Park City, Utah

DAY 1

The main reason we are in Utah is for Colin to ski!  We have never been to Park City, Utah so looking forward to how it compares to Colorado skiing.  I will say the drive from SLC to Park City was so much easier and faster than Denver to Colorado ski resorts off I-70!  Park City has had record snowfall so far this year so it is beautifully white!  I left my snowshoes in Texas so no hiking for me this trip.  We headed to the base of the slopes to wander around and get oriented.  Colin checked out the trail map . . .

. . . and we headed back to the hotel.  I have noticed that I did not have any issues with altitude like in past ski trips to Colorado . . . of course I am staying at the base with lower elevations.  The snow is amazing!  You can not even see the hotel sign and that is the second floor windows you are seeing in the photo below.

DAY 2

The boys headed out to ski while the adults hung out and had lunch.  I had my first bison burger at No Name Saloon . . . it was one of those place you were carded when you entered . . . and the burger was very good!  This Utah law is very interesting!  After the slopes closed we headed to dinner.  Our transportation to dinner . . . 

I wasn't sure how this was going to go since I am very allergic to horses.  Thankfully, it was a short ride and cold so my allergies were in check!

 

And we are off . . . 

It was a really nice ride to the lodge up on the mountain where we feasted on prime rib and all the sides.  There was live music and a super cozy fireplace!  It was super cold when we headed back down and thankfully it was quick!

DAY 3

This morning was something I was looking forward to the most.  Colin was disappointed he would not have time to ski, but I was certain he would love our activity today even if we had to meet the driver at 7am!  Our snowmobile tour was two hours with Park City Peaks Snowmobiling.  The tour is on the Thousand Peaks Ranch which also happens to be the exact location where the television show Yellowstone was filmed the first three seasons.  I am told if you watch the show then you should recognize this cabin.

It is amazingly beautiful here!  I know I keep saying that but man there is something about a blue sky and tons of snow!  Colin is ready to roll, and I already have two thumbs up so it should be a great morning!

I was not interested in driving so Colin was in control . . . I promised to not complain about the speed.  We were off and there are no words to describe how amazingly beautiful it is here!  So vast, so quiet, so serene, just amazing . . .

At one point the guide stopped and let the boys rides like crazy people . . . thankfully he got that out of his system, and we were back on the trail!  

We made occasional stops to check out a moose (which I missed), a honey badger hole (no sighting of said honey badger), and to just enjoy the views.  I was thankful that I could enjoy the moment and not have to focus on driving!

We both had a blast and can not wait to do it again!  Back to the hotel we went to change clothes before heading out again.  Our afternoon adventure was to Olympic Park.  Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002.  We enjoyed the tour of the Olympic ski facilities even if the snow was crazy!  The museum was nice with artifacts from the ceremonies.  We wandered around a bit before boarding a bus to go to the top where the ski jumps and bobsled track are located.

Looks like a nice entry way . . . .

. . . and this is what you see after you enter and turn left.  Can you imagine ski jumping down this? 

I have never understood why Olympic Mascots are weird . . . this trio is pretty normal but in recent years there have been some weird choices.

DAY 4

The boys skied and finally took photos for us!  However, they were of the scenery and not of them!

 

While the boys skied, the adults headed to Main Street.  We had a lovely lunch and sat down at a brewery when the power went out!  We walked around but nothing was open.  

When the boys returned from skiing we walked across the street for dinner.  They were tired and starving so we needed easy.  I just love the lights in the trees across from the hotel!

 

DAY 5

The boys skied and took a few photos of each other.

We ended our last night of skiing with a good steak dinner at Grub Steakhouse.  It was expensive but has become a tradition.  Of course Colin went right for the tomahawk steak!

DAY 6

It was time to make the short drive back to SLC to catch our flight home.  I liked Park City.  The cost is about the same as Colorado.  Our hotel was free thanks to Hilton Honors points so that was nice!  Food is expensive as is anything that has to do with winter snow skiing.  You just know that is how it would be.  Colin would have liked another day to ski but was happy to have three day plus time on the snowmobile too!

I start back to work tomorrow and Colin has another week before semester two begins.  Until next time Park City . . .