Utah Mountain Resort Improvements 2003-04

SOLITUDE MOUNTAIN RESORT: Solitude has a new “family-friendly” terrain park, built with fun in mind for everyone. The goal of the park is to have an area where everyone feels welcome, young and old – first time or a veteran – whether on snowboard or skis. Most of the features are snow based (no steel structures) and are a manageable size for all riders. Another unique feature will be a sitting area for families to take a break from the action. The park is located in gentle terrain and will be accessible from four of eight lifts. Solitude is also pleased to report that after eight years of planning, development and construction, the Village at Solitude Mountain Resort is complete. The village is a pedestrian only, European-style community, giving visitors a sense of being in the old-world. There are fine and family dining options as well as a private club to entertain the après-ski crowds. And, Club Solitude is a sanctuary for those looking to unwind from a day of outdoor activities. The Club features an outdoor pool, billiard room and a mini-theater. Solitude celebrates the 10th anniversary of Leif Grevles’ directorship of Solitude’s Snow Sports Academy. A ski school veteran and Norwegian native, Leif came to Utah from Vail and has never looked back, developing a unique and successful school in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The academy offers programs for all levels and ages and is the only resort in the state to offer instruction in all four snowsport disciplines (alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark and Nordic skiing). The unique facility offers everything under one roof, from registration and rentals to lift tickets, and is committed to providing guests of the school a fun and hassle free environment. Solitude’s new Honeycomb Lift (opened during the 2002-03 season) opened up 400 acres of the most accessible free-riding terrain in the country. Locals and visitors alike call Honeycomb’s terrain off the new lift, “a backcountry experience without the transceivers and trekking.” The new lift also eliminates the long run out on the cat-track providing more time on the mountain and a user-friendly return for snowboarders.

SUNDANCE: New this year, Sundance presents Performance Skiing Labs. The first lab, “The Art of Skiing,” held Jan. 10–22, urges skiers to experience sport as art as this three day lab takes participants’ skiing to the next level, using the experiential approach that has inspired Sundance filmmakers. Sundance provides the place for skiers to challenge themselves with instruction from Jerry Warren, Sundance’s skilled mountain operations director. This workshop takes place during the annual Sundance Film Festival, which provides a distinctive cultural element. Participants can find additional inspiration with a Sundance screening in its intimate screening room, followed by a discussion with the film director. Other Ski Performance Labs include the “Leadership/Coaching Skiing Lab” Feb. 11-13, geared toward corporate groups. The lab is geared from intermediate to advanced skiers and employs leadership skills that ensure success whether on the hill on in the boardroom. Participants of the ski lab will also be able to attend a Sundance cultural event. The “K2 Technology Performance Skiing Lab,” March 5-7, is for advanced intermediate to expert level skiers. K2, one of the industry’s premiere equipment companies, offers the opportunity to ski some of the world’s best terrain on the world’s best skis. Equipment, mechanical alignment and skiing alignment will greatly strengthen the skiing performance of each participant.

Each lab provides a cultural component, Sundance’s exquisite food and world-class lodging for an inclusive price of $1,533 (meals include tax and gratuity); or $933 without lodging. Sundance is also opening a new retail shop, Sundance Mountain Outfitters, offering ski and snowboard rentals and retail. Rental products include K2, Fischer and Solomon Skis and Rossignol snowboards. Retail includes K2 and Fischer skis, as well as ski apparel, boots, poles, gloves and sundry items. In addition, the Sundance On Snow Demo Center will feature top-of-the-line K2 skis at the base of Arrowhead Lift daily throughout the ski season.

For more information on Utah’s 13 mountain resorts and daily snow reports, call Ski Utah at (800)754-8824 or visit the newly-redesigned www.skiutah.com.

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