Park City, Utah

I just got home from another snowboarding trip. This time we hit Park City, Utah. Yes, I'm spoiled. I know this. I'm completely aware. I promise you though, I'm not the least bit ungrateful. 

I have been fortunate enough to score fresh powder on each of my snowboarding trips this year, but timing is everything and I was a couple days off on this one. Conditions were decent on the mountain over the weekend, but the day we left it snowed heavily throughout the day and night and temperatures dropped into the low 20's. Unfortunately, the perfect powder day we were looking for happened the day after we left. I am not bitter, but I am slightly jealous of my friends that are still there riding. They are kind enough though to send me pictures of their perfect bluebird day, their tracks showing in the 7 inches of fresh powder they got after I left. I swear I'm not bitter at all...really, I'm not. 

Anyway...here is a bit about Park City, the mountains & of course the local distillery.

Park City is the epitome of unique. Silver was discovered in the surrounding hills in the late 1860's and it thrived for a long time as a mining town. No longer a mining town, Park City is now well known for it's three world-class ski resorts; Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort and The Canyons. It is an art community with 30 galleries and home to the Egyptian Theatre, which was the original venue of the Sundance Film Festival. The Sundance Film Festival is still held here each year in January.

Park City Mountain Resort

Park City Mountain Resort has approximately 3,300 acres of rideable terrain. The base elevation is 6,900 feet with the summit reaching 10,000 feet.  The terrain encompasses 8 mountain peaks, 9 bowls, 1 super pipe and 3 terrain parks. Neff Land, it's newest addition is a progression park designed by the Neff team and is located at the top of Eaglet Lift. A town bridge that goes over Park Avenue enables skiers and snowboarders to ride directly from the mountain to lower Main Street. Here are a few pictures...(All taken with my iPhone)

I got separated from the group and accidentally found myself at the top of this moguled-out run...perfect spot for a photo op!!

McConkey's Bowl

Accessed by McConkey's lift, this bowl was named after former Park City ski-school director Jim McConkey.

at the top of Blue Slip Bowl

Blue Slip Bowl is located off Pioneer Lift. This bowl received its name because it used to be beyond the resort boundary, workers who were caught ducking under the rope received a blue slip (i.e. they were fired!). Not a horrible way to lose your job!

last run of the day

The Canyons

The Canyons is the largest resort in Utah. It has 4,000 skiable acres, along with 9 mountain peaks, 5 bowls, 6 natural halfpipes and 21 chairlifts that serve 182 trails.  The base is 6,800 feet and the summit reaches 9,990 feet. 

Lookout Ridge

surrounded by Aspen Trees

I had no idea there was a photographer snapping pics on this run until I heard someone yell out 49. I thought he was calling out my speed and was actually pretty stoked. I later realized it was the number to look up the pictures. Bummer! I thought I was going pretty fast too!! haha :) I'm always taking the photos so I guess it's still kind of cool to have a few of myself on the mountain.

View from underneath the Orange Bubble Express

The Orange Bubble Express is a heated chairlift that has seats that can warm up to 55 degrees and a bubble shield that keeps wind off of your face. 

High West Distillery & Saloon

Park City is home to High West Distillery & Saloon. High West is the World's only ski-in distillery and is located in Old Town Park City, Utah. This place has a really cool vibe and an authentic feel.  If you like whiskey this is your place...

Whiskey/Bourbon flights...yes please!