lake 2002.  Tickets starting at $20. Click here for more information and to book your tickets now.

But it doesn’t stop there… join the community of Kearns “Welcome the World” Parade on Feb. 17, from 6-9 pm at the Utah Olympic Oval.  Re-live the Winter Olympics with a live Parade of Nations, a Children of Light figure skating performance, sport exhibitions, a torch re-lighting with past and present Speedskating athletes, autographs and photos with athletes, and 2002 Olympic memorabilia. *Admission is FREE and open to the public.  Click here for more information.

With all the FUN and all the SNOW heading our way, it’s a great time to be in Park City!  Book your family/friends vacation today with Park City Lodging, Inc!

PARK CITY, UTAH – In the spirit of giving, Park City Lodging, Inc. and its Homeowners chose to give back this holiday season in lieu of their annual owner Christmas gifts by donating to two local non-profit organizations, the Peace House and Recycle Utah.

“Park City Lodging, Inc. recognizes the effort and commitment of our local non-profits and we wanted to show our appreciation, gratitude and support,” said Rhonda Sideris, president of Park City Lodging, Inc.  “I feel blessed to have a staff and clientele who is not only willing, but who is active in showing their support.”

Founded in 1995, the Peace House is a charitable organization dedicated to ending family violence and abuse through education, outreach, support services and shelter.  Recycle Utah was established in 1991, and is Park City’s only non-profit community drop-off recycling center providing resource re-allocation for more than 50 different items and a variety of conservation and educational programs for Summit and Wasatch counties.

“Giving back to the community is a core part of our business,” said Sideris.  “We hope that our contribution will allow these two organizations to continue to make a difference in our surrounding communities.”

About Park City Lodging, Inc.

Park City Lodging, Inc. manages a wide array of nightly rental condominiums and private homes throughout the area. Our guests can expect the same great value, selection and exceptional customer service they have depended on since 1984. We offer lodging options for all budgets and preferences with competitive rates and a friendly staff that will assist you with all your vacation details. Choose from locations at Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain Resort, Canyons and Main Street near Town Lift.

Thanks to Rossignol, Park City Lodging is happy to announce our Winter Ski and Snowboard Giveaway!!!

What: Enter to WIN a FREE pair of 2012 Rossignol Skis or Snowboard!

Skis: 2012 Women’s Temptation 82 Skis

• Size: 160
  

  Rossignol Ski and Snowboard Giveaway

• Type: All Mountain Rocker
• Bindings included

Snowboard: 2012 Men’s Angus Amptek Snowboard

• Size: 157
• Type: All Mountain Freestyle
• Bindings NOT included

How to Enter: Simply “Like Us” on Facebook, fill out the quick survey and you’ll automatically be entered to win! And if you’re already a Park City Lodging Facebook fan (we thank you, by the way), no worries because you can still fill out the form and enter to win! Click here to enter.

Other Facts: Park City Lodging will select 2 random winners February 18th, 2011.  One female will win the Temptation 82 Skis and one male will win the Angus Amptek Snowboard. For more information please be sure to read our Terms and Conditions.

To get the low-down on the Women’s Temptation 82, please click here.  For the Men’s Angus Amptek, click here.

The snow is coming, ladies and gentleman, boys and girls! So be sure to enter today for your chance to win this awesome setup!!

Well, another year has come and gone, and with that is another group of international tour operators that come to visit Park City.  Why are they here?  It is our goal to inform the operators about Park City; to go on site tours of the numerous lodging options that are available to potential tourists; to ski the resorts and get to know the mountains; and to explore Old Town and the surrounding areas. Ultimately, we want the operators to love Park City just as much as we do so they recommend Park City as a vacation destination to their international clientele.

Park City Lodging, Inc. had the wonderful opportunity to play ‘host’ to the International FAM during their stay in Park City, which took place Dec. 6 through Dec. 11.  Representatives from various companies in Germany, Australia, Russia, Mexico, Canada and Brazil attended this years’ International FAM.  Needless to say, we had a wonderful time getting to know the operators during their week in Park City and we were able to attend some of the events at Jupiter Bowl, Deer Valley, Main Street, Empire Lodge at Deer Valley and the Utah Olympic Park.  Below is a photo of everyone during the Fireside Dinner at Empire Canyon Lodge.  Which, if you haven’t had the chance to experience, I highly recommend! Click here read about it and to view the menu.

On behalf of Park City Lodging, we would like to send a special thanks to the Park City Chamber Bureau, who put on a wonderful event this year; as well as the international tour operators who became our friends; and the numerous representatives from Deer Valley, Canyons, Park City Mountain Resort and the other lodging reps in and around Park City who did a wonderful job hosting the event as well.

Thanks so much!  And we can’t wait till next year!

Sincerely,

Park City Lodging, Inc.

Ski Six Utah Resorts in One Day!

Experience Utah’s Wasatch backcountry by inter-connecting six resorts in one day. Ever wonder what the skiing is like on the other side of the rope? The Ski Utah Interconnect Adventure Tour offers a safe, exciting and unique way to experience the Wasatch mountain backcountry via routes in and out of up to six different ski resorts. Seasoned guides lead the way to fabulous off-piste turns, incredible views and a day not soon forgotten for advanced to expert skiers.

Tours depart daily from Deer Valley Resort or Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort, and are led through Park City Mountain Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort and Alta Ski Area.  Reservations essential.

Tour cost is US$295 pp (subject to change) and includes guide service, lunch, lift access, transportation back to point of origin and a finisher’s pin.

Participants must be 16 years or older. Participants between ages 16 and 18 must be acompanied by a parent or legal guardian. This tour is not designed for the timid. The trip requires some walking, traversing, and the ability to ski in diverse snow conditions. Tour operates from mid-December through mid-April, conditions and weather permitting.

For more information contact the specialists at Ski Traveller.

DV Rankings 2010-2011

Mom & Grandma’s Visit to Park City!

The Kimball Art Center and Canyons announced this week a unique fundraiser to get local artists’ creative juices and winter inspiration flowing.

“Chairity Lift” is a benefit for the Kimball and other nonprofit organizations. The project provides opportunities for professional artists and corporations to create one-of-a-kind pieces of art on actual chairlift seats donated by Canyons Resort.

Canyons recently deconstructed a 42-year-old, two-seater chairlift, the Golden Eagle, in order to make room for a new lift. Instead of letting the original chairs go to waste, the resort decided to donate some of them to the Kimball.

The Kimball will select 20 professional artists as well as 20 companies to create pieces of artwork using the chairs as canvases.

Companies will be given precedence based on past support of the Kimball. Companies that have confirmed participation include KSL, which is the presenting sponsor for the project; Canyons Resort; Backcountry.com; Coca-Cola; Ski Utah; Travelocity; eBay and The Waldorf Astoria.

The Kimball is currently accepting design proposals from artists of all ages. All proposals must be submitted to the Kimball’s executive director, Robin Marrouche, by Oct. 14.

Proposals may be dropped off in person at the Kimball, 638 Park Ave.; emailed to director@kimballartcenter.org; or mailed to P.O. Box 1478, Park City, UT 84060. Proposals should include the artist’s contact information, a brief description of the design concept including incorporated materials, and a detailed rendering of the artist’s designed chair.

Design proposals will be reviewed by members of the Kimball staff and board and selected artists will be notified by Oct. 15. The Kimball will provide the chair and artists will be responsible for the cost of their supplies. Artists will have until Thanksgiving to create their masterpieces.

The project features community elements similar to Park City’s successful “Moose on the Loose” and “Dogs of Bark City” campaigns.

As the chairs are completed, they will be displayed throughout Park City and Salt Lake City at locations determined by the Kimball. Companies may exhibit their chairs at their places of business to show their participation and support.

All of the chairs will be auctioned off at an event at Canyons’ Grand Summit Hotel on Dec. 17. Those who cannot attend the event will have to opportunity to bid on chairs via eBay.

Participating companies are encouraged to include products, services or gift certificates as a package deal with their chairs to up the ante at the auction.

Artists will receive 25 percent of the proceeds from their pieces and companies will designate 25 percent of the proceeds from their chairs to a nonprofit charity of their choice. Remaining proceeds will benefit education programs, year-round free exhibitions and events at the Kimball.

“We want dozens of nonprofits to benefit from this creative competition, hence the name,” says Marrouche. “Thanks to the Canyons’ support, we can all get a lift in spirits around the holidays. Plus, it will be highly entertaining to see who is gets more creative the companies or the professional artists.”

For more information about “Chairity Lift,” contact Marrouche at 649-8882 or director@kimballartcenter.org .

Snow Dusts Utah Ski Slopes

Winter Festivities Abound in Park City During the 2011 Ski Season

Park City Mountain Resort to host Thriller Snow Dance

Serving meals fit for Royals.

Now at Park City Mountain Resort!

This spectacular evening begins with a 25-minute snowcat-pulled sleigh ride up Park City Mountain Resort’s ski runs. The valley lights below and the stars above provide stunning views as you ascent 1,000 vertical feet. Enjoy a totally unique winter experience as the sleigh delivers you directly to the yurt snuggled in a pristine nighttime winter wonderland. Inside the yurt you are greeted with hot, spice glogg served in a pewter mug followed by a five-course elegant dinner complimented with live music from a baby grand. This is an experience unmatched anywhere in the world.

Agenda:

Time – 6:00 pm to 10-10:30 pm

Dress – For nighttime/winter conditions. Warm, cozy blankets with wind and water-proof backing provide warmth and comfort on even the chilliest nights. It is warm and luxurious inside the yurt so layers are best.

Reservations are required: Call 435-615-YURT (9878) or visit www.vikingyurt.com.

45 Day Countdown!

Halloween on Main

Thriller Snow Dance 2010

Starting Monday April 11th, Canyons Resort is reducing their ticket prices!!  $65 for adults, $40 for 7-12 year olds and 65+.  Snow conditions are EXCELLENT!!!!  So don’t you dare put those skis away!

The annual Wasatch Back Student Art Show displays work by K-12 students in Summit and Wasatch county schools from April 16 – May 22, 2011.

For more information, please check out their website:

What’s Going On at Kimball Art Center

A close friend of ours shared his funny and entertaining story of driving cross country.  Enjoy….!

Hello Friends,

Well you would think that driving from Iowa to Indiana would be what you all imagined – flat and boring. Well it is definitely flat but today was anything but boring. It started out that way, but boy did it change. This is kind of a long story so get a drink and settle in. I was driving along I-80 in Iowa, hearing from lots of you so I wouldn’t be bored. Had the car set on cruise control at 76mph (the speed limit in Iowa is 70) and all of a sudden I pass a state cop. I tap my brakes not really worried since I wasn’t really over the speed limit when the cop pulls up along side of me. No lights flashing, just driving right next to me. For at least 2 miles. I start looking at him and he looks at me, giving no real sign to pull over but  finally he pulls me over.

He comes to the passenger window and asks me how fast I was going. Questions whether I am telling him the truth. Proceeds to ask me where I was coming from. When I tell him I dropped of my wife in Denver because her mother was sick, asks me all these questions about that. The conversation comes to where I had been all winter and I tell him Park City. He wants to know how and why I was there. How I could afford it. I explained losing my job at another ski resort and wanting to see the west. He wanted to know what I did there and so on. Wanted to know if we were in PC for 2 months where are my bags and skis. I explained that we shipped a lot of stuff. He didn’t like that. Then he asked why I didn’t have any bags in the back seat of the truck. By this time I was getting a little aggravated so I asked if he had noticed the dog in the back seat. Then I explained things were in the truck bed. He wanted to see them. I opened it up and he started questioning the bags. I asked if he wanted to look in them. In the end he said no. Finally gave me a warning for speeding which I really wasn’t. He then explained that there has been a lot of drugs being run from West to East. I guess he must have thought traveling with a cat and dog was a cover.

But guess what? The story doesn’t end there. I continue driving and get through Illinois and am now in Indiana. Cruise control on now at like 69 because their speed limit is 65. Driving along talking to Rob Batchelder, actually telling him the earlier story and I drive by 3 staties sitting in the middle of the highway. I see them and hit the brakes, as anyone would do, but I wasn’t speeding. Out pulls ALL 3 cars after me with lights going. I pull over. One cop comes to the passenger window. When I put it down Stormy pops up and gives him a big hiss ( she is touugher than Spenser). ! So he says – let me come to your window.  He comes over ( the other troopers are standing behind the truck) and asks me why I was stopped. I said I don’t know. He says I swerved when I stepped on the brakes. I said Isn’t it a natural reaction to seeing a police officer? He asks me to get out of the car and to get into his police car. We go over and he tells me to get into the front seat and another statie gets into the back seat. He starts asking me all the same questions as the Iowa cop. By now I know something is up on the highway. Asks about my trip and my life and my mother-in-law and then why we were in Park City for so long and where are my bags and so forth. This time I show him the bags and tell him to search the bags. At first he says no, then I tell him again to do it and he does.

Meanwhile I am standing watching him going through our bags in my new t-shirt from Snow Basin. Suddenly I hear the 2 other cops behind me talking and one say – I can’t stand it any longer I have to take it off and he rips something off my back. It is the x-large sticker running down my back. They are laughing, I am laughing and I mention that I have been in at least three public places in this shirt already today. One cop says my wife always takes care of that. Anyway it breaks the ice. Also the guy didn’t find anything in the bags of course. They let me go with a warning for swerving. They did admit that lots of drugs have been going west to east in cars. There must be something out about black trucks or something.

Well it took me off my allotted time by over an hour. Then I didn’t realize it but I got on eastern time in Indiana so I lost another hour due to that. But at least I didn’t get any tickets!!! Also the town Beth picked for me tonight is much bigger than last night and I am in a Holiday Inn which has no bugs to wonder about tonight!!!

One more night before I get to Rhode Island.

Keep on trucking…

Tom

The song, “America the Beautiful”, was named after the town of Park City, Utah. Ok, so that is not the truth, but once you visit here you will be convinced that statement is true. Summer in Park City is an exceptional time, and the 4^th of July is the epitome of Patriotic small town celebrations. If you only believe that Park City is a ski town, make your reservations now for a summer time trip that will enrapture and captivate you.

This year the 4^th of July falls on a Monday, providing you with the perfect long weekend. Get in touch with Park City Lodging for premium comfort during your stay and prepare yourself for a weekend you will make a tradition for years to come. After a day of acclimatization and strolling around Main Street, the festivities kick off on July 3^rd with a fanfare of fireworks at Canyons (aka The Canyons Ski Resort).  Unearth your inner Saturday Night Fever as the Disco Drippers rock the night away 1970’s style. The Disco Drippers have become a staple of the Patriotic celebrations and are sure to get your party pants up, zipped, and ready to roll for the next 30 hours.

Rise-and-shine early on the 4^th and you can get a quick jog in with the annual Park City 4^th of July 5K. Not only is it wonderful to run off any excessive sips that may have taken place the night before, but it is always amusing to see the costumes of the hundreds of people that enter. After your morning run, you will be ravenous.  Satisfy your hunger by continuing your run down to the City Park for a pancake breakfast open to everyone. After filling on flapjacks you can head up to Main Street, grab a cup of Joe from the Main Street Deli, and pick your spot to watch a parade you thought you could only see in the movies. The fire trucks blare their sirens while children do their best Miss America wave, and the high school marching band prances to the tunes of America. The horses’ hooves clatter with the excitement and patriotism of this day palpable on the faces of all who are present.

As you follow the end of the parade to the Park City Park for a day of rugby, sunshine (usually, the occasional snow storm has been known to peek its head in every five years or so), and a couple libations, you may want to consider a quick cat nap for your day has only just begun. As the sun begins to fade away behind “purple mountains”, head to the Park City Municipal Golf Course with sparklers and blankets in hand, and stake out your place on one of the fairways for fireworks display #2, provided by the Park City Mountain Resort. Bring out a radio and tune it to KRPC radio for the show as they play all the songs your patriotic heart has probably been singing all day.

As you head back to your Park City Lodging accommodations, walk slowly and enjoy the small town atmosphere. Children running around with sparklers, roman candles and small fireworks all illuminate the night sky just enough to see the American flag, gently waving proudly in the evening breeze. A smile will come across your face and you will know that this is the Fourth of July you will always have for years to come.

Be sure to check out the Park City Film Festival May 20 – 30th!  This festival focuses on the music and composers behind the film.

Park City Film & Music Festival

Park City Mountain Resort will start their summer season tomorrow, Friday May 27th.  Some new features will be added to the resort, including a new, 2 person zip line that will open sometime later this summer.  Another new feature is the Adventure Zone for kids. For more information, visit www.parkcitymountain.com

Congratulations Park City for making our 2010-2011 ski season the second best one EVER!!!!

Second best season ever

Congratulations to Park City Mountain Resort for winning the Golden Eagle Award!  This award is given for the “large resort” category who has had 500,000 or more visits.  PCMR reduced their carbon footprint by 54.8% this year, which is equivalent to taking 7,112 cars OFF the road.  Stay Green, Park City!

Danielle Summers is from Grand Haven, Michigan and has resided in Park City for over a year. Summers, has a BA in Public Relations from the College of Communication, Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University. This past winter season she worked at Deer Valley Resort’s Silver Baron Lodge as a concierge for owners and guests. She enjoys skiing, playing softball, hiking and camping.

She has joined Connie Williams in Owner Relations.  We welcome her to the Park City Lodging family!

Park City, UT – The Mountain tops may not be snow capped, white angels may not be falling from the sky, but summer in Park City is something that must be experienced. Ski runs have been over-taken by wildflowers and icicles are replaced by budding greens. Summers in Park City are like nothing that you have experienced.

Aside from miles of unbeatable, lift served hiking and biking trails, Park City’s three resorts have something for all ages.  Park City Mountain Resort has mini golf, an alpine slide, a zip line, alpine coaster, and other mini fair rides. Enjoy Frisbee golf and free concerts at Canyons Resort or have a romantic  champagne toast against a backdrop of beautiful mountain vistas at Deer Valley’s  outdoor amphitheater.

On Wednesday’s, head to the bottom of the cabriolet at Canyons for the Park City Farmers Market where you will find fresh local produce, music and trinkets. Live music and samplings are common, and there is always something crazy to see or buy. It’s all local and all amazing. On Sunday, take a stroll on Main Street for a fanfare of fun at the Park Silly Sunday Market. All volunteers and workers are dressed up like it’s the mad hatter’s merry un-birthday, and make sure you stop at Sammy’s for his famous bacon wrapped shrimp.

Park City is a music town at heart…so get your dancing shoes on.   Music can be found at the Silver Star, Redstone, Canyons and Deer Valley, and if you can’t get enough there, Main Street is always showing off their local music maniacs.

With days rarely short of a deep blue sky, a breezy 80 degree average temperature and a breathtaking awareness of mountain serenity… boredom is not an option.

Canyons, Deer Valley, and Park City Mountain Resort are making big changes for the upcoming ski season, expanding their offerings to guests as well as locals.  Here just a few of the changes taking place:

1. The 3 Kings Chair at Park City Mountain Resort is being converted from a double-chair to a fixed triple-chair.

2. A new superpipe that will open earlier in the season is under construction at the base of the resort.

3. Expanding the summer lift-served mountain biking trail system to include the Ruby Express chairlift from the Empire Canyon Lodge area at Deer Valley Mountain Resort.

For more information, check out Park Record, Resorts expanding operations

Park City Mountain Resort: November 19, 2011 (conditions permitting)

Canyons Resort: November 25, 2011 (conditions permitting)

Deer Valley Resort: December 3, 2011 (conditions permitting)

Get those skis/snowboards out and wipe off that dust!  Opening day is just around the corner!

Park City Brings Home the Gold!

PARK CITY – The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) announced Monday, Nov. 7, that it has designated Park City, Utah as the first Gold Ride Center®.  In doing so, Park City will become the model for IMBA Ride Center Programs.

According to IMBA’s website, The Ride Center® designation represents IMBA’s Model Trail recognition for large-scale mountain bike facilities that offer something for every rider.  The IMBA staff selects candidates for Ride Centers recognition on an invitation-only basis.  As of October, 2011, seven Ride Centers have undergone IMBA’s evaluation process and Park City was selected as the first and only Gold-Level riding center.

“We’re awarding our highest designation to this amazing mountain bike destination.  No location better exemplifies the Ride Center ideal of offering great options for any level of rider and any style of riding,” said IMBA Regional Director Ryan Schutz.

According to Rich Cook, IMBA’s Director of Development, Park City became a Gold-level Ride Center because of its commitment to master planning.  “The sheer number of miles of trails is fantastic – there are more than 400! – but what’s really important is that they function as a cohesive network, with signage and trail connections that create an enormously rich mountain bike experience,” Cook said.

Mountain Trails Foundation, Park City’s local trails advocate non-profit organization, worked with IMBA to make sure Park City met all the requirements of the Ride Center Program.

“This has been in the works for a couple years, and like most things in Park City, it was a group effort,” explained Charlie Sturgis, Executive Director of Mountain Trails Foundation.  “After two years of leg work, we were able to fill in the criteria sheets requested from IMBA.  We’ve been told we received 96 out of a possible 100 points, and while there are other Ride Centers, we’re the first venue to be rated high enough to be Gold Level.  This level of achievement couldn’t happen without tremendous contributions from Park City, Snyderville Basin Recreation District, and lots of others.”

One of the benefits of being designated as a Ride Center by IMBA is that mountain bikers looking for the best locations in the world for biking adventures will be able to see Park City’s Gold Level status right on IMBA’s website.  They will also be able to book biking vacations in Park City on the site, making IMBA’s Gold Ride Center designation meaningful for local businesses.

Rhonda Sideris, president of Park City Lodging, Inc., noted the potential for increased summer visitors and increased business for lodging companies in the area.  “I see no reason why we shouldn’t pursue lift and lodging packages in the summer just like we already have in the winter,” explained Sideris.  “It turns out that overall mountain bikers have a much higher demographic profile than our typical summer visitor, and in fact rival the demographic of most of our winter visitors.  The IMBA designation gives us bragging rights similar to our ski resorts’ winter rankings.  We’re the only Gold level Ride Center in the world so far, and it seems we should get a jump on the competition as a mountain biking travel destination.”

In making the announcement on the IMBA website, Mark Eller, director of communications for IMBA commented, “At the heart of it all, the Mountain Trails Foundation pulls mountain bikers into a true mountain bike community and keeps them energized with new trail projects, and by enlisting the support of the resorts and other local businesses. It all works together at Park City, and that’s what’s pushed them to being the gold standard.”

For more information you can visit http://www.imba.com/ or http://mountaintrails.org/

About Park City Lodging, Inc.

Park City Lodging, Inc. manages a wide array of nightly rental condominiums and private homes throughout the area. Our guests can expect the same great value, selection and exceptional customer service they have depended on since 1984. We offer lodging options for all budgets and preferences with competitive rates and a friendly staff that will assist you with all your vacation details. Choose from locations at Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain Resort, Canyons and Main Street near Town Lift.

About Mountain Trails Foundation

Mountain Trails Foundation is a non-profit organization that is Park City’s trails advocate.  We are dedicated to promoting and maintaining local trails for non-motorized, recreational use. In addition, we hold a series of yearly events including trail running, mountain biking and x-country skiing as well as volunteer trail care days. The long-term goal of the Mountain Trails Foundation is to provide the greater Park City community and its visitors with diverse recreational opportunities utilizing our seamless, year round trail system.

About International Mountain Biking Association

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit educational association whose mission is to create, enhance and preserve great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide. Since 1988, I MBA has been bringing out the best in mountain biking by encouraging low-impact riding, volunteer trailwork participation, cooperation among different trail user groups, grassroots advocacy and innovative trail management solutions.

Park City Lodging, Inc. Supports Community-wide Day of Giving

PARK CITY – Park City Lodging, Inc. showed its support today by donating to seven local non-profit organizations for the first annual Live PC Give PC Day fundraiser – an unprecedented 24 hours of giving presented by The Park City Foundation, Utah’s first community foundation that serves donors and non-profit organizations throughout Summit County.

“Giving back to our community is one of the most important things we can do as a local business in Park City,” said Rhonda Sideris, president of Park City Lodging, Inc.  “It’s our local non-profits that bring so much life, opportunity and activity to our town and it’s our responsibility as residents to show our support.”

Of the 80 organizations participating in the Live PC Give PC fundraiser, Park City Lodging, Inc. supported an array of causes and chose to donate to the following:  Summit Land Conservancy; Supporting our Veterans/Healing Our Heroes, a project of the National Ability Center; Peace House; Women’s Ski Jumping; Utah Avalanche Center; Summit Community Gardens; and Park City Conservation Association, dba Recycle Utah.

“One thing that makes Park City so special is the number of non-profits in our community who truly strive – and do – make a difference,” said Jaci Buckingham, Sales and Marketing Manager at Park City Lodging, Inc.  “Without our non-profits we wouldn’t have the many things that make Park City, Park City, such as our numerous and ever-growing biking and hiking trails, free concerts in the summer, our farmers markets and support for community arts programs.”

Live PC Give PC Day will function as a 24-hour fundraising competition between the non-profits. Every donation made gives an organization the chance to win matching grants and prizes.  The Park City Foundation is also awarding grants to the three organizations with the most unique donors, as well as randomly choosing donors to add $500 to their donation.  For a complete list of participating organizations and to donate, please visit http://livepcgivepc.razoo.com.

“It’s events like these that continue to bring together Summit County and strengthen the Park City community,” Sideris said.  “Watching the community come together to support our non-profits and work toward a common goal makes me proud as a Summit County resident and a Park City business owner.”

Park City Mountain Resort announced Friday, Dec. 2, that Town Lift’s opening would be delayed due to a broken part that is not readily available anywhere in the world.  That news is now old news, and we’re happy to announce that Town Lift is now open for business!

According to the Park City Mountain Resort blog, Dodd Lawton’s (Lift Maintenance Supervisor) spent three days placing phone calls around the world and found the ONLY part in the world to fix the Town Lift.  Way to go, Dodd, and thanks for your hard work and dedication!  In addition to Town Lift, Silverlode and Crescent lifts are now open, with service to Claim Jumper and Quarter Load.  The Snow Hut restaurant is now open as well.

So it’s official… Park City’s three world-class resorts are now all OPEN for the 2011-2012 season!  Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort and Canyons Resort are waiting for you.  And if you’re planning a visit, be sure to book with Park City Lodging.  We have been creating memorable mountain vacations since 1984.  For more information, check out our specials page.

Remember what Dr. Seuss said… “Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way!”

We hope to see you on the mountain…

Congratulations Park City!  TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site*, today announced America’s top winter vacation rental getaway destinations for 2011, and Park City ranked #6 out of 10.  According to TripAdvisor’s website, this ranking is based on TripAdvisor vacation rental inquiry data for the winter months. Park City even ranked higher than Vail, Colorado and Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  See below for the complete list:

Top 10 Winter Ski Vacation Rental Destinations in the U.S.

1. Breckenridge, Colorado

2. Gatlinburg Area, Tennessee

3. South Lake Tahoe, California

4. Big Bear Lake, California

5. Mammoth Lakes, California

6. Park City, Utah

7. Vail, Colorado

8. Steamboat Springs,  Colorado

9. Stowe, Vermont

10. Keystone, Colorado

To read the full press release, click here.

So, if you’re still trying to decide where to travel this winter, why not choose Park City, which is located only 30 mi. from Salt Lake International Airport.  Plus, you have the option to ski at three world-class resorts, all within 10 minutes of each other – Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort and Canyons Resort.  And don’t forget about the Utah Olympic Park and historic Main Street, which is lined with restaurants, bars, shops, galleries and more!

Bottom line – there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy in Park City.  Contact Park City Lodging, Inc. today and talk to one of our reservation specialists about current specials when booking your lodging.