Recently, a guest who would be driving to Salt Lake City for her stay asked about items available at the house, and what items she might need to bring from home. Obviously, many of our guests are flying, and don’t really want to bring condiments on the airplane. But it is still nice to know what to expect at the home where you are staying, and especially if you will be cooking, it is nice to know what you will need, and where you can get it.
We have a list of items that we require at all of our properties. These include specific types and amounts of pots and pans, cutlery and utensils, serving dishes, glasses, etc. Our required items should provide the tools sufficient for cooking. You’re not likely to find a torch for creme brulee, or a cuisinart, but you should have all of the tools and appliances you need. Often, you will find a crockpot. Though not required, it makes a handy tool for a warm apres ski meal.
You will have a couple of dish towels and dishcloths. There will be two bath towels, one hand towel and one washcloth for each person. You can launder them at the home, if you need to. You will have laundry soap, dishwasher soap, and dish soap, basic cleaning supplies, and paper towels, as well. The toiletries we provide are hotel sized, and only intended to be available if you forget something. You might or might not find a hair dryer, it’s just one of those things that is hard to keep an eye on.
A couple of notes to the list:
Though we require a salt and pepper set, I would not count on it being full. So you might want to, bring a small baggie of each. I would suggest that you do the same with any herbs and spices that you use regularly.
Another option I like is to go to Whole Foods
, Sprouts Farmers’ Market
, or Winco , (I can give you directions to each, very convenient). Each of these stores has bins from which you can purchase herbs and spices, flour, nuts, grains and pasta. It is a lot more convenient than toting large containers around, and you won’t waste a lot. Each of these stores usually has a good price on fresh coffee, as well.
Pantry Items:
If you use a lot of olive oil, vegetable oil, vinegar, etc, then purchasing a small bottle is not a bad idea. If you will not use that much of them, you might want to bring them from home.
Regular Grocery Store:
I suggest that you shop for other, non-bin items at Smiths, 
(Again, location and directions available). They generally have good prices and quality, and that is were I do the lion’s share of my grocery shopping. Sometimes you will even find a great price on good steak, or salmon.
Games and Entertainment:
Games are kind of hit or miss. Properties sometimes have board games or cards. There might be computer games. If not, you will have TV, DVD, and wireless internet for downloads.
Drink the WATER?
Personally, I am a tap-water girl, and I like the water in the Salt Lake Valley. I believe it is chlorinated, but I don’t notice that. I like the Park City tap water as well, though I think people are a little pickier with the water there. You might want to pick up a bag of ice for the water. I’m not sure if you’ll have an ice maker, or whether it will be full, (you will have ice cube trays if no ice-maker).
I would suggest that you stop by the house before doing any grocery shopping, because you never know what might be there. We throw out a lot of food stuffs, but sometimes you will find herbs and spices, salt and pepper, etc. You can usually find coffee filters, though they are not required. When I stayed, there was no saran wrap, foil, or baggies. They did, however, have food storage containers.
REMEMBER!
We can refer you to a service that will stock the pantry to your specifications prior to your arrival. Check to see if they will also pick up alcohol or wine.
We have several personal chefs available for referral. We even have one who will have your dinner warming in the oven, and wine cooling in the fridge, upon your arrival.
Merrianne, Guest Services Agent, is happy to give you directions to the stores, opinions about anything and everything, and answers to most questions.
