Local News

In the spirit of New Years Eve, we decided to come up with a few company-wide resolutions for 2013.

1. Get out and explore our backyard more!
Park City is a 4-season playground, something that we often take for granted because we’re lucky enough to wake up in this beautiful town every day. So, in 2013 we vow to get outside more. We will explore the hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails in the spring, summer and fall. We will ski and/or snowboard at all three of our world-class resorts—Canyons, Park City Mountain Resort, and Deer Valley—as much as we possibly can. We will go snowshoeing, rock climbing, golfing, fishing and do everything in between.

2. Be more involved in our local community.
There are over 100 nonprofits in Park City. In 2013 we will get together as an organization and volunteer our time to at least one or two of these non-profits.

3. Break ground on our new building.
We’re in the process of building a new office for Park City Lodging, Inc. It will house all of our departments and will include a living roof and co-op garden. Our laundry facility is currently off-site, but will be housed in the new building with the rest of our operations. As part of our company-wide sustainability effort, laundry at the new facility will use recycled water.

4. Keep it green!
Park City Lodging, Inc. is committed to sustainability: We donate 1% for open space in Park City, we use environmentally friendly cleaning products and toiletries in all of our rental units, and we are passionate about recycling. In 2013 we would like to implement comprehensive recycling programs at all of our properties and promote sustainability company-wide.

5. Continue to be on the cutting edge of technology and communication.
In 2013 we will continue to find innovative ways to communicate effectively with our owners and guests in order to provide them with the best experience possible. In 2012 we invested in a mobile concierge application for our guests that not only provides GPS directions to and from our properties, shows restaurant recommendations, ski rental shop information, and property-specific instructions; but also allows us to communicate directly with our guests through push notifications. In 2013 we plan to utilize the mobile application to communicate with our guests even more.

Olympic Gold Medalist Ted Ligety, a Park City native, took home the gold on Sunday Oct. 28, 2012 during the first Audi FIS Alpine World Cup race of the 2012-2013 season. He won the giant slalom race in Soelden, Austria with a time of 2 minutes 36.02 seconds, 2.75 seconds faster than Manfred Moelgg of Italy, who placed second. This marked the largest lead between first and second place in a World Cup giant slalom race since 1979 and the seventh-largest winning margin in World Cup GS history.

The race was plagued by both fog and snowy conditions, but Ligety took risks on the course and it paid off. “In hindsight, it may not have been the smartest approach, because it would have been pretty easy to go out right there,” Ligety told the Park Record.

This race was the first GS race under new equipment rules that require racers to race on longer, narrower skis. The regulations were controversially put in place by the FIS to make ski racing a safer sport, and see fewer athlete injuries. These new skis are designed to slow the racer down, taking some of the risk out of the high-speed sport.

The next World Cup race will take place in Levi, Finland on November 11, 2012.

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