Around 50 specialty ski travel agents, including experts from as far as Brisbane, gathered on luxury motor yacht Ghost 2 to hear the latest on Utah resorts perched above Salt Lake City while admiring the Vivid lights on Sydney Harbour last night.

Hosted by the Utah Office of Tourism and Ski Utah, the night offered all the up-to-date news on North America’s largest ski fields including Deer Valley Resort, Utah Olympic Park and Park City.

Led by Ski Utah’s Raelene Davis with presentations from Park City marketing manager Megan Collins and Corey Marshall, account director, Canada, Australia & New Zealand for Utah Office of Tourism, the night offered a wealth of information – plus a few canapes and glasses of sparkling – as guests also drank in the lights of Vivid.

The view from onboard Utah’s Vivid Sydney event from Ghost 2.

Davis showcased 15 ski resorts across the state of Utah, 10 of which are within an hour of Salt Lake City International Airport. Its ease of access sets up apart from other US ski destinations. They also get 200 days of sunshine a year. Utah has also trademarked “The Greatest Snow on Earth” as the snow falls light and dry.

Megan Collins presented the resorts of Park City (the largest in the US and part of Vail Resorts/EPIC pass) and Deer Valley (Alterra/IKON pass). Deer Valley is soon to see the expansion to East Deer Valley which opens some new accommodation in 24/25 ski season and will open for skiing in 25/26.

On 23 July, the IOC will also announce the host city for the 2034 Winter Olympics, of which Utah is the front runner. If they win, they will use Park City and Salt Lake City venues which were also used to host the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Emily Foy, ski tour specialist from Brisbane-based Snowscene, attended with her husband Hayden Foy, who runs their retail arm of their business selling high-quality ski and snowboard gear, apparel and accessories.

“Utah Tourism certainly turned on the experience,” Emily said before boarding her flight back to Brisbane. “It was an experience I certainly won’t forget, learning more about what Utah has to offer as a destination, what is on offer for our travellers as all an-encompassing experience, and not just skiing, that the city has to offer is my takeaway.”

It’s also the final days of the Hawaiian Airlines’ Sydney to Salt Lake City deal, from $1,379 return. Travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, with Hawaiian Airlines, via Honolulu. A stopover in Honolulu is permitted in one (1)
direction from now until 31 May. Applicable travel dates – 11-28 November 2024 and 15 January to 28 February 2025. T&Cs apply.

Feature image: Ski Utah’s Raelene Davis with Park City marketing manager Megan Collins on board Ghost 2.

Highlights included a clip from Utah Film Commission celebrating 100 years of film in the state.

Utah Film Commission 100 Years of Film Celebration (youtube.com)

Park City launches new summer brand

In other Utah news, Park City has launched a new brand, Mountainkind, which encourages visitors to travel to the destination with care and consciousness this upcoming 2024 summer season.

Park City is appealing to the travelling public to assist in a wide range of social behaviours designed to help with the area’s long term sustainability goals, from trail etiquette to recycling, water usage, public transit, car-free travel and wildlife awareness, to name just a few.

Visitors and locals alike can be ‘Mountainkind’, while experiencing the destination’s wide array of offerings, including summer openings, expansions and special events.

That includes:

Deer Valley Resort:
Lift-served hiking, downhill mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides
Deer Valley Music Festival and Concert Series from June to September
Creative Academy Classes for culinary inspiration
September 14 & 15: 3rd annual Mountain Beer Festival
Major expansion project with over 80 kilometres of multi-use trails

Park City Mountain:
Summer operations from June 8
Alpine slide, mountain coaster, mini golf, gem panning
Scenic chairlift rides, lift-served mountain biking, golf, hiking
Live music many nights a week

Canyons Village:
Canyons Village will tee-up summer on May 24 at Canyons Golf
Free Summer Concert Series begins on June 15

Utah Olympic Park (UOP):
Project Big Air includes new training ramps
Activities include Comet Bobsled ride, ropes course, ziplines
Flying Ace All-Stars Freestyle Show on weekends

Woodward Park City:
Lift-served mountain biking, indoor facility for wheeled sports
Restaurant and bar with beer, wine and cocktails

Food and drinks in Park City:
High West Distillery offers tours and culinary experiences
Alpine Distilling produces whiskey and gin
Three unique breweries and bars
Park City Food Tour
Wednesday Farmers Market