Disclaimer- this was written last season when Utah had snow.
Ryan shook his head. “Why would you want to go to Portland when we have great snow in Utah?” he asked. My boyfriend doesn’t get out much and apparently he doesn’t follow the weather. It’s been snowing in Mt Hood Meadows; a lot. The snowpack at the Oregon resort has surpassed 200 percent of normal. You might wager that Hood has gotten snow at least three days a week, every week this season. The reports of massive dumps began rolling in around Christmas time and kept on rolling.
Ryan has a point, though. It is such a challenging choice to travel away from Utah in the winter. It’s often not as sweet someplace else. Utah is known for the driest, lightest snow on the planet and even on a mediocre day it beats skiing “Sierra Cement”. Those coastal resorts usually see a mix of rain and snow which can wreak havoc on a ski slope. Hence, I’ve never gone to the Pacific Northwest for a ski vacation. But there’s something to be said for a change of scenery. As yet another storm moved through the PNW, the timing just seemed right.
I didn’t get the memo.
I landed in the middle of freezing rain and an ice storm that closed the highway to Hood River. As people around me commented about how this was the “worst winter” they’ve seen, my anticipation escalated. Powder in the mountains! But… WTH is freezing rain? I stepped off the MAX lightrail train from PDX to Chinatown wearing my YakTrax for traction and the hipster dude next to me nodded, “You came prepared.” I solidly placed my boot into a pile slush that sat atop black ice. Yep, that’s what freezing rain is.
The Portland rain was heavy and wet and dank as I walked the few blocks from the commuter rail to the hotel. In Utah, we’re good with a down puffy and knit hat; in the PNW, Gore-Tex is king. Nothing is spared without an umbrella. The rain drenched the top of my boot bag and Eagle Creek carry-on as I wheeled it down the few blocks to my hotel.
Staying in Portland
My Utah mind had a hard time wrapping my head around rain in the middle of winter. I was now stranded in Portland at the uber hipster, boutiquey Society Hotel (no TVs in the rooms which are powered by solar, but a public coffee bar in the lobby for live podcasters). The vintage feel of the mahogany floors, vaulted ceiling and single check-in stand created a timeless calm to the chaotic weather outside. The minimalist lodging was built in 1881 to house sailors who stopped into port then later offered shelter to Japanese immigrants, gypsies and the homeless through the years. It eventually became this funky urban spot with a rooftop garden that offered beds to backpackers and honeymooners alike.
After a restful night (courtesy of the provided earplugs), I threw open the curtains. Rain. Then the email from the Mt Hood folks- Just in case you hadn’t heard, all of the roads through the Gorge are shut down. Wait, I came all this way and I’m not going to ski?? I walked myself to a delicious breakfast diner called Fuller’s to contemplate my next move. The communal place consists of two, horseshoe-shaped counters- no tables or booths- that serves up hashbrowns and bacon grilled to perfection. I would find my way to the slopes even if I had to bum a ride off the guy next to me, Craigslist or bus.
The waitress mentioned ODOT operates a carpool resource called drivelessconnect.com. There is also a Facebook Ride Share group. Dave Tragethon to the rescue! The resort’s head of PR picked me up on his way to work and drove us along the old-school ski road (Hwy 26). The rain quickly turned to light snow. A couple of hours later I had my Atomic ski gear from the mountain’s pro shop and was ready to rock the conditions which ranged from soft blower to coral reef, aka dust on corrugated crust.
To Mt Hood Or Bust
The overcast, white-out visibility prevented me from taking in those Willamette River Valley views. Not only that but the clouds socked us in to the point of disorientation and I had no clue where to go. Local ski instructor Katie Kadlub, was my hand holder. The layout of the hill made me feel like I was in different spots but that was due to her guidance. We actually kept circling back around. Funny, I expected a mom and pop place but Mt Hood skis like a big mountain. Though the resort has a base elevation of 3,600 feet, it has a vertical of 3,700 feet, an average base of 100+ inches on mostly intermediate and advanced trails. They’ve got steeps, bowls, tons of PNW trees and gentle groomers back to the base. And when you hit it right, the snow builds and builds.
When Your Day is Over
After a quick lunch inside the South Lodge at the Alpenstube, we were back out for laps in Heather Canyon. The snow accumulated during the morning and through lunch making the hardpack beneath nonexistent. With legs on fire and a Cheshire cat grin, we clinked beer mugs for the ‘Stube apres scene and I waited for Dave to get off work. He was my ride to the “Lodge Suite” at Cooper Spur Mountain Resort just around the bend from Meadows. The pet-friendly, cabin-style room had a giant log bed and flatscreen. All you need after a hard day of lapping empty trails.
I downed a hearty filet and chocolate torte at their Crooked Tree Tavern I rushed to bed. Cooper has its own attractions including a Nordic Center but most residents do their serious alpining at Meadows. There wasn’t a lot going on this evening.
The volcanic Mt Hood itself is home to six ski areas totaling over 4600 acres: Timberline, Mount Hood Meadows, Ski Bowl, Cooper Spur, Snow Bunny, and Summit. Though most are done for the season, Meadows closes on May 6 and you will still be able to ski through the summer at Timberline if you’d rather make turns than paddle in the Columbia River Gorge.
Day 2 Mt Hood Powder Day
The snow continued into the night, clearing by morning so that we had access to the experts only gates into Private Reserve and S&R Cliffs. PNW skiing? Now, we were talking! Nearly a foot swirled around us with no one else to poach it. Interstate 84 was still closed because of the ice storm so we danced among the glades and mini-rockchutes, lapping the empty lift mazes until it was time to fly home.
Ski Season Is Never Over In Oregon
At this point there are only a few resorts still doing winter – Snowbird, Utah, Mammoth Mountain, Calif., Arapahoe Basin, Colo. and Blackcomb, B.C.. There’s enough snow in Mt Hood Meadows to keep you skiing into August but with big plans in the works for their upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration, they’ll let Timberline do the honors.
The anniversary website has already launched. The list of events and deals is growing by the day. Some of the plans include a special 50 time pass (limit 50) as well as special midweek $50 lift ticket and learn to ski or snowboard packages (limit 50 each). There’s no better time than next season to experience Mt Hood, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Ah, the summer. The green, the trails, the sun, the kids screaming for attention. School’s out which means you’re in. But cut yourself a bit of slack and enroll Junior in one of the many summer camps happening throughout Utah. Don’t feel guilty. You were never meant to play at a fourth grade level 24/7.
The list below is by no means all-inclusive so if you know of a summer camp, PLEASE to add it in the comments!
Updated for 2017. This list is updated every summer. Contact me if you have a summer camp in Utah that you’d like me to feature.
Egyptian YouTheatre Summer Camp is where children learn confidence and collaboration, while they expand their innate creativity through theatre arts in fun-filled days. Camps are offered to various age groups and interests (Drama or Musical), with exciting camp electives each day such as stage combat, stage make-up, puppetry, Shakespeare, acting for film, and so many more. This summer, YouTheatre has expanded its offerings to include several one-week camps, as well as the more extensive multi-week camps. All camps end with a production on the Egyptian Theatre stage in Park City.
Ballet West Summer Ballet Fantasy Camps With two different themed weeks you have the option to enroll in just one or both weeks to enhance your child’s art, dance and learning experience. Classes will take place at our Trolley Square location, 600 South 650 East, Salt Lake City . Students will incorporate ballet-based movements and imaginative art work to explore the world of fantasy! Ages 3–6 (As of May 1, 2017)
Ballet West Summer Intensives The Ballet West Academy 3 and 6-week summer intensives guide students in their ballet technical skills as well as other dance forms that compliment a ballet artist. The program is held at Ballet West’s beautiful home, the Jessie Eccles Quinney Ballet Centre located in downtown Salt Lake City. This program offers unparalleled training by a distinguished staff of Ballet West Academy Instructors, Ballet West Artistic Staff (featuring Artistic Director Adam Sklute), Ballet West dancers and well-known in-state and out-of-state guest teachers.
Create Your Vacation at the Kimball Art Center this summer. Dozens of classes are available for tots (3 – 5), Kids (5 – 10), tweens & teens (11 – 17), families (all ages) and adults.
Whether you want to learn how to paint, sculpt, draw, photograph, mosaic or make ceramics, there is a class for everyone. Classes are weekly from June through September.
Dance Tech Studios, Park City’s premiere dance program and facility, is offering summer dance camps/intensives for girls and boys, ages 3-18. Whether your child’s interests lie in “Tiny Tutus” (ages 3-4) camps where girls explore ballet, jazz, tap and creative movement, or in the exclusive and highly demanded “Boys Extreme” hip hop/breakdance camps incorporating all the latest “tricks” taught by the finest hip hop/breakdance guys. Little man camps are for “guys only” ages 4-12 (age groups are separated). If your child is interested in trying all forms of dance and a truly unique experience, the “Dance Intensive” program is for dancers 7-18. Dancers will receive professional training (beg-adv placement levels) in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, turns/leaps, flexibility, yoga/Pilates for dancers, Cardio conditioning, choreography and much more. Pre-Registration is required for all camps and is limited.
The Up With Kids children’s theatre award-winning curriculum is always “G-Rated” and family friendly. Though perhaps not Broadway caliber, the shows will entertain parents and kids. The groups are divied by age so your little ones aren’t trampled during rehearsal or in the pool for those afternoon swims. Camps are located in Lehi, Sandy, Park City, Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Kearns.
Campers can explore their environment while playing outside in the dirt, growing and cooking tasty veggies, meeting ancient dinosaurs, and of course, making great art. Students k-8 have a variety of weeks to choose from where they can interact with their environments and communities while stretching their imaginations, making art and fun crafts with recycled and creatively repurposed materials. The all-day programs have partnered with some of Utah’s most environmetally active non-profiits like TreeUtah and the Cottonwood Canyon Foundation.
The Camp Invention program at Jeremy Ranch Elementary School is a week-long adventure in creativity that immerses children entering grades one through six in exciting, hands-on learning disguised as fun summer activities. Led by local educators, boys and girls are challenged to explore connections between science, technology, engineering, and innovation. Participants spend their time navigating an island via upcycled ships, learning the power of combining magnetism and electricity, while designing, improving, and analyzing their own inventions in a team setting. Early and alumni registration discounts are available. Spaces are limited.
We really love Keen sandals for summer camps (and all summer)! (affiliate links 😉
Camping at the Y is a fun and unique experience that gives children and teens the opportunity to discover their full potential, meet new friends, play and create memories that last a lifetime. Through camping children and teens explore nature, become a community and develop confidence, independence, leadership and social skills. Archery, Arts & Crafts, Hiking, Team Building, Mountain Biking, Orienteering, swimming, horseback riding & more.
Even tiny tots get camp. Each week 3-5 year olds can explore a unique theme that encourages learning, creativity, adventure and fun. Camps are from 9:00 – 12:45 Monday through Thursday. All camps are open to the general public.
Options for children ages 3-6 years old, camps run four days a week (Mon-Thurs.) from 9am-12:45 and are open to the general public. You provide lunch and sunscreen and they provide snack.
Wasatch Kids Camps offers field-trip based summer day camps throughout the Salt Lake valley for kids ages 5-16 as well as 5-day overnight travel camps. Kids will have full days of hiking, exploring, swimming, climbing and arts and crafts.
Tracy Aviary Summer Camps Join Tracy Aviary for an Avian Adventure during the half-day or full-day week-long summer camps for children going into Kindergarten through 5th grade. Each camp has a different theme, but all are packed with bird-related crafts, projects and games. Campers will also spend their time learning about and experiencing nose-to-beak encounters with Tracy Aviary’s feathered friends during flighted bird shows, keeper talks and special bird feedings and an intimate experience each day with one or more of our famous Bird Show avian ambassadors.
Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter’s educational summer camp programs will inspire and fascinate your child through week-long exploration and discovery about the natural world through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Swaner offers summer camp programs for youth ENTERING kindergarten through 8th grade in Fall 2017. You should enroll your child based on what grade they will enter in Fall 2017.
June through August, children two months to 12 years of age can explore creative and challenging activities and interests like hiking, mountain biking, basic biking skills, swimming, scavenger hunts, wet and wild water games, volunteer projects and arts and craft. Located in Snow Park Lodge at the base of Deer Valley Resort. Counselor ratios are one to three for infants, one to four for toddlers and one to eight for older children.
Red Butte Garden Summer Camp
Learn something new, make good friends, be inspired and have fun. These weeklong, morning and afternoon camps for preschool- 6th grade combine the excitement of the natural world with science experiments, art projects, garden exploration, photography and the simple joy of the outdoors. Camp registration is required.
Hogle ZooCamps
Come spend a week at the zoo. Camps offer a fun educational way to spend your summer. They include special animal encounters, crafts, and other activities. Kindergarten through 7th grade.
Thanksgiving Point has a broad variety of unique summer day camps. With exciting themes such as Jurassic Journey, Whatever the Weather, Fairytale Science, Animal Adaptations, Plants & Gardens, and more, if you can’t find what you’re child wants to do here, then it probably doesn’t exist.
Learn to Skate Camp is for ages 4 & up. Must have a least some experience on the ice. Pre-Competitive Figure Skating Camp, Ages 5 & up. Competitive Figure Skating Camp: Ages 8 & up. Must have passed pre-preliminary Free Skate & be working on an axel.
Squirt, Pee Wee & Bantam Camp, Rocky Mountain Hockey School.
BYU Cheer/Cougarette Cheerleading Camp
BYU offers summer camps for both cheerleading and dance. The dance camp is led by BYU Cougarette director Jodi Maxfield along with members of the 15-time National Dance Team Champion BYU Cougarettes. Cougarette Camp for 2017 will be held July 31st – August 2nd.
The Cheer and Stunt camp is led by BYU’s cheer coach Jocelyn Allan as well as former and current BYU cheerleaders. Cheer and Stunt Camp for 2017 will be held July 17th – 19th.
The Cubs Cheer Camp is also led by Jocelyn Allan and the BYU cheerleaders. Cubs Cheer Camp will be held July 24th – 26th.
The professional staff will guide your child through exciting summer days that include sports, games, arts & crafts, field trips, tennis, art, skateboard, and swim. Camp is located at 1354 Park Avenue, in City Park, in the building adjacent to the playground.
Basin Recreation summer camps offer a variety of camps for the athlete, the outdoor adventurer, the dancer, and the youth who just want to have a ton of fun during their day: basketball, soccer, tennis, mountain biking, swimming, water camps and more.
SummerWorks provides an active and engaging day camp experience for Rowland Hall students and students from across the Salt Lake area. Campers between the ages of 4 and 16 will find a range of fun self-awareness and team building games, field trips, ball games, swimming and an array of options that allow them to design a summer around their specific interests and imaginations. The week-long sessions and half- and full-day options makes SummerWorks an accessible and convenient option for parents looking to build a fun and flexible summer schedule.
Kids Tri Camps
These are multi-sport camps for kids, ages 5-12 years old, designed to introduce multi-sports training in a positive and fun environment. All athletes will receive training in swimming, biking and running and how to transition between events.
Summer Fundamentals Camp for ages 7-10 years old introduces kids to multiple sport experiences and reinforces physical education, agility, balance and coordination.
Depending on the week kids get to try baseball, tennis, swimming, karate, team handball, golf, skating and curling in addition to gymnastics two times per week and an opportunity to do freestyle into the Pool at the Utah Olympic Park. Alpine ski equipment, helmet and skate board equipment recommended but not required.
Go big with FLY Freestyle 3 and 5-day summer camps at the Utah Olympic Park. Water ramping into the Spence Eccles Olympic Freestyle Pool and bouncing on the trampolines will have participants mastering new tricks, catching air and having a great water ramp experience. Camps are designed to help athletes of all abilities become more confident in the air and on their skis in the water so they’re ready when the snow flies. They add off-site activities such as rock climbing, gymnastics, and divingto round out the day.
Kids don’t have to be Jewish to experience this well-organized, exciting and social summer camp program. Camp K’Ton Ton for 2-5 year olds and Bernie Camp for grades 1-10 focus on friendship building and creating social and life skills while making the most of up to nine weeks of summer. Pick your weeks. Older kids are full day, every day; the younger ones can be full or half day, three or five days a week.
The irony isn’t lost on locals. Four miserable winters (comparatively) and yet Utah ski resorts spent millions on “improvements” this summer, while raising the cost of lift tickets yet again, all in the hopes of attracting more visitors.
Don’t they know by now that we skiers are all about deals? I’d rather have the option of brown-bagging it for a $50 lift ticket than spending $100 because there’s a shiny new lodge or snowmaking equipment that needs to be reimbursed. That said, Utah skiers can expect to see some major alterations to the Wasatch Front landscape this 2015/16 ski season.
Photo courtesy Vail Resorts
This was a HUGE year for construction and retooling. You would have been living in a cave in the North Pole not to have heard about the conjoining of Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons into one massive area now named “Park City Mountain” and “Canyons Village at Park City”. The area(s)’ owner, Vail Resorts, plunked down $50 million dollars to transform Park City into “the largest resort in the United States.” Not that anyone would actually want to spend more than half of their day skiing between the resorts (cabriolet, three lifts and two gondolas, with only one intermediate run to be had through it all) just to get from Canyons to PC) but, whatever, there will now be 7,300 skiable acres for one lift ticket or season pass price ($789 and $101, respectively). The folks it’ll suit best are intermediate skiers who start at Park City and want to spend the night at Canyons or ride their zipline. Or perhaps people staying in Park City who want to backcountry ski because you can only do it from Canyons. Think Whistler/Blackcomb not Alta/Bird.
In addition to the Quicksilver Gondola that links the two areas, PCM’s King Con Chair is now a six-pack, The Motherlode lift is now a detachable quad, “Miners Camp” replaces the Snow Hut Lodge- 500 indoor seats (yay!), a large deck and fresher food choices like homemade soups, made-to-order sandwiches and tossed salads- and the Summit House has been remodeled to increase seating; the Red Pine Lodge has a new, upper deck and 250 more indoor seats, and they’ve added snowmaking on two trails in the Iron Mountain area to handle increased skier traffic for Quicksilver Gondola access.
Photo courtesy Snowbird Resort
The next big spender was Snowbird Resort with $35 million dollars in capital improvements. Hidden Peak is finally crowned with the Summit Lodge. Guests can dine surrounded by a spectacular, 360-degree-view from 11,000 feet. The two-story glass-enclosed structure replaces the modified port-a-John that housed Snowbird’s elite Ski Patrol. The new 23,000 square foot building will have cafeteria seating for 192 people on the first floor, a private dining room for 180 guests, restrooms, a coffee/pastry shop, a 10,000 square foot deck and a new Ski Patrol headquarters. Patrons of the Cliff Lodge waved good bye to those quirky windowed-showers in 350 guest rooms in the east wings. The remodel includes carpeting, marble counters and tile in the bathrooms, ergonomic mattresses, contemporary furnishings and entertainment systems, energy efficient lighting and upgraded Wi-Fi. No more wire wickets. Following in Alta’s footsteps, RFID has come to the Bird. The Bird plans to extend the ski season in Peruvian Gulch, Gad Valley and Mineral Basin by adding more snowmaking guns to those areas.
Then comes Deer Valley and Solitude. DV officially took ownership of the Big Cottonwood Resort in May 2015 and immediately began ripping out the aged Summit fixed-grip double chairlift. They installed the new, four-person detachable high-speed Summit Express chairlift and added a new ski run from the top of the existing Apex Express chairlift to the bottom terminal of the new, realigned Summit, significantly lessening the current travel time to Honeycomb Canyon. So now you can access Honeycomb without freezing and falling asleep. You’ll still have to ride two lifts to get back to the base of Summit but at least they are now all high speeds. When you’re ready to eat expect that Deer Valley Difference in the remodeled Moonbeam Lodge Restaurant. In fact, DV revamped the menus at all of the resort’s restaurants.
Brighton made the best move of all. They’re celebrating their 80th anniversary by bringing back their extremely popular ‘kids 10 and under ski free’ deal. Smart families will be packing that brown bag and heading up BCC a lot this winter.
Utah’s newest resort, Cherry Peak Resort, is planning for their inaugural season this December. The Northern Utah area 15 miles from Logan features three triple chairlifts, a comprehensive snowmaking infrastructure and a 1.25 mile-long-run. They didn’t have enough snow to open last season so fingers crossed for something better soon. The resort has an impressive three-story day lodge for year-round events.
Feel like having a mountain all to yourself? Rent-a-Resort at Eagle Point, south of Salt Lake City, is available for private rental Tuesday through Thursday, January 5 – April 3.
The snow’s coming. Less than 100 days. The colors are about to turn so it’s your last hurrah to jump in a mountain lake, hike high peaks with the pooch, cycle amid the wildflowers. Don’t think skiing just yet (except to purchase your season pass). Boarding, snowshoeing and sledding, they can wait. There’s still more toe torturing hikes, skin tearing mountainbiking, and even birdwatching to be had.
With Labor Day coming, the resorts are almost ready to cease summer operations but there’s still time. Here’s the lowdown on activities still available before the winter-season priming begins:
Solitude has extended their summer operations through September 27. Get up Big Cottonwood for mountain biking, hiking, scenic chairlift rides, mountain scooters and disc golf. The Village Adventure Center is open daily through September 7, 2015, then open Friday, Saturday, Sunday only though September 27, 2015. Lift-served gentle singletrack, hiking and scenic rides are offered on the Sunrise chairlift on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through September 13, 2015. After you’ve worked up an appetite, grab pizza or ice cream at the Stone Haus or lunch, dinner and brunch at The Honeycomb Grill, Wednesday through Sunday Brunch.
SSHHH. Snowbasin Resort has some of the best mountain biking in the state for whimpy riders like me. While everyone’s out ripping Twist and Shout at Deer Valley you can take the weekend to play on 26 miles of (relatively) uncrowded single track that connect to 50 miles of additional Forest Service trails. There are also three designated hikers-only trails that lead to the crest of the ridge. Dogs are allowed on the gondola, but not in lodges or anywhere food is being served. The trails are open through October 4 but the gondola only runs on weekends. Check out Needle Lodge for brunch or lunch, free guided tours, Frisbee Golf on a 9-hole course. Little ones will love the adventure playground, practice bike loop, spider bungee jump, and climbing wall. Strider push bikes are available for rent. There’s also the free outdoor Blues, Brews & BBQ concert series every Sunday with both national and regional artists. Snow cones and dream-worthy fresh fruit-muddled lemonades are served alongside your favorite BBQ items and local Utah craft beers.
One of my favorite things to do in the summer at Alta is brunch at the Alta Lodge then walk it off among the wildflowers in Albion Basin. Bring your climbing gear for excellent routes off the Cecret Lake Trail with gorgeous views of the Wasatch from the shady bolted routes.
Snowbird‘s summer activities are just as extreme as their winter ones. This place is not for wussies. The mountain biking is legitimately black-diamond level whether you ride off of Hidden Peak on Chips Run or take one of the seven miles of singletrack on the lower mountain. The more intermediate-level Big Moutain Trail is closed for construction. More ‘girlish’ proclivities will appreciate the Aerial Tram and Peruvian scenic rides to stunning views and close-up wildlife sightings atop Hidden Peak. Take a walk through the Peruvian tunnel to Mineral Basin and miles of hiking and wildflowers. Little ones can’t ride the Purvian lift but they won’t mind staying on the Plaza for the Alpine Slide, Mountain Coaster, Mountain Flyer seated zipline, and the new Vertical Drop which involves 9 feet of freefall followed by a gradual auto-belay down to the ground, Climbing Wall, Bungee Trampolines and Ropes Course. Children can pan for gemstones in the Wasatch Mining Co. sluice or fish in the Austin Pond (with paid license). Oktoberfest is Saturday and Sunday through October 12 where you can sip over 54 different types of beer including German imports not normally found in Utah. There’s Lederhosen, yodelers, bratwurst with sauerkraut, face painting and music stages too.
Speaking of music, Deer Valley‘s 2015 summer concert series at the resort’s Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater closes out their season on September 6 with Aloe Blacc brought to you by the Park City Institute’s St. Regis Big Stars, Bright Nights Outdoor Concert Series. Mountain biking lasts a little longer. Summer mountain biking goes to weekends only after Labor Day and shuts down completely on September 20. After hours riding the nearly 70 miles of world-class lift-served single-track, make sure you toast the sunset on the deck of Royal Street Cafe with a blueberry mojito.
Lift-served mountain biking and hiking runs through October 18 at Park City Mountain Resort. The best access is from the Crescent Hi-Speed Quad which will get you to the top of Crescent Ridge in minutes. PayDay Lift will run when Crescent Lift doesn’t. The mountain is open daily for more than 70 miles of trails. For less strenuous but no less heart-pounding adventure you MUST ride Utah’s longest alpine coaster, one of the world’s longest alpine slides (and rowdiest if you take the concrete track instead of the fiberglass ones). The ZipRider Zip Line is a hoot too. Kid-friendly activities include the Spider Slide, Climbing Web, boulders and climbing wall in the Adventure Zone, and the Legacy Launcher trampolines. Little Miners Park’s merry-go-round, airplane ride and mini-train cater to the resort’s youngest guests. You can’t beat the apps and French onion soup at Legends Bar and Grill, located in the resort plaza or the live music on the patio at the Corner Store.
Canyons Village at Park City aka Canyons Resort has the absolutely best biking for freestylers accessed by riding the gondola, then High Meadow and Short Cut chairlifts. The Bike Park includes two skills parks and four skill-level trails with rollers, berms, jumps, steep grades, drops and tight switchbacks. Bikers of all levels can skip the park and ride over 20 miles of cross-country trails throughout the resort. You’ll have until September 27. For a hefty $50 you can take the best zipline ride in Utah between Lookout Peak and Red Pine Lodge spanning over 2,111 feet. Disc golf is a little cheaper (even free if you have your own discs and a season pass) and so is the fishing and pedal boats in the pond under the Orange Bubble Express. There’s one Saturday concert left for this season September 6 so pack your own picnic and brings the kiddos. They can play mini golf while you relax. The Wednesday afternoon Farmers Markets in the Cabriolet parking lot continues through October 28.
Sundance Resort has their annual Harvest Market September 26. Over 30 local artists and craftsmen as well as several will be selling everything from jewelry and pottery to wooden canoes and lotions. There’s also live Bluegrass/Americana music and an array of delicious Sundance foods all set against the splendorous backdrop of Mt. Timpanogos. On any other summer day you can bike or hike more than 25 miles of trails, get a soothing massage in The Spa at Sundance, or take a hands-on workshop in jewelry making, wheel-thrown pottery, watercolor or oil painting, printmaking, photography and charcoal and pencil drawing in the art barn. At days’s end listen to unsung artists at the Friday night Bluebird Café Singer/Songwriter concert series.
Ah, the summer. The green, the trails, the sun, the dogs, the kids screaming for attention. School’s out which means you’re in. But cut yourself a bit of slack and enroll Junior in one of the many Utah summer camps happening throughout the state. Don’t feel guilty. You were never meant to play at a fourth grade level 24/7.
The list below is by no means all-inclusive so if you know of a camp, feel free to add it in the comments section!
Youtheater Summer Programs
Egyptian YouTheatre Summer Camp is where children learn confidence and collaboration, while they expand their innate creativity through theatre arts in fun-filled days. Camps are offered to various age groups and interests (Drama or Musical), with exciting camp electives each day such as stage combat, improve, stage make-up, puppetry, Shakespeare, acting for film, and so many more. This summer, YouTheatre offers single week as well as more extensive multi-week camps. All camps end with a production on the Egyptian Theatre stage in Park City. More information and Registration can be found at http://www.egyptiantheatrecompany.org/Youtheatre/
Camp Invention
The Camp Invention program at Weilenmann School of Discover and Parley’s Park Elementary in Park City is a week-long adventure in creativity that immerses children entering grades one through six in exciting, hands-on learning disguised as fun summer activities. Led by local educators, boys and girls are challenged to explore connections between science, technology, engineering, and innovation. Participants might spend their time creating and “selling” items in a virtual world that will benefit their avatars’ lives to learn about economics in the real world; or deconstruct gears and guts and upcycle them into exciting new innovations, then learn how to market them to peers. Or design design life-saving devices, marine exploration vehicles or rocket ships. Early and alumni registration discounts are available. Spaces are limited. For more information, call 800.968.4332 or visit www.campinvention.org.
YMCA Camp Roger
Camping at the Y is a fun and unique experience that gives children and teens the opportunity to discover their full potential, meet new friends, play and create memories that last a lifetime. Through camping children and teens explore nature, become a community and develop confidence, independence, leadership and social skills. Archery, arts & crafts, hiking, Team building, mountain biking, orienteering, swimming, horseback riding & more. There’s even a family camp in July if you just can’t bare the separation. Camp Roger’s first session begins June 7. Register online at www.ymcacamproger.org or call 801-839-3384.
Park City Coop Preschool Camp
Even tiny tots get camp. For four days each week, the wee 3-5 year olds can explore a unique theme that encourages learning, creativity, adventure and fun. Camps are from 9:00 – 12:45 Monday through Thursday. All camps are open to the general public. www.parkcitycoop.com.
Park City Ice Arena Skate Camps
Who says you have to hang up the skates in the summer? PC Ice Hockey is hosting two new summer programs that won’t break the bank. Summer Ice 2015 includes 11 skills and drill sessions, 5 drop-in sessions, 6 power skating sessions and 12 off-ice training sessions for a total of 34 sessions for just $200. Don’t worry about missing sessions. Even if you make 1/2 of the sessions, it is still tons of skating. The Girls Summer Ice 2015 is a new all-girls program that includes 8 hockey ice sessions and 6 power skating sessions for $140. Go to www.pciceminers.org and click on Register on-line to sign up now. Hurry. The Summer Ice 2015 session is limited to the first 80 players and it sold out last year.
Pre-Competitive Figure Skating Camp: Ages 5 & up. Must have passed Basic 5 or Blizzard. July 28 – Aug. 1, 8:30am-2:45 pm Competitive Figure Skating Camp: Ages 8 & up. Must have passed pre-preliminary Free Skate & be working on an axel.
Park City Dance Academy Junior Dance Camps for 7-18 yo: $140.00, Monday-Thursday 12:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m., July 6-9 & August 3-6 Princess Camp for 3-6 yo July 6-9 & August 3-6 Ballet Intensive, Intermediate and Advanced dancers, age 9-18. http://www.parkcitydance.com
Kimball Art Center Classes
Create Your Vacation at the Kimball Art Center this summer. All day summer art camps are available for 6-10 years olds. Available Monday – Thursday, June 8 – August 13, 2015. Dozens of classes are available for tots (3-5), kids (5 – 10), tweens & teens (11 – 17), families (all ages) and adults. Whether you want to learn how to paint, sculpt, draw, photograph, mosaic or make ceramics, there is a class for everyone. 435.649.8882 or www.kimballartcenter.org.
Dance Tech Studios
Dance Tech Studios, Park City’s premiere dance program and facility, is offering summer dance camps/intensives for girls and boys, ages 3-18. Whether your child’s interests lie in “Princess Dance Camp” (ages 3-6) camps where girls explore ballet, jazz, tap and creative movement, or in the exclusive and highly demanded “Boys Xtreme” hip hop/breakdance camps incorporating all the latest “tricks” taught by the finest hip hop/breakdance guys. Little man camps are for “guys only” ages 5-14 (age groups are separated). If your child is interested in trying all forms of dance and a truly unique experience, the “Dance Intensive” program is for dancers 5-18. Dancers will receive professional training (beg-adv placement levels) in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, turns/leaps, flexibility, yoga/Pilates for dancers, Cardio conditioning, choreography and much more. Camps are held Mon-Thur. Pre-Registration is required for all camps and is limited. www.dancetechworld.com or 435.655.9213.
Creekside Kids Academy
Park City/Heber: Two locations to accommodate any child, ages 6 weeks-12 years. All three locations provide bussing to/from summer programs if needed. Bussing space is limited. Summer Camp Weekly Themes Include: Camping, Dinosaurs, Under the Sea, Science, Kids in the Kitchen, Sports, Critters & Creatures ….and more. Half-day or full-day options, Daily, Weekly, Monthly enrollment. Hiking, Biking/Triking, Yoga, Regularly scheduled field trips to: Hogle zoo, Utah Olympic park, Wheeler Historic Farm, Museum of Ancient Life, Community Gardens, State Parks, Creamery etc. www.creeksidekids.net or (435) 655-0195.
Summer Camps at Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter
Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter provides a wide range of summer camp opportunities for youth in K-8. Camp topics include outdoor exploration, environmental education, science, robotics, art, and stewardship. In addition to campers, teens in grades 9-12 can apply to be teen camp counselors and help camp staff lead camp activities and keep campers safe. www.swanerecocenter.org or 435-252-3576.
Deer Valley Adventure Camp
June 8 through August 19 (closed July 3 & 24) for children two months to 12 years of age, offers creative and challenging activities and interests to ensure campers have fun while learning. Summer Adventure Camp is located in Snow Park Lodge at the base of Deer Valley Resort. Counselor ratios are one to three for infants, one to four for toddlers and one to eight for older children. Exciting field trips are planned weekly to explore a variety of recreational resources in the area. Hiking, mountain biking, basic biking skills*, swimming, rollerblading, scavenger hunts, wet and wild water games, volunteer projects and creative arts and crafts are all part of this fun and educational program. www.deervalley.com or 435-645-6648.
Up With Kids
The Up With Kids children’s theatre award-winning curriculum is always “G-Rated” and family friendly. They do produce plays only a parent will love but it’s not about you it’s about the kids and they make sure everyone has a part. It’s all for fun rather than talent training. The full-day camp is packed with kids of all ages and in Park City they use the Ecker Hill pool in Park City for afternoon swims. The kids are divided into peer groups during the day so your little ones aren’t trampled during rehearsal. Director: Lacey Scott, 801-884-6555, http://upwithkids.com/summer-camps/
PC Marc (Park City Racquet Club) Summer Camps
Full-day adventure camps, skate camps, tennis, swim lessons and more. Please visit http://www.parkcity.org for more details.
Basin Recreation Summer Blast Camps
Basin Recreation offers a variety of camps for the athlete, the outdoor adventurer, the dancer, and the youth ages 3-14 who just want to have a ton of fun during their day: basketball, soccer, tennis, mountain biking, swimming, water camps and more. Camps begin and end at Ecker Hill Middle School (bus turnaround or gym), Trailside Park(upper or lower field or tennis court) or specific Trailhead as indicated. http://www.basinrecreation.org/summer_camps.html
Rowland Hall Summer Camps
Rowland Hall SummerWorks provides an active and engaging day camp experience from June 8- August 14 for Rowland Hall students and students from across the Salt Lake area. Campers between the ages of 4 and 15 will find a range of activities and options that allow them to design a summer around their specific interests and imaginations. Our week-long sessions and half- and full-day options makes SummerWorks an accessible and convenient option for parents looking to build a fun and flexible summer schedule. http://www.rowlandhallsummer.org/
Kids Tri Camps
Offering two, multi-sport triathlon camps for kids, ages 5-12 years old, June 22-26 & August 3-7, designed to introduce multi-sports training in a positive and fun environment. All athletes will receive training in swimming, biking and running and how to transition between events. www.trikids123.com.
Red Butte Garden
Learn something new, make good friends, be inspired and have fun. These weeklong, half-day and full-day camps for K- 6th grade combine the excitement of the natural world with science experiments, art projects, Garden exploration and the simple joy of the outdoors. Camp registration is required. (801) 581-8454 or http://www.redbuttegarden.org/summer_camp
Hogle Zoo
Come spend a week at the zoo. Camps offer a fun educational way to spend your summer. They include special animal encounters, crafts, and other activities. K through 7th grade. http://www.hoglezoo.org/education_programs/zoo_classes#Camps
Tracy Aviary
Join Tracy Aviary for an Avian Adventure during the half-day or full-day week-long summer camps for children going into Kindergarten through 5th grade. Each camp has a different theme, but all are packed with bird-related crafts, projects and games. Campers will also spend their time learning about and experiencing nose-to-beak encounters with Tracy Aviary’s feathered friends during flighted bird shows, keeper talks and special bird feedings and an intimate experience each day with one or more of our famous Bird Show avian ambassadors. http://www.tracyaviary.org/camps/
Ballet West
The Ballet West Academy offers a fun, stimulating dance experience designed to increase the strength and technical abilities of both male and female dancers between the ages of 3-26.
The six-week intensive session June 22 – Aug. 1 is held at the University of Utah’s Alice Sheets Marriott Center for Dance. There are also a series of Fantasy Camps at Trolley Square for 4-5 year olds. The different themed weeks will enhance your child’s art, dance, and learning experience with a special in-studio performance held on the last day. Students will incorporate ballet-based movements and imaginative art work to explore the world of princesses and fairies. https://www.balletwest.org/academy/summer-programs
Thanksgiving Point Camps
Thanksgiving Point has a broad variety of unique summer day camps. With exciting themes such as Design, Robotics, Space, Gardening, Dinosaurs, Music, Legos, and more for K- 12, if you can’t find what you’re child wants to do here, then it probably doesn’t exist. http://www.thanksgivingpoint.org/daycamps
Utah Olympic Park The 5-day Freestyle Summer Camp for ages 7-18 years old is like no other in the state. Go big with FLY Freestyle for fun-filled days of freestyle and freeride water ramping into the Big Air Pool and bouncing on the trampolines. Utah Olympic Park’s coaching staff are made up of top-level freestyle and freeride skiers. Participants will master new tricks, catch air and have a great water ramp experience. Camps are designed to help athletes of all abilities become more confident in the air and on their skis in the water so they’re ready when the snow flies. The Fundamentals Camp introduces kids to multiple sport experiences and reinforces physical education, agility, balance and coordination.
Depending on the week, kids get to try baseball, tennis, swimming, karate, team handball, golf, skating and curling in addition to gymnastics two times per week and an opportunity to do freestyle into the Big Air pool at the Utah Olympic Park. Alpine ski equipment, helmet and skate board equipment recommended but not required. There are also individual, half-day intros June 1-Spet. 27 to freestyle if you only want a taste. http://utaholympiclegacy.org/park-activities/
JCC of Salt Lake Summer Camps Kids don’t have to be Jewish to experience this well-organized, exciting and social summer camp program. Camp K’Ton Ton for 2-5 year olds and Bernie Camp for grades 1-10 focus on friendship building and creating social and life skills while making the most of up to nine weeks of summer. Pick your weeks. Older kids are full day, every day; the younger ones can be full or half day, three or five days a week. All sessions include swim lessons in the immaculate JCC outdoor pool. http://www.slcjcc.org/youth-a-teen/summer-camps
Wasatch Kids Camps
Wasatch Kids offers day camp summer field trips throughout the Salt Lake valley for kids ages 5-16. Kids will hike, swim, tour the Spaghetti Factory and Humane Society, climb and splash at Cowabunga, and tons more fun. http://www.wasatchkidscamps.com/
Natural History Museum of Utah
Adventures in the Natural World NHMU Summer Camp brings science and nature based camp experiences to your kids, K-8th. The week-long half-day or full-day camps take full advantage of the Museum’s exhibits, outdoor spaces, and the natural environment of the foothills. https://online.nhmu.utah.edu/summer-camp-2015/sc15-camp-landing-page.
Momentum Climbing Camps
Three locations for kids 4-16 to scramble- Lehi, Sandy and Millcreek. From 8:45 a.m.- 1 p.m. kids play games, boulder, swing from ropes, and of course climb. https://www.momentumclimbing.com/summercamp/
Club U Summer Camps
Feel like a college kid when you take a camp on the University of Utah campus. Technology, nature, adventure, theater arts, space and music are just some of the well-thought out programs for kids 5-17, June 8- Aug. 24. https://continue.utah.edu/clubu/clubu_classes
Summer Performing Arts Day Camp Classes
Hale Centre Theatre offers three sessions of summer camps for students ages 6-18. Two-week sessions are offered in June, July and August. Each camp runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A half-day option is available from 9:00 a.m. to Noon or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Classes include Acting, Singing, Theatre Dance, Voice, Theatre Art, Stage Combat, Magic and Audition Techniques and culminates with a talent showcase. http://bit.ly/1IpSFAv.
Camp Cranium Summer Camps
Learn the wizarding world of science through cooking, magic, art, and more at the Leonardo Museum. Kids 5-18 can spend the days from June 15- August 14 exploring programs built to inspire your not-interested-in-anything-but-boys daughter and your rambunctious, video-game inhaling son. http://www.theleonardo.org/exhibits-programs/camp-cranium/
