THISISFUN

Hi,
We are a family of 5 (kids aged 10, 7 & 4) beginner skiers planning to ski at Solitude for the first time in late December (19th-23rd) this year. Have found it a bit overwhelming narrowing down areas, but think the village of Solitude will appeal, however we really want this experience to be wonderful as we've saved really hard for it. To that end, could someone please recommend the best accommodation in terms of cleanliness & atmosphere in Solitude? We have booked 5 nights at Park City and were hoping to book 4 nights at Solitude to experience both areas, but have just started wondering if I'm better off booking really luxury accommodation in SLC (Grand America) and commuting up to Solitude as I'm a bit underwhelmed by the photos of the Solitude options (Creekside, the Inn and Eagle Springs)? what are your thoughts? I know photos often don't do justice, but we just want this trip to be as special as possible as we're travelling from Australia and won't get the chance very often! Is it really much better for atmosphere to stay on the mountain, or is the commute short enough that we wouldn't sacrifice much and getter better accommodation for less? We will put the kids in ski school (and me too!) but also hoping to do other things during the day after skiing (swim, stroll, relax, ice skate, eat out) Thank you.

Dayle

Fun

I live in Park City and have skied Utah for over 30 years.

Don't stay in SLC if you want the best mountain ski experience. Your biggest concern commuting should be snow and bad driving conditions, plus bad air pollution. Plus with kids and all of you being beginners you want an easy quick place to nap or rest off slope! You are going to be some tired pups.

If you think you want lots of activities other than skiing, you should stay in Park City the whole time.
Solitude is beautiful, but Big Cottonwood is very limited in other things. There is probably enough there for a couple of days max, other than skiing.

Also you should know that mid Dec is early for our ski season. Snow may not be the best, but it will be fine for your first skiing experience.

Hope this helps!

THISISFUN

Thank you - that does help. I've booked the Wyndham Park City because of the amazing rate, but on Google maps it looks a bit far from everything except the Waldorf Astoria! But I'm sure the WA wouldn't put a hotel in a bad position, and we will have a rental car. But should I look to stay in a different hotel for the latter 4 nights to get a different type of experience? I noticed Snowbird has a good rate at the Cliff but I read that is an expert mtn so prob not appropriate? I was hoping for a bit of ski in/out experience over there. We are thinking we will break up our skiing days with some chill out/ fun days. We are all into sport but think 3 consecutive days of skiing will then require a couple of days relax, and then repeat! Thx for replying.

StantonHyde

From the Salt Lake City perspective here---You could do a whole week in Park City. For one thing--it is much easier to go from PC down to SLC than it is from the Cottonwood Canyons. The road between SLC and PC is not prone to avalanches! And I honestly would not want to move kids if I didn't have to. The Cottonwood Canyons are truly gorgeous--and MUCH better snow than PC, especially in December. BUT they are isolated! Solitude is a lovely resort. Snowbird has more to offer and I think it is easier to ski there honestly. On the flip side, the resort next to Snowbird is Alta--which has awesome snow and is only for skiers--but is not the best beginner area. Brighton--which is next to Solitude--has the best ski school for kids-hands down!

You are smart to plan a day as a break. Overall--I would stay in PC for the week. Ski one day or two days, Take a day off. Repeat. Once you have seen what PC has to offer, then you can go to SLC. The Discovery Childrens Museum there is fantastic for winter play and would be good for all of your kids. The Planetarium is also lots of fun. If the weather is nice (eg. in the 50s and sunny) you could also go to the zoo or the Tracey Aviary. There is also a great aquarium near Draper and an awesome Dinosaur Museum in Lehi. These are farther afield but for a day off they would be fine.

THISISFUN

EXCELLENT - thank you for your advice. We will stick with PC, and have booked 2 nights in SLC (before we leave for Bryce/ Zion) to visit the Discovery Children's Museum etc. Again thank you for your advice

StantonHyde

You will really need to check/heed the weather if you are going down to Bryce and Zion that time of year. Roads could be totally clear or you could have a huge snow storm. Be prepared to be flexible...