Park City Mountain Opening Day: May 25, 2018

May 25, 2018 by Molly Miller Leave a Comment

Greening up for summer! Down valley vantage point from White Pine Canyon Road in The Colony.

There are three seasons in Park City: Ski season, shoulder season, and SUMMER. Luckily, we are near the sunny season mark – suntime-funtime life begins at Park City Mountain Village tomorrow! Here’s an overview of what you and your family can enjoy starting today (Friday, May 25).

MOUNTAIN BIKING AND HIKING

Two of our favorite summer activities on the mountain are self-guided; lace up or velcro your preferred shoe, and take advantage of the miles of trails networking through Park City Mountain (some of them take you through The Colony, too!).

Hiking: Whether you’re walking or running, the trails are equal opportunity stunners. Grab a trail map and escape in into the mountains – trekking through the trees is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day, and there are options for all levels of ability.

Mountain biking at Park City Mountain (Photo courtesy: Park City Mountain)

Mountain Biking: Shredding applies in summer, too, and the beauty of activities at the resort is that there are options for support if you need it! You can rent mountain bikes at the Village, then hop on Crescent or Pay Day Chairlift so you can focus on the downhill. Bike haul tickets are also available for purchase.

ALPINE SLIDE & ALPINE COASTER

Alpine Slide: More than 3,000 feet of WHEE!: PCM’s Alpine Slide is among the longest in the world. And with three tracks to choose from, each luge-like launch is a different experience.

Alpine Coaster: Prefer a mountain ride on rails? Buckle into the Alpine Coaster. The winding track slings you through more than a mile of mountainside; carving and looping at speeds up to 30 mph. And if you want to slow down and enjoy the incredible scenery, there’s an easy-to-reach brake on your coaster car.

ZIP LINES

If being above the treetops is more your thing, zip lines at Park City Mountain will make it happen. Relish the views at 110 feet off the ground, and enjoy the wind in your face as you’re propelled at speeds up to 45 mph. The Flying Eagle is a two-seater, and the ZipRider™is a fun chance to race your friends.

MINI GOLF & ADVENTURE ZONE

Catch your breath at the base of the Village and enjoy an 18-hole round of miniature golf. And if the kids want to see more action while you’re puttering around, there are seven other ways for you to tucker them out before it’s time to tuck them into bed.

Legacy Launcher – four trampolines (with safety harnesses) let the kiddos bounce all their energy out – and safely try tricks under supervision.
Kids’ Zip – avoid the too-small-for-the-big-zip-line meltdown and head straight here for full-scale thrills at a size that’s perfect for your little one.
Kids’ Rope Course – another age and size-appropriate way for kids to safely try some big challenges.
Boulders – the smallest climbers can experience Southern Utah terrain from the comfort of Park City.
Climbing Wall – safety climbing harnesses and trained attendants give kids a chance to explore scaling a big-time wall – with five different routes to try.
Kids’ Tubing – tubing is now a summer sport; no need for snow to experience this adventure!
Gem Panning – experience Park City’s mining legacy while you pan for gems in the interactive flume.

UPCOMING WEEKLY VILLAGE EVENTS

Some of the most fun to be had in the summer is scoring local produce and products at the Park City Farmers Market and spreading out a picnic blanket and snacking while you listen to open-air mountainside music. Luckily, you’ll get to enjoy both of those experiences in just a few short weeks!

Wednesday: Farmers Market @ Silver King Parking Lot (begins June 13)
Thursday: Thursday Concert Series @ Canyons Village* (begins July 3)
Thursday: MegaMind PubQuiz Power Hour Trivia @ Legend’s Bar & Grill (begins June 7)
Friday: Patio Live Music @ Legend’s
Saturday: Saturday Concert Series | Live Music @ Canyons Village (begins July 14)
Sunday: Patio Live Music @ Legend’s

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”
—F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

*The Canyons Village opens for summer operations on Friday, June 15. Closing day for both villages is Monday, September 3.

Park City Nonprofit Highlight: Park City Education Foundation

May 16, 2018 by Molly Miller Leave a Comment

Park City Nonprofits Provide Support For Any Need

Here in Park City, we have more than 100 nonprofits whose work spans the spectrum of support. From providing things like basic human needs (The Hope Alliance), to access to sport and recreation opportunities for Latino children in our community (The Solomon Fund), to maintenance and upkeep for the trails you bike on and hike with your pup (Mountain Trails Foundation), our nonprofits are committed to making lives in our community better in every single way.

Park City Education Foundation

Among the most spectacular nonprofits in our community is one which works day-in and day-out to provide capital to “go beyond what public education provides to meet the needs of our students, teachers, and community.” The nonprofit spotlight today is on the Park City Education Foundation.

In existence since 1986, PCEF has worked to support and advance academics and student success in the Park City School District in the areas of Academic Success, College and Career Readiness, Early Childhood Education, Professional Development for Teachers, STEM, Student Wellness, and the Arts.

In 2016-2017 alone, PCEF committed $1.5 million in funding to these areas. The Foundation provides 100% of PCSD’s discretionary budget, and PCEF programs reach every single one of our districts 5,000 students.

Here’s a look at PCEF’s impact, broken out into those seven areas of support.

Academic Success

College and Career Readiness

Early Childhood Education

Professional Development for Teachers

STEM

Student Wellness

Arts

How To Get Connected: Running With Ed (RWE)

This race is a win for everyone!
(Photo courtesy of the Park City Education Foundation.)

This weekend, Park City Education Foundation facilitates one of its largest events of the year – Running With Ed. The 9th annual 38-mile relay gets underway on Saturday, May 19. The race is run by teams, in 10 legs, and crosses the entirety of Park City, on trails, pavement, with climbing and quick downhills. There are easy legs and tough ones, and they’ll take you past Olympic venues, iconic landmarks, neighborhood schools, and historic Main Street.

While it’s too late to get a team registered (bookmark it for next year!), you can still sign up to volunteer, donate to your favorite team, and, of course, show up to cheer for the runners! The course begins between 8 and 9:30 a.m., at Newpark Field House in Kimball Junction. From there, teams head to Jeremy Ranch, Ecker Hill, the Utah Olympic Park, Park City Mountain’s Canyons Village, Parley’s Park, Park City Mountain Village, McPolin, Treasure Mountain, Trailside, and then back to Newpark. Whew! Plenty of opportunities to cheer our community on!

Best of luck to all of the runners!

Support PCEF All Year Long

While RWE is one of PCEF’s largest fundraising events, there are many other ways for people to give. From the Give $180 campaign, to the Scholar Circle, to Men4Ed, to the Red Apple Gala, any philanthropic contribution you provide is sure to enrich the lives of children attending Park City schools. If it means more to you to get out and get involved, there are dozens of volunteer opportunities throughout the year. However you show your support, your efforts make a difference!

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Have a favorite Park City nonprofit you’d like highlighted? Email us: Molly@thecolonywpc.com.

Park City Event Guide: May 11-13, 2018

May 11, 2018 by Molly Miller Leave a Comment

Park City Event Guide, May 11 – 13

This weekend, we celebrate the women who raised us! (If you’re in need of brunch options, look no further than this list, courtesy of Park City Magazine.)

SHOP (FOR A CAUSE)

Girls’ Night Out
Friday, May 11: 4 – 8PM

Shop for your mom, with your mom, or with your girlfriends – all for a good cause. Your $10 donation will go to The Christian Center of Park City’s Back-to-School Basics event, which provides hundreds of children in our own community with $100 to buy clothes they need to head back to school.

As a thank you for your donation, you’ll get a tote filled with discounts, a voucher for dinner at Salty Pineapple or Fry Me To The Moon, selfie station photo ops, in-store activities, and other surprise perks! If you plan to attend, be sure to REGISTER ONLINE.

DO

Saturday Morning Nature Walk
Saturday, May 12: 8:30 – 10AM

Explore the Swaner Preserve wetlands with a guide. You’ll learn about the wonders of the wetlands, native plant and animal species, and the history of the Swaner Preserve. Keep your eyes peeled for an abundance of birds, elk or even nesting sandhill cranes.

Beautify Park City
Saturday, May 12: 9AM – Noon
Events are family-friendly; work gloves and bags will be provided. Bring a water bottle, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

PRIDE IN YOUR PARK CLEANUP
Join a crew to pick up trash and recyclables in the city parks, waterways, roadsides, and fields.
Meet at City Park Bandstand | 1354 Park Avenue

ARBOR DAY TREE PLANTING
Help us celebrate our 25th year as a Tree City! Each participant will receive a free tree seedling to take home.
Meet at Prospector Park | 2500 Wyatt Earp Way

Young Bike Riders Swap
Saturday, May 12: 8AM – 5PM
Sunday, May 13: 11AM – 3PM

The Young Riders Bike Swap serves a couple of different purposes. For some, it’s to snag a bike. For others, it’s to get rid of all the old equipment in our garages. Proceeds raised help fund the Young Riders organization, which was “founded in 1996 as a way to keep kids happy and healthy when the snow melts.” Happening at The YARD, 1251 Kearns Blvd. May is National Bike Month and Park City has a plethora of ways for you to enjoy it!

READ

“Park City Hiking Guide”
Park City is home to one of the most incredible trail systems in the world, and a new guide has just been published to help you navigate them. There are maps and directions for 45 hikes in the “Park City Hiking Guide,” written by Park City local Beverly Hurwitz, a physician and a lifelong hiker.

Paths through Park City Mountain are included in the book, among other areas in town. Also included: info on trail etiquette, hiker safety and first aid. A perfect gift for locals and guests alike! The book is available at Dolly’s Bookstore, Cole Sport, The Market at Park City, Right at home, Switchback Sports, J.W. Allen & Sons Toy Store, and Amazon.

WATCH

Cheerleaders vs. Aliens → World Premiere by YouTheater at Egyptian Theatre
Friday, May 11: 7PM
Saturday, May 12: 2 & 7PM

Aliens invade a small town and abduct the high school football team to harvest their brain jelly, and no one steps up to save them — except the Greenville High School Cheerleading Squad. Rhymes, cartwheels, and glitter contribute to the save-the-day fun.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Savor the Summit: This event fills up quickly, so be sure to reserve your spots now for Park City’s Largest Outdoor Dinner Party! This year, join 2500 other diners on Saturday, June 16 for an open-air community celebration on Main Street.

Big Stars Bright Nights: Tickets are now available for purchase for the 15th consecutive season of outdoor concerts from Park City Institute and St. Regis. Shows this year include Los Lonely Boys, Grace Potter, and Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers.

Deer Valley Concert Series: Tickets for the inaugural series go on sale Friday, May 11. The five-show series will include shows from The Decemberists, Gavin DeGraw, and Jason Mraz. It joins the two concert series events already held at Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater; the Deer Valley Music Festival and the (free) Grand Valley Bank Community Concert Series.

Park City Celebrates: May is National Bike Month

May 10, 2018 by Molly Miller 1 Comment

With more than 400 miles of single-track trail in Park City, mountain biking here is among the best in the world, for any level of rider. And, if you’re not a mountain biker – or are simply looking to ratchet up your rotation opportunities – you can also enjoy mile after mile of multi-use track on a road bike – or an e-bike!

And, because May is national bike month, there are a number of unique opportunities for you to pedal the Park City paths over the next few weeks. (Photo courtesy: Park City Mountain)

National Bike to Work Week is May 14 – 18

Biking gets you out into our fresh mountain air, and – bonus! – The League of American Bicyclists says commuting on your bike burns an average of 540 calories an hour. And, if you were to switch to biking to get to work on the regular, you’d save about 66 gallons of fuel per year.

Park City’s Bike to School Day is May 18

On Friday, May 18, our entire community comes together for Bike to Work, School and Play Day. The main morning gathering happens at Park City High School, where there will be breakfast, a bike wash, bike safety information and even bike tune-ups.

Students riding bikes to school get police escorts, and all kids and the community are invited to enjoy activities like helmet fittings, bike safety demos, and BBQs – held throughout the day at McPolin, Parley’s Park, Jeremy Ranch, and Trailside elementary schools.

The entire Park City community is invited to bike to school, work, and play on May 18.

E-Biking | Summit Bike Share

The Summit Bike Share is also inviting you to hit Park City’s trails for bike month (e-bikes are permitted on all paved multi-use paths and soft-surface trails wider than 5 feet). The goal of the Bike Share, which is a joint effort between Summit County and Park City, is to offer a great 24/7 transit option for residents and visitors to explore the city. And the best news – all bikes are e-bikes. This means you still get to pedal, but electric-assist will automatically kick in on the hills. Since its inception last year, more than 35,000 miles have been biked!

There are tons of ways to celebrate National Bike Month in Park City.

To celebrate Bike Month, you’re welcome to give Bike Share a 45-minute whirl for FREE on May 15 and 16, thanks to Bewegen, Summit County, Park City, and the Park City Chamber of Commerce.

To participate, download the Summit Bike Share app.

Mountain Biking in Park City

While Park City’s hundreds of miles of single-track are extremely popular, it’s rare for a trail to ever be crowded (there are some exceptions, of course, but there are plenty of options for solitude). Mountain bikers of all levels can enjoy more than 20 miles of cross-country trails through Park City Mountain (including our favorite, the Mid Mountain Trail, which runs right here through The Colony at White Pine Canyon!), with some support to make logistics as easy as possible. You can buy Gondola and bike haul tickets at the Activities Center in Canyons Village, and bike rentals are available in both villages.

Park City has been named a gold-level Ride Center by the International Mountain Biking Association. According to the website, this is “IMBA’s recognition of large-scale mountain bike facilities that offer something for every rider… From expert-only to family-friendly, you’ll be able to ride for days and encounter the best mountain biking has to offer.”

We think that description is right on the money – and you hit one of our Park City trails, we bet you’ll agree!

Road Biking in Park City

Park City, where the Tour of Utah starts and finishes, is full of options for road bikers.

Road biking in Park City isn’t limited to professional cyclists (though we can understand why it seems intimidating – the Tour of Utah does begin and end here, after all). Our town is an incredibly fun place for experts and novices alike to enjoy some road bike loops. If you need a bit of assistance getting started, White Pine Touring has you covered with rentals and guided tours.

Enjoy the Ride

Whether you prefer gliding past the white barn or white-knuckling through the Wasatch Back, there is an option that suits your needs for riding a bike in Park City. During national bike month, we sure hope you take some time to enjoy it! Be sure to share your biking pics on Instagram and Facebook using the #ParkCity and #BikeMonth hashtags.

Summer Gear Guide

April 27, 2018 by Colony PR Leave a Comment

Ready to hit the trail this spring, but need a few upgrades? Aiming to take on a new sport? Park City has a plethora of outdoor shops to outfit you for your next adventure.

A teenage boy fly fishes in a river outside Park City, Utah.

Trout Bum 2
4343 UT-224 (In between Canyons and Kimball Jct)
A local fly shop who can outfit you with license, waders, rods, reels and everything else for a day on the river. Trout Bum 2 also offers a guide service, so you don’t waste time looking for a hatch.

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Jans Mountain Recreation Experts
1600 Park Avenue
One of the go-to ski shops in winter switches gears during warmer weather to bikes and fly fishing gear. In addition, you’ll also find a wide selection of camping, trail running and associated accessories for your outdoor pursuits.
jans.com

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Cole Sport
1615 Park Avenue
Cole’s flagship location on Park Ave sports a wide selection of bike gear, including one of the state’s largest rental fleets of both road and mountain bikes.

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Park City Bike Demos
1500 Kearns Blvd
Sporting over 100 hand-picked demos, this is the place for bike nerds and those who want a high-end ride. The best part? PC Bike Demos allow users to test as many bikes as you wish on a trail or on the road and apply up to $600 of rental fees towards a final purchase.

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Backcountry.com
This online retailer has nearly every piece of gear for every outdoor pursuit imaginable. Plus, their online gearhead chat is staffed by experts in each area to make sure you get the right product.

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Switchback Sports
1685 Bonanza Dr
Pick up used bikes and other outdoor items on consignment, which includes camping gear, hiking, and golf equipment. Great option for kids who beat up gear before they grow out of it.

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Tanger Outlets
The outlet malls over in Kimball does not always come to mind when thinking outdoor sports, but you will find a wide range of apparel from Pearl Izumi, Colombia, Under Armour, Zumiez, Volcom, NIKE, and Adidas.

Spring Fever

April 10, 2018 by Colony PR Leave a Comment

Here in the mountains, the season others know as spring, we affectionately refer to as “mud season” to describe the period in between skiing and hiking, biking and golf. However, there are several options to take care of that case of “spring fever” if you are careful and plan ahead.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

Generally speaking south facing trails receive more spring sun to melt out and dry faster. Typically Round Valley (Hwy 40) and Glenwild (between Kimball and Jeremy Ranch) are the first to be ready to foot or two-wheeled traffic.

The trails you can expect to dry out first are Blackhawk and Stealth in Glenwild and Somewhere Elk & Nowhere Elks in Round Valley. Each of those trails are open to both hiking and biking, and tend to be busier on weekends and warm afternoons.

Both Mountain Trails and Basin Recreation provide great resources for planning a day out including updated trail conditions and handy maps. It is imperative to stay off trails until completely dry, as using them in muddy conditions can cause damage to the surface which could last all season, or permanently widening them from users who walk or ride around wet areas.

Road Cycling

Road cycling is great within The Colony, providing plenty of uphill options and fun loops you can create on your own. Other quiet areas for a road ride are the Pinebrook and Jeremy Ranch neighborhoods, both of which provide a similar set up of climbs and descents. Jeremy gets more sun if the temps are cooler.

For flatter road rides, head out to the town of Heber City and ride a loop that includes the neighboring area of Francis. Stunning views of Mt. Timpanogos dominate the scene above your handlebars, and the surrounding bucolic farmland is a perfect spring backdrop for a pedal.

Wildlife

Due to the immense amount of open space at The Colony, wildlife such as moose, elk, and deer regularly frequent the area. In spring, it is a safe bet to simply grab a pair of binoculars and observe passing wildlife from the comfort of your deck.

Animals respond to longer days and warmer weather much in the same way we humans do – soaking up as much outdoor time as possible and exploring our surroundings. Additionally, much of our local fauna are caring for their young while coming out of a winter slumber at the same time, making them incredibly unpredictable – especially moose – so be sure to give animals plenty of space and keep a safe distance.

The Swaner Nature Preserve offers an additional opportunity to see wildlife – from elk to nesting sandhill cranes – in nearby Kimball Junction. This project of Utah State University offers complimentary nature walks each Saturday morning led by a naturalist.

Golf

The closest option outside Park City is Mountain Dell, located off I-80 in Parleys Canyon between SLC and Park City. As of this writing, they had 18 holes open, with a second 18 holes set to open soon. Stay tuned for a full blog post on golf options in the Park City area to plan your rounds for spring and summer.