Good Service In A World Where It Is Often Lacking

06.23.10 by Tristan

Every once in a while, I have to share (and brag just a bit) one of the many kind letters or emails that we recieve from our guests. In this case, it was not a guest who stayed with us, but one who recognized the effort that we make for every call, email, and inquiry that we receive at Utah Vacation Homes. Our team really is invested in providing the best experience possible. At times we make mistakes, but we always have our heart in the right place. The following letter represents our pride in doing our best to help people. Thanks Lisa for your great service. And thanks Stefanie for your kind words - they put a smile on my face and power in my spirit! p.s. I LOVE Sundance Resort. I know you will love it too!

“Hi Lisa,

We did make a decision. We found a cabin in Sundance that fit all of our needs. Thank you for following up - even though we didnt go with your place, your service has been very good (in a world where it is often lacking) and I appreciate it. I will recommend Utah Vacation Homes to others if they are looking for lodging in Utah.

Thanks again.

Stefanie”

Posted in Customer Feedback, Lodging | No Comments »

Gulf Shores Open for Business

05.27.10 by Tristan

Reading about the Gulf Shores oil problems reminds me of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The ski industry was very concerned that people would automatically assume that the ski resorts would be crowded and overpriced. They didn’t understand that the Olympics took place over only two weeks time. As a result of the unfounded assumptions, the ski resorts were un-crowded and offering all kinds of deals and low pricing.
The same false assumptions are currently leading Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas beach vacation rental companies to offer deals and low pricing on un-crowded beaches. For the great majority, the beaches are still white and clean. Only a few locations have dealt with the effects of the oil spill. The others are hoping the world doesn’t give up on them.
In order to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity, in June I’m heading to Galveston Beach, Texas to enjoy the beautiful coast.

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July 8-11, 2010 Park City Food and Wine Classic

05.19.10 by Tristan

The Park City Food and Wine Classic, in Park City, Utah, is a premier destination event where master wine tasters meet master winemakers, culinary champs, and our distinguished guests to play, wine, and dine in beautiful Park City, Utah. This epicurean extravaganza – the unrivaled, most comprehensive wine event in the state of Utah – is the must-attend event of the summer. We are excited to announce that plans are well under way for the Sixth Annual Park City Food and Wine Classic July 8-11, 2010, which promises to be a truly exciting weekend

Posted in Dining and Drinks | No Comments »

Lovin’ the NBA Playoffs

05.14.10 by Tristan
NBA Playoffs Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers - sorry Lebron James

NBA Playoffs Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers - sorry Lebron James

Posted in Lodging | No Comments »

Silver Star Cafe Announces “Plaza-Laplooza”

04.27.10 by Tristan

Free Live Music
Silver Star Cafe will be offering free outdoor concerts every Thursday all summer, starting June 3 and going through first week of September (June 3-24, July 1-29, August 5-26, September 2) from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Silver Star Plaza, 1835 Three Kings Dr.

Posted in Lodging | 1 Comment »

Park City Mountain Resort extends Season

04.06.10 by Robyn Orme

Due to a 110 inch base and winter-like conditions Park City Mountain Resort has extended their ski season one week.  They will close April 18, 2010. 

Snow conditions are as good as they have been all ski season, with many resorts reporting Monster Dumps (12 inches or more) in the last 24 hours and bases ranging from 108 to 152 inches!  Spring skiing/boarding doesn’t get better than this.

Brighton: 32 inches in last 24 hours with a 135 inch base
Solitude: 30 inches in last 24 hours with a 126 inch base
Alta: 26 inches in the last 24 hours with a 152 inch base
The Canyons:   26 inches in the last 24 hours with a 115 inch base
Snowbird: 26 inches in last 24 hours with a 144 inch base
Park City Mountain Resort: 25 inches in the last 24 hours with a 110 inch base
Deer Valley: 21 inches in the last 24 hours with a 108 inch base

Even though conditions are great there are only a few weeks left to enjoy Utah’s famous snow.

Closing Dates
Alta: April 18 but reopening April 23, 24 and 25
Brighton: April 18
The Canyons: April 11
Deer Valley: April 11
Park City Mountain Resort: April 18
Snowbird: Memorial Day Weekend
Solitude: April 18

Posted in Skiing and Snowboarding | No Comments »

March 2010 Spring Break Powder at Park City Mountain Resort

03.09.10 by Tristan

Great Storms in the end of February continued in early March 2010.  High up on Jupiter Peak, the powder was deep.  Spring Break vacation dreams are definately being fulfilled this month.  I hope all those Texans, Floridians, Chicagoans and other visitors still contemplating a quick trip to Utah take a look at the goods featured in this movie clip:

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Utah the Greatest (Fishing) on Earth

02.26.10 by Tristan

By Bob Gressmen

Yes we have the “Greatest Snow on Earth“, Park City, Alta Snowbird, Snow Basin, Sundance and many other Utah world class ski resorts boast that Utah has and we all know the best powder in the world. The dry climate or the perfect altitude, who cares its great. But what if you aren’t a boarder or skier or you are just learning and the bunny hill is intimidating, Don’t worry.
The beautiful snow and great powder also give us something else world class, Water, h20, i.e. rivers, world class rivers and blue ribbon trout streams. Most are within 20 miles of Park City and 30 from SLC.
In the winter and early spring you ask? Oh yes, fish still eat in the Winter and Spring, and we have the menu.
Fly fishing is another option for fun and recreation on your vacation, along with horse back riding, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, Ballooning (brrr) and other non ski or board associated fun.
But its hard to beat a day on a pristine mountain river catching and releasing gorgeous rainbow and Brown trout. Or you can keep and cook your own rocky mountain trout dinner ($24.99 + tip) for free.
Fly fishing is easy with the right instruction and if you are experienced we can just recommend and point.
In the spring you can watch the fish rise to Midge and Dunn hatches while you catch them with perfect imitations that “match the hatch”.
Neoprene waders, gortex gloves, Columbia fishing parkas, wool (fishing) hat. You can be nice and toasty and no waiting in line.
In many parts of the country, Spring is little more than a statistic, but in Utah the rivers are running, the fish are biting, the birds are singing, the skies are blue, you get it, come and enjoy it. What else comes from this beautiful Utah powder. Water!

Posted in Outdoor Activities | No Comments »

Olympics

02.19.10 by Robyn Orme

I love the Olympics!  I’ve spent nearly every evening of the last week glued to my TV watching the 2010 Winter Olympic stories unfold.  There is always the underdog who surprises everyone with their incredible effort, and the disappointment for those who have trained so hard only to have their Olympic dreams dashed.  While I am by no means an Olympic level athlete I am competitive and can relate to both.  I think that’s one reason why I love the Olympics. 

2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Cauldron

2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Cauldron

Another reason I love the Olympics is because of my 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic experience.  Everyone who has lived in an Olympic city during the games has a story or two to tell and I’m no different. 

I worked for 2002 Winter Olympics.  Prior to starting my employment in early January I had no idea what to expect, and whatever my expectations were the reality did much more than exceed them.   While it may sound cliche, there is something special about the Olympics and I was able to experience that first hand.   

2002 Winter Olympic Cauldron with flags from around the world

2002 Winter Olympic Cauldron with flags from around the world

With so many of my own experiences I could share, the overall experience I appreciate most are the people I met and the friendships throughout the world that were formed. 

No matter what year it was, we’d love to hear about your Olympic experience.   Please comment with your stories.

Pictures taken by my friend Nate Seidle

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Families that Ski Together, Stay Together

02.11.10 by Tristan

Pure snow bliss at Alta Ski Area! No wind, sunshine, and great soft snow. It doesn’t get any better for families to come together. Grandpa, grandma, kids, and grandkids all sharing the same ski run. All sharing the same memories. All celebrating the beauty of nature. Amazing Alta makes magical memories for the whole family once again.

Posted in Skiing and Snowboarding | No Comments »