Utah is one of those amazing states with dramatic geographic diversity - from lush mountains with skiing trails, rivers and deep gorges to the deserts of Monument Valley. Flying into Salt Lake City, you might wonder if you'll spot the Mormon's Temple Square, but it's the world's largest open pit mine along the panoramic Rocky Mountains that you can't fail to notice. The Kenecott Copper Mine in Bingham Canyon can be seen from space or, if on earth, the 9,000 foot ascent brings you to its lip. Tours are readily available.
A quick 45-minute drive from SLC brings you to the mountain town of Park City. In 1864 Fort Douglas soldiers found silver in the Wasatch Mountains. Prospectors arrived in droves and the population exploded! By the late 19th century millions of dollars had been excavated, but with it prices rapidly declined and Park City turned into a ghost town. Today these original structures have been restored, brightly painted and line Main Street and brighten the surrounding area. Absolutely charming!
But 7,000 feet above sea level takes a bit of getting used to. Visiting with dear friends from Steve's McKinsey days, we're reminded to hydrate constantly, respect the sun's strength and be prepared to slow our pace in thinner air. Hmmm - someone didn't check the week's itinerary!
Yellow metal bike racks give a hint that this is both an athleticslly and artistically oriented town. The annual juried art show packs Main Street with tented booths and people come from miles around, so book a room early and don't expect to park near by! Every art form imaginable can be found here. The Kaufmans have two pieces being shipped back to Boston. Come take a look.
It's common to hear that people come here for the skiing and stay for the life style. (The population is 8,000 but swells in the winter months.) Hiking and biking trails for every level abound. Farm Trailhead is an easy picturesque 3-mile loop that includes this Nationally Registered Historic Places farmstead.
In the 1938 Joe Quinney developed the first chair lift in nearby Alta, to be followed in 1845 by the same in Park City. And so the area came back to life as a skiing destination.
Is that Steve Kaufman there? Or maybe that's his Alpine cousin !
The 2002 Olympic Winter Games underscored Park City's winter activities, which have expanded well beyond skiing! The park is still incredibly active, even in summer. Anyone can come for a tour, but those in the know come on Saturday or Sunday. IF you sign a waver - you can zip line down Olympic ski trails, try out the lower luge path (at 60+ miles per hour that's all you need), use tires to glide down the Nordic ski trail or don a life jacket to slide down the least steep of the ski jump training slides. (More on that later.)
Is rock climbing your thing? Plenty make their way up this wall, or at least try before tumbling into the water. The upper portion bends to nearly a 45-degree angle! So, YES, bathing suits are the order of the day. The competitive pros can scramble up in less than 30 seconds and are rewarded with a drop into a cooling pool.
If you're like me, you might be more of an observer. I've always wondered how those down hill jumpers ever learn their sport. Downhill slopes into bubbling water and landing on gigantic "pillow tops" helps gain confidence. The park offers courses to those that want to learn the many winter sports available here, beginning with children as young as 6!
However, an event you'll never forget is watching the Flying Aces sore down inclines, being launched into the sky to twist and turn as they practice jumps before landing in the water.
Cluck here to see the Flying Aces perform - 10 previous and potential future Olympic participants. 
After all that day time activity - and fortified with amazing food from the Deer Valley Cafe, Royal Street Cafe, Brass Tag, Le Spri and Bistro 412 to name but a few - a little music might be just the thing!
How about the Beetles performing at the Deer Valley Music Festival? Bring chairs, wine and join 5,000 others for a sold out evening of music memories. Over 20 performers come here every year so there's something for everyone.
We can't thank our hosts - Annie Lewis and Bob Garda enough. Needless to say, we had a wonderful time and with these helpful hints, we know you will too. So your not a skier? That's no reason to not go to Park City. Have fun!
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