Connie Lawn: Utah is sumptuous

Utah is one of my favorite states in the nation, along with Colorado and the Tahoe region. It has been two long years since my husband Charles and I visited Utah, and I am so glad to be back, even if the trip is a short one. I chose the most visitor-friendly resorts, Park City and Deer Valley. In addition to the beauty of the area, the trails are designed and cut in such a way that encourages you to feel like an Olympic athlete. Of course, I did lose it and wimped out in fear on one short diamond trail. But, in general, I sang my way down Home Run, Bonanza, and some of the many others. There was a huge variety to choose from, with 108 trails, 9 bowls, and 4 parks open. The altitude is not too bad – around 10,000 feet at the summits. I took it slow, and it did not really bother me on the way down. Walking up hill, in heavy boots, makes my heart pound. Thanks to Charles for carrying the skis!

The weather was mild – in the 30’s or 40’s. It was gentle snow flurries at the lower elevations, but became biting sleet higher up. The peaks were foggy, but I have been in much worse white out conditions. When the snow and fog cleared, you could view the beautiful mountains and valleys, and look across to Deer Valley, with its expensive homes.

Deer Valley and Park City are expensive resorts, but you get a lot of value for your money. I always remind people to get a package if you can – especially one that includes air fare, hotels, lift tickets, and – if you want – rental equipment and instructions. Also try to avoid peak events. We missed the Sundance Festival and Presidents Weekends by one week, and were probably lucky. Despite that, Park City was still busy, but there were short lines – even at the most popular base lifts, and there is music, laughter. Everyone treats you like an old friend. I love the spirit and the skiing at Park City! It took my mind off the problems of the world, for a while. But, I could not escape worrying about Snowmageddon back home, and wondering if I still have a house left. I also hope our favorite regional areas got tons of snow!

For lodging, we chose The ChateauApres, in downtown Park City. It is a folksy, laid back, family owned lodge, which they had the foresight to build in the 1960’s. It is steps away from the runs, but you do have to walk up several flights of stairs to get to the lifts. The staircase next to the lodge has an easy pitch, steel grated with sturdy wood railings, and was cleared of snow and ice. But leave your equipment off at the slopes, and then drive down and park your car at the hotel. The hotel has reasonable but spartan rooms and dorm space. We paid about $100 a night and that includes continental breakfast, wifi, and cable HDTV. Some visitors have been coming here for 30 years, and feel as though they are an extended part of the Hosenfeld family. It is not as fancy as the big chain hotels or fancy condos, but it’s more Park and less City!

There are so many aspects we like about Park City – it caters to all ages and groups. A scavenger hunt was underway for spirited children. Extremely fit senior skiers, in sexy racing suits, were competing in Masters competition. They were fast, and fearless, and claimed I was “a kid,” compared to them! Not true, but inspiring. Also inspiring were the Adaptive Skiers, who were doing a great job on the mountain. Park City has one of the largest National Abilities Centers in the nation. Park City is definitely a resort for all ages and abilities.

Connie Lawn has a passionate love for NZ. She worked for Radio New Zealand for 20 years, and then for Radio Live for a few years. Connie has covered the White House and the world since 1968. Her other passion is skiing, and she calls herself "the skiing White House reporter." Her ski stories are on dcski.com and other outlets. Connie is also heard on thousands of radio stations, but firmly believes the internet is the future. She can be reached at connie@scoop.co.nz

© Scoop Media