Local News

Park City locals gathered together Wednesday May 9, 2012, to view “Strength in Numbers,” a mountain biking film presented by Anthill Films and to recognize local Park City community members and organizations for their help and support in making Park City the first and only International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Gold Level Ride Center® in the world.

Rhonda Sideris, Park City Lodging, Inc. President, received a custom engraved Gold Level Ride Center® Plaque for her continued support and involvement with the mountain biking community.

“It is such an honor to be recognized by my peers and the community for the efforts put forth to make Park City a premier mountain biking destination that myself and many others have supported over the years,” said Sideris. “A special thanks to my staff at Park City Lodging, Inc. Without them helping me implement the vision, it wouldn’t have happened.”

Back in the late 1980s, Park City considered banning skateboarding and biking on Main Street and consisted of only 14 miles of damaged trails. Then in the 90s, people began to open their land for recreational use and volunteers began building the trails.

Today, Park City boasts over 350 miles of trails, ranging in elevation from roughly 7,000 ft. to 10,000 ft. with a variety of terrain for any ability level or any style of riding. Each Park City Resort – Deer Valley, Park City Mountain and Canyons – offers lift-served mountain biking options as well.

Due to continued dedication and support over the last 10 years, IMBA designated Park City as the first and only Gold Ride Center® in Nov. 2011, making it the model for all 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, and Park City received a score of 98 points out of 100 over a two-year process.

In April 2012, Park City Lodging, Inc. became a Corporate Member and an official Destination Partner of IMBA, which is a non-profit educational association whose mission is to create, enhance and preserve great mountain biking experiences. As an IMBA member, Park City Lodging, Inc. joined a community of over 80,000 mountain biking enthusiasts.

“It has been a long journey and I have enjoyed watching Park City transform over the last 20 years, said Sideris. “I am excited to see where our new Gold Level Ride status will take us in the future.”

Other organizations and individuals who were recognized for their support at the event included: Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort, John O’Connell from The Colony, Canyons, Park City Municipal Corporation, Summit County, Park City Chamber Bureau, Snyderville Basin, White Pine Touring, Cole Sport, Jans, Summit Land Conservancy, Jan Wilking, Utah Open Land, members of Park City’s Mountain Trails Foundation, among several others.

Click here to view a video from the event!

Park City Lodging, Inc. partners with U.S. Bobsled & Skeleton Federation  

Park City Lodging, Inc. has partnered with the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (USBSF) as a premier sponsor for the coming 2012/13 season.  The agreement, which was finalized by both parties in March, designates Park City Lodging as the “Official Park City Lodging Partner” to the USBSF.

“What better way to show our support to the athletes than to provide accommodations to support the team who are training so hard and who are dedicated to bringing home the gold for the U.S.,” said Rhonda Sideris, Park City Lodging President.  “We are delighted to provide them with the comforts of our lodging as they train and compete in Park City.”

As the Official Park City Lodging Partner, Park City Lodging will provide housing and lodging accommodations for the USBSF members and teams during Park City, Utah events for the 2012/13 season, including the Park City World Cup taking place Nov. and Dec. of 2012.

“I was really excited when my National Team General Manager, Lenny Kasten, introduced me to the folks at Park City Lodging because I knew how valuable this kind of partnership could be,” said Darrin Steele, USBSF Chief Executive Officer.  “We are thrilled to partner with such a great Park City organization.”

Park City Lodging will receive logo placement on USBSF team jackets and premier logo placement on all National Team bobsleds for the entire 2012/2013 World Cup/World Championship Season.

“They are an established organization with great lodging partnerships in the community that will allow our athletes to stay in a comfortable residential environment while training and competing,” Steele said.  “It provides a feeling of a home away from home, which helps our athletes compete at their best.”

Park City Lodging offers accommodations in and around Park City, including Main Street, Deer Valley and Canyons.  With over 28 years of experience hosting guests for events such as the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, the Sundance Film Festival, the Park City Arts and Fidelity Jazz Festivals, the Deer Valley Music Festival and ski fanatics visiting the various mountain resorts, Park City Lodging was a natural fit for the U.S. team.

“This is such an exciting opportunity and we are honored to house the athletes and bring the spirit of the Olympic Games back to Park City,” said Sideris.   “We feel lucky to be a part of that.”

 

This has been one heck of a winter.  The lack of snow worldwide has not only caused depression among local powderhounds, but it has also caused dangerous conditions on the mountain that can lead to serious injuries if you’re not safe out there or if you don’t know the proper protocol on the mountain.  Avalanches across the globe have already claimed numerous lives this season and destroyed an entire chairlift in France.  Across The Alps there have been many wet snow avalanches and the U.S. is no exception.  According to an article by PlanetSki, “In the USA the authorities say the avalanches follow high levels of snow followed by rapidly rising temperatures.”  And this can been seen in Utah with temperatures in the 50s, sunny skies and melting snow.

A recent and tragic incident to a near and dear friend in Park City has ignited me to post and share these safety tips with you.  Several of my roommates have fallen victim to snow injuries this season including torn MCL, broken back, sprained knees and most recently, a freak accident that claimed the right foot of my good friend.  I ask that you please read these mountain safety tips to ensure you’re being safe out there this spring and to prevent any injury or loss that can happen to anyone…even experts and professionals.

Spring time is a great time to be on the mountain… warmer temperatures mean fewer layers and no more frozen hands and feet.  The sun is always shining and the skies are so blue, it’s like seeing the ocean, only above.  While skiing in the sun can be more fun, it also means the conditions are more dangerous.  The snow freezes overnight, but then melts and gets slushy during the day, which causes more terrain to be exposed that was once hidden.  Plus, the lack of early snow this past winter means terrain that normally gets covered by the white fluff is exposed more than usual; not to mention, loosening snow can lead to an avalanche.  Whether you’re planning a last minute vacation or you live in a ski town, here are some tips to keep you safe this spring when shredding the mountain*:

1. Wear a Helmet!  I know it might not be cool in your opinion and I know how much you love your beanies, but protecting your noggin and your beautiful mind is way more important than potential concussions, brain injuries and even death.  All the professionals wear one when competing and in the Olympics, so what’s not cool about it?  Not to mention that companies are now offering numerous different styles, colors and features, so you can listen to your music and color coordinate your outfit while wearing a sweet helmet to protect your head.  And then you can whip out your beanie when it’s time for the apres scene.

2. Follow the Rules.  You’re having a great time on the mountain, the sun is shining and you come upon the “Ski Area Boundary: Area Beyond NOT Patrolled,”  or “Permanently Closed,” but you decide, what the heck…  I know it’s fun to be spontaneous and I know you want to find untouched snow on the mountain.  But this season, it’s just not worth it.  Unpredictable terrain or a possible avalanche can lie ahead and that’s just not worth the risk of injury or your life.  And hey, there’s always next season for the chance of greater snow, mountain exploration and boundless backcountry.  Just be sure to wear your helmet.

3. Come Prepared.  Warmer temperatures can lead to increased chances of dehydration.  If you’re heading out to the mountain be sure to bring a small pack with all the essentials including enough water to keep you hydrated and your cell phone – make sure it’s charged too.  Thank heavens my friend had his cell phone with him to call 911.  He was thrown 20 ft. into the trees and no one could see him from the run and it was toward the end of the day, so there was less people on the mountain.  Who knows how long he could have been stuck there…  Other items to consider bringing are sunscreen – the sun is more powerful at higher altitudes and it reflects off the snow; An extra layer in case the temperature decreases rapidly and perhaps a light snack to keep your energy levels up.

4. Get your Weather Update.  I don’t care if you watch the news or use an app on your smartphone.  Just know the predicted weather forecast for the day so that you’re prepared for the best – or the worst – possible scenario.  Also view the latest avalanche report for your area before heading to the backcountry.

The bottom is line to come prepared, be knowledgeable of the day’s conditions and simply to be smart out there.  There are other safety tips to consider when heading to the mountain.  To read up those, you can click on the links below (I have provided several sites with safety information).  The point of this post, however, is to help you stay safe out there during the remainder of the 2012 Spring Season.

*The following tips are either my own personal opinion or have been borrowed from the following sources/websites.  For more information or to read further, please click on the links below:

Sports Medicine Spring Skiing

PlanetSki: Avalanche Warning for Skiers

Spring Tips from Park City Mountain Resort

Safety Tips from the National Ski Areas Association

 

On Saturday, March 10th, 2012, a close friend to many of us in Park City had an unfortunate accident at Canyons Resort that has altered his life forever. Jeffery Denney had a freak accident when he caught an edge at high speed that flung him from the cat track into the trees. His entire right side of his body was crushed from impact, which resulted in a broken shoulder, broken pelvis, two compound leg fractures and sadly, the loss of his right foot. There was not enough healthy tissue to repair the damage done, though Canyons Mountain Patrol responded quickly to the 911 call he made from his cell phone.  Jeffery is an experienced skier and has been living in Park City for almost 10 years where he has spent his days cruising the mountain he loves so dearly. Jeffery was also a competitive ski jumper, following in his father’s footsteps, and has even competed to be on the U.S. Olympic Ski Jumping Team. His love for the sport is known by all who know him personally or not. He is in great spirits about the accident and is thankful to be alive.  He is confident – and so are we – that he will be back on his skis and cruising the mountain in no time, where he will make is impact in the ski world one way or another.

 

If you are a Park City local, or if you would like more information on how you can help Jeffery and his family, please contact me directly at amber@parkcitylodging.com.  We are asking local business for items to be used at a silent auction and a checking account has been setup in Jeffery’s name for donations.  Any contribution is greatly appreciated!  And again, for more information, please contact me at amber@parkcitylodging.com.

Thank you

 

 

 

 

 

You have no excuse of saying “there’s nothing to do this weekend.”   Park City is packed with plenty of activities, events, competitions and entertainment.  In fact, spring in Park City is one of the best times to hit the slopes!  Sunny days, warmer weather and not to mention the SNOW.

That’s right, Park City has received up to 30″ of fresh powder in the last 72 hours.  It’s glorious, just glorious.  So if you’re looking for something to do this weekend check out the list of activities below.  There’s something for the whole family to enjoy!

1. Well first things first, it’s SNOWING people!  So the number 1 thing to do this weekend is to hit the slopes.  Luckily, Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort and Canyons Resort are all within 10 minutes of each other in Park City.  And if you’re looking for even deeper POW, you can head to Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, Alta or Snowbasin, all of which are about a 45 minute drive from Park City.  Check out the Snow Report here for more snow on the way!

2.  Head over to Park City Mountain Resort this weekend for tons of FUN!  Here’s what’s going on:

• Friday, March 2:  Friday Night Jib Fights – click here for full details
• Friday, March 2:  Sunday, March 4:  King of the Wasatch: The King of the Wasatch is a long standing tradition at Park City Mountain Resort. This event is held in partnership with the Park City Snowboard Team and marks the finals of the Intermountain Snowboard Series.  The KOW will decide the Series Champions and who will get the automatic invite to Nationals at Copper in the beginning of April.  For more information, click here.
• Friday, March 2 – Sunday, March 4:  Intermountain Freestyle Championships – this event is taking place all weekend.  For more information, click here.
• Saturday, March 3:  National Ability Ski Challenge.  The Halti Ability Snow Challenge is a fun-filled day of skiing and competition hosted at Park City Mountain Resort to benefit the National Ability Center. Grab your family, co-workers or friends, form a four-person team or sign up as an individual; Skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities are welcome! Click here for more information or to register!

Or you can head over to Canyons Resort for a fun-filled weekend as well!  This weekend, and every weekend until March 19, is the Canyons Spring Concert Series.  Every Saturday you can join family and friends at the base of Canyons for a free concert.  Here’s what’s going on:

• Saturday, March 3:  The Canis Lupus Challenge presented by Lib Tech.  Canis Lupus is a 1/4 mile-long gulley that serves up gated, banked slalom berms off the start, steep walls, whoops and break-overs the rest of the way down. Must be 10 years of age or older to enter.  For more information or to register, click here.
• Saturday, March 3:  Spring Concert Series with the Ugly Valley Boys.  End your day on the slopes with a nice cold beverage or hot chocolate and free live music at the base of Canyons.  What could be more perfect than that?
• Saturday, March 3:  Saturday Night Western BBQ.  End an unforgettable day of skiing and riding by kicking up your heels to a live country-western band while chefs present a legendary Western BBQ Buffet, including slow-cooked prime rib, BBQ ribs, chicken and a dessert buffet. Located at Red Pine Lodge, the BBQ is accessed by an evening ride on Red Pine Gondola.  This event is not free, so for full details and cost to attend, click here.

No matter what, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy!  You can head to the resorts or you can check out Main Street and other local attractions.  Here’s what else is going on in and around town this weekend:

• Friday, March 2 – Saturday, March 3:  Stand-Up Comedy at the Egyptian Theatre.  Headliner Keith Barany proudly pronounces himself a clean comic and has appeared with Bob Hope, Jerry Seinfeld, Joan Rivers, and John Stewart. He’s proof that comedians can be tasteful & hilarious without being corny. Featured Act,Brandon Vestal has appeared on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, plays regularly on XM/Siriusradio, was named “Best of the West” at the Detroit Comedy festival, and recently won the first annual Hollywood Comedy Festival. Brandon has been described as a great storyteller with insightful material. His deeply personal and honest style has made him a fast favorite on the college and comedy club circuits.Shows: Friday & Saturday, March 2-3 at 8pm Tickets: $15 Advance/$18 Door. Front-of-House Seating $18 Advance/$20 Door. Cabaret Seating $25 Advance/$30 Door.
• Friday, March 2 – Sunday, March 4:  Park City Film Series presents My Week with Marilyn with actress Michelle Williams.  The show starts at 8 pm on Friday and Saturday and at 6 pm on Sunday.
• Friday, March 2 -  Saturday, March 3:  Fox School of Wine Weekend Wine Series.  Classes are offered Friday and Saturday nights (except holidays) from 6:15-7:00 p.m. at the Silver Baron Lodge in lower Deer Valley (2880 Deer Valley Dr., East, Park City, Utah).  Class is $25 per person with a maximum of 20 people. Classes sell out so sign up early! For more information or to register, click here.

For a full list of events and activities going on this weekend, you can visit the Chamber’s website for a full calendar of events.  I know it’s going to be hard to decide with so much going on in Park City, but no what matter what, you’re guaranteed to have a fun-tastic time!  Hope to see you on the mountain too!!!

PARK CITY, UT– Park City Lodging, Inc. celebrated its first-ever 20-year guest this winter when Ronald Burkman and his wife Millie Burkman returned to Park City in January, making this their twentieth consecutive visit to Park City; and they have stayed with Park City Lodging, Inc. each time.

“It’s an amazing feeling and an accomplishment when you have a guest stay with you for 20 years,” said Rhonda Sideris, president of Park City Lodging, Inc.  “Ronald and Millie first stayed with us in 1992, and they haven’t missed a winter season ever since.”

Burkman, who lives in Long Meadow, MA, said Park City is where he first learned how to ski. “I remember falling down a lot as I learned how to ski and the outstanding lunch offerings at Deer Valley,” he said.

During the first several years of their visits to Park City the Burkmans stayed in a house on Woodside Ave., and then switched to the Snowcrest Condominiums. This year they stayed in a condo on Empire Ave., which provides perfect accommodations for couples and is within walking distance to the lifts at Park City Mountain Resort.

“We really love the Snowcrest condos,” said Burkman.  “But we enjoyed the change, comfort and convenience of Empire House this year, especially since we love to ski Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley.”

Debbie McPhie, who is the Reservations Manager at Park City Lodging, Inc. said the Burkmans are a “very nice couple” and are “a pleasure to book year after year.”

“Our goal is to provide the best lodging accommodations and customer service to our guests,” said McPhie.  “And the Burkmans are a true example of that achievement.”

The Burkmans first stayed with Park City Lodging, Inc. when it was R&R Properties.  “The service is efficient, the staff seems to know the units well and the website has a lot of useful information.  I recommend Park City Lodging, Inc. to those who ask about where to book condos in Park City,” said Burkman.

Burkman and his wife, who have been married for 41 years, travel a fair amount in the U.S. and every few years overseas, but make a conscious effort to return to Park City every winter.

“We really enjoy coming during the Sundance Film Festival because of the crowds, the programs that take place and we like to see films,” said Burkman.  “Plus, Park City is an amazing ski town with the three resorts, but it isn’t just a ski town. It’s a town filled with great restaurants, shops and the convenience of the Salt Lake City International Airport.”

Burkman said they plan on coming back to Park City next winter and they are thinking about a possible visit during the summer as well.

“We hope to be their lodging provider for the next 20 years,” said Sideris.

 

Media Contact:
Amber Lind
435.487.0952
amber@parkcitylodging.com