Salt Lake City, Utah – Much of what makes Utah's skiing so fantastic is the proximity of its 14 resorts and the unique qualities and variety of each. Last year Utah earned another record-breaking season of 4.58 million visitors, outdoing its previous record by three percent. With winter less than 100 days away, we are excited for another successful season of new offerings. To learn more about what’s in store for the 2017-18 season, see below.
WHAT’S NEW:
Deer Valley Resort is to be acquired by a newly formed resort company that has yet to be named, joining Intrawest, Mammoth Resorts, and Squaw Valley Ski Holdings. This acquisition increases the company’s portfolio from 12 four-season resorts to 13. Deer Valley will continue to honor existing season pass and multi-resort products, and operations will continue in ordinary course for the full 2017-18 winter season. Also, at this time there are no plans to allow snowboarding. For more information about the acquisition please click here.
Snowbird's newly remodeled The Creekside Lodge, will open at the start of the season. Snowbird has increased its available space for guests by adding over 13,500 sq. feet. The new facility will be home to the Mountain School as well as ticketing, and expanded dining options including a boosted breakfast menu and barista-powered drinks, all just steps away from the lift.
Alta Ski Area has replaced Supreme and Cecret lifts with a new high-speed quad chairlift, named Supreme. The lift’s updated technology and new base location, near Alf’s Restaurant, will improve overall mountain flow for all levels.
Snowbasin is replacing the old Wildcat triple chairlift with a new high-speed detachable six-pack lift. The chairlift ride will be a quick five minutes and will rise over 1,290 vertical feet. Additionally, Snowbasin is increasing snow making in the Wildcat area, which will allow the resort to utilize beginner and intermediate terrain more frequently and earlier in the season.
As one of the first resorts to cap day passes and season passes, Powder Mountain is a one-of- a-kind destination hanging its hat on skier experience and adventure, set among a modern village development. With the addition of two new lifts last year, the throwback mom and pop style resort boasts the most skiable acres in North America with 8,464 acres. This year the resort is Preserving the Pow experience by capping day passes at 1,500 and season passes at 3,000, which averages three skiers per acre.
This summer, Park City Mountain installed a new, enclosed-surface lift and a new designated beginner trail to serve skiers and snowboarders at the Park City Base Area. The new area will provide a comfortable and spacious learning area for those just starting to ski or ride.
Solitude Mountain Resort invested $1.5 million in improvements for the 2017-18 season, including a website re-launch, and continued improvements to the Roundhouse Restaurant, Last Chance Lodge and Moonbeam Lodge. This is all in addition to realigning the Solitude portion of the SolBright connection trail and adding a new Rossignol rental fleet at the Nordic Center.
This season, Brian Head Resort is launching their first fully interactive app that will include powder alerts and condition reports, and will allow users to track their ski day (runs, vertical skied, etc.). Other key features of the app are allows users to follow their children at ski school as well as access to restaurant specials and more fun resort offerings.
Sundance Mountain Resort is opening a new outfitter shop, Sundance Mountain Outfitter 2. Located feet away from the base of Jake’s Lift, it is a one-stop shopping destination for all your recreation needs with top-of-the-line skis and snowboards available for rental, as well as a full-service ski and snowboard repair center.
If you’ve got limited time, fly into the Ogden-Hinkley Airport. This small airport, serviced by Allegiant Air, is located five minutes from downtown Ogden and will be adding new flights from Los Angeles (LAX) and Las Vegas (LAS) this fall. Scheduled Thursday through Monday with starting prices at $35 each way, this is a great option for the weekend warrior.
ANNIVERSARIES:
Alta Ski Area is celebrating its 80th anniversary this winter, making it the oldest lift-serving resort in Utah. Located just outside of Salt Lake City, Alta is covered by 550+ inches of The Greatest Snow on Earth annually. While known for their expert terrain, Alta is a wonderful place for families to learn and ski together with over 25 percent of the resort featuring beginner terrain and over 40 percent featuring intermediate terrain.
Nordic Valley is celebrating their 50th anniversary this winter. Built in 1968, Nordic Valley is known for their family friendly atmosphere and small-resort feel. Situated between Snowbasin Resort and Powder Mountain, Nordic Valley offers a variety of skill levels to accommodate each skier and snowboarder. Nordic Valley also offers night skiing, with 100 percent of the mountain under the lights.
LODGING:
The Grand Summit Hotel, located in Canyons Village at Park City Mountain, is open for the season after an extensive $15 million renovation and is now flagged as a RockResorts property. The renovation included a complete overhaul of all 212 suites, including new interior finishes, furnishings, soft goods, appliances, artwork and technology.
Snowbird’s Cliff Spa, located on the rooftop of The Cliff Lodge, has undergone a massive renovation just in time for the upcoming ski season. The famed outdoor pool and hot tub have been upgraded with sensual surroundings of new radiant heated decks, gas-fed fire pits, and expanded communal areas prime for relaxing after an adventurous day on the slopes. Skiers who require more hands-on Cliff Spa services, will be treated with new interior upgrades such as eucalyptus infused environments, ergonomic flooring in massage rooms, and a unique offering of Utah-Only essential oils in the Cliff Spa boutique.
Deer Valley Resort was selected to manage the Goldener Hirsch Inn and Residences, effective July 2017, assuming management of both the existing Inn and the new residential development that is currently under construction. The Goldener Hirsch Inn is an award winning, boutique hotel located in the heart of Silver Lake Village. It features 20 condominiums that operate as hotel rooms, as well as common area amenities such as conference rooms, outdoor hot tub, ski storage and the acclaimed Goldener Hirsch restaurant.
Stein Eriksen Residences, the latest addition to Stein Collection, are now taking guest reservations for the 2017-18 winter ski season. Located mid-mountain at the world-renowned Deer Valley Resort, Stein Eriksen Residences offer 15 distinct mountain homes and 39 elegantly appointed condominiums, comprising the finest lodging experience in all of Park City. The ski-in/ski-out Stein Eriksen Residences balance contemporary and traditional design throughout the property, offering amenities including a stunning mountain view and town vistas, the 7-8-8-0 Club on-site restaurant, Silver Aspen Spa, indoor/outdoor infinity pool and terrace with indoor/outdoor hot tubs, a lounge area with fire pits, indoor kids splash pad, state-of-the-art fitness center, and a ski shop, valets, lounge and locker room.
Newly renovated and celebrating its 126th year, The Bigelow Hotel, formally known as The Historic Ben Lomond Hotel, has returned to its roots. Located in the heart of downtown Ogden, this hotel will take you back in time with its grandiose lobby and 1920’s art-deco look and feel.
The Alta Peruvian Lodge has converted seventeen “Nordic” rooms on the third floor to ten “Superior” rooms. The new “Superior” rooms will consist of two queen beds and a private bathroom, providing more options for families.
Treasure Mountain Inn, on Historic Main Street in Park City is under new management. Club Lespri, a Park City based property management-company, will manage and operate the property. The acquisition is a win-win for property owners at Treasure Mountain Inn and guests to Club Lespri’s other properties.
NEW ON-MOUNTAIN OFFERINGS:
Snowbasin Resort is expanding their snow sports offerings for adults with a steeps camp. This three-day camp is comprised of skiing the steeps of Snowbasin Resort, host of the speed events in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.
Through the Ski With a Champion program, Deer Valley Resort’s Ambassador of Skiing, Heidi Voelker, invites you to ski with her or one of six other Olympic snow sport athletes this winter. The athletes are available to ski with individuals, families and groups for exclusive half-and full-day memorable adventures at Deer Valley Resort.
Participating in the Nordic Center Ladies Day at Sundance Mountain Resort is a great way to stay in shape during the winter months in an environment that is fun and friendly, safe, and affordable. This is a program by women for women and for participants of all levels, whether you are looking to try cross-country skiing for the first time, or wanting to build on existing skills.
The new co-ed Alta Breakthrough Camp is targeted towards intermediate skiers and beyond, who are ready to take their skiing to the next level. The package includes four nights lodging at the Alta Lodge, full breakfast and dinner daily, three days of instruction with top coaches from Alta’s Alf Engen Ski, lift tickets and demo skis.
Utah is the only place in North America where skiers have access to the Rossignol Pursuit – Strato skis. Through Ski Butlers, a Park City based company, the Waldorf Astoria Park City offers guests exclusive access to ten pairs of these skis, which are perfect for carving beautiful lines into that freshly groomed Park City Mountain. Ski Butlers also offers hotel guests a new level of service and convenience.
New this year, Solitude Mountain Resort is offering a program called Women on Wednesdays (WOW), for women who seek camaraderie, challenge and a great learning partnership. The program is available to all skill levels and taught by Solitude’s professional female instructors.
The Montage Deer Valley is expanding its Montage Expeditions program with excursions to Yellowstone National Park. The program, launched last year allowing guests to experience skiing the famed slopes of Deer Valley while also visiting one of Utah’s national parks all in one stay. Guests can take an once-in-a-lifetime daytrip adventure to southern Utah led by a Montage guide, complete with private flight aboard a Pilatus-12 and a gourmet Chef-prepared lunch.
NEW FAMILY OFFERINGS:
Unlock the secrets of the past and discover Park City’s rich mining, skiing and local history on the Silver to Slopes Historic Mining Tour on Park City Mountain. On this free, guided ski tour, you will explore the mountain with an expert guide and uncover the historic mining buildings and hidden relics scattered across the resort.
The Waldorf Astoria Park City is now offering a way for everyone in the family to live out their dreams of being an Olympian. Guests of the hotel will have an opportunity to visit sites from the 2002 Olympic Games with a professional athlete, such as Olympian Nate Roberts, with options to ski at Park City Mountain and/or bobsled at the Utah Olympic Park. The day ends with a gourmet dining experience with their athlete from the chosen sport at Waldorf Astoria Park City’s acclaimed restaurant, Powder.
The Montage Deer Valley is offering a new program called Montage Generations where families have the opportunity to choose from an array of educational and adventurous activities including tubing, cooking classes, snowshoeing and more. This variety seeks to engage all generations of the family and provide meaningful experiences, to be cherished for years to come.
At Stein Eriksen Lodge, guests and their families can participate in a family-friendly year-round scavenger hunt that takes them to some of the best attractions in Park City. Kids can earn special stamps and buttons for each activity completed and/or visited throughout town. If they collect all 10, they receive a Stein’s Gold Medal and a complimentary one-night stay for a future visit.
New this year, Alta Ski Area is offering a season-long Saturday program for novice skiers age 9-14 called Alta Explorers. Participants will practice fundamental skiing skills and progress toward parallel turning and speed control on More Difficult Blue Trails.
EVENTS:
For the 20th year, Deer Valley Resort will be hosting the FIS World Cup events from January 10-12, 2018. What makes this year so unique is that the competition will be an Olympic qualifier for this year’s 2018 Winter Games and Olympic athletes could be named to national teams at this event.
Park City Mountain is making the Holidays even more special for guests by hosting unforgettable signature events this Christmas, New Year’s and Spring Break. The Holiday Season kicks off on Dec. 16, with Park City Mountain’s annual Snowfest Celebration, a 16-day festival including morning and après musical acts, village entertainers, the annual torchlight parade, fireworks and a special visit from Santa on the Town Lift. Park City Mountain’s annual Spring Grüv Celebration will return just in time for Spring Break this March with 16 days of free concerts and the famous Pond Skimming Contest.
KEEP UTAH COOL:
Utah’s resorts are committed to mitigating their environmental impacts and protecting their communities for future generations to enjoy. Utah’s resorts are involved in multiple initiatives that address their responsibility to the environment including policies to reduce emissions generated by operations, championing local food, carpool and public transportation incentives, recycle programs and educating guests on how they can help. For more information click here and see below.
Ski Utah is proud to continue its partnership with Protect Our Winters. POW is the environmental axis of the global winter sports community, powered by its goal of reducing the effect climate change imposes upon local sports and economies. Alta Ski Area, Snowbird Resort, Sundance Mountain Resort and Powder Mountain are also partners of Protect Our Winters.
Through Vail Resorts’ ‘Epic Promise of Zero Footprint,’ Park City Mountain has set a goal of zero net emissions by 2030, zero waste to landfill by 2030 and zero net operating impact to forests and habitat.
Alta Ski Area is an environmentally conscious leader in the ski community with a mission of sustainability to protect and improve the well-being of Alta’s environment, ski industry and community led by Alta’s Environmental Team.
Sundance Mountain Resort has a long-standing history of Green polices, dating back to the property’s original purchase in 1969. The resort is a steward of the land, with a commitment instilled by Robert Redford to “always develop very little and preserve a great deal.”
The town of Park City has set the nation’s most ambitious climate goals with a pledge to be net-zero carbon for municipal operations by 2022 and net-zero carbon community wide by 2032. In moving forward with this promise, Park City launched six zero-emission electric buses to the already free public transit system throughout the town. Also, this summer Park City became the first town in North America to operate an all-electric bike share program and has distributed 89 electric bikes at six locations throughout Park City.
Salt Lake City also instated the Climate Positive 2040, which pledges to use 100 percent renewable energy by 2032 and also plans to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2040. This commitment makes Salt Lake City one of only a handful of cities worldwide to make a pledge of such a significant size. For more information click here.
Utah Transit Authority has continued working with the local resorts and municipalities to make significant improvements to the ski bus service feeding Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude resorts. The service now includes more frequent times during peak hours, increased parking capacity and improved connections to TRAX and FrontRunner. Season Pass holders and those who purchase Ski City Super Passes can ride the UTA ski bus for free.
PASSES:
There are more ski pass options than ever before. Welcome to the new age of flexible, perk-filled passes. This collection of season passes not only grants you skiing and riding access to Utah's resorts but skiing privileges across the country as well.
Ski Utah Silver Pass ($3,150) –30 days at EACH Utah resort except Park City, where the pass is valid for 60 days of skiing. Limited quantity available.
Ski Utah Yeti Pass ($649) - Valid for one day of skiing at each of Utah’s 14 ski resorts, equaling $46 per day. Perfect for parents with kids rocking the Ski Utah Passport.
Ski Utah Passport ($35) - Offers 5th Graders three days of skiing and 6th graders one day of skiing to shred all 14 Utah resorts.
Ski City Super Pass (amount varies) - Allows unrestricted access to Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and/or Solitude, can be purchased anywhere for a range of three to 10 days of skiing. With purchase of this pass the UTA ski bus is free to and from the resort. Price varies depending upon number of days purchased.
Ski3 Pass ($157) - This new, fully loaded pass includes a full day of skiing at Snowbasin, Powder Mountain plus a full day and night skiing at Nordic Valley with the purchase of two or more nights at participating hotels in Ogden.
Epic Pass ($859) - Offers unrestricted access to Vail Resorts’ 15 ski resorts throughout the world, including Utah’s Park City. For even more affordable rates with a few restrictions, there are the Epic Local Pass, Epic 7-Day Pass and Epic 4-Day Pass, Park City Youth Pass, and Park City 4-Pack.
Mountain Collective Pass ($469) - This pass offers you two days at each of The Collective destinations for a total of 16 unrestricted days at some of the best resorts in the world, including Utah’s Alta, Snowbird, and new this year, Snowbasin. It also includes up to 35 percent off lodging and 50 percent off additional tickets.
M.A.X. Pass ($679) - Offers 5 days to each of its 44 mountains across North America. Local favorite Brighton Resort and Solitude are participating Utah resorts.
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Ski Utah is a membership association representing Utah’s $1.4 billion-dollar wintersports industry, including 14 alpine ski resorts and a membership of over 250 industry partners. The organization has been creating brand awareness of and demand for the Utah wintersports product since its inception in 1978. Ski Utah’s primary functions are concentrated in marketing, public policy and public relations. Information about Ski Utah and its members can be found at skiutah.com, on Instagram and Twitter @SkiUtah and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/skiutahyeti.
