Travel Agent - October 15, 2007 - (Page SU9)

misconceptions amounts of beginner and intermediate terrain, as well as its ample tree skiing for the more adventurously inclined. Lodging options include the slopeside Grand Summit Resort Hotel, a luxury property. Families and couples are The Canyons’ most likely clientele. RUGGED AND TRADITIONAL Families who count serious skiers or traditionalists in their ranks might best be directed to the slopes of Little Cottonwood Canyon outside of Salt Lake City, where two major resorts await. Snowbird is noted for its emphasis on the steep and rugged, and it’s a great place where those seeking challenge can certainly ﬁnd it. Lots of moguls, steep bowls and chutes can be found all over the mountain. The most logical accommodation choice is the towering Cliff Lodge, whose spa is often noted as one of the best in the ski world. Connected to Snowbird is Alta, where a traditionalist approach to skiing (no snowboarding) is favored. Families and couples are the favored clientele here. Alta is also home to thousands of acres of seemingly pristine alpine terrain, and there’s almost no surface that’s better to ski on than Utah powder. In neighboring Big Cottonwood Canyon, there’s Solitude, arguably one of the most aptly named resorts in the Snowbird If you are not a skier, you may have misconceptions about what constitutes a ski vacation. Maybe you think it’s too expensive, the lift lines are too long, the food on the mountain is sub-par and the only thing to do when the lifts close is party, party, party! At one time, these notions may have held some truth, but today’s ski vacation is a complete winter adventure. Skiers and non-skiers alike can experience the ultimate convenience of high-speed chairlifts and heated gondolas to transport them around the mountains. Advanced technology has provided skiers and snowboarders with streamlined, easy-to-use equipment that makes even a novice feel like a pro. In terms of dining, the former assembly-line ski cafeteria has been replaced with a wide variety of on- and off-mountain dining options, from casual pizza places to AAA Four Diamond eateries. The party quotient is still there for those who seek it, but an array of other nighttime activites abound, including top-of-the-line arts performances, on-mountain adventure parks and family-oriented entertainers such as magicians and storytellers. country. A great place for families who simply want to spend some time skiing together, Solitude marries Utah powder with completely uncrowded, wide-open slopes, with the particular attraction of a backcountry area (Honeycomb Canyon) that’s served by a lift. Big Cottonwood also is home to Brighton, an unpretentious resort offering plentiful snow, lots of intermediate terrain and an emphasis on snowboarding. Families with boarders may want to check it out if they’re seeking an offthe-beaten path place to ski or ride. ECHOES OF THE OLYMPICS Just outside of Ogden is Snowbasin which hosted some alpine events at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Families and couples with intermediate skiers Alta Lodge will appreciate Snowbasin’s plentiful groomed trails and massive snowmaking capability. Clients can choose to stay slopeside, mostly at family- or groupfriendly condos, or in Ogden itself. Sundance is another choice for Utah-bound skiers. A year-round outdoor activities and learning resort, it doesn’t have the acreage of most of the rest of its Utah neighbors, although at 450 skiable acres it has enough for the vast majority of vacationers. Sundance guests are just as likely to be skiing as they are to be taking a nature walk, stargazing tour, or ﬁlm or lecture. It’s a good choice for couples, especially baby boomers or empty nesters, along with nature-loving contemplative types who may be seeking something a little bit different.

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Travel Agent - October 15, 2007 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe Central & South America Special Supplement: Ski University Pacific/Asia Las Vegas Caribbean Romantic Getaway and Honeymoon Packages Jamaica’s New Minister of Tourism Talks About the Country’s Future Special Package Deals Cruises Hotels Ski Multi-Generational Travel Tours Cover Story: Luxe Life of the Stewart Clan Business Operations - Agent Profile Technology Transportation The Industry - Agenda Caribbean News PATA Travel Mart ITME Report Latest Cruise and Hotel News Travel Week In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - October 15, 2007

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