Today was another big day, it being James's 21st birthday. We had the usual sing song at breakfast and James opened his cards and presents (of which there were many).
Today was also our last chance to hit the slopes in 2008, so we headed to Canyons, which as become our favourite resort. It is probably the largest and close to Park City.
The day was OK weather wise, with a few clouds and occasional light snow showers.
We hit the slopes and had a great day stopping at one of the mountain restaurants for lunch. The snow became heavy for a while but then stopped and the day finished dry and sunny.
We travelled the whole resort finishing on the much favoured Doc's run which takes you down to Doc's Bar (very handy). We had a last drink on the sun terrace outside the bar as Fiona and Shauna had managed to secure two gas heaters to stave off the chilly wind.
After relaxing, and dressing up, we headed off to Zoom (a restaurant owned by Robert Redford) for another excellent meal. Unfortunately, James had a sudden bout of sickness just after we returned home, so he was unable to join us for his own birthday celebration meal. Still the ribs etc. were amazing.
A DVD finished off the day. Tomorrow we return home (Boo Hoo). The time has rushed by as always. It has been an excellent holiday and we hope to return to the Utah Powder as soon as we can.
Friday, 21 March 2008
17th March 2008 - Adventure all the way
Today began as expected with blue sky and sunshine. We had agree the night before to get up extra early so we could catch the powder that had fallen the day before. By morning we had about a foot of snow in the town, so expected more on the mountains. A waiter at the restaurant the previous night had told us that Brighton (a ski resort in the next valley) had received two foot of powder!!
We headed off at 8AM and arrived at the resort for the first lifts. The resort had not had two foot but the new snow was great. We headed up the far right of the resort and after a few runs down, John took the team off down a new track. BIG MISTAKE!! The run was a link to the next resort (Solitude).
Chris was the only one to see a very small sign up high in tree. By the time we realised, it was too late and we were quite a distance outside of Brighton. The only way back was to ski down deep powder onto a plateau and then into the Nordic ski park. We ended up tracking through deep, deep powder for half an hour, which was exhausting. Fiona got stuck in the deep powder and James and Chris found the going very tough on their snow boards.
We eventually hit a snow shoe path which took us to the Nordic Centre Office. From there we had to walk back to the main resort centre (5 minutes up hill).
By the time we had reached the resort lifts, we were exhausted!!
we had lunch at Molly's but the service was awful. They forgot John and Fiona's meal and when the Nachos turned up they had forgotten to include the beef. It was also st Paddy's day, but nobody apart from Tim had made any effort.
The rest of the day was spent skiing the wonderful on piste and off piste powder. We all took turns leading and had a great afternoon.
We stopped off at the Silver Lodge on the way back home for a few drinks.
Dinner was an "eat in" affair, this time the boys cooked and the girls relaxed. Nachos followed by chicken salad.
A DVD finished of the day nicely!!
We headed off at 8AM and arrived at the resort for the first lifts. The resort had not had two foot but the new snow was great. We headed up the far right of the resort and after a few runs down, John took the team off down a new track. BIG MISTAKE!! The run was a link to the next resort (Solitude).
Chris was the only one to see a very small sign up high in tree. By the time we realised, it was too late and we were quite a distance outside of Brighton. The only way back was to ski down deep powder onto a plateau and then into the Nordic ski park. We ended up tracking through deep, deep powder for half an hour, which was exhausting. Fiona got stuck in the deep powder and James and Chris found the going very tough on their snow boards.
We eventually hit a snow shoe path which took us to the Nordic Centre Office. From there we had to walk back to the main resort centre (5 minutes up hill).
By the time we had reached the resort lifts, we were exhausted!!
we had lunch at Molly's but the service was awful. They forgot John and Fiona's meal and when the Nachos turned up they had forgotten to include the beef. It was also st Paddy's day, but nobody apart from Tim had made any effort.
The rest of the day was spent skiing the wonderful on piste and off piste powder. We all took turns leading and had a great afternoon.
We stopped off at the Silver Lodge on the way back home for a few drinks.
Dinner was an "eat in" affair, this time the boys cooked and the girls relaxed. Nachos followed by chicken salad.
A DVD finished of the day nicely!!
16th March 2005 - Heavy Snow - Day Off
Today began as forecast, with heavy snow. It was expected to dump down all day, so we decided to take the day off and recharge our batteries.
After a long breakfast and lazy start, we headed off to the Discount Retail Outlets, just on the edge of town. The site contains about 50 well known retail outlets which sell last years stock at huge discounts.
John and Fiona purchased trainers, tops and jeans all at less than half price. John also found a pair of Cat shoes he had seen on sale in the UK at over £120 for just £33.
Shauna purchased, tops, cycling gear, shoes and trainers whilst Tim and he boys went mad, buying watches, sun glasses, tops, hoodies, jeans, trainers etc. many of these were birthday presents for the boys.
The weather cleared during the big shop, but on the way back to town the clouds rolled back in and some of the heaviest snow we had seen started to fall.
We found a good restaurant on Main Street and had a lazy lunch, watching the snow whizzing by the windows.
After lunch we walked up Main Street, stopping by a gallery where they had a wonderful collection of bronze frogs created by an English sculpture. John & Fiona could not resist. Shauna bought some very special earrings.
We headed back for home and watched some DVD's before going for an Italian meal at a restaurant called Grappa. what a wonderful place. the best so far in Park City.
After a long breakfast and lazy start, we headed off to the Discount Retail Outlets, just on the edge of town. The site contains about 50 well known retail outlets which sell last years stock at huge discounts.
John and Fiona purchased trainers, tops and jeans all at less than half price. John also found a pair of Cat shoes he had seen on sale in the UK at over £120 for just £33.
Shauna purchased, tops, cycling gear, shoes and trainers whilst Tim and he boys went mad, buying watches, sun glasses, tops, hoodies, jeans, trainers etc. many of these were birthday presents for the boys.
The weather cleared during the big shop, but on the way back to town the clouds rolled back in and some of the heaviest snow we had seen started to fall.
We found a good restaurant on Main Street and had a lazy lunch, watching the snow whizzing by the windows.
After lunch we walked up Main Street, stopping by a gallery where they had a wonderful collection of bronze frogs created by an English sculpture. John & Fiona could not resist. Shauna bought some very special earrings.
We headed back for home and watched some DVD's before going for an Italian meal at a restaurant called Grappa. what a wonderful place. the best so far in Park City.
Saturday, 15 March 2008
15th March 2008 - Too Cold and More Snow
Today started very cold and sunny at minus eleven!! So, we decided to head for Deer Valley. This meant that the boys (James and Chris) had to ski Park City as Deer Valley does not allow boarders.
So, after dropping the boys off, we drove up the hill to Deer Valley. Tim had to park in lot 5 (as far away as you can get) so it took while to get on the slopes.
Once on the slopes, the weather really closed in, the snow came down and wind increased. Cold is not a strong enough word to describe today's weather. Within half an hour we were all chilled to the bone!!
The skiing was not so good in Deer Valley. The slopes were either icy or loaded with chunky powder. We all felt tired after yesterdays powder fest.
We changed tack and went to the lower peak. It was better protected but still very cold. On the way down one to the pistes we went past one of the mega houses which was open for viewings.
So, rather than stay in the cold, we went in side. This mansion on the snow was just ENORMOUS. It was almost too big, verging on the obscene. However, inside was amazing, 6 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, set on three levels. It had everything including a 16 seater cinema, two wine cellars, swimming pools and Jacuzzis and the most amazing bathrooms. At 18.9 million dollars we decided against a purchase!
After the house viewing we went down the hill to a very nice restaurant for a spot of lunch. During lunch, the snow set in and we quickly decided not to ski any more. John had planned to take the link lift and ski down to the base station, however, Fiona and Shauna insisted we take the chair right down to the base. So, we had to endure the embarrasement of arriving in the resort on a chair lift, a first for all of us. It has to be said that Fiona and Shauna had not realised that the chair took us all the way back down to the baser station!
Chris and James had also had enough, so we picked them up on the way to the super market and DVD store. Fiona, Shauna, James and Tim were dropped off in town to do some shopping and John and Chris went home to unload the car and chill out.
Our evening was spent at home, Nachos and Chicken Salad, followed by ice cream!!
So, after dropping the boys off, we drove up the hill to Deer Valley. Tim had to park in lot 5 (as far away as you can get) so it took while to get on the slopes.
Once on the slopes, the weather really closed in, the snow came down and wind increased. Cold is not a strong enough word to describe today's weather. Within half an hour we were all chilled to the bone!!
The skiing was not so good in Deer Valley. The slopes were either icy or loaded with chunky powder. We all felt tired after yesterdays powder fest.
We changed tack and went to the lower peak. It was better protected but still very cold. On the way down one to the pistes we went past one of the mega houses which was open for viewings.
So, rather than stay in the cold, we went in side. This mansion on the snow was just ENORMOUS. It was almost too big, verging on the obscene. However, inside was amazing, 6 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, set on three levels. It had everything including a 16 seater cinema, two wine cellars, swimming pools and Jacuzzis and the most amazing bathrooms. At 18.9 million dollars we decided against a purchase!
After the house viewing we went down the hill to a very nice restaurant for a spot of lunch. During lunch, the snow set in and we quickly decided not to ski any more. John had planned to take the link lift and ski down to the base station, however, Fiona and Shauna insisted we take the chair right down to the base. So, we had to endure the embarrasement of arriving in the resort on a chair lift, a first for all of us. It has to be said that Fiona and Shauna had not realised that the chair took us all the way back down to the baser station!
Chris and James had also had enough, so we picked them up on the way to the super market and DVD store. Fiona, Shauna, James and Tim were dropped off in town to do some shopping and John and Chris went home to unload the car and chill out.
Our evening was spent at home, Nachos and Chicken Salad, followed by ice cream!!
Friday, 14 March 2008
14th March - The greatest powder on earth!!
And it's true!! This place has the best powder on earth!!
Today we woke up to snow again, but it had dumped about 6 inches and was still falling. We decided to go to The Canyons ski Resort, just down the road.
When we arrived, John realised that his ski poles were missing, so he had to go and rent a pair. However, the rental guy felt sorry for him so gave him a pair for the day, free of charge.
The morning was just amazing. skiing a foot of powder which had collected to more than two foot on the sides of the piste by the trees. We skied through the larch trees in powder over our knees.
The feeling of floating on air down the slopes was something you dream about. The snow here is just so different from the stuff we get in Europe. It's dry, like polystyrene. It is cold but not too cold, still we needed to wrap up.
Lunch happened at the look out cabin near docs run. John decided to carry on skiing and what a good choice. The sun came out and the ski bowl skiing was the best ever. The powder is just so soft, you want to keep on going and going and going!!
On the way up to Docs Trail we saw a moose, infact two, a mother and baby.
The rest of the team had a great lunch and joined John for an afternoon ski. The weather started to really come in and by 3.30PM the snow fell in such quantities that the only thing to do was to go to docs bar and watch the weather from a safe place.
We have never seen such heavy snow, it just bucketed down. We stayed for a few in Docs and then made our way down to the car. The sun came out, finishing the best days skiing you could ever wish for.
Currently more snow is on the way, bring it on!!
Today we woke up to snow again, but it had dumped about 6 inches and was still falling. We decided to go to The Canyons ski Resort, just down the road.
When we arrived, John realised that his ski poles were missing, so he had to go and rent a pair. However, the rental guy felt sorry for him so gave him a pair for the day, free of charge.
The morning was just amazing. skiing a foot of powder which had collected to more than two foot on the sides of the piste by the trees. We skied through the larch trees in powder over our knees.
The feeling of floating on air down the slopes was something you dream about. The snow here is just so different from the stuff we get in Europe. It's dry, like polystyrene. It is cold but not too cold, still we needed to wrap up.
Lunch happened at the look out cabin near docs run. John decided to carry on skiing and what a good choice. The sun came out and the ski bowl skiing was the best ever. The powder is just so soft, you want to keep on going and going and going!!
On the way up to Docs Trail we saw a moose, infact two, a mother and baby.
The rest of the team had a great lunch and joined John for an afternoon ski. The weather started to really come in and by 3.30PM the snow fell in such quantities that the only thing to do was to go to docs bar and watch the weather from a safe place.
We have never seen such heavy snow, it just bucketed down. We stayed for a few in Docs and then made our way down to the car. The sun came out, finishing the best days skiing you could ever wish for.
Currently more snow is on the way, bring it on!!
13th March 2008 - Solitude is what you need
Today started with heavy snow, so we decided to go to a lowish resort, Solitude. However, due to the weather we visited the Tanger outlet discount stores.
Everything is discounted but also branded. John managed to get a fabby pair of Cat shoes for just £33 and the boys purchased wacky trainers, t-shirts, hoodies etc.
Once the big shop was over, we headed off to Solitude. This resort is relatively small with some good back runs and nice easy slopes.
After a few hours there was an massive clap of thunder and the snow just flew down. They closed the lifts for 15 minutes, so we headed off to the bar.
When the lifts re opened we hit the slopes and cruised the runs in the most amazing powder. We went gliding through larches on soft, forgiving powder. The best experience and one you dream about. It was simply wonderful to float on virgin powder to a couple of hours.
Just before coming off the slopes, the wind increased and we had a weird of experience of being almost blown back up the hill in a blizzard!
On the way back to Park City, we stopped off at our regular bar/hotel for a drink and some nachos.
We had dinner at home, spag carbonara and cheese cake!!
Also, a big happy birthday to Russ!!
Everything is discounted but also branded. John managed to get a fabby pair of Cat shoes for just £33 and the boys purchased wacky trainers, t-shirts, hoodies etc.
Once the big shop was over, we headed off to Solitude. This resort is relatively small with some good back runs and nice easy slopes.
After a few hours there was an massive clap of thunder and the snow just flew down. They closed the lifts for 15 minutes, so we headed off to the bar.
When the lifts re opened we hit the slopes and cruised the runs in the most amazing powder. We went gliding through larches on soft, forgiving powder. The best experience and one you dream about. It was simply wonderful to float on virgin powder to a couple of hours.
Just before coming off the slopes, the wind increased and we had a weird of experience of being almost blown back up the hill in a blizzard!
On the way back to Park City, we stopped off at our regular bar/hotel for a drink and some nachos.
We had dinner at home, spag carbonara and cheese cake!!
Also, a big happy birthday to Russ!!
Thursday, 13 March 2008
12th March 2008 The BIG FIVE O
Today is a big day in the life of the Utah ski team. Tim is fifty today although he does not look a day over fifty!
We started off the day with birthday bacon rolls and a bit of left over cheese cake with 50 birthday candles.
After opening his many cards and presents, we decided to hit Brighton ski resort.
The weather was cloudy and cold but dry. This resort is all about tree line skiing and we hit many of the slopes. They could do with a little more powder, but compared to Europe this year, the runs are great.
We suddenly saw the message below on one of the resort information boards. Tim had left his credit card at the lift pass office!!
We had a late lunch, some of us were feeling the cold. Yet again, the lunches were massive, the Americans do calories big time!!
During lunch the heavens opened and we had very heavy snow. It lasted for about an hour. we really thought we would be going home early. The boys were determined to try the slopes and so we hit the lifts again.
After 15 minutes the sky cleared and the sun came out. Fantastic, a couple of inches of new powder and sunshine. We had a fabby couple of hours, tree line skiing and hitting the jumps (or the floor in John's case) in the ski park.
We stopped at the Silver Fork Lodge on the way back for a birthday celebration drink. Shauna fell in lust with one of the waiters (Johnathan) due to his amazing white teeth and eczema!!
Tim loved the Silver Fork T Shirts, so Chris bought him one for his birthday. The girls decided the flowers looked tasty.
Champagne flowed at home and then we popped out to a local restaurant where we had the usual warm food with very salty chips.
A DVD "Chuck and Larry" ended the day by midnight!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIMMY!!
11th March - The Big Bird
Today we went back to a resort they call the Big Bird, official name Snowbird. We have not been to this resort for many years but decided it was time.
This resort is very much an off piste paradise, with very few marked runs and plenty of double diamond black runs (which is Europe's version of off piste black runs).
Lunch was a typical American over load. Most of us had burgers and chips but the chips were HUGE. Each portion was enough to feed 3. No wonder the USA has a big fat person population!
The sun was out but it was slightly windy and a bit colder than the previous days.
The sun was out but it was slightly windy and a bit colder than the previous days.
We hit the slopes all day managing to find a little powder.
Dinner was one of Fiona's Chicken Thai Curries. Plenty of tomatoes, green peppers and corriander. Wonderful!!
We have found a great way to dry out and warm up our boots!! Thank god for a big fire in the lounge!!
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
10th March 2008 - You simply can't beat this snow!
Wow! Today we hit Canyons and had just about the best days skiing ever. Europe just can not match this place. The slopes are supreme. Challenging, empty, no lift queues, perfect snow, great moguls.
We all agreed that today was the best day we had ever spent on the slopes. Canyons is fantastic, we love it!!
We initially wanted to ski Deer Valley, but forgot that they had banned Snow Boarding, thank god, there is no way that Deer Valley could have been this good.
Richard, if you are reading this, jump on a plane and get over here. Crufts can't possibly be as good as this!!
The sky was a fantastic blue and the larch trees make a great contrast.
The mountain houses in this resort are enormous and cost up to 10 million dollars.
The views at the top of the resort are just amazing. very different from Europe.
Monday, 10 March 2008
9th March 2008 - Why Can't Europe Be Like This?
Today started bright and sunny, but most of us had a poor nights sleep due to the lag, so were not in the best shape.
We were all really hungry so decided to go out for breakfast as nothing edible was in the house.
We drive down to Main Street and had the usual American breakfasts. Lots of it but not that hot!!
After that we went to the local super martket to do a big shop. The lady on check out gave us a 20% discount.
Park City resort was really busy, due to it being a sunny Sunday. Parking was a bit tricky. Everyone rented their kit and we kit the slopes.
Unfortunately, James was given boots tat were on the small side, so, after just one run we had to go back to the centre to change them. We took the wrong run and ended up having to walk back to the resort lifts.
Then we hit the slopes and they were just as amazing as we had remembered. The snow is fantastic and the slopes quiet, especially when compared to Europe. The slopes in Park City are great and we hit some lovely moguls.
When we got home, we chilled with come TV, nachos and dip.
We went out for dinner to a local pizza and noodle house. Unfortunately, the pizza were all thick and stoggy. Still the wine was great!
Went to bed at 9:45 feeling bushed. Off to Deer Valley tomorrow.
Sunday, 9 March 2008
8th March 2008 - In The Air All Day!
Today was spent flying! That's it!!
We all met at Gatwick and flew to Atlanta (10.5 hrs). The flight was good and the attendants were very good for Delta.
After a quick bite to to eat, we walked for about half an hour to the connecting gate, were we took out flught to Salt Lake City. Almost 4 hours.
We arrived tired and bad tempered (John). We eventually secured our car/van which is very nice but sounds like a hair dryer when you put your foot down.
The house is very American but spacious if a little tired (just like us). We will get some photo's up on the blog soon. Off to bed now as we are all dog tired.
We all met at Gatwick and flew to Atlanta (10.5 hrs). The flight was good and the attendants were very good for Delta.
After a quick bite to to eat, we walked for about half an hour to the connecting gate, were we took out flught to Salt Lake City. Almost 4 hours.
We arrived tired and bad tempered (John). We eventually secured our car/van which is very nice but sounds like a hair dryer when you put your foot down.
The house is very American but spacious if a little tired (just like us). We will get some photo's up on the blog soon. Off to bed now as we are all dog tired.
Saturday, 1 March 2008
1st March 2008 - It's our last day
Today felt a tad sad, as we said goodbye to Andy & Joy at Bourg Station. The weather was also in a blue mood, with heavy rain in the valley, but some snow higher up. We will also be saying goodbye to Ally and Duncan tomorrow as well as Bourg St Maurice.
Before saying goodbye to Andy & Joy, we took H to the vet to have her pre UK entry tests etc. Everything went well. We then went for a coffee before dropping Andy & Joy at the station.
Ally and Duncan decided to brave the weather and went up to Les Arcs for a ski.
We cleaned the house from head to toe and then took Heather for a walk along the cycle path in Landry. As we walked the sun came out and the temperature rose quickly.
The valley looks so very different from when we arrived almost two months ago. The snow has all but gone in the valley, almost up to 1800 metres. On our balcony, it feels like spring has sprung.
We are off to a local restaurant tonight with Ally and Duncan and then off early tomorrow. We will drive to Reims, stay over night, and then on to the UK for Monday.
we have really enjoyed our stay here and think that Bourg is a fantastic place to base yourself if you want to Ski Les Arcs, La Plagne, La Rosiere, La Thuile, St Foy, Val d'Isere, Tignes, Meribel, Courcheval, Val Thorens and Les Menuires. I think we will come back some day. But for now it's goodbye to Bourg.... bo ho!!
Before saying goodbye to Andy & Joy, we took H to the vet to have her pre UK entry tests etc. Everything went well. We then went for a coffee before dropping Andy & Joy at the station.
Ally and Duncan decided to brave the weather and went up to Les Arcs for a ski.
We cleaned the house from head to toe and then took Heather for a walk along the cycle path in Landry. As we walked the sun came out and the temperature rose quickly.
The valley looks so very different from when we arrived almost two months ago. The snow has all but gone in the valley, almost up to 1800 metres. On our balcony, it feels like spring has sprung.
We are off to a local restaurant tonight with Ally and Duncan and then off early tomorrow. We will drive to Reims, stay over night, and then on to the UK for Monday.
we have really enjoyed our stay here and think that Bourg is a fantastic place to base yourself if you want to Ski Les Arcs, La Plagne, La Rosiere, La Thuile, St Foy, Val d'Isere, Tignes, Meribel, Courcheval, Val Thorens and Les Menuires. I think we will come back some day. But for now it's goodbye to Bourg.... bo ho!!
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