As I’m now 6 1/2 months pregnant (and getting bigger by the minute), I’ve been living vicariously through others lately. Late night cocktail-filled birthday parties, sky-high heels, sushi rolls, Venti coffees, and long-distance trips have been swapped out for mid-afternoon naps, flats, and elastic-waist everything. Granted, hearing the heartbeat of our second baby and seeing his/her moves (it’s a surprise) at the ultrasound make all that seem like an easy trade-off. But, I do have my moments when I really want to do what’s not so acceptable in my condition: go out for a day on the boat, take those long flights abroad, go bowling, and, most recently, ski!
Over the last month, my family has been skiing in Deer Valley and Snowmass. Being from Miami, a ski trip to us sounds like a beach vacation to most…paradise…the rush heading down the slopes, the sense of accomplishment after a day that has been equally as much fun as brutal exercise, fur-trimmed aprés ski boots, hot chocolate in the lodge and rewarding yourself with a decadent dinner each night…calories don’t count at a certain elevation, don’t you know? Besides, the last family ski trip we went on in Beaver Creek was unbelievable.
Luckily, I’ve gotten all the juicy details from each trip. Here are a few places they mentioned shouldn’t be missed in Deer Valley/Park City. Snowmass details to come next week!
Talisker on Main in Park City, Utah
Talisker on Main – this restaurant first opened during the 2009-2010 ski season and is evidently THE best place in Park City for dinner. The main room, small and elegant with blue, black and white decor overlooking an open kitchen, is where most dine though there is a private room in back and a library upstairs for small private group dining. Everything on their menu is delicious though the cheese fondue with mushrooms, duck, scallops, and risotto with sliced truffles were the clear standouts to my family during their visit.
Hotel Park City, Park City, Utah
Hotel Park City– Only 35 minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport you’ll find this Conde Nast Traveler “Top Ski Hotel” which has also earned the AAA Four Diamond Service award. Upon arrival, my family had been upgraded into their 1200 square foot Grand Luxury Suite which included two baths and a full kitchen. Each morning, they enjoyed the complimentary Daily Skiers Buffet Breakfast (available 12/12/11 through 3/31/12), which included crepes, ready-made omelets, eggs benedict, waffles, and fresh fruit which was served in the Ruth’s Chris restaurant on the property. The ski valet stores your equipment each night and returns it on your way out to the slopes in the morning. A free shuttle takes you around town as you wish and aprés ski can be spent with hot cider, coffee, or hot chocolate aside the roaring fireplace and baby grand piano each afternoon.
Deer Valley Ski School – The private ski lessons here are evidently worth every penny, especially if you request Wally (or his wife) as your ski instructor. If you are a full-day private lesson skier, you’ll also enjoy complimentary Dartfish Video Enhancement Technology. This includes “SimulCam” video which compares you to other skiers and “StroMotion” imagery which provides you with a freeze-frame photo montage.
The Stein Eriksen Lodge, Deer Valley
The Stein Eriksen Lodge – if you’re familiar with Deer Valley, you’re probably familiar with this hotel which has been around for over 29 years and is Utah’s only Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond hotel. If you’re lucky enough to stay here, named a Condé Nast Traveler Top Ski Hotel in North America, fantastic! If not, it’s still accessible to the public as it’s located mid-mountain at Deer Valley Resort, with ski-in/out access. Half way through your day on the slopes, stop off for a fabulous lunch at the Four Star rated Glitretind Restaurant overlooking the slopes which serves Regional American cuisine. Lunch is served week days and includes a $35 buffet in the traditional, elegant lodge which offers fresh shrimp & crab claws, a carving station and spare ribs, along with about 20 desserts including hot cobbler everyday. You don’t need a reservation most of the week (and there’s usually no wait), but reservations are suggested for their Sunday Brunch buffet. Service is amazing and there’s no rushing you out, thankfully, as you’d have to roll yourself down the rest of the mountain after that spread.
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Meet Ashley
Former NYC fashion industry girl, forever traveler, foodie at heart, and now Mom in Miami. My blog, Arrive Chic, covers the style I find in everyday life both on the road and at home, often with my two energetic little boys in tow.
