Utah Resorts Make Upgrades for 2010-2011 Snow Season

As the 2010-2011 ski season approaches, 13 world-class ski and snowboarding resorts in Utah, 11 located within an hour of Salt Lake City International Airport, are making preparations that include new terrain, luxurious accommodations, on-mountain enhancements and adventure-packed packages to entice eager skiers and riders. 

The Canyons, Park City

This season, The Canyons will introduce North America's first heated chair lift, designed with an orange bubble shield, evoking the feeling of being inside a pair of ski goggles.  This state-of-the-art lift will be located outside the Grand Summit Hotel and will increase uphill capacity from the base by an impressive 47 percent.  In addition to the Orange Bubble lift, The Canyons will launch a new direct-connect gondola, 300 acres of expanded terrain and enhanced snowmaking capabilities. Visit www.thecanyons.com.

Deer Valley Resort, Park City

Opening in December 2010, Montage Deer Valley resort seeks to be the ultimate mountain retreat. The ski-in/ski-out property will feature a 35,000 square-foot spa, après-ski terrace, two distinct dining venues, 17,000 square-foot meeting space and a state-of the-art recreation area.  In addition, Deer Valley Resort has invested $4.5 million in equipment to increase snowmaking and groom the steepest slopes, as well as to refresh the interiors of its day lodges. Visit www.montagedeervalley.com.

Park City Mountain Resort, Park City

Named among the top 10 family resorts in North America, Park City Mountain Resort has unveiled a new season pass option, "My Pass. My Way."  Pass holders can customize their season pass and enjoy unrestricted mountain access.  "My Pass. My Way" offers the choice of one, two or three customizable options that include Fast Tracks (access to the express lanes at the resort's five busiest lifts), night skiing and riding (hours extended until 9 p.m.) and/or slope-side underground parking.  Visit www.parkcitymountain.com.

Powder Mountain, Eden

Powder Mountain, one of North America's largest ski areas, has expanded its guided Snowcat Powder Safari to include an additional 1,000 acres of expert chutes and bowls.  The addition, called La Plata, will join the existing 2,000 acres, designed for intermediate powder skiers and shredders.  Adventure-seekers looking to explore steep chutes and wide-open bowls, can also take advantage of new guided backcountry tours of Wolf Creek Canyon. Visit www.powdermountain.com.

Alta Ski Area, Alta

Advanced and expert skiers looking to challenge themselves can participate in Alta Lodge's newest ski camp - All Mountain Ski Adventures.  Led by freeskiing champion Gordy Peifer, the camp will provide participants with video analysis of their skiing and expert critiques.  Additionally, to continue their environmental and sustainability efforts, Alta has recently planted 1,500 trees and 500 shrubs, in addition to spreading 500 pounds of indigenous mountain flower and grass seed mix.  Visit www.alta.com.

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, Snowbird

Snowbird's Cliff Lodge is completing renovations to its Cliff Spa just in time to welcome visitors in December.  The renovations will enhance the reception space, salon, retail store, men's and women's locker rooms, solarium, steam room and treatment rooms.  Additionally, skiers and riders can take advantage of Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort's Early Bird Stay and Ski Package, which includes lodging and a Tram and Chair pass per adult. Rates start at $99 per person, based on double occupancy with a minimum three-night stay.  Kids under the age of 12 ski free.  Offer valid from November 18 through December 22. Visit www.snowbird.com.

Sundance Resort, Sundance

Set amidst the Mt. Timpanogos, Sundance Resort has recently completed its new Redford Conference Center.  Comprised of 3,500-square-feet of meeting space, this environmentally friendly center includes reception areas, wrapping patios, large group fireplace and a full-service catering kitchen. Additionally, the resort is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation, making the property an even more luxurious retreat to come back to after an exhilarating day on the slopes. Visit www.sundanceresort.com.

Snowbasin, Huntsville

Enhancing its well-known terrain, Snowbasin will add a 22-foot superpipe this season. The resort will also host the world's top freeskiers and snowboarders as the final stop on the Winter Dew Tour, February 10-13, 2011. Visit www.snowbasin.com.

A comprehensive list can also found at www.utah.travel and www.skiutah.com.