Family Adventure in Utah

FAMILY Fresh powder reigns at Snowbasin. by Laurette M. Veres ADVENTURE IN UTAH

UTAH HAS LONG BEEN our own coach who assessed our skill level, then A FAVORITE SKIING found a place where our entire group could ski DESTINATION FOR TEXANS; together. The lesson is a full day and you even MOST HEAD TO THE BEEHIVE eat lunch with your teacher affording extra time STATE TO SKI PARK CITY. to continue learning and improving. The family

Utah would like you to know there are other lesson is an ideal way to see the mountain with a mountains with great ski skilled guide, learn valuable opportunities. Thirty-three miles northeast of Park But you don’t tips and remain together on your vacation.

City and less than an hour from Salt Lake City airport, have to be an Whether you're a skilled or novice skier, it’s pretty you’ll find the adventurous mountain Snowbasin. Most Olympic athlete cool to say you have skied where Olympians have. famously, Snowbasin was home to three Olympic to enjoy this During the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake events in 2002. But you don’t have to mountain—it’s City, three events took place here: the Men’s and be an Olympic athlete to enjoy this mountain—it’s perfect for skiers Women’s Downhill, Super G and Combined events. perfect for skiers of all skill levels. The ski school of all skill levels. You can ski or snowboard in the path of Olympians is exceptional and easily on the Grizzly Downhill accessible, including a private entrance for easy and Wildflower Downhill that runs from the top drop-off and pick-up. And, there's a dedicated of the Allen Peak Tram. The start elevation of rental area attached to the school making sign the Grizzly Downhill is 9,289 feet with a vertical up a one-stop breeze. For families and multi- drop of 2,897 feet. The initial pitch is a 74 percent generational travelers, the private family lesson slope where athletes immediately accelerate into is a fantastic new option. We were matched with speeds of 70–75 miles per hour. You are also

free to do as we did: take the tram up, look at the steep view, and video very experienced skiers struggling before you take the tram back down.

On-mountain dining and after ski relaxation have always been a source of pride for Snowbasin. Ranked number two in North America for onmountain dining by Ski Magazine, Snowbasin Resort’s reputation for culinary excellence shines through at the Cinnabar for lunch and après ski. In Snowbasin’s other dining facilities, the awardwinning chefs offer a signature burger for Earl’s Lodge, Needles Lodge and John Paul Lodge. Each season the chili served at the John Paul Lodge is selected by guests when they vote for their favorites. All the general dining areas are simply the most beautiful you’ll see at any ski resort. They are more akin to a country club setting. Whether you relax inside or out, the approachable size of Snowbasin makes it easy to locate your friends. You can also gather around the outdoor fire as the final skiers of the day finish.

WHERE TO STAY: COMPASS ROSE LODGE

There is no lodging adjacent to Snowbasin, but the quaint city of Huntsville is less than fifteen minutes away. New to the luxury hospitality scene, the Compass Rose Lodge is the perfect location to stage your mountain vacation.

Arriving here is similar to arriving at a friend’s house. There's no front desk, you simply locate the staff and let them know you’ve arrived. You’ll be assigned to one of the highly appointed 15 rooms. Perfect for families, the loft rooms have two king beds with two lofts above them and a ladder in between. Kids of all ages love this offering. The living room atmosphere has great seats next to the fire place where skiers unwind at the end of the day before heading out to dinner. Pop over to First Lift Coffee shop which is adjacent to the lodge. Here you’ll find not just great Joe but sweet treats too. In the evening, check for wine. If it’s there, help yourself.

After a day of adventure, whether skiing, biking or hiking the paved trails of the Pineview Reservoir, spend the evening stargazing through a high-powered telescope in the HALO Observatory located in the hotel. The owner’s son, Dakota, leads private tours at 7:00 pm, 7:45 pm and 8:30 pm. Check the weather if you plan to spend a couple days to find the clearest evening. We learned about Orion, the Seven Sisters, and even took a close look at the moon. The owner’s passion for astronomy is obvious in the three telescopes and an ultra-strong camera. At the completion of the tour, you can view actual pictures taken while you were gazing. H

PREVIOUS PAGE: SNOWBASIN HAS SOMETHING FOR SKIERS OF ALL LEVELS.

OPPOSITE PAGE: TAKE A RIDE IN THE TRAM TO ENJOY BREATHTAKING VIEWS AT SNOWBASIN.

ABOVE: THE COMPASS ROSE LODGE BOASTS AN OBSERVATORY WITH PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS.

ESSENTIALS compassroselodge.com snowbasin.com