Snow is a magical thing. People travel across the world to find the lightest, fastest and deepest snow.
States in the Rocky Mountain region have become famous for their extremely dry and powdery snow. The Rockies receive massive amounts of snow every winter, but this season and last have been a let down.
Utah and Colorado have made themselves into the main destinations for ski vacations. There is a plethora of ski towns in both states but, Park City, Utah, which is internationally known as a leader in luxury, was the destination I decided to venture to.
The logistics of my trip to Park City consisted of leaving the Fresno Yosemite International Airport and after an hour and twenty minutes later, arriving in Salt Lake City International Airport.
Park City is 30 miles outside of Salt Lake City. The drive is around 40 minutes long, winding its way through the unique landscape of Utah.
Park City is truly a vacation town complete with hotels, restaurants and other tourist attractions that are found in every corner of the city.
Lodging can be found either in the town or at each ski resort. There are many ski in, ski out hotels at the base of the resorts or at the mid level. If you want the royal treatment, you can even rent one of the massive vacation homes atop the mountain and ski out of your front door.
The city is home to three of the United States top ski resorts. Deer Valley Ski Resort, Park City Mountain Resort and the Canyons resort have been recognized nationally and internationally for their snow and complexes.
Deer Valley Ski Resort is regarded by the locals in the city as the number one resort, not only is the snow the lightest around, but its 101 ski runs take a back seat to no one.
The massive amount of tourists and vacationers require a massive work force of seasonal service employees as well. Due to the reversed seasons across the equator, many people from the snowy regions in Chile come to work and ski in Park City.
I was pleasantly surprised how every person working in the city was very helpful and kind. The service is second to none.
One factor that employees in Park City can not control is their yearly snowfall. In the past week, the city has received more than ten inches of snow, raising this years snowfall to around 45 inches. Which is dismal compared to the yearly average of 370 inches.
Their has been a nationwide dry spell, this is extremely evident in the California Central Valley. Despite this, Utah is still an attractive ski destination.
Park City not only left a lasting impression of the joy and passion that skiing brings to all that participate, but the ease of skiing in such a service oriented place. I have never been to an establishment let alone an entire city that was as cordial and inviting as the people in Park City, Utah.
This author can be reached via Twitter: @beal_trevor. Follow The Feather via Twitter: @thefeather.
For more opinions, read the Jan. 10 article, Freshman impressed by 125th Rose Bowl Parade.
