Predicting what the weather will do over the course of a winter season is about as easy as figuring out when a Las Vegas slot machine is going to pay off big.
This is especially true in a state such as Utah, which is on the fringe of being affected by La Nina and El Nino weather patterns.
As a rule, a La Nina pattern generally favors northern Utah ski areas with massive amounts of snow, as was the case last winter. El Nino events usually give southern Utah mountains more of the white stuff.
Taking that into consideration, weather forecaster Glen Merrill of the Salt Lake City office of the National Weather Service said he thinks the La Nina weather pattern could possibly lead to another good snow year in northern Utah.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Pacific. El Nino, on the other hand, is marked by warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures in that same region.
“It’s hard to compare much to last year, which was an exceptional year,” said Merrill. “The large-scale pattern shows we have entered into another La Nina. Typically what that does is form a more active storm branch on the northern track. Places like the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia and northern Rockies states such as Idaho and Wyoming get above-average snowfall.”
The problem for forecasters is that Utah fits in the middle of most patterns.
“A lot of times, the north does see above-average snowfall in La Nina years,” said Merrill. “But not every time.”
Abode is offering 20% off on Park City ski vacations this week. Please contact us at 888.841.9990. We have availability in 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom accommodations in the Park City and Deer Valley area. At abode we can accommodate all your ski vacation needs to make your Park City ski vacation an experience of a lifetime!
Ski season bookings are starting to fill up, so get on top of your winter schedule and book soon!
Check out the cheap flights to Park City:
http://www.dealbase.com/flight-deals/to-Salt-Lake-City-SLC
Utah’s 14 ski resorts are rolling out the white carpet to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Games. The event officially put Utah on the map and spilled the secret of its “Greatest Snow on Earth” worldwide. Since 2002, Utah has blossomed with a cascade of improvements and amenities resulting in a 41 percent increase in skier day visits.
The 2011-12 season will feature a number of improvements both on and off the slopes. Here’s a summary from UtahSkiAndSnowboard.com of what’s going on state-wide:
ALTA SKI AREA
Starting this season skiers can skip the ticket window and head straight to the powder at Alta using the resort’s new smartphone application, which will allow skiers to reload their Alta Card for skiing directly through their phone.
Alta’s popular Corkscrew run in Collins Gulch, which brings skiers to the base of the mountain, is being modified to ease the pitch and fulfill the promise of a blue run from top to bottom.
The resort is also proceeding with planning for stage one of a two-pronged base upgrade. Alta is working with architects and environmental consultants to design a LEED certified building, which will include a ticket office, ski shop and other skier services. Construction on the project may occur as early as summer 2012.
Alta’s surrounding community has launched a new nonprofit, The Alta Chamber and Visitors Bureau, which aims to attract new visitors through focused marketing and the new website www.discoveralta.com.
BEAVER MOUNTAIN
Family friendly Beaver Mountain near the Idaho border in Logan Canyon has added a new Little Beaver lift for the 2011-12 season. The new lift is a triple chair, 400 feet longer than the previous lift providing access to additional beginner terrain with increased capacity.
BRIAN HEAD
Brian Head Resort in southern Utah is adding the new Chair 9 Deli & Pub and real-time snow alert texting options. The resort is also launching a new website and expanding its demo and high-performance rental packages. Additionally, a new United Express nonstop flight between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the new St. George Airport (SGU), only a 90-minute drive to Brian Head, provides easier access to the resort.
BRIGHTON RESORT
Brighton is investing $500,000 in snowmaking upgrades and $20,000 in terrain park features for the 2011-12 season. Additionally, the resort will add new high-end equipment to their demo center.
CANYONS RESORT
Canyons will open the 2011-12 season with the first phase of their resort re-creation totally complete. Myriad additions to the resort appeared throughout last season with two new chairlifts including the Orange Bubble chair with heated seats, more than 300 acres of new terrain, a completely remodeled ski beach base area and a number of new restaurants and services. Additionally this season, Canyons will offer heli-skiing from the resort in conjunction with Wasatch Powderbird Guides.
Deer Valley is redesigning the beginning/learning area on Wide West ski run and installing additional Sunkid conveyor lifts. The resort is also opening a new children’s clothing retail outlet in the Snow Park Lodge. Forty-one energy efficient air-water snowmaking guns will also be purchased for the 2011-12 winter season.
EAGLE POINT
Eagle Point is sprucing up for their second season with 200 additional skiable acres. The terrain will add tree skiing and steeps to the resort in south-central Utah east of the town of Beaver. Additionally, the resort has added new amenities to the Canyonside Lodge with an outdoor hot tub garden and spa services.
PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT
Beginners of all ages will enjoy a new dedicated learning zone featuring two new conveyor lifts. New Snowmamas (real moms from around the country) will be chosen this fall to share and assist with the ins and outs of creating the perfect Park City winter family vacation. A new zip line will also run through both the winter and summer seasons.
Park City will also see improvements to its terrain park experience, overhauling 3 Kings lift, which will double skier and rider carrying capacity. Dirt work conducted over the summer will enable the resort to open the 22-foot Eagle Superpipe even earlier in the season as well.
Finally, a functional wind turbine, solar panels and an interactive kiosk devoted to educating visitors on the resort’s commitment to exploring renewable energy sources will be located at the top of Silverlode lift.
POWDER MOUNTAIN
With over 7,000 skiable acres, visitors to Powder Mountain are offered several ways to transport themselves to the resort’s many peaks. As the use of snowcats continues to grow in popularity, Powder Mountain will expand their single-ride snowcat terrain by 50 percent with the addition of 350 skiable acres and an additional snowcat. The resort’s trail crew has also gladed additional terrain, adding new tree skiing to Powder Country, Backcountry “DMI” Tour areas as well as the Snowcat Powder Safari Zones.
SNOWBASIN
Snowbasin is warming up their season with new outdoor gas fireplaces on Earl’s Patio. Slope modifications on School Hill will increase the efficiency of building the Resort’s 22-foot Dew Tour regulation halfpipe. The resort will host the winter Dew Tour once again February 9-12, 2012. Two new additional snowcats will be added to Snowbasin’s already extensive grooming equipment. The resort will also add seventeen light posts to Earl’s Base Area and the upper parking lot.
SNOWBIRD
The completion of The Cliff Spa and Aerie Restaurant will mark a complete remodel of Snowbird’s flagship hotel, The Cliff Lodge. The Aerie Restaurant will also feature a new chef and manager.
The resort’s mountain school is introducing three new programs: Expedition Team for youth ages 10-15 who are expert skiers/boarders, with sidecountry camps and backcountry skills training, and an Adult Adventure program for parents of Adventure Team kids. The School is also implementing the Flaik system and equipment so children and parents can track the terrain and vertical feet they cover.
Snowbird also recently unveiled version 2.0 of its free iPhone app, featuring snow reports, live mountain cams, road conditions, and even allows users to brag about how many days of skiing they’ve logged at Snowbird throughout the season.
SOLITUDE
Solitude Mountain Resort recently unveiled free Wi-Fi throughout all of Solitude Village. The resort aims to keep families and friends connected through the use of popular social media and Smartphone tools.
The Thirsty Squirrel will be expanded for this season as well. This expansion will give visitors the elbow space needed for more animated story-telling, high fives and backslaps. The bar will feature live music throughout the season as well.
SUNDANCE
Sundance Resort is expanding its terrain park for the 2011-12 winter season. This move is primarily focused on putting the terrain park in a location that would allow it to remain open during night skiing operations. The resort will not only move the terrain park but will expand its size and number of features. Additional lights will be added to enhance the night riding experience in the park. Sundance is also expanding its pass options this winter to include both a 5-punch and 10-punch pass in addition to the All Seasons Pass.
WOLF MOUNTAIN
Utah’s best kept family skiing and boarding secret, Wolf Mountain, has once again made improvements to the resort. The 2,700 foot long Wolfdeedo lift cable was replaced this summer. Wolf Mountain has also improved a handful of the ski runs, added additional snowmaking machines and improved some of the physical features of the lodge. New daily ticket pricing options will also be added this year to accommodate every guest’s time schedule.
SKI UTAH
New for the 2011-12 winter season, Ski Utah has launched the Yeti Pass enabling pass holders to ski one day at every Utah resort for $499 ($35 per day).
abode specializes in luxury ski lodging in Park City and Deer Valley. If you would like to receive the most up to date Park City vacation deals, all you need to do is read our blog and follow us on Facebook, by clicking here. Our current deal of the week is:
-Book 5 nights and receive the 6th free.
Mention this offer when booking to secure the deal.
Inquiries regarding Park City luxury lodging for the holiday period have been coming in early and often and our inventory is starting to fill up. The Christmas-New Year’s time period is just about full and Martin Luther King holiday and Sundance are starting to book as well. Go ahead and act if you are thinking about booking a Park City ski vacation this winter! Just call us at 888.841.9990 or email rob.alday@www.abodeparkcity.com.
Check out the links below for great Park City and Deer Valley vacation rental deals. There are fantastic flight deals and even better lodging discounts offered through Living Social:
Flight Deals: http://www.dealbase.com/flight-deals/to-Salt-Lake-City-SLC
Park City and Deer Valley discounted lodging: http://livingsocial.com/escapes/97125-park-city-%20-deer-valley-rentals?msdc_id=547
Come and enjoy are cool temperatures here in Park City! There is plenty left to do this summer with concerts, fishing, hiking and biking all part of the action. Just call us today at 888.841.9990.
PARK CITY AND DEER VALLEY LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS AND SKIING
Not too early to start think about ski season! Remember to look to abode for all your Park City and Deer Valley luxury accommodation needs. Use the code EARLY BIRD when booking this winter to get 15% off.
See below for season pass information at the Park City area ski resorts, as well as list of improvements that will take place at Park City and Deer Valley:
PCMR IMPROVEMENTS
- A newly dedicated learning zone to be located near the Resort Base Area with two conveyor lifts.
- An additional zip line that will load and unload in the Resort Base Area, allowing it to run through the winter season
- New access gates at the seven Base Area lifts that will provide a completely hands-free experience boarding those lifts.
- The 3 Kings Chair is being converted from a double-chair to a fixed triple-chair.
- A new superpipe that will open earlier in the season is under construction at the base of the resort.
- Four new snowcats will replace older models improving grooming capacity while reducing emissions
- New snow guns will better prepare the resort to open with higher-quality snow while improving productivity and energy efficiency.
- A new interactive kiosk at the top of Silverlode Lift will educate visitors about the resort’s commitment to wind and solar power as energy alternatives. It will include functioning solar panels and a working wind turbine that generates enough energy annually to power a house for five years.
Deer Valley Resort Improvements
- Opening a new children’s clothing retail outlet in Snow Park Lodge.
- Remodeling the Etc. store in Snow Park Lodge.
- Expanding the summer lift-served mountain biking trail system to include the Ruby Express chairlift from the Empire Canyon Lodge area. “The Road to Ruby” is a three- to four-mile connecting trail from Bald Mountain to the Flagstaff Mountain area. A new intermediate trail system will also be added in the Flagstaff Mountain area.
- Redesigning the beginner/ learning area on Wide West ski run and installing new Sunkid surface lifts.
- $1 million investment in technology upgrades and programs.
- Purchasing 41 energy efficient air-water snowmaking guns.
- Purchasing five additional snowcats, including two Prinoth Beasts.
- Expanding the resort maintenance shop to accommodate the Prinoth Beast snowcats.
- Replace the snowmobile fleet at Summit Meadows Adventures.
- Additional staff space in the Snow Park Lodge.
Deer Valley Resort Ski Passes
Deadline is Oct. 31
Adult Season Pass: $1,725
2nd Adult Season Pass: $1,400
Adult Midweek Pass: $880
Seniors Season Pass: $880
Teens Season Pass: $715
Child Season Pass: $435
Tot Season Pass: $115
Hospitality Pass: $4,215
Locals (Utah residents) Coupon Books: starting at $54 a day.
7-days a week, 10 days: $610
7-days a week, 5 days: $320
Teen for 10 days: $530
Teen for 5 days: $270
Child for 10 days: $350
Child for 5 days: $185
Weekdays only, 10 days: $540
Weekdays only, 5 days: $275
Park City Mountain Resort Ski Passes
Deadline is Sept. 15
Adult Mountain Access Pass: $725
Add covered parking: +$250
Add night skiing: +$200
Add EZ Access Fast Tracks: +$225
Teen Mountain Access Pass: $185
Youth Mountain Access Pass: $135
Senior base pass: $465
Super Seniors: $260
College/Young Adult base pass: $465
Teen and Youth may add night skiing for $75 or Fast Tracks for $225
Children ages 6 and under are free with the purchase of an adult pass.
Coupon books:
10 days with EZ Access Fast Tracks: $560
PLENTY TO DO AT PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT IN THE SUMMER
Park City Mountain Resort is introducing a few new activities to its summer-time offerings on the mountain. There will be a new, two-person zip line that is scheduled to open sometime mid-summer that will also run in the winter months. Much like the alpine slide, the new zip line will load at the base of the resort, take passengers up the hill and then back down. Another new addition will be the Adventure Zone, a play area for children 36 to 54 inches in height, which will be at the base of the resort.
There will be a spider web climbing area, a rock-climbing wall and a bouldering zone for youngsters. The Adventure Zone is scheduled to open sometime in June.
The Alpine Coaster, Alpine Slide and ZipRider will be open for use this summer. Days and hours of operation until June 9 are: Sunday through Friday, 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Regular season hours starting June 10 are: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For information on prices and passes, go towww.parkcitymountain.com.
To stay close to the resort check out our luxury Park City accommodation in Old Town. Just use the code SUMMER and receive 25% off.
Here are some sweer flight deals to Park City this summer: http://www.dealbase.com/flight-deals/to-Salt-Lake-City-SLC
SUMMER THINGS TO DO IN PARK CITY AND DEER VALLEY
While enjoying your luxury accommodation in Park City and Deer Valley this summer, check out some of the things to do and opening dates for the resorts:
PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT
The summer season at PCMR is scheduled to begin May 27. Go to pcski.com or call 435-658-5560 for more information on Park City Mountain Resort. Enjoy mountain biking, zip lining, hiking, the alpine coaster and much more!
DEER VALLEY RESORT
Deer Valley will be open daily for the 2011 summer season June 17 through Labor Day, and for an additional weekend on September 10 and 11 (conditions permitting). For information, visit www.deervalley.com or call 435-649-1000. Plenty to keep you busy on the mountain with biking, fine dining, hiking and horse bike riding.
CANYONS RESORT
For more information on the summer season at Canyons, visit www.thecanyons.com or call 888-CANYONS. For summer specific information visit www.thecanyons.com/index_s.php .
PARK CITY GOLF COURSE
The Park City Golf Course opened Friday, May 6. Prices for residents: $46 for 18 holes and a cart, $23 for nine holes and a cart. $32 for 18 holes walking, $16 for nine holes. For non-residents: $57 for 18 holes and a cart, $28.50 for nine holes and a cart. $43 for 18 holes walking, $21.50 for nine holes walking. For all links prices, go to www.parkcitygolfclub.org
SOLDIER HOLLOW GOLF COURSE
The Soldier Hollow Silver Course (18 holes) and Gold Course (18 holes) are both open. For 18 holes and a cart, the cost is $42. For nine holes and a cart, the cost is $21. Tee time policy is at least seven days in advance. Call 435-654-7442 for more information!
WASATCH MOUNTAIN GOLF COURSE
The Wasatch Mountain Golf Course is open. For 18 holes and a cart the cost is $42. For nine holes, it’s $21. Seniors can golf for $37. For more information call 435-654-0532
MOUNTAIN DELL GOLF COURSE
The Mountain Dell Golf Course is open. Both the canyon and lake courses are currently open. The cost for 18 holes walking is $30, $44 for 18 holes with a cart. On the lake course, it’s $9 walking for nine holes, $23 for nine holes with a cart. Call 801-582-3812 for more information.
UTAH OLYMPIC PARK
Utah Olympic Park is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guided tours run every day on the hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and museums are free. Summer rides and activities begin May 21. For more information, visit olyparks.com or call (435) 658-4200. Try ski jumping, the bobsled, zip lines, or hiking.
MOUNTAIN TRAILS
According to Mountain Trails Foundation’s Facebook page, the front side of Glenwild/Bob’s Basin and all of Round Valley are riding very well. For any trail information or maintenance concerns, email Rick at rick@mountaintrails.org or Bob at bradke@basinrecreation.org .
WHITE PINE TOURING
For any information in White Pine, call (435) 649-8710 or visit www.whitepinetouring.com.
WASATCH-CACHE NATIONAL FOREST
Mirror Lake Highway 150 and Highway 35 remain closed to traffic with both gates still locked. Beautiful scenic drives, great hiking, camping fishing and boating opportunities. For more information call 435-783-4338.
Get you Park City or Deer Valley vacation rental at 25% off by booking with abode and using the coupon code SUMMER.
GREAT SNOW TOTALS FOR ALL PARK CITY SKI RESORTS
Snowbird Sets All Time Single Season Snowfall Record!
Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort hit a 40-year all time record for single season snowfall on April 26, reaching the 690-inch mark thanks to a spring storm that has brought two feet to Little Cottonwood Canyon in the last 48 hours. Snowbird’s previous single season official record was 688 inches, set in the 1983-84 season. The resort’s mid-mountain base currently stands at 190 inches, with more snow forecasted through the weekend.
“This has been a remarkable season for Snowbird,” said resort president Bob Bonar. “We’ll be celebrating with skiing til Memorial Day and most likely beyond, with conditions that are anything but typical spring skiing.”
690 inches, or 57.5 feet, measures nearly the height of each sculpture face at the Mount Rushmore National Monument, more than a third of the height of the Statue of Liberty, and easily tops Utah’s Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. This is the fourth consecutive season Snowbird has topped 600 inches mid-mountain, with water content in this year’s snowfall well exceeding record levels. The latest closing date in the history of the Little Cottonwood Canyon resort is July 4 (in 1995 and 2005).
“Having skied at Snowbird for 16 years, I can honestly say this is by far the best year of powder skiing I’ve ever experienced,” said local pro athlete Ben Wheeler. “The mountain is incredibly filled in, with areas that used to be 30-foot cliffs completely buried under all this snow.”
Lodging packages are currently available from $99/person for skiers and snowboarders looking to make one last powder-filled trip. Full details and more lodging options available at www.snowbird.com/lodging/hotdeals.php. Apr’s ski fun includes free live music on the Plaza Deck, Saturday and Sunday afternoons through the end of April (weather permitting) along with daily food and drink specials. Snowbird is currently offering a Tram and Chair lift ticket for a reduced price of $64.
To see photos and video of the recent powder skiing and riding, go towww.snowbird.com/birdsnest/. For media information, contact Jared Ishkanian at (801) 891-3496 or jishkanian@snowbird.com. You can also follow Snowbird at www.facebook.com/snowbirdUT or www.twitter.com/snowbirdski.
GREAT ARTICLE ON PARK CITY, ENJOY DEER VALLEY YEAR ’ROUND, AND A FEW SPRING SPECIALS IN PARK CITY
Here is a nice article regarding Park City skiing experience from CNN Travel
Deer Valley announces that the Deer Valley cafe will stay open year ’round, so you can always enjoy a little Deer Valley: http://www.deervalley.com/newsletters/deer-valley-grocerycafe-to-remain-open-year-round.html
Now here are some great spring discounts and specials in Park City and Deer Valley:
-2 for 1 coupons at 350 Main
-35% off at the Grub Steak to celebrate their 35 years in business
-$10 all you can eat Pad Thai at Bangkok Thai on Main St
-2 for 1 dinner’s at Chimayo, Grappa, and Washo http://www.billwhiteenterprises.com/
-Half off all Easy Street menu items
The spring is a great time to enjoy Park City like a true local and get awesome deals everywhere! Contact us for the best deals in lodging and anything else in Park City.