Category Archives: Events

2017 Parents’ Guide To Utah Summer Camps

Jill Adler 7 comments

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.

UT Summer Camps

Performing & Creative Arts Camps

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, 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 Park City Dance Academy

Ballet Summer Intensive Workshop, Children’s Workshops, Boys Stormtrooper Dance, Storybook Camp, Popstar Workshop.

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.

Kimball Art Center Classes

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.

435.649.8882.

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 “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.

Up With Kids

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.

Bad Dog Art Studio Summer Arts Camps

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.

Science & Outdoors Camps

Camp Invention

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 😉

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.

Park City Coop Preschool Camp

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.

Shining Stars Cooperative Preschool

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

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 Summer Camp

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.

Deer Valley Adventure Camp

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 Summer Day Camps

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.

Sports Camps

Park City Ice Arena Skate Camps

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.

Park City Ice Arena Hockey Camps

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.

PC Marc (Park City Racquet Club) Summer Camps

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.

Summit Country Basin Recreation Summer Camps

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 at Rowland Hall

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.

Utah Olympic Park

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.

Fly Freestyle Summer Camps –

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.

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.

The Ultimate Guide: Best Fests Of The West

Jill Adler Leave a comment

WHY BEST FESTS?

There was an editor once who told me she didn’t take stories about events. Because I was the lowly freelancer pitching tales of fun mountain events in the hopes of experiencing them firsthand, I took that stinging response and slithered away. Of course, I silently (and vehemently) questioned her judgment; after all, the calendar and events lists in magazines and online are the first things I look at. Always. Who wants to sit home on a beautiful day because there’s nothing to do? So I set about creating my own Best Fests of the West list and editors be damned!

WHAT’S THE DRAW

Events- especially multi-day ones- give you reason to get moving, get outdoors, find your community, experience something new- or hone skills you already have- and get joyously grubby. If no one’s writing about them, then how would you possibly know they are happening? A stumble into the local coffee shop and a browse on the bulletin board leaves too much to chance.

Luckily, there’s the Internet and there’s still little ol’ me- hunting and attending these festivals so you don’t have to worry about missing something cool taking place this hot summer. Here’s the rundown. Feel free to comment if I missed something. This list isn’t about every fest; just the best!

FYI: Coachella or Burning Man are not included. They’re both too cool to be cool anymore. This list also does not include “fests” where the general public sits around and watches elite athletes compete (ie. The GoPro Games and Royal Gorge Whitewater Fest). Below are festivals where you can be fully engaged; where you say you can’t wait to do it again. Enjoy!

MAY

GoFest, Whistler, B.C.- Four days of family fun doing everything outdoors like standup paddling, fly fishing, trail running, cycling, sailing, even snowboarding polished off with yoga, photography and film exhibits, fine food, live concerts. May 19-22.

Bottlerock, Napa, Calif.- Like a fine wine, Bottlerock keeps getting better with age. The three-day festival in California’s stunning Napa Valley features 70+ bands and indie acts, amazing food, and of course, lots of the region’s wine. Ani DiFranco, Foofighters, Live, Maroon 5, Macklemore,Ben Harper. May 26-28.

California Roots, Monterey, Calif.- It’s not all about California bands, nor is it just about roots reggae. It is, however, about quintessential California living—and dreaming: Imagine a laid-back experience with sunshine (if it’s not foggy), smiles, and good vibes. NAS, Thievery Corp, Matisyahu, Jurassic 5. May 26-28.

CKS Paddlefest, Buena Vista, Colo.- If you’re looking for a way to get involved in river sports, ready to hone your skills, or just want a good party that involves playing on water; this is the place to be. Clinics, competitions, races, and concerts make it a weekend not to miss. May 26-29.

Telluride MountainFilm, Telluride, Colo. – An epic festival of films, people, stories, and ideas that celebrates spirit, educates and inspires audiences, and motivates individuals and communities to advance solutions for a livable world. Parties, book signings, film premieres, concerts and food. May 26-29.

Sasquatch Music Festival, The Gorge near Seattle, Wash.- The premiere rock/alternative indie music fest. Camp out all three days so you don’t miss a beat from up and coming artists. There’s also a comedy tent that morphs into a dance party late at night for you and your 25,000 friends. Don’t miss The Head and the Heart, Twenty-One Pilots, The Shins, Frank Ocean. Memorial Day Weekend.

JUNE

Campout for the Cause, Rancho Del Rio, Colo. Live music, camping, yoga, lifestyle workshops, a stand-up paddle boarding invitational and sup workshops for all levels. 100% of net proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations. June 2-4.

Eagle Outside Festival, Eagle, Colo.- Free consumer demo, women’s mountain bike clinics, kids clinics and fishing derby, group rides, Firebird XC and LoFi Super-D races, and music. June 3-4.

Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Telluride, Colo.- Woodstock of the West. Four days of bluegrass-based acoustic music that’s been going strong for nearly 40 years. Dispatch, Sam Bush Band, Margo Price, Yonder Mountain String Band, Béla Fleck, Nora Jones, and Jason Mraz. Kids get their own tent and music at the back and late night concerts at local clubs throughout town rock after the field winds down. June 15-18.

Four Peaks Music Festival, Bend, Ore.- An intimate, family friendly fest with over 20 bands on two stages. Throw in free camping, yoga, craft beer, and late night music and you are set for a killer time with the likes of moe., Karl Denson, Infamous Stringdusters. June 15-18.

Great Eldorado, BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival, Reno, Nev.- Reno’s outrageous barbeque block party with acts including the Gin Blossoms and Everclear sharing nonstop rock and blues on two stages with day-long microbrew tasting. June 16-17.

Aspen Food and Wine Classic, Aspen, Colo. – Celebrity chefs, renowned winemakers, and epicurean insiders from the culinary world’s elite bring you three days of cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and panel discussions. June 16-18.

What The Festival, Dufur, Ore.- A four-day, outdoor bohemian rave featuring big names in electronica and EDM, pool parties, landscape-sprawling activities, hookah lounge, yoga, large scale art installations, lectures and trippy light shows. June 16-19.

Crested Butte Bike Week, Crested Butte, Colo.- A 4-day celebration of all things mountain bike in the Gunnison Valley. Clinics, races, a film festival, the Chainless World Championships, good beer, and a great party. June 22-25.

Flaming Gorge Days, Green River, Wyo., Flaming Gorge Days is an annual celebration which originated in 1956. Named after the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, which is almost equally divided between Wyoming and Utah, there are games, live concerts, and much more! June 22-24.

Bonanza Campout, Heber, Utah- Set to the picturesque backdrop of Jordanelle State Park, the boutique music and camping festival will feature over 30 live performances by renowned headliners and emerging artists like Cut Copy, Airborne Toxic Event, Duke Dumont, Cherub, Method Man, Redman, plus local breweries and eateries, a variety of onsite activities, and more. June 23-25.

Blues from the Top, Winterpark, Colo. The Front Range will rock with the sounds of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Anders Osborne, food and craft vendors, and the famous Future of The Blues stage for kids. June 24-27.

High Sierra Music Festival, Quincy, Calif.- The eclectic sounds of jazz, newgrass, bluegrass, jam bands, funk, electronica and world music can be heard about 80 miles north of Reno, Nev., There are also workshops, classes, and family-oriented activities. Galactic, Greyboy Allstars, Trey Anastasio Band, and more. June 29-July 2.

JULY

Park City Food and Wine Classic, Park City, Utah. Experience more than 100 food artisans, wineries, breweries, distilleries, epicurean purveyors, and locally-made products with tastings, seminars, cooking demonstrations, and outdoor adventures with food & wine influences. July 6-9.

Ride Festival, Telluride, Colo. – The two-day fest features renowned rock and roll icons like Beck and ben Harper along with some of current music’s finest emerging talent. July 8-9.

International Climbers Festival, Lander, Wyo., – Celebrate the climbing lifestyle with competitions, clinics, art, food, music, beer, and one hell of a party. Some of the top sport climbers in the world show up for this. July 12-16.

Timber! Outdoor Music Festival, Carnation, Wash.- More than 20 emerging rock bands, yoga, swimming, kayaking, biking, camping, s’mores and an evening stage for spooky storytelling. July 13-15.

Winter Park Jazz Festival, Winter Park, Colo. A fan favorite for over 30 years, share the mountains with world class jazz artists in Hideaway Park. MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly, Marsha Ambrosius & Eric Benét, Brian Culbertson. July 15-16.

Targhee Fest, Alta, Wyo.- Family friendly rock fest framed by the Tetons. North Mississippi Allstars, Karl Denson, Galactic, Leftover Salmon and more are scheduled to perform. July 14-16.

Cheyenne Frontier Days, Cheyenne, Wyo., – Celebrating Cheyenne’st Old West roots with the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, trick riding, a Native American Village, an old frontier town, a saloon, dancing, a chuck wagon cook-off, pancake breakfasts and an art show, a carnival midway, an air show, top-name entertainment, and parades. July 21-30.

Rockygrass, Lyons, Colo. – Known internationally as one of the great traditional bluegrass festivals, Rockygrass becomes the center of the bluegrass universe under the red rock cliffs of the St. Vrain River. Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush Bluegrass Band, Earls of Leicester, Infamous Stringdusters, and many more play while kids can do their own planet-minded activities throughout the day in the family area. July 28-30.

Red Ants Pants, White Sulphur Springs, Mont. – The festival brings in more than two dozen different artists playing grassroots, honky-tonkin’ music performing on separate stages. Local food and craft vendors, agricultural and work skills demos, and a kids tent. A portion of the profits go to the Red Ants Pants Foundation to develop and expand leadership roles for women, preserve and support working family farms and ranches, and enrich and promote rural communities. July 27-30.

AUGUST

Arise, Sunrise Ranch, Loveland, Colo.- Seven stages of live music, yoga, workshops, theme camps, art gallery & installations, children’s village, speakers, films and camping on 100 beautiful mountain valley acres. Atmosphere, Tipper, Ani DiFranco, Rising Appalachia, Brother Ali and more acts will keep the party going for three days. Aug. 4-6.

Outside Lands, Golden Gate Park, Calif.- Launched by the people who created Bonnaroo, this mainstream (think Metallica, Tribe Called Quest, The Who), 3-day celebration of music, food, wine and art brings together more than 70,000 people. Aug. 11-13.

Faerieworlds, North Plains, Ore., – If Middle Earth had a Bonnaroo it would look and sound like this. Faerieworlds is largest mythic, fantasy and faerie themed event in the US. Now in its 16th year of providing music and art-based entertainment, Horning’s Hideout, outside of Portland captures three days of extraordinary live music and performance, amazing art and crafts, and fantasy fun for the whole family. Aug. 25-27.

Salt Lake Climbing Festival, Brighton, Utah.- Get down and dirty with your best new climbing buddies with gear demos, great food, music, yoga and of course climbing workshops lead for all abilities. Children are welcome! Aug. 25-27.

SEPTEMBER

Wydaho Rendezvous Teton Bike Festival, Grand Targhee Resort, Driggs, Idaho. Mountain Bikers from all over the west gather for a weekend-long fest of fun including: guided rides, clinics, demos, raffles and music. Sept. 1-4.

Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival, Seattle, Wash.- 250 performers at over 20 unique indoor and outdoor venues. There’s music, comedy, film, performing and visual arts, dance, theatre, and events for the kids. Lineup TBA. Sept. 1-3.

Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival, Johnson’s Beach & Resort, Guerneville, Calif.- Vibrant jazz acts and the grittiest blues players in the nation share two days of music, wine, food and paddling. Sept. 9-10.

Zion Rendezvous, Zion NP, Utah- Workshops, guided canyoneering in the most magnificent place in the west, adventure planning, presentations, parties, food, demos and raffles. Sept. 13-17.

Colorado Mountain Winefest, Palisade, Colo.- Ffood and wine pairings, chocolate and wine tastings, educational seminars are part of the state’s largest and oldest wine festival featuring dozens of Colorado wineries, live music, a grape stomp, chef demonstrations & seminars. Sept. 14-17.

Salida Bikefest, Salida, Colo.- Celebrating bicycles of all kinds with free group rides, bike films, bike from work mixer, a chainless race, pump track competition, a bike parade, the return of the Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race, the 17th Annual Monarch Crest Crank and free live music in Riverside Park, plus much more. Sept. 14-17.

Kaaboo, Del Mar, Calif.- A completely curated, three-day sound voyage that combines world-class rock-n-roll music from the likes of Jackson Browne, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alanis Morissette, tastemaking socials, craft libations, comedy acts, contemporary art, dancing and premium amenities. Sept. 15-17.

Yosemite Facelift 2017, Yosemite, Calif. – Ha ha, tricked you! This isn’t a crazy party but a time to give back. More than 1,000 people each year volunteer to spend a day or more cleaning up Yosemite Valley. Participants are eligible for free camping, nightly raffles and presentations from slideshows to films. Sept. 26- Oct. 1.

Idaho Mountain Festival, Castle Rocks State Park, Almo, Idaho
(right next door to the ever-so-popular City of Rocks National Reserve). – A 4-day all-inclusive outdoor event encompasses rock climbing, trail running, and a solid collection of entertaining attractions like the premiere of Reel Rock 10 films, live music, swag giveaways and community meals. Sept. 21-24.

Outerbike, Moab, Utah.- Skills clinics, bike demos, guided rides, food, fun and beer. Oct. 6-8.

SEPTEMBER

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Telluride, Colo., Three days of music with a lineup that includes Bonnie Raitt, Steve Winwood, TajMo, and many more, plus yoga and a standup comedy session, along with 56 craft breweries. September 15 – 17.

OCTOBER

Austin City Limits, Austin, TX- Book your hotel or campsite early. Austin’s version of Bonnaroo grown to become a two-weekend event draws crowds around 100,000. This American music event draws artists from the LCD Soundsystem to the Willie Nelson. Kids under 10 get in free and have their own “Kiddie Limits” event- crafts, sand play, School of Rock workshops, DrumZone and rocker hairdos. Oct. 6-8 & Oct. 13-15.

ClimbSmart, Joshua Tree, Calif.- A value-packed weekend of education, inspiration and celebration all to support the Friends of Joshua Tree and Access Fund. Climbing clinics, swag, entertainment, food and camping. Oct. 13-15.

Utah’s Spring Skiing Party

Jill Adler 4 comments

You would think with the snowpack we’ve had this winter that we’d be skiing into July. Darn, if the snowgods didn’t hightail it the Bahamas and leave us skibums to sweat in the 60-degree heat this month while we watch the resorts close all too soon. It’s now time for Utah’s spring skiing party.

Anticipated Closing Dates

Alta : April 16
Beaver : April 2
Brian Head : April 16
Brighton: April 16
Cherry Peak : March 26
Deer Valley : April 16
Eagle Point : April 2
Nordic Valley : March 19
Park City Mountain : April 16
Powder Mountain : April 9
Snowbasin : April 16
Snowbird : TBD
Solitude : April 16
Sundance : April 2

Though sad to see our powder days in the rear view, spring skiing, with its corned-up groomers, funky retro ski clothes, and tailgate parties holds a certain charm. We wear lighter clothes and carry lighter hearts even if the snow is heavier and wet. After all, spring isn’t really about epic powder anymore, it’s about the epic, all-day spring skiing party.

Each day on the hill becomes your own personal spring break so don’t sit home and let it pass you by. There is the spring skiing party and picnics, music streaming from backpack speakers, rainbow wigs and the occasional man in a Speedo with corresponding sunburn. Despite the ever-melting conditions there are still plenty of turns and hi jinks left around the Wasatch. Bring the family and the outrageous costumes. It’s time to enjoy the deals, decent weather and debauchery.

ALTA

Look to the corners of the Wildcat parking lot on any given sunny afternoon from now on. Those hardcore Alta locals are grillin’ and guzzlin’ and they’re happy to share both the food and tales. One story you will tell for years to come is how you sat up at the top of High Rustler on the last day of the season, dancing and tossing snowballs, and skied to the bottom at dusk with a few hundred of your closest buds. Make sure you’re there!

Saturday, April 8 – Demo Day. Demo 2017-18 skis from dozens of manufacturers and enjoy apparel sales, music and more.
Wednesday, April 12 – Beer and Bratwurst for $10 at Alf’s Restaurant.
Saturday, April 15 – Alta Earth Day.
Sunday, April 16 – Alta Community Enrichment Easter Egg Hunt.

Snowbird

The spring skiing goes off here longer than any other in the Wasatch. The March/April days flit from sunny spring bumps to white-out powder days in an instant. There are unofficial pond skims, costumed clowns, torch-faced tourists, and parking lot BBQs. Although the mountain doesn’t really have an official closing date, the big party of record is the day the Tram stops spinning (usually the first weekend in May). “Jortski” celebrates the redneck in all of us with denim shorts and red, white and blue attire, and PBRs in the parking lot.

Spring passes are on sale now if you want to take advantage of this late season ho-down. Ski 12 times between now and close (TBD) and the $579 pass has paid for itself. The second spring pass sale starts April 1st but there’s no price for it yet.

March 25-26 – Subaru Winterfest. A one-of-a-kind mountain destination and lifestyle tour where skiers and snowboarders can come together. Enjoy live music, s’mores and craft OZO coffee. Participate in daily giveaways and test the latest gear from Nordica, Lib Tech, Thule, Klean Kanteen, and Under Armour. Plus, plan to meet adventurous Subaru owners and learn how you can support Avalanche Rescue Dogs.

April 16 – Easter at The Bird.

Easter Sunrise Service on Hidden Peak (stay tuned for timing)

Easter Egg Hunt
9 a.m. in Chickadee Bowl (meet on the Plaza Deck near Christy Sports)
Free Easter Egg Hunt for children up to 11 years of age. Bring a basket and let the Easter Bunny help you find his eggs! The three age divisions are: 4 & under, 5-7 and 8-11.

Easter Brunch at The Aerie
11 am – 3 pm Reservations Recommended: 801-933-2181 or in-house ext. 3663.

Brunch at The Forklift

June 10-11 – Brewfest. Live music, food stations, crafters/vendors TWENTY-SIX local and national breweries sampling 3-5 of their finest brews.

Solitude

As the days wax longer, the number of coolers and barbecues in the lower Moonbeam parking lot multiply. The season hits a crescendo when Solitude pulls off a last-run celebration akin to Alta’s. The on-hill party starts around 3 p.m. from the top of Powderhorn lift, where skiers and riders tough it out until the last chair reaches the summit then the hoard hauls down to the base of Eagle Express for the apres tailgater.

March 19 – Rossignol Demo Day. Test the latest in ski and snowboard technology. Visit the Last Chance Lodge to participate.



March 25 - 27th Annual Chocolate Lovers' Tour. Begin your day at 9 a.m. by grabbing a complimentary “Chocolate Lover’s Passport” from the Chocolate Lover's Tour booth in The Village (under the clock tower) or at Moonbeam Lodge (on the patio by the ski slope). Follow the map on your passport to find different stations on and off the mountain, where complimentary goodies are offered throughout the morning. Receive a stamp from each station and you will be entered to win great prizes. The completed passports are due by noon and the prize drawing is at 1 p.m.
April 16 - Easter Egg Hunt and Ski with the Easter Bunny. Children ages 2 to 10 meet at the Snowsports Academy in the Moonbeam Base Area. All guests are welcome and the event begins at 9:30 a.m. In addition, Swire Coca-Cola will be offering complimentary, full can samples at the Monster tent, located in the Moonbeam parking lot from 2 to 4 p.m.
Brighton
The end of season got so rowdy at Brighton that they had to split the party into two days. And with the area celebrating their 80th anniversary, the last weekend is bound to go down in the rager history books. The beach bash and snowboard jam usually takes place on Saturday but it's closing day's Dummy Downhill that locals anticipate. Around 5 p.m. locals and employees of the mountain's various departments hike up to the top of the halfpipe and send hand-crafted "sleds" with "dummies" on top careening down the slope until they crash into bits. Throngs of drunken onlookers cheer. Money and prizes go to the contraptions that travel the farthest or look the slickest. The contest starts around 5 p.m.
If you want to join in the BCC 'derby' you need to register in advance. Your dummy will be judged at 1 p.m. and only the best are chosen to actually compete. They have to weigh less than 50 pounds with no pyrotechnics.
Thru March 30 - Friday night s'mores. Free treats at 6pm on the Alpine Rose Deck.  ALL AGES WELCOME!
Snowbasin
March 17 - St. Patrick's Day Party. Bag-Pipers, Corn Beef and Cabbage, Guinness Stew, Green Beer, and Free Music. Search for pots of gold on the mountain and win a 17/18 season pass. Après ski party in the Cinnabar at the end of the ski day with more FREE live music in Earl’s Lodge at 2:00pm
April 1 - Tap Takeover Semi Finals. Three local breweries vying for a chance to be named the favorite brewery from the Snowbasin crowd.

April 8 - 9 - Tap Takeover Semi Finals. Uinta Brewing will be facing off against either Wasatch Brewery, Squatters or Bohemian Brewery (votes are still being tallied).
April 8 - 9 - Retro Weekend and Pond Skim. Break out your spandex and best costume. On Saturday, enjoy spring skiing and live music from 80’s cover band, Breakfast Klub. On Sunday, join the annual pond skim and DJ Richie from X96. The Pond Skim starts at 12:00pm. Registration is on Earl’s Plaza between 9:00am and 10:30am. Cost is $5 unless you are dressed in your best retro costume attire.
April 15-16 - Tap Takeover Finals
April 15 - 16- Closing Weekend. On Saturday, April 15, there will be a last chair party at the top of Wildcat following the regular operating hours. Load and ride Wildcat chair one last time at 4:00pm. Participants will need to have a day ticket or season pass. At the top there will be a toast to Wildcat at 4:30pm with beverages for purchase by cash or check. Skiers and Riders who didn’t have a chance to purchase a Wildcat chair, can enter in a drawing for one of the chairs at the top. The winner will be announced following the toast.
April 16, Easter Egg Hunt. Bring the children up to Snowbasin Resort for an Easter Egg Hunt and to see the Easter Bunny before enjoying a delicious Easter Brunch! Ages 6 and under - 10:00 am, Ages 7-12 - 11:00 am

Deer Valley

Get thee to The Beach. Every posh DV patron knows to snag a plastic white Adirondack chair outside the Silver Lake Lodge and never relinquish it. This is the place to see and be seen as one of the Deer Valley elite. Beer is served inside but you can also sip blueberry mojitos from the Royal Street Cafe.

March 25 – Avalanche Rescue Dog Awareness Event. The Deer Valley Avalanche Rescue Dogs and their handlers will be on the Plaza at Snow Park Lodge on Saturday, March 25, from 3 to 4 p.m. Guests can stop by and have their picture taken with the dogs and visit with their handlers. Deer Valley Avalanche Rescue Dog logo merchandise such as t-shirts, stickers, pins and mugs will be available for purchase and the proceeds will benefit the Avalanche Rescue Dog team.

April 16 – Easter Bunny Visits. Guests and their children are invited to bring a camera and take their picture with the Easter Bunny. Snow Park Lodge area from 9 to 11 a.m.

Park City Mountain

In the days of old, Park City threw the best party of all time- Clown Day, April 1. But resort officials and local police silenced the event when the crowd- and drinking -got too outrageous to contain. Anyone arriving in a clown costume would have their pass confiscated and be ejected from the resort. Clown Day was dead. The event eventually rose from the ashes some years ago, reincarnated as “Gaper Day” but it would never again match the status of its extinct ancestor. Dress in a one-piece or neon but leave the clown wig at home.

March 25- April 9 – Spring Gruv.

Park City presents the 10th annual Spring Grüv. Sixteen days of free concerts in the two villages, as well as the 21st Annual Pond Skimming Contest! It’s one of those traditions that has been wild from the start.

NOTE: No outside alcohol is allowed in for our spring concerts. We will have food and beverage options available in the Park City Base Area and Canyons Village, so don’t worry! And, please carpool. Celebrate. Compete. Watch. Ski. Ride. Grüv.

Canyons Resort

March 25- April 9 – Spring Gruv.

Saturday & Sunday S’mores at the Umbrella Bar in Canyons Village
Hang around the fire pit on the Umbrella Bar deck in Canyons Village for all your s’mores fixings free from 3-4p.m.

April 8 – 21st Annual Pond Skimming. It’s one of those traditions that has been wild from the start. The Pond Skimming Contest is Park City’s most popular party and is the true indicator that spring has arrived. Contestants must dress in costume (the funkier the better) as they attempt to cross a 100-foot pond on skis or a snowboard. The pond and the excitement happen at mid-mountain just outside Red Pine Lodge. Must be 10 years of age or older to enter. Spectators will need a lift or gondola ticket to watch. Then, hit up the Canyons Village for a free concert.

RULES:
No teams allowed
Minimum age is 10 years old
No nudity, thongs, or bare butts allowed
No full-face masks or costumes that inhibit full visibility
No fire allowed in costumes
No animals allowed
Must compete on skis or snowboards. No sleds, sit-skis or ski bikes allowed
Costume must be able to fit inside the Red Pine Gondola with the doors closed
Poles may be used but must be dropped before skis touch the pond
No pre-runs; each competitor gets one run to be judged

Sundance Resort

March 17 – F3T FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL. This fundraiser for Trout Unlimited will include multiple short films, fly fishing activities and great raffle prizes. This year will feature two screenings, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Doors open at 3 p.m.

March 18 – Banked Slalom. Junior and open classes for skiers and snowboarders. Same day registration is available. Race begins at 10:30 a.m. Lifts open at 9 a.m. Racer check-in at Jake’s Ticket Office: 8 – 9:30 a.m. To register, call 801.223.4849. $25 reg, $20 ticket.

Powder Mountain

The last two weekends of the season turn into Powder Daze at this area. The party kicks off with a mountain scavenger hunt for tons of swag. It’s rounded out with live concerts and barbecues in the parking lot.

Eagle Point Resort

March 18 – Banked Slalom

March 31- April 2 – Fool’s Gold Winter Cabin Ski Party. Bring your neon ski onesies along with your best 80’s ski attire (or WHATEVER funky cool ski outfits) and get ready for a lodge/ condo/ ski dance party like none other! Canyonside Lodge.

The Event Includes: A whole ski resort to ride with event attendees, two nights (Firday and Saturday) of costumed live music, dance, DJ’s, performances, a pond skimming event, and a hearty family group style pre-show dinner inside the Canyonside Lodge (dinner is on Saturday evening).

Brian Head Resort

April 1 – Spring Carnival

Cardboard Sled Race 10:30 a.m. – Build your best and most creative sled out of Cardboard and Duct Tape. Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place for Race time and Appearance
Around The Mountain Noon – Snowmazing Race that sends your team of 2 you on a scavenger hunt all around the mountain. Best time WINS !
Bikini Slalom 12:30 pm– Female & Male – Wear your hottest bikini and ski/snowboard through our Racecourse – Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place for Race Time and Appearance
Pond Skimming 2 pm – Our Crazy Texan “Chuck” wants to know: Can you make it across our Brian Head Resort pond on your skis or snowboard? Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place for Best skim, Best Crash and Best Appearance

Registration will be held at the Last Chair Saloon from 10:00am to 11:30am.

April 15-16 – Kids Easter Festival. 11:00 to 3:00 – Navajo Lodge, Kids Carnival Games, Fish Pond, Lady Bug Toss, Hole in One Golf, Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Dino Dig and more.

April 16 – Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Adults hunt for the Season Pass Egg hidden somewhere on Brian Head Resort property open to everyone. Kids Easter Egg Hunt, 13 and under, behind Navajo Lodge, three age divisions, 4 and under, 5 – 8 and 9 – 13.

Pond Skim is Back!! Park City’s Spring Gruv Lineup Announced

Jill Adler Leave a comment

It’s 50 degrees outside and thoughts have turned to spring skiing, the pond skim comp and spring parties. Park City Mountain is gearing up to rock Utah. Vail Resorts continues Canyons’ 10th Annual Spring Grüv Celebration with a lineup of local and national bands including Crystal Fighters and MAGIC GIANT. Park City Mountain will host its own annual Spring Concert Series.

As part of the series, there will be free après ski concerts at both base areas beginning this Saturday, February 18, with a performance by indie-pop band Knox Hamiliton. The Concert Series will continue on March 4 with concerts every Saturday through April 16, weather permitting.

Pond Skim & Concert Details

The outdoor concerts will take place at 3 p.m. on the Canyons Village Stage at Canyons Village and the PayDay Plaza Patio of Legacy Lodge at the Park City Base Area. This year’s concert lineup features local Park City favorites like Changing Lanes Experience, Mokie, and Please Be Human as well as a collection of folk, rock and funk bands.

Beginning March 25, Park City Mountain will also host the annual Spring Grüv Celebration. The 16-day event will feature daily activities at both base areas including the 21st annual Pond Skimming competition on April 8 and free concerts headlined by Crystal Fighters and MAGIC GIANT.

CANYONS VILLAGE CONCERTS

2/18/2017 Knox Hamilton

3/4/2017 Mokie

3/11/2017 The Changing Lanes Experience

3/17/2017 Badfeather

3/18/2017 Smiling Souls

3/25/2017 The Fabulous Flynstones

4/1/2017 MAGIC GIANT

4/8/2017 Metro Music Club (Opener: Garret Lebeau)

4/15/2017 Sin City Soul

4/16/2017 Breakfast Klub

PARK CITY BASE AREA CONCERTS

3/4/2017 The Zolotones

3/11/2017 Ashlee K Thomas Band

3/18/2017 Ethan Perry & The Remedy

3/25/2017 Crystal Fighters

4/1/2017 Grizzly Goat

4/8/2017 Cry Wolf

4/15/2017 Please Be Human

4/16/2017 Changing Lanes Experience

www.parkcitymountain.com

2016 Utah State Fair Roams Into Town

Jill Adler Leave a comment

It was time to grab a deep-fried Oreo, watch dogs fly and jugglers juggle as the Utah State Fair wheeled into Salt Lake City last week.

The 10-day event brings together the best of carnie rides, livestock (ie ginormous pigs), touring rock bands, greasy foods, boots and boobs. The Fair is a lookie-loo’s paradise!

Blues Traveler, the 90s blues rock band, energized the grandstand and had I known that your fair ticket got you in, I would have been all over that! Instead, I assumed that you had to purchase separately. I’m an idiot.

What we did know was included was the circus and the Canine flyers; and the rows of sheep, chickens, pigs, milk cows, beef cows, pigeons, rabbits and baby animals to pet and observe. There were also cooking competitions, craft-making contests and a family donut stringing comp. Unfortunately, the demolition derby was axed because the arena is closed for construction.

Sage tried to take it all in. Have a walk with her if you missed this year’s Fair then diet like crazy so you’re ready for all of the fair food in 2017.

Events

« 1 2 3 4 5 … 19 »