Park City was recently named as one of the top 5 Ski Resorts in the US in terms of “Awesomeness”.

Contributing author for Forbes.com Christopher Steiner notes how “ubiquitous rankings have become” and decided to rank ski resorts in his own terms as a measure of Awesomeness “do you need to know anything else?”

Park City was grouped as one resort due to the proximity of its three ski mountains (Canyons, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort)all being within ten minutes of one-another. Similarly Alta and Snowbird were grouped together as were Vail and Beaver Creek (they were ranked #2 and #4 on the Ski Resort Awesomeness rankings). Jackson Hole led the way and Telluride came in at #3.

Of interest in this Ski Resort Awesomeness ranking is the ratings of the skiing; the author rates Canyons as the best of the three resorts in Park City with Deer Valley second and Park City Mountain Resort third. Mr. Steiner definitely knows the resorts as he makes mention of the good and bad at all three. Canyons 9990 lift takes his top spot to ski while there (we’d throw in peak 5 as a great spot to make laps until 9990 opens) and he cautions against spending the day getting to something as the mountain is quite spread out. Deer Valley gets a strong recommendation not only as a fancy resort, but also for its great skiing terrain including trees and chutes. He calls Empire Lodge the greatest ski lodge in the world and calls the Deer Valley Turkey Chili the greatest single dish served mountainside anywhere. Forbes.com calls Jupiter Peak the best of the skiing at Park City Mountain Resort but laments the run-outs and the occasional crowds (for Utah). A thumbs-up was given for the ability to ski into Main St and ride the Town Lift back.

All-in-all it was a great positive article based almost solely on the ski aspects of Park City. When you throw in the other things that make the area great (restaurants, shopping, galleries, Sundance, nightlife, spas and all the non-ski-related amenities) Park City continues to shine as one of the most well-rounded destination vacations or place to call home.

For everyone east of the Rockies it was noted that no resort there made the list due to the snow and terrain not ranking in terms of Awesomeness versus the west.

For a complete version of the story see: Top 10 Ski Resorts in the United States for 2013.

For information about Park City Real Estate contact a realty professional with the YouInParkCity.com Group at (888)968-4672.

Park City Mountain Resort to Improve Base Area

Resort Officials of Park City Mountain Resort announced to the Park City Council and Planning Committee that they are beginning to explore new development around the resort base area.

In recent years the resort has positioned itself as a ski resort operator and not a developer. They now point to new base area development as a way to ensure that they are adequately taking care of their customers as well as increasing capacity for new resort guests.

There have been many rumors in the past about possible resort hotels going in at the base of the resort where the parking lots are currently located. The recent additions of the Hyatt Escala and Waldorf Astoria at Canyons Resort as well as the St Regis and Montage Hotels at Deer Valley leave Park City Mountain Resort without a luxury offering to compete with Deer Valley and Canyons. The lower lots near the base of the First Time Lift and Super-pipe would appear to be the most logical place for a new resort hotel and base area expansion. A Four Seasons Resort Hotel was once rumored for this location; maybe it is a step closer to reality (?).

The plans are still conceptual at this point, but as the supply of new luxury condominiums in Park City dwindles another resort property will make sense. The addition would be great for the Town of Park City as well as the Park City Mountain Resort.

We are close to having one year of sales data for the Montage at Deer Valley and the sales data shows surprising strength given the overall market and world economy. Thirteen sales have been completed for Montage Deer Valley Residences. The sales represent just over 15% of the available units but were nearly 50% of all sales in Park City’s luxury real estate enclave of Empire Pass. Sales prices have ranged from $1.6M to $8M.

The latest release of residence models at Montage Deer Valley will feature a showcase residence that is a collaboration between interior designer Philip Gorrivan and One Kings Lane (a leading online site for designer décor, furnishings and accessories). The 3471 square foot home is a two story three bedroom, three bath model featuring a large great room, dining room, gourmet kitchen, and den. Three private balconies offer incomparable ski resort and valley views. The designer elements in the home have created a mountain modern feel in which each room has its own unique sense and appeal to the luxury Park City lifestyle. Our recent tour through this home was impressive.

The home will enjoy access to all of the Montage Deer Valley spa and resort services and amenities; not the least of which is its slope-side Deer Valley location.

For more information about this special Montage Deer Valley home or a private tour focused on luxury Park City and Deer Valley real estate contact YouInParkCity.com at (888)968-4672.

Search All Montage Deer Valley Listings

The Western Mountain Resort Alliance is composed of 13 destination ski resort area Boards of REALTORS®. The alliance was founded on the idea that while the resorts vary geographically, they share many of the same real estate and development issues due to their vacation resort status. The alliance publishes quarterly sales statistics for the various destination ski areas.

While we here in Park City, UT believe that our resort community offers some of the best recreational opportunities and easiest access of any Western North American Ski Resort, a look at what can be purchased in other resort towns can be very informative.

VS.

Having spent 10 years in Vail, CO, I am jaded to believe that it is the resort with most in common to Park City. In terms of total available inventory if we exclude vacant land, the two areas are almost identical although the single family homes versus condominiums is reversed with Park City having nearly double the number of single family homes on the market as Vail. The number of units sold in the two towns shows Park City’s sales being up 18% in unit volume for the first three quarters of 2011 while Vail’s sales were relatively flat. Available inventory is down in both Park City and Vail versus 2010. The average sales price in Park City saw a 10% decline while Vail registered a 25% decline versus the same period last year.

Another interesting comparison stat between Park City and Vail is the median sales prices. Park City area single family home sales saw a median price (half above and half below) of nearly $550K while Vail shows $400K. Conversely, condominium sales median pricing shows Vail at $480K and Park City at $325. Average sales prices for both single family homes and condominiums are considerably higher in Vail than in Park City.

Maybe Park City and Vail don’t have as much in common as I thought in terms of real estate and the associated values. This likely has a lot to do with the differences in terms of Park City having been an old mining town that developed ski resorts versus Vail having been a ski resort that developed into a town.

For in-depth neighborhood by neighborhood real estate information about Park City, UT, contact a realty professional with the YouInParkCity.com Group at (888)968-4672.

For the fifth year in a row the readers of SKI Magazine have named Deer Valley as the number one resort in North America. This is the 6th time in the last 7 years that Deer Valley has been named number one overall. The resort has not been lower than 3rd in the last 11 years.

The rankings take in many different aspects of the resort and while Deer Valley may not be the toughest or largest resort, or get the best snow, its ranking as best overall is impressive. Deer Valley Resort always gets accolades for its grooming, food, andguest services. The editor of SKI Magazine notes that the size of the resort and the fact that snowboarding is not allowed helps Deer Valley to edge its large competitors Vail and Whistler for the number one spot.

The other Park City area resorts alos fared well with Park City Mountain Resort coming in at number 6 and Canyons Resort in the number 16 slot.

A new lifestyle category named Park City Mountain Resort as the best place in North America to ski with kids.

The consistent rankings from the readers of SKI Magazine have a great impact on tourism in Park City as well as housing values. A town with the best overall ski resort ranking which shares a ropeline with the resort ranked as the best place to ski with a family makes for quite a place to live or own a vacation home.

                We have talked for years about what is or is not a best buy and at $16,000,000 this one of a kind home named Deerfield Estate, in the Deer Crest area of Deer Valley, Utah without a doubt, qualifies. 

                Every week we look at homes in the Park City Real Estate and Deer Valley markets. Very rarely are we awed by a condominium or home.  In the Deer Crest area of Deer Valley there are many very well done homes, the “Ski Dream Home” and others come to mind but this estate home on 4 acres is a notch above. In looking for adjectives I landed on elegant, sophisticated and comfortable. While most of the Deer Crest homes and lots are ski in ski out very few provide direct skier access to Deer Valley’s Snow Park Lodge.  At the end of the ski day there is a private gondola to take you home.

                The home’s statement of detail and quality starts when you enter the private gate to Deerfield Estate and continue up the drive to a grand vaulted portico from which hangs a custom iron lantern.  The entrance to the home is two massive hand carved oak doors with antique bronze hardware that originally graced a Chicago mansion.

                Deerfield Estate has all of the amenities one would expect in a luxury Deer Valley home but the finishes are in a class  of their own;  hand hewn posts, beams and trusses, hand painted tiles, custom bronze sconces and lighting fixtures and much more. To my chagrin many of the items needed to be explained to me by Bruce Martin, owner of Bruce Martin Interiors of Sun Valley, Idaho.  http://www.brucemartininteriors.com/index.html

                Created as one of the crown jewels of the Achristavest group, its team of designers and craftsmen took full advantage of this site’s breathtaking ski area and Jordanelle Reservoir views. There is even a intimate sitting area above the gondola from which the view is truly 360 degrees.  This luxurious home gives you the feeling of being in the heart of the Deer Valley Resort and yet in a world of your own

                Deerfield Estate is conveniently located ½ mile from the St. Regis, 1 mile from the Deer Crest gate and only 2 miles from the base of the Deer Valley Ski Resort’s Snow Park Lodge.  Through the back entrance to Deer Crest it is only about 20 minutes to the private airfield in Heber.  So if you are looking for the privacy with convenience, sophisticated elegance, and want that one of a kind ski mountain estate in Park City, UT; this home might be right for you.

                Originally priced at $28,975,000 and reduced to $15,875,000 for auction this estate quality home easily qualifies for the YouInParkCity.com Best Buys list.

                For more information on Deerfield Estate or to register for the upcoming auction, contact Rob Harris or Todd Anderson at the YouInParkCity.com group (888)968-4672.

             More than just the skiing, biking, golf, snowboarding, hiking or …it is the community and local amenities that make Park City Real Estate Valuable.

            Ask a local why they live in Park City, UT and many will answer that they came here for a winter and never left. In this ongoing blog chapter we will talk about some of the many things that make Park City, Utah a special place to live and own real estate.

            Today’s topic: The Park City Farmers Market

            Every Wednesday throughout the summer, there is a local Park City Farmers Market held in the lower parking lot of The Canyons Resort.

            The weekly event is held rain or shine. It is one of those great spots around town where you are bound to run into friends. Stop by and grab lunch, along with some fresh produce, local raised beef and lamb, fresh fish, bread, cheese, flowers and more. The Wednesday Park City Farmers Market is a great stop for food and snacks on your way to the free concert at Deer Valley too.

            The market is also home to some local artisans featuring sculptures, art, jewelry, antiques and more. The Wednesday Market has been the inspiration for a few other indoor and outdoor markets around Park City and it is still one of the best.

            For more information about the Park City Farmers Market, go to: http://www.parkcityfarmersmarket.com/.

            The Park City Farmers Market gives locals and visitors alike a sense that our community is not just about our resort amenities, Summit county not long ago was a mixture of mining and farming communities and to the east of park City, the farming still thrives. Local markets such as this one provide an easy way to be “green”…think global, buy local.

            If there is a Park City community amenity that you have questions about, drop The YouInParkCity.com Group an email.

Park City, UT:  Montage Resort Deer Valley construction goes on 24hrs per day.

            Park City, Utah officials have given Montage Deer Valley Resort developers the OK to work 24 hours per day. This marks the first time in over 30 years that officials have allowed for such a construction schedule. The unique location of the Montage Deer Valley Resort allows for a schedule that should have minimal effect on nearby property owners and guests.

            The Montage Deer Valley will sit at an elevation of over 8000′ next to the Empire Canyon Lodge and Ruby and Empire Express ski lifts at Deer Valley Resort in Park City. The Deer Valley Ski Resort closes for the season on April 11, 2010 which will minimize the number of guests and owners staying in residences in the Empire Pass area of Park City.  

            The Montage Deer Valley recently celebrated its “topping off” marking a construction milestone with an evergreen tree placed atop the structure after the last beam was put in place. Over 900 workers are presently working within the wrapped scaffolding construction site. The ability to work 24 hours a day will help keep the resort on track for its anticipated opening in December of 2010. The resort will have 174 guest rooms, a 35,000 square foot spa facility, 15,000 square feet of convention space, multiple dining options including 24 hour in room dining services plus indoor and outdoor recreational spaces.

            The Montage Deer Valley recently released its initial pricing for the 81 private residences with prices starting at just over $2 million and ranging up to nearly $8 million. Incentives are being offered to early buyers which include season ski passes at Deer Valley Resort, guided skiing privileges, Talisker Club access and stays at the Montage Beverly Hills or Montage Laguna Beach.

            A model residence is complete and available for viewing by prospective buyers. For more info contact a YouInParkCity.com real estate professional.

            The successful auction of property at the Empire Pass area in Park City has spurred another Park City area real estate auction. The Lodge at the Westgate announced last week that it will hold an auction to sell 44 of its whole ownership condominiums on the 28^th of March.

            Like the auction held last month, the developer has set minimum bids for the units at slightly below half of the current asking prices. Units are being offered with a minimum price starting as low as $149,000 for a 360 square foot studio. Models range up to a four bedroom four bath penthouse with a minimum bid of $995,000.  

            If the auction at Silver Strike in Deer Valley is any indication, prices will be bid up only modestly and other real estate sales near The Canyons Resort will likely be on hold as Buyers and Sellers wait to see the final results.  Prices in the Empire Canyon area of Deer Valley are still adjusting after the auction held there last month.

            The auction at The Lodge at the Westgate Park City should pique the interest of many with national advertising in Sunday’s Edition of the New York Times and other metropolitan areas. The initial bid pricing for the units places them near the asking prices of property resales at Silverado and lower than offerings at the nearby Sundial Lodge and Escala Lodges. Determining the value of The Lodges at Westgate isn’t easily done due to the number of available condominiums near The Canyons Resort. While the Westgate is not a true ski-in, ski-out property, the amenity package that the Westgate offers is impressive.  The prices of all condominium property near the base of The Canyons as well as the fate of the still to open Sunrise at Escala will likely be impacted by the auction.

            For more information about real estate near The Canyons Resort and to discuss the likely impact of the upcoming auction at The Lodges at The Westgate Park City may have, contact a professional with YouInParkCity.com.

            Park City real estate encompasses many showcase homes and ultra high-end luxury properties. Slope-side homes in The Colony at The Canyons, Upper Deer Valley, Deer Crest, and more as well as golf course homes in Glenwild, Tuhaye and Promontory commonly see price tags of over $5 million (in fact there are over 60 such homes currently listed on the Park City MLS). But the home at 5000 Royal St. in Park City’s Upper Deer Valley real estate area with an asking price of $55 million stands apart in the premium Park City property listings.

            What makes this Park City home different from the others (apart from the price tag)? There are many features that one would expect of a luxury residence in Deer Valley. The home is over 20,000 square feet and includes 12 bedrooms and 16 baths and custom built furniture throughout. The gourmet kitchen is designed to make a professional chef feel at home while still being a comfortable living area. Exterior spaces offer great gathering areas amid the pines away from nearly any city feel. A large gaming room provides a location for hours of fun and an indoor pool and hot tub make for alternative recreation to the outdoors. Two attached garages provide adequate capacity for transportation. The hillside location provides great views. The home’s location, while not slope-side is just yards from the slopes at Deer Valley and minutes from Historic Main St. Park City. These things can be found in many of Park City and Deer Valley luxury resort residences. What 5000 Royal St has that others don’t is: a private 60+ acre estate, the size of the estate alone is something that sets it apart; the fact that it is so central to Park City makes it truly one of a kind. While there may be the ability to subdivide apportions of the estate, it would be a shame.  An attached heated garage is capable of storing and show-casing a car or “toy” collection of 20 or more vehicles. The main home lies within a 3 acre fenced and landscaped grounds.

            The construction and materials of this home come with a story as do the residents and guests. The home was constructed with logs reclaimed from the Yellowstone park area of Wyoming. The logs represent the structural integrity of the home as steel beams were not used. This is truly “old world” craftsmanship that took years to complete. The rustic finishes and western feel are authentic and irreplaceable.  The Huntsman family has many fond memories of the estate.  The home has been an escape for Governors, Heads of State and Prime Ministers from around the world.  This home can truly be said to stand apart from other multi-million dollar homes in Deer Valley, Park City, Utah or the world.

            Contact your YouInParkCity.com real estate professional for more.