WELL TRAVELED

LET IT SNOW

The Chateaux Deer Valley is nestled in the mountains above Park City, an old mining town.

I

i’m always impressed by how many north Texans like to ski. Growing up near several ski resorts in Michigan, my friends and I were clicking our boots into bindings and schussing down the hills from an early age. Despite not having such opportunities in Dallas, people here love to head west and hit the slopes. One destination that’s quickly growing in popularity is Park City, Utah, just a quick 40-minute drive from Salt Lake City.

The weather was perfect when my future daughter-in-law and I visited Deer Valley in the Wasatch Range, where the winter season runs from December through early April. It had been a while since I last skied; still, I didn’t anticipate that my legs would feel like noodles afterward. We stayed at The Chateaux Deer Valley, part of the Stein Collection, which also owns the adjacent Stein Eriksen Lodge. Inspired by the Olympic legend and his Norwegian heritage, it has the feel of an elegant European ski lodge. Fortunately, it also has a Forbes Five-Star spa, and healing massages got us ready for more outdoor fun. Next up was Woodward Park City, home to Utah’s longest snow-tubing runs. Bouncing down the hills at high speeds had me giggling like a 12-year-old.

In between all of the sporty stuff, make time to visit Park City’s Historic Main Street. The former silver mining town offers a bevy of quaint shops and top-notch restaurants. Among them is the award-winning Riverhorse on Main, where the eclectic menu frequently changes. The ahi tuna tartare is a must-try, as is the wild game trio (elk, buffalo, and venison). And, depending on your poison, try a wine tasting at Old Town Cellars or a whiskey tasting at High West Distillery’s saloon.

Wining and dining opportunities abound at the Stein Collection properties, too. The popular Golden Hirsch is known for its contemporary Alpine fare and cheese or chocolate fondues. On one memorable evening, we enjoyed a sleigh ride after the lifts had shut down for the night. It was meditative to take in the stunning beauty of the mountains and the stillness of the evening, broken only by the muted clop-clop of the horse’s hooves on the snow and the jingle of the sleigh bells. Dinner at the four-star Glitretind that evening was served in one of its Alpenglobes. Of the many appealing options on the menu, we chose Wild Mushroom Agnolotti, followed by Maine Sea Scallops and a filet of Double R Ranch Beef; everything was delicious. As our gold leaf-topped sticky toffee pudding arrived, right on cue, fluffy snowflakes began gracefully falling from the sky—a final touch to a truly magical evening.

Another resort that’s highly recommended is Montage Deer Valley, with its in-room fireplaces and ultra-luxurious spa. (The Masterpiece Facial will not disappoint.) At Apex, on the resort’s lower level, you can create your own surf-andturf with a seafood platter of crab, oysters, and tuna poke to start, followed by an elk steak entrée. Seafood lovers should also spring for a meal at Yama Sushi; try the nachos (crab, tuna, avocado, wakame, and tare sushi on black truffle wontons), the chef’s nigiri selection, and Wasatch roll.

WINTER SUNSET Park City, which hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, is known for its outstanding skiing. TRAVEL TIPS

Park City’s ‘Casual Swank’

Charmaine Tang and her family were regulars at Vail and Beaver Creek before a friend recommended Park City. It was a revelation. The ability to get in more skiing on weekend trips, the laid-back culture, and natural beauty made her an instant fan. “The skiing is great, and it’s just stunningly gorgeous,” says Tang, senior client strategiest at BNY Mellon Wealth Management. It’s a mining town with an Old West feel that blends luxury and comfort; my husband calls it ‘casual swank.’” Tang and her family typically stay in the private Talisker Club. “My kids become different people,” Tang says. “They epitomize Gen Z, and in Park City, they’re able to center and get away from digital and just relax.”

DOUBLE THREAT

An early experience with a cardiology treatment center led Sangani to add real estate to his business pursuits.

MAKING ROUNDS

Sangani as attending physician at Mount Carmel Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, in 1985.

ROOTS

DR. BHARAT SANGANI

CHAIRMAN AND CEO

ENCORE ENTERPRISES

as told to

SARA RUSHING

illustration by

JAKE MEYERS

dr. bharat sangani had $10.45 on him when he emigrated from India in 1983. Already a physician, the 26-year-old came to America to pursue training as a cardiologist. He took that pocket change and went on to build one of the largest cardiology treatment centers in Mississippi. Discovering a knack for real estate, Sangani formed a side business and has since closed more than $2.9 billion in deals through his investment and development firm, Dallas-based Encore Enterprises. Here, he shares his story.

“The U.S. is considered a land of opportunity, so I was filled with a lot of enthusiasm and positive feelings when I came here. I did not have a job, but I knew that I would make it if I were good. My dad taught me from a young age to be self-supporting. Problem-solving was inherently part of my upbringing; you can come for advice but don’t come for help. Raising the bar every time you achieve something was instilled by my father. Nothing is ever enough; I like to go to the next level. Normally, entrepreneurs will let the business die when they retire or lose interest. But because the ‘nothing is ever enough’ theory, when building our Encore Enterprises’ portfolio, I didn’t want the business to suffer the same consequences. So, every time we accomplished something, we think, ‘OK, how can we make this better?’”

HAPPY FAMILY

Sangani at age 37 with his wife Smita and daughter Nili in Gulfport, Mississippi.