Canyons, Park City

Great hospitality - accommodations are first class. And of course the skiing is the best! We stayed at the Sundial Lodge on our last visit in 2005. You will sleep like a baby - beds are terrific and the down comforters are wonderful. We had to buy one of our own after this trip! Everything is very, very clean. This year we are planning to stay in the Grand Summit. There are several shops, restaurants, etc. right on the property.. but it's a very short drive into Park City.

I have spent most of my life skiing in the Colorado Rockies. After my first visit here, I will not be back to Colorado again. The snow is as good as it gets, however, sometimes from the main gondola, it may not look so good. The primary skiing mountains are pretty much hidden from view from the gondola. One of the biggest difference is that it is so big, that it is not crowded. The longest line I have ever spent here was a mere 8 minutes. That was on the busiest weekend of the year and now they have a six-pack at that lift. The food is a bit expensive, but if you are staying at the Grand Summit, lunch at your own room is a great way to take a break and not break your wallet.

Being a local you get spoiled with all the resorts so close. However, the Canyons are taking what was once a nice resort and turning it into a timeshare exclusive ski area. They have completely blocked off the ski hill with huge timeshare condo's. The only way to see the hill, if your not skiing, is to pay $14.00 to ride the lift to the lodge. The main public area is lined with private clubs and obnoxious salesman trying to get you to attend their 90 minute sales pitch which really lasts 2-3 hours. If you have a choice drive 4 miles down the road to Park City, or even better Deer Valley.

I have been skiing in several states and counties, but never Utah. When a buddy of mine wanted to go to Salt Lake, I was reluctant. It would have been a huge mistake if we did not go. I LOVED IT! We skied at The Canyons and were very inmpressed with the size, variety of runs and the views. Although it may not be the best place for a beginner to learn, most intermediate and advance will love it. We only stopped for an hour to eat lunch. From 9am to close, we criss crossed the mountain, only skiing about half of it. I did not realize this was the fifthe largest resort in the country. My only complaints were very minor. We got lost once and had to take skis off after making a wrong turn on a poorly marked trail. We also found out the they hadn't had any snow for a good three weeks (we were there mid-Feb). Even w/o any recent snow, that was my most enjoyable skiing experience ever.