Canyons Resort: A Huffington Post Travel Ski Resort Guide
Canyons Resort in Utah is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. As part of a series on ski resorts, Huffington Post Travel offers our guide to Canyons Resort, featuring all the key information snow lovers need to know before they hit the slopes.
The BasicsCanyons Resort is an upscale ski destination located in Park City, Utah, about 35 miles east of Salt Lake City International Airport. An extensive renovation in 2010 added additional amenities and wow-factor to a ski haven that for years has appealed to a demographic looking for something between nearby Deer Valley's ultra-luxe atmosphere and Park City Mountain's laid-back, but boisterous youthful vibe. Although technically in Park City, Canyons is one of eight ski areas clustered within 50 miles of Salt Lake City and bills itself as Utah's largest ski and snowboard resort.
The MountainAs is typical of a Utah ski resort, Canyons is a powder lover's paradise, with more than 350 inches of snowfall every year. The season typically begins in late November and usually ends in mid-April. Although there are nine peaks at Canyons, the main peak is known as Ninety-Nine 90 -- appropriate for a mountain whose elevation is 9,990 feet. Skiers can expect a vertical drop of 3,190 feet amid a wide variety of terrain and trail types and lengths. Beginners are welcome on the Canyons slopes, but most of the trails are geared toward intermediate and expert skiers. And if Mother Nature should fall short, the resort has its own snowmaking equipment.
Trails And LiftsAt Canyons, choosing a trail can be a difficult decision, as there are 182 open to skiers. Of those, only 10 percent are suitable for beginners, while 44 percent are rated as intermediate and 46 percent are for experts. Expert skiers should be sure to take a run down Devil's Friend (for moguls) or The Pines (great for powder). Canyons has 19 lifts: five quads, six high-speed quads, two doubles, two triples, two surface lifts, one high-speed six-pack and one gondola. The resort has one terrain park, five bowls and six natural half-pipes. It's all spread out over 4,000 skiable acres. There is no nighttime skiing, but cross country skiingand heli-ski tours are available.
In The NewsAdjacent to Canyons Resort is Utah Olympic Park, where competitions in bobsled, skeleton, luge and the Nordic ski jump were held during the 2002 Winter Olympics. The park is still in operation and is used by amateurs and professionals alike. The world's biggest and brightest movie stars are drawn to Park Cityevery year for the Sundance Film Festival, and Canyons is home to the Canyons Freeride Team. The popularity of Utah resorts has led to automobile traffic problems in the area, compelling government officials to propose some novel solutions, such as a high-capacity gondola to connect some resorts.
CostAt Canyons, lift tickets range from $79 for a one-day adult pass to $47 for a one-day children and seniors pass. Multi-day passes are also available, ranging from $474 six-day, adult admission to $110 for two-day passes for children and seniors. Group passes can also be purchased. A wide variety of equipment is available for rent including skis, snowboards, helmets and more. Costs vary, but expect to pay about $5 daily for poles and as much as $264 for a competition-caliber equipment package for seven days. Brands available include Rossignol, Burton and Giro. School is definitely in session at Canyons, where instructors are on hand to teach the basics and fine points of skiing and snowboarding. Group lessons for adults cost as little as $83, while private lessons for up to two people cost $397 and up.
Apres-SkiAfter working up an appetite, visitors to Canyons Resort can enjoy an eclectic mix of hospitality offerings. One food cart tempts skiers with nine different kinds of hot chocolate, while Bistro at Canyons is the first certified glatt kosher restaurant that's open year-round at any U.S. ski resort. Bruges Waffles prepares tummy-pleasing Belgian waffles, and Lookout Cabin makes its mark with traditional Rocky Mountain cuisine. Skiers or snowboarders in need of some TLC and pampering can head to the Canyons Grand Summit Hotel Spa and Health Club for massages, beauty treatments and more.
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