Find Fantastic Fall Colors in Utah’s Wasatch Back 360 Degrees of Natural Adventure and Fall Color Start in the Ogden Valley

(Eden, UT, 2009) Utah enjoys four distinct seasons and autumn is a favorite. Temperatures are extremely comfortable and the eye candy of colors throughout the mountains and valleys are spectacular. The Ogden Valley, located east of Ogden City, includes the mountain hamlets of Eden, Huntsville and Liberty. The centerpiece of the Valley, Pineview Lake, is surrounded by peaks towering more than 9,000 feet and three thriving ski resorts – Powder Mountain, Snowbasin, and Wolf Creek Utah. The Valley is a hub for natural adventure with roads leading to destinations like scenic Monte Cristo pass and Bear Lake; Avon Divide and the Cache Valley; North Ogden Divide to Willard Bay Bear River Bird Refuge and Brigham City.

The Ogden Valley Business Association, supported by the Utah Office of Tourism and local partners, has announced a new program to help visitors get the most from their autumn visit to the area. The campaign includes:

• A multi-color brochure featuring an area map with tour routes, lodging specials, color guide, calendar of events, and scenic photography.

• A website, www.utahfallcolors.com, with detailed itineraries, Leaf Peepers Blog, links, media kit, maps, local discounts, web cams, and calendar of events.

• Leaf Peeper specials by local merchants available from late August through the end of October.

What makes the Ogden Valley and surrounding areas special during the fall season? Variety! Showy, crimson maples kick start the season in early September, followed by gambel oak, aspen, and cottonwood, along with native brush and grasses. By the end of September the hillsides are awash with the colors of the season and the mood of the valley changes daily. Steep quartzite cliffs, winding canyons, and plentiful wildlife compliment this dramatic mountain landscape.

There are a number of ways to enjoy the season:

• Grab the binoculars and settle in your auto for a four-wheel tour.

• Schedule a four-wheeling or ATV adventure.

• Arrange a hot air balloon ride.

• Take a hike, jump on your bike, or ride a chairlift.

• Paddle a kayak or fish a mountain stream

For more information about the 360 Degrees of Adventure Fall Color Campaign please contact Barbara McConvill at 801-721-1580 or visit www.utahfallcolors.com or www.ovba.org.

OGDEN VALLEY FALL COLOR CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Farmers & Artists Market, Balloon Festival, Concerts, Athletic Events, and More!

Flanked by Snowbasin Resort to the south, Powder Mountain to the north, and Wolf Creek Utah Ski Resort to the west, Ogden Valley’s popular Pineview Lake on the valley floor and is ideal for boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, fishing and sunbathing. Miles and miles of paved and unpaved trails circumvent the valley offering up hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and even dirt biking on some trails. The Ogden Valley can also be accessed via Trapper Loop off I-84 near Morgan or from the North Ogden Divide from points north of Ogden.

The Ogden Valley is a perfect weekend destination for Wasatch Front residents seeking to escape to the mountains for recreation, being just a one hour drive north from Salt Lake City. There’s a wide choice of lodging properties, B & B’s and campgrounds to suit any budget with good variety in dining establishments.

All events are subject to weather adjustments and change:

May 23 - October 31: Farmer’s & Artists Market. Old Town Eden, 5510 North 2200 South, Eden (north side of Harley & Bucks Restaurant/Eden General Store.) [Dates: May 30; June 6, 13, 20 & 27; July 4, 11, 18 & 25; August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; September 5, 12, 19 & 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31]

Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition to freshly grown produce and flowers, this small town market offers a little bit of everything. Local musicians and bands perform while shoppers can peruse locally made arts and crafts, jams and jellies, quilts and antiques & collectibles and other surprises. The kids will enjoy their own booth area with interactive crafts and activities, and there’s even a masseuse with massage chair for those just finishing up a race, bike ride or hike that need their kinks worked out. Enjoy breakfast at Harley & Bucks Grill or wander through Dottie Becks inimitable gift & book shop in the adjoining buildings.

MUSIC & CULTURAL EVENTS

June 13: The Village at Huntsville Square Summer Concert Series:

[Dates: June 20 & 27; July 4, 11, 18 & 25; August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; September 5.]

Enjoy authentic Texas ribs at Huntsville’s new Texas Pride Barbecue with live music on Saturdays through September 5, starting at 7 p.m. A variety of outstanding musicians will be showcased whose styles range from the visceral experience of a rock show, the elegance and refinement of classical and Broadway show tunes, to the swinging dance feel of American jazz, blues, and folk traditions - there's something for everyone! 237 S. 7400 E., Huntsville. For details and performance schedules visit www.texaspridebarbecue.com.

June 21: Sunday Summer Concert Series on the Patio at Earls Lodge, Snowbasin

Snowbasin begins their summer concert series June 21. A wide variety of live music will entertain mountain visitors through September 26. A BBQ will also be available beginning at 1pm every Sunday. Concerts are free to the public. June 21 – noon to 4pm, June 27 thru August 30 – 3pm to 7pm, September concerts end at 6pm. 3925 E. Snowbasin Road, Huntsville. Visit: www.snowbasin.com for a listing of concerts or call (801) 620-1000.

August 22: Summer Concerts at Wolf Creek Utah Ski Resort: Eric Heatherly at Wolf Creek Utah Ski Resort. From his upbringing in Chattanooga to a remarkable fan base addicted to his songwriting all over America, Eric Heatherly returns with his own blend of American Rock and Country. $20 per carload. Gates open at 6 p.m.; music begins at 8 p.m. 3567 Nordic Valley Way, Eden. (801) 781-1455 or visit www.wolfcreekutah.com.

September 5: Pladdohg at Wolf Creek Utah Ski Resort. Kidnapping Celtic traditional tunes and infusing them with American energy, Pladdohg has created a foot-stomping new sound perfect for a 21st century Irish-American party band with a Celtic spin on rock and roll, bluegrass and rockabilly. $20 per carload. Gates open at 6 p.m., music begins at 8 p.m. 3567 Nordic Valley Way, Eden. (801) 781-1455 or visit www.wolfcreekutah.com.

BALLOON & ARTIST FESTIVAL

August 14, 15, & 16: The 15th Annual Ogden Valley Balloon & Artist Festival: This much anticipated festival of color kicks off each day with an early morning balloon launch at Wolf Creek Utah’s Festival Field at 3201 N. Wolf Creek Dr., Eden, all day activities at Wolf Creek Utah Ski Resort at 3567 Nordic Valley Way, Eden with Arts & Crafts, Plein Air Art Competition (Saturday), Mountain Man Rendezvous, Kids Inflatable attractions and games, food booths and continuous live entertainment. Evening concerts and Balloon Glow Saturday evening take place at the Festival Field. (800) 413-8312 or visit www.ogdenvalleyballoonfestival.com.

APPRECIATION/FAMILY EVENTS

August 22: 3rd Annual Paddle Festival - Pineview Reservoir:

This all day event takes place at Pineview Reservoir’s Middle Inlet (east side of lake.) Demo a Kayak, Canoe, Kiteboard, Paddle Board and learn to fly fish! Enjoy music, children’s activities, and meet local organizations that protect our rivers, lakes and mountains. Fun for the whole family! Call (801) 629-8253 for more information or visit www.ogdencity.com.

September 4: Full Moon Celebration at Snowbasin Resort: Ride the Gondola and enjoy dinner at Needles Lodge with its spectacular view of the eastern horizon and rising moon. 3925 E. Snowbasin Rd., Huntsville. For info call (801) 620-1000 or visit www.snowbasin.com.

September 26: Fifth Annual Howlfest & Chili Cook-off at Wolf Creek Utah Ski Resort:

This free community event offers fun for the whole family and is a great time for families to purchase discounted season passes for the 2009-2010 ski & riding season. 3567 Nordic Valley Way, Eden

MOTORIZED & CYCLING EVENTS

August 22: Mt. Ogden 50K at Snowbasin. Community mountain bike race and festival at Snowbasin. Athletes will compete in pro and amateur divisions. 3925 E. Snowbasin Road, Huntsville. Visit: www.snowbasin.com or call (801) 620-1000.

August 29: Bikers Against Child Abuse Ride. Annual motorcycle group fundraiser; ride starts in N. Sale Lake and ends at Wolf Creek Utah Ski Resort with BBQ, lift rides, live music and kids activities all afternoon. Call (801) 781-4131 or visit www.wolfcreekutah.com.

August 27 - 30: Powder Mountain Motorcross presented by Monster Drink: The track will be a natural terrain track designed by Jeremy McGrath, considered by many to be the best Motorcoss racer of all time. The track will be open on Thursday and Friday for open practice. On Saturday and Sunday there will be competitive races for pros and amateurs, and the festival atmosphere will be rounded out with live bands, food, merchandise vendors, scenic chair lift rides, 4 X 4 adventure tours and camping. Call (801) 745-3772 or visit www.powdermountain.com.

ATHLETIC EVENTS

September 5: Huntsville Half Marathon and 5k: Huntsville. Call (801) 728-9121 or visit www.stridersrunning.com.

September 12: Ogden Valley Triathlon & Taste of Ogden Valley: Both full and half triathlons with swim in Pineview Reservoir followed by the bike ride and trail run around the lake with festival featuring fares & wares of local businesses. Visit www.ogdenvalleytriathlon.com.

September 25 & 26: XTERRA National Championship/Mountain 2 Metro Games:

The best off-road triathletes in the country compete for a $100,000 purse followed by activities & celebrations in Ogden City. One mile swim in Pineview Reservoir followed by 20 mile bike ride up to Snowbasin Resort followed by a 6 mile trail run. Visit www.xterraplanet.com.

The Ogden Valley Business Association (OVBA) is dedicated to serving the Ogden Valley Community and businesses. Its purpose is to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Ogden Valley and Ogden Canyon through the promotion and development of community and economic resources including arts, culture, education, human services, tourism and community service.

For more information contact:
Barbara McConvill, 801-721-1580 or Barbara@mcconvill.com