Soar, slide, hike, bike or simply soak in entertainment at the 2002 host venues By Jane Gendron
Photos by Monique Beeley “Higher. Faster. Stronger.” Five years ago, extraordinary athletes lived up to The 2002 Winter Games slogan. Today, visitors can test their own skills, witness the next batch of Olympic hopefuls in training or explore the hallowed grounds where history was made. Though the Olympic flame glowed in chilly February, the hosting venues in Park City (and neighboring Midway) offer an array of family-friendly activities for adventurers seeking high-speed thrills or simply a laid-back evening of entertainment all summer long.
Utah Olympic Park Serving as both a tourist attraction and a training venue for serious athletes, Utah Olympic Park boasts massive Nordic jumps, the bobsled track, a splash pool complete with freestyle jumps and two museums – The Alf Engen Ski Museum and the 2002 Olympic Museum. On Saturdays, the star attraction of this venue is the Freestyle Show featuring the Flying Ace All Stars, skiers and snowboarders, who launch off synthetic ramps and flip, twirl and twist 60 feet in the air before landing in a 750,000-gallon pool. Visitors can sign up for high-flying lessons or zoom down the bobsled track (on wheeled sleds in the summertime). Speed demons can also try out the park’s alpine slide and zip line. For those seeking some Olympic knowledge, the museums offer hands-on exhibits and plenty of history. Alf Engen and brothers Sverre and Cory, now all deceased, are revered as the first pioneers of Utah skiing. Throughout the week, the park serves as a training ground for athletes. Tourists just might catch a glimpse of the sliding (skeleton, luge and bobsled) or jumping (Nordic and freestyle aerials) action.
 Park City Mountain Resort American snowboarders racked up a slew of medals at PCMR in 2002. Though the half pipe melts away in the warmer months, the resort caters to adventurers of all ages with everything from miniature golf and mountain biking to zip rides and an alpine coaster. Wee ones can try out the choo choo train or airplane rides in the Little Miner’s Park. Slightly bigger kids and grown-ups might opt for the climbing wall or showing off a double daffy in the “legacy launcher” (a clever device complete with harness and trampoline that allows daredevils to attempt acrobatic moves). Lift-served hiking and mountain biking provides a birds-eye view of alpine slopes and wildlife; horseback rides along the trails are also available. For a bit more speed, the alpine slide, alpine coaster and ZipRider allow visitors to slide or soar through the air adrenaline pumping speed.
Deer Valley Resort Host of astonishing Olympic freestyle and aerialist feats, Deer Valley takes a nature-inspired approach to summer with activities focused on mountain biking and hiking (lift-served access is available seven days a week). Given the resort’s reputation for white glove service as well as culinary excellence, a sunny day is a great excuse for taking a break from hiking or biking to enjoy an al fresco lunch at Royal Street Café (located at mid-mountain). Arguably the best spot to see a concert, the resort’s Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater hosts an array of musicians each summer, while patrons picnic on the hillside. Classical and contemporary artists accompany Utah Symphony & Opera performances while Park City Performing Arts Foundation presents the “Big Stars, Bright Nights” series (in the past, the series has featured artists like Willie Nelson and Bonnie Raitt); in August, the Park City Jazz Festival takes to these hills. Deer Valley also hosts free concerts featuring locals (traditionally held on Wednesday evenings) as well as special events like the NORBA (National Off-Road Bicycle Association) races.
 The Canyons Although The Canyons did not serve as an official Olympic venue, this rapidly expanding resort received its fair share of the 2002 spotlight as the filming locale for NBC’s “Today Show”. Another fine spot for picnicking and soaking in outdoor music, The Canyons hosts concerts presented by Mountain Town Stages – usually held on Saturday evenings. Every Wednesday, fresh produce, local crafts and treats like kettle corn, as well as guitar-strumming musicians, fill the resort’s lower parking lot for the Farmers Market. For hikers, mountain bikers or folks who simply want to enjoy an aerial view of the resort, the gondola runs throughout the summer. Disc Golf enthusiasts can access a unique nine-hole course via the gondola as well.
Soldier Hollow Olympic and Paralympic cross-country skiers and biathlon athletes exhibited extraordinary endurance and strength at Soldier Hollow – feats that visitors can simulate by testing their mettle in the “Biathlon Experience.” Sporting official Olympic bibs, participants shoot at the range while building up their heart rate between rounds by biking, walking or running. To top off the Olympic experience, the winner ascends the same award podium used to award the 2002 medalists. With stunning views of Mt. Timpanogos and the Heber Valley, Soldier Hollow is home to a 36-hole championship golf course and trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Crowds flock to the former Olympic site for two major events each summer: the Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championships – with events ranging from the flying canine show to goose herding (Labor Day weekend) – and the Heber Valley Pow-Wow and Mountain Man Rendezvous (June 22-24, 2007).
 Beyond the Olympic Sites: More Outdoor Fun Olympic legacy aside, Park City’s summer is perhaps most appealing because of its near-perfect climate. Blue skies, sunshine, crisp mountain air and cool evenings make for ideal conditions for everything from flyfishing to hot air ballooning. Short excursions to Robert Redford’s spectacular Sundance Resort (about a 45 minute drive from Park City) or the stunning trails and lodge at Daniel’s Summit (20 miles east of Heber City) are well worth the drive. Visitors might also choose to partake in activities ranging from a chuck wagon dinner to horseback riding through Heber City-based Rocky Mountain Outfitters or hop aboard the Heber Valley Railroad. The Homestead Resort and the new Zermatt Resort & Spa (both located about 20 minutes from Park City in Midway) offer a plethora of additional recreation, such as golf and even scuba diving instruction inside the Homestead’s rare thermal crater.
Pillows of all sorts Though Park City’s most popular season is winter, tourists are catching on to the perks of vacationing in the mountains in warm weather months. Lodging properties may choose to discount the entire summer; however, some of the best deals can be found in June and September. Property management firms and leading hotel sales personnel report that summer rates are typically one-third of winter rates and the longer the stay, the better the deal. A two-bedroom, two-bath unit will run $150 to $180 per night or $1,100 to $1,800 for the month (a week long visit might include two free nights for five paid nights). In terms of hotels, summer rates range from a deluxe room at The Yarrow Hotel for $99 in early July (less than half of the winter rate) to five-star summer accommodations starting at $215 nightly compared with rooms starting at $795 per night in the peak winter weeks. B&Bs in Park City and Midway offer discounted summer rates as well. For example, some rooms start at $89 in summer with additional specials available, so many bargains are available by doing a little digging.
A good source for accessing deals, the Park City Chamber/Bureau publishes lodging “hot deals” on its Web site: www.parkcityinfo.com/hotdeals/travel.asp.
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