UTAH pre-Olympics Park City/Snowbird/Alta Trip Report
Jan 22nd, 2002, 11:18 AM
#1
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UTAH pre-Olympics Park City/Snowbird/Alta Trip Report
Anybody who wants updates on the following places in Utah please ask and I'll be sure to tell. We had a direct flight from the east coast (very, very nice) and we found alcohol to be easier to obtain than we originally thought. They're gearing up for the Olympics so I would imagine that a number of people are looking for information about Salt Lake City.
RESTAURANTS:
Whaso - Main St. in Park City (Chinese with French twist)
Riverhorse Cafe - Main St. in Park City (American)
Kampai - Main St. in Park City (Sushi)
BARS:
JB Mulligan's - Main St. in Park City
The No Name Pub - Main St. in Park City
The Pig Pen - Park City Ski Resort Base
SKI AREAS:
Park City Resort
Snowbird
Alta
LODGING:
Deer Valley Lodging Condo - Powder Run
RESTAURANTS:
Whaso - Main St. in Park City (Chinese with French twist)
Riverhorse Cafe - Main St. in Park City (American)
Kampai - Main St. in Park City (Sushi)
BARS:
JB Mulligan's - Main St. in Park City
The No Name Pub - Main St. in Park City
The Pig Pen - Park City Ski Resort Base
SKI AREAS:
Park City Resort
Snowbird
Alta
LODGING:
Deer Valley Lodging Condo - Powder Run
Jan 22nd, 2002, 05:56 PM
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The snow conditions were good to excellent at each mountain. The bottom of Park City Resort was a little bit icy, but anything above the first chairlift was excellent. The Jupiter bowls were amazing...it was the fluffy champagne powder that you hear about in commercials. Snowbird and Alta were absolutely drowning in snow. There was so much snow it was unreal - from top to bottom. Of course, this is to be expected as Park City, Deer Valley, and The Canyons typically receive about 300" of snow per year while Alta and Snowbird get about 500".
We heard that Deer Valley had a lot of snow but did not ski there.
We heard that Deer Valley had a lot of snow but did not ski there.
Jan 22nd, 2002, 07:59 PM
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We are arriving for a weeks stay in Park City on Feb 2nd. We were wondering if there was anything going on the few days before the opening day of the Olympics. Also, what are the lift ticket prices? Did they raise them for this special event? We plan to ski Deer Valley, the Canyons, Alta, Solitude and if we have the strength we'll do Park City Resort. Any info is much appreciated. THANKS!
Susan
Susan
Jan 22nd, 2002, 09:09 PM
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Hi all! Glad to hear you liked your visit to the Wasatch Jeb. It snowed last night & there is another small storm on the way tonight. There is plenty of snow at all the Wasatch resorts, although snowpack is right now about 85% of normal (which is based on averages over several years history). Once it gets past a certain amount, it doesn't really matter how many inches you're skiing on.
Understand that local die hard skiers are very spoiled and what a visiting skier considers "drowning in snow" (6-12" of fresh) is just a "dusting" to the locals. We don 't really consider it a powder day unless there's at least a foot. It can actually snow 3-4 feet, or MORE, here in 24 hours. that's when we get out the snorkles and "there are no friends on a powder day!"
Understand that local die hard skiers are very spoiled and what a visiting skier considers "drowning in snow" (6-12" of fresh) is just a "dusting" to the locals. We don 't really consider it a powder day unless there's at least a foot. It can actually snow 3-4 feet, or MORE, here in 24 hours. that's when we get out the snorkles and "there are no friends on a powder day!"
Jan 23rd, 2002, 07:44 AM
#8
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From what I can tell, every mountain is NOT raising lift ticket prices for the Olympics. Deer Valley, Snowbasin, and Park City are the three resorts that will be directly hosting events on their slopes. I believe that the only impact to the average skier will be several closed trails.
Dayle is correct in his opinion of the conditions! Snowbird had about 6 inches of powder last Friday and the sking was AMAZING (for my non-snorkle owning east coast legs anyway). Ditto for Alta after they received 8 inches before we went.
Whaso has a very romantic feel, with tables recessed into the wall - the entrances to the tables are half covered with thick, luxe curtains that provide a very intimate dining experience. Our food was widely acclaimed by our group. The menu is fixed price and each diner chooses two appetizers and one entree. We particularly liked the tuna shashimi appetizer, the dumpling appetizer, and I ate the tenderloin for dinner. Food was French with a Chinese/Asian twist. (ie, the tuna appetizer is japanese, and the tenderloin is served on a bed of lo-mein) Whaso was very expensive, fairly quiet. This was the most formal feeling restaurant of the three.
Riverhorse Cafe must have been the most popular restaurant in Park City. It was our favorite meal due to the great food, the beautiful rooms, and the extrordinary piano player. The food is "American" and was exceptional. The restaurant is very loud, stemming from the fact that the piano player is also singing. Lots of loud conversations. Our group had a great time. This is also an expensive, but highly recommended restaurant. We spotted various levels of dress here - everything from all-black trendy to blue jeans ski-town laid back.
Kampai was a sushi restaurant on Main St. Very low key - we were seated at a separate table that had a sliding rice paper wall to give us added privacy. Sushi was very tasty, but somewhat limited menu. Rolls were widely available, but raw fish was limited to about 6 types. This is definitely the type of place where you can wear jeans and if you're adventerous wear a T-shirt, although most of us wore nice collared shirts.
Dayle is correct in his opinion of the conditions! Snowbird had about 6 inches of powder last Friday and the sking was AMAZING (for my non-snorkle owning east coast legs anyway). Ditto for Alta after they received 8 inches before we went.
Whaso has a very romantic feel, with tables recessed into the wall - the entrances to the tables are half covered with thick, luxe curtains that provide a very intimate dining experience. Our food was widely acclaimed by our group. The menu is fixed price and each diner chooses two appetizers and one entree. We particularly liked the tuna shashimi appetizer, the dumpling appetizer, and I ate the tenderloin for dinner. Food was French with a Chinese/Asian twist. (ie, the tuna appetizer is japanese, and the tenderloin is served on a bed of lo-mein) Whaso was very expensive, fairly quiet. This was the most formal feeling restaurant of the three.
Riverhorse Cafe must have been the most popular restaurant in Park City. It was our favorite meal due to the great food, the beautiful rooms, and the extrordinary piano player. The food is "American" and was exceptional. The restaurant is very loud, stemming from the fact that the piano player is also singing. Lots of loud conversations. Our group had a great time. This is also an expensive, but highly recommended restaurant. We spotted various levels of dress here - everything from all-black trendy to blue jeans ski-town laid back.
Kampai was a sushi restaurant on Main St. Very low key - we were seated at a separate table that had a sliding rice paper wall to give us added privacy. Sushi was very tasty, but somewhat limited menu. Rolls were widely available, but raw fish was limited to about 6 types. This is definitely the type of place where you can wear jeans and if you're adventerous wear a T-shirt, although most of us wore nice collared shirts.
Jan 23rd, 2002, 08:15 AM
#9
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Every city that hosts the winter Olympics has the same problem. Non-Olympic visitors assume that prices for everything will be boosted sky-high for a whole year! This actually causes the hosting city to have a lower than normal visitation/hotel occupation rate prior/post Olympics. It also causes a lot of businesses to loose money!
The Olympic organizing committee & the ski resorts have gone to great lenghts to get the word out that the Olympics are only 2 weeks out of the whole ski season - which in Utah is normally 5-6 months long! Also, during the Games, the ski areas expect to be almost deserted, because all the condo/hotel beds will be filled with people here for the Games & not to ski. The ski resorts have all done special ticket rates for Utah residents in anticipation of these misconceptions by the general public.
So, come & ski! I'm seeing short lift lines and I love it! It's like skiing in the 70's before the word got out on Utah. You can get discount lift tickets for several of the resorts at Smith's grocery stores in Salt Lake & Park City and you don't have to be a UT resident for those!
The Olympic organizing committee & the ski resorts have gone to great lenghts to get the word out that the Olympics are only 2 weeks out of the whole ski season - which in Utah is normally 5-6 months long! Also, during the Games, the ski areas expect to be almost deserted, because all the condo/hotel beds will be filled with people here for the Games & not to ski. The ski resorts have all done special ticket rates for Utah residents in anticipation of these misconceptions by the general public.
So, come & ski! I'm seeing short lift lines and I love it! It's like skiing in the 70's before the word got out on Utah. You can get discount lift tickets for several of the resorts at Smith's grocery stores in Salt Lake & Park City and you don't have to be a UT resident for those!
Jan 23rd, 2002, 12:55 PM
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I agree that the lift lines have been short! Park City even has a "the truth about the Olympics" section on their website! They are seeing a very noticible drop in revenues due to people being nervous about coming to SLC during or around the games.
Jan 24th, 2002, 05:42 AM
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So I heard that when I enter a bar I have to fill out an application to become a "member", which then allows me to "sponser" several of my friends to enter the bar and drink.
I heard that after I fill out the form, the bar gives it to the mormons who then come to my house and try to convert me.
Is any of this true?
Is getting drinks in Utah as hard or as confusing as they say? I'm not a drunk, but I like to have some apres-ski fun, and occasionally I like to grab a coctail after dinner without hassles.
I heard that after I fill out the form, the bar gives it to the mormons who then come to my house and try to convert me.
Is any of this true?
Is getting drinks in Utah as hard or as confusing as they say? I'm not a drunk, but I like to have some apres-ski fun, and occasionally I like to grab a coctail after dinner without hassles.
Jan 24th, 2002, 05:51 AM
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The bar -- maybe a local will be more qualified to answer this question, but I can give you my experience.
At a "bar," someone in your group will have to become a "member." I don't remember giving a name or number, just paying $5 and getting some kind of card that signifies membership for something like a week. You can then "sponsor" the others in your group to enter. We did this on numerous occasions in Park City and I haven't once been contacted by Mormons for proselytizing.
I've heard that Utah has also eased up on the restrictions on restaurants. Used to be that they couldn't display wine bottles and weren't allowed to give you a wine list unless you asked for it. Now, they can hand you the wine list with the menu.
At a "bar," someone in your group will have to become a "member." I don't remember giving a name or number, just paying $5 and getting some kind of card that signifies membership for something like a week. You can then "sponsor" the others in your group to enter. We did this on numerous occasions in Park City and I haven't once been contacted by Mormons for proselytizing.
I've heard that Utah has also eased up on the restrictions on restaurants. Used to be that they couldn't display wine bottles and weren't allowed to give you a wine list unless you asked for it. Now, they can hand you the wine list with the menu.
Jan 24th, 2002, 08:42 AM
#16
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The old adage of " It's impossible to get a drink in Utah"..is rubbish. While it is true, there are a few quirks in the laws..getting a drink in Utah is very easy.
First. All of the nice restaurants can supply wine, beer and spirts with your meal..no 'membership fee'..no nothing. No problem
Secondly, it is true that some of the pure drinking facilities (which do not require that you dine, but they do have a great menus)... operate under the guise of a " private for members only club'...a 2 week membership can be purchased for at the club for $5. The easiest thing to do however, it to simply say when you walk in the door. " I am from out of town, do you have a member who is willing to sponsor me" ? In every case, the hostess..the greeter or receptionist will GLADLY do it. Happens all the time and is standard operating procedure at these "Clubs..
First. All of the nice restaurants can supply wine, beer and spirts with your meal..no 'membership fee'..no nothing. No problem
Secondly, it is true that some of the pure drinking facilities (which do not require that you dine, but they do have a great menus)... operate under the guise of a " private for members only club'...a 2 week membership can be purchased for at the club for $5. The easiest thing to do however, it to simply say when you walk in the door. " I am from out of town, do you have a member who is willing to sponsor me" ? In every case, the hostess..the greeter or receptionist will GLADLY do it. Happens all the time and is standard operating procedure at these "Clubs..
Jan 24th, 2002, 11:04 AM
#17
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While yes we had a pretty easy time getting beer and drinks in Utah, it certainly was confusing. Our first beer was apres-ski, and the waitress was very interested in where we were staying. Being nervous Northeasterners we were wary of letting her know where we were staying! She had good intentions, however, after we informed her of our condo she told us that someone already in the club would sponser us.
We had absolutely no idea what she was talking about, but since she took our orders we were happy!
The beer didn't taste right though, and one of us tried to send it back. Turns out it was "3.2" beer which apparently is a low alcohol version beer. Most draft beer, and some bottled beer (from big US manufacturers) in Utah are "3.2" beer, and in order to find regular beer you have to ask. Boutique beers and most imports were regular.
Liquor drinks were very weak, and I think that it is a law that every drink poured has exactly 1 oz of liquor. I have no idea what a normal "non-Utah" drink contains, but the liquor drinks in Utah certainly tasted weak.
Saying all of that, we really had a great time in various restaurants and once we found what we liked - regular beer and wine - we had no problem getting it.
We had absolutely no idea what she was talking about, but since she took our orders we were happy!
The beer didn't taste right though, and one of us tried to send it back. Turns out it was "3.2" beer which apparently is a low alcohol version beer. Most draft beer, and some bottled beer (from big US manufacturers) in Utah are "3.2" beer, and in order to find regular beer you have to ask. Boutique beers and most imports were regular.
Liquor drinks were very weak, and I think that it is a law that every drink poured has exactly 1 oz of liquor. I have no idea what a normal "non-Utah" drink contains, but the liquor drinks in Utah certainly tasted weak.
Saying all of that, we really had a great time in various restaurants and once we found what we liked - regular beer and wine - we had no problem getting it.
Jan 24th, 2002, 02:54 PM
#19
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When ever we go to Utah we take along a few special bottles of wine from our home collection for our dinners. They have always gladly opened them for us with a small corkage fee. ($5)
As far as the bars, we just ask the closedt person to the door to sponsor us and they do. Never had a problem in the last 10 years.
Sue
As far as the bars, we just ask the closedt person to the door to sponsor us and they do. Never had a problem in the last 10 years.
Sue
Jan 24th, 2002, 07:09 PM
#20
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It's not difficult at all to get a drink in Utah. People who tell you differently just like to cling to ignorance & prejudice. Religious bigotry works both ways you know.
Several states have similar liquor laws and several counties in Texas do too. these are not "Mormon" states last I checked.
Also, the population of Salt Lake County is about 50/50. It's a lot more sophisticated city than most people realize.
If you want to drink "stronger" drinks than a 1 oz. pour, you can walk into any restaurant with your own bottle, pay for your "set up" or mixer or corkage charge and pour your own. the bottle does have to have a st of UT seal on it so they know you paid the sales tax. Same with wine. How many states' restaurants let you do that? Instead they charge you double for a bottle of wine over what you could buy it for at any liquor store.
Also, state liquor stores have certain hours. Simple, just look in the phone book & call, or ask your hotel concierge - all the locals know the hours - trust me! Some hotels & ski resorts even have their own satellite liquor stores - like Snowbird. Closed on Sundays & holidays. Just think government hours and you'll do fine.
Several states have similar liquor laws and several counties in Texas do too. these are not "Mormon" states last I checked.
Also, the population of Salt Lake County is about 50/50. It's a lot more sophisticated city than most people realize.
If you want to drink "stronger" drinks than a 1 oz. pour, you can walk into any restaurant with your own bottle, pay for your "set up" or mixer or corkage charge and pour your own. the bottle does have to have a st of UT seal on it so they know you paid the sales tax. Same with wine. How many states' restaurants let you do that? Instead they charge you double for a bottle of wine over what you could buy it for at any liquor store.
Also, state liquor stores have certain hours. Simple, just look in the phone book & call, or ask your hotel concierge - all the locals know the hours - trust me! Some hotels & ski resorts even have their own satellite liquor stores - like Snowbird. Closed on Sundays & holidays. Just think government hours and you'll do fine.
