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| Issue: # 7 |
February / 2010 |
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Ski News
Wow, if you skied in Utah over Presidents' Weekend, you know we had some great snow and great deals at hotels, car rental agencies, and at Ski 'N See. There is snow in the forecast a few days this week, leading into March. If this year is anything like last, we will have some amazing late season skiing with plenty of powder.
We hope you enjoy your February 2010 edition of Utah Ski Corner, powered by Ski 'N See. Thank you for being a friend of Ski 'N See, Utah Skis, and/or Skis On Wheels.
We'll see you on the slopes!  |
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 Avalanche Warnings Shouldn't Shut Down Your Resort-Bound Ski Plans
Know before you go. That's the motto of the Utah Avalanche Center. While there are often avalanche warnings in any ski town throughout the winter, it doesn't mean people can't ski safely at their favorite ski resort. Avalanche experts say people can rest assured that if there were true avalanche danger on the groomed runs of any resort, the resort would close until it was safe for people to ski or snowboard. The dangers often lie in the un-groomed, back country where many expert skiers venture. However, expert skiers and riders aren't necessarily experts at avalanche safety.
Some basic tips for avalanche safety:
- Wear a safety beacon that signals your location. Some ski clothing comes with beacons. Ask about what's available when you stop by Ski 'N See.
- If the terrain looks questionable -- extremely steep, with feet of fresh snow -- travel a safer route.
- Go one at a time. Someone should always remain in a safe place for rescue.
- Stay on groomed runs and out of the back country unless you are an expert skier with avalanche training.
- Take an avalanche training course and trust ski resorts to measure the danger for you.
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When the Gnome Comes to Utah...
He Comes to Ski 'N See
The hottest competition of the ski season was not at Whistler during the Winter Olympics, as most people might expect. It was online, pitting Utah against Lake Tahoe for the best place to ski and ride. The goal, was to entice Travelocity's Traveling Gnome to visit the winning area. After more than 280,000 votes, Utah won by a snowflake; just 64 votes!
The Gnome enjoyed his way through many of the exciting winter activities available in Utah. Ski Utah reps traveled with him on his journey. They said, "The Gnome skied and snowboarded with Olympians in Park City, drove a bobsled, sun-tanned on Deer Valley's famous McHenry's beach and sampled spirits (yep, even in Utah) at High West Distillery. He hucked cliffs at Snowbird, rode the tram and relaxed at the Cliff Spa. In Salt Lake City, he boogied with the Jazz dancers and sang with the Mormon Tabernacle choir. He curled at the Utah Olympic Oval and drank beers with his friends at Squatters. The Gnome did all this and more, but his favorite thing about Utah was, 'The locals and their Greatest Snow on Earth®.' "
Some member of the Ski 'N See family hung out with the Gnome at Squatters Pub for a night. Click on the photo to see more about the Gnome's journey to Utah, including his snowball fight at Deer Valley. |
 A Big Birthday for A Park City Resource
Park City Mountain Resort opened in 1963. As more and more people fell in love with the mountain and wanted to visit on a regular basis, hotels popped up and people bought homes just to visit during the ski season and rent out when they couldn't be in town. Property managers became very important throughout the greater Park City area as it grew and more resorts were developed. Identity Properties is celebrating a major milestone this year with 30 years in business serving the Park City ski community.
Locally owned and operated, Identity Properties offers nightly and weekly condominium rentals throughout Park City and the Deer Valley area. Their managers explain why vacation rentals can be a valuable option for your ski trip:
- Costs are comparable or often competitive with hotel rates
- Most vacation rentals offer more room to relax for the cost
- Some vacation rentals are not subject to the same fees and taxes that hotels must charge
- For long-term stays, vacation rentals offer the conveniences of home, such as full kitchens, laundry facilities, etc.
- Most vacation rentals are in neighborhoods, so you can see what it's like to live like a local
Identity Properties also offers on-site check in offices open daily in the winter and the option to choose from 200 condominium rentals (1 to 4 Bedrooms) including ski-in ski-out locations. |
 A Penny Saved...
Just like your grandpa used to say "a penny saved is a penny earned" and finding a way to save every penny is often the only way some people and families can afford a vacation. With the availability of online travel shopping and booking, people are saving more and more money all the time and not having to miss out when Utah gets a great dump of snow.
Most hotels have offers on online booking sites with a 20-25% discount or more. Hotels like Days Inn, down the road from the Cottonwood Canyon resorts, will get about $51 for a room a guest reserves on a booking site for about $69. Days Inn's manager has some penny-saving solutions:
- Take some time searching online for best rate, then call the hotel to see if they can beat it
- Ask to speak with the hotel General Manager; they have more leeway to negotiate rates
- Ask for suggestions for the best room and location in the hotel to fit your needs
- Book in advance for more room/pricing options
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Knowledge Creates Options
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, within an hour drive of Salt Lake City, sit 10 world-class ski resorts. Those who don't know that are truly missing out as all of the resorts offer something different, making for a unique experience for all types of skiers and travelers. The only problem really, is determining where to stay and which resorts to visit.
First, it helps to really know what you want to get out of your winter vacation. W hich statements best describe you?
- I want to experience as many resorts as possible
- I want to ski hard all day and then relax in a hot tub
- I want to ski, but other activities like shopping, spas, night life, and dining are a must
- I want to get away from it all
Salt Lake City provides a great base for those who want to ski as many resorts as possible and don't care about the "resort town atmosphere." For those who want that atmosphere, spas, night life, and shopping, Park City is the place to be. Utah Vacation Homes offers homes and condos in both areas and can help you decide which resorts are the best for you and your group. Click on the photo to see what fits best for your vacation. | |
| Tip of the Ski - Choosing the right skis for Utah snow
 Even the "Greatest Snow on Earth" © can have its challenges if you don't have the right equipment to enjoy it fully. Some basic points that come into play for sizing include your height, weight, and ability level. While some people care a lot about the look of the ski, performance will make all the difference in your experience on the slopes. When you're considering skiing in Utah powder, versus the icier snow of the Northeast, you'll want to lean towards a pair that can be waxed, which is also needed for ski skating. When considering a ski that performs to your speed and style of skiing, you will want to talk to experts, like those at Ski 'N See, who can tell you which cut is best for you. For example, harder skis are better for extreme or advanced skiers than softer skis; narrower skis are better for groomed runs with more water content, while a pair that is a little wider is designed to float on top of powder; and, a shorter ski may be easier to handle, but a taller ski can give you more mobility and glide. If you have skis, but want to use what's best for the area, consider renting when you get in town. The best research actually comes in renting. Rental demos can give you a chance to try before your buy. Click here for Ski 'N See ski and snowboard rental options (and discounts). |
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| Don't
Pay
Full
Price! |
DISCOUNT LIFT TICKETS... Save up to $32!
Ski 'N See shops in downtown Salt Lake City and en route to Snowbird, Alta, Solitude, Brighton, and Snowbasin have discount lift tickets to all major Utah resorts. While picking up your ski rentals, you can pick up lift tickets for the whole family or entire group. Reserve your skis and snowboards online now to receive 20%. Our Skis On Wheels delivery also delivers discount lift tickets in the Park City area with delivered ski rentals.
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| Offer Expires: End of 2009-2010 Season *Coupon has no cash value. |
Note about Ski 'N See
The Ski 'N See family of ski shops comprises 10 shops, including ARCS and Skis On Wheels. Five shops are located in the Salt Lake valley and five in the Park City/Deer Valley region. Skis On Wheels covers Park City, Deer Valley, and The Canyons Ski Resort areas. Visit www.SkisOnWheels.com for details on delivery reservations.
Roy Ostendorf
Ski 'N See | |
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