Summit County

Salt Lake City, Utah

Hopping off the plane from sunny, warm California, we definitely weren’t quite sure what was in store for us here, in the Beehive State.  However, we were all pleasantly surprised. 

Expecting snow-covered mountains and barren trees, it was a nice surprise to see green grass, clear roads ridden completely of snow, sunshine and only snow-covered mountain peaks off in the distance giving us hope for the day to come. 

Although the sun was spotty all day long only coming out to stay for the last few hours of fun on the mountain, in Park City it made for a nice day.  

This year we had a special treat because not only were we able to ski and snowboard at Park City Mountain Resort, but we were also able to do the same at the Canyon Mountain Resort as well; being that they partnered this year.  So, one lift ticket granted you freedom to shred down either for the day.  

The Park City side seemed to have steeper courses with little to no ice and slush where as Canyon Mountain side had more trails, and houses, and was more so peaceful!  However, it also saw more sunlight and therefore, it created more slush on the runs.  Without the slush though, it was beautiful, wrapping around bridges and trees and winding back narrow paths.  The views to see were definitely on the Park City side though, so being able to take it all in and see the differences made it all the better.

And speaking of taking it all in, Park City was home to the 2002 Winter Olympics, making it the third Olympic city that I have been to from Atlanta to Vancouver and now Salt Lake.   The bobsled course as it appeared to maybe be, was even visible from one of the ski lifts.   All this Olympic talk makes me wish that I was an Olympian and able to say I competed in the Games no matter what the outcome may have been.  It is just such and experience.  I guess for now though, I will keep dreaming and enjoy what I am able to do at this moment. 

And right now it was time to join in all the birthday festivities and the guys and girls nights.  Sticking with tradition or routine both gatherings were on the same night with different agendas.  The guys did their thing and we did ours.  However, we had a twist.  We could only use three items to create our outfit for the night.  For some, there was thought and creativity used and for others, well it was put together in about five minutes, but hey we all had a grand night.  Just in time too, before we closed out this city and headed home for me, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!