The Canyons, Utah

The Canyons, Utah Image Gallery

Description

Photo: The Canyons, Utah

The Canyons is the largest single snowboard and ski resort in Utah, as well as being one of the five largest in the U.S. Located amidst eight mountains, there is a great diversity of terrain, so whether you are a beginner or an expert, there are places to ski or snowboard that are perfect for your skill level.

With an average of 355 inches of "champagne powder" snow annually, the base elevation is at 6,190 feet with the summit at 9,990 feet with a vertical rise of 3,190 feet. There are 8 mountain peaks, 5 bowls, 6 natural half-pipes, 2 terrain parks, 17 lifts and 148 trails on 3,700 acres. Of the trails, about 14% are beginner, 44% intermediate and 42% advanced. In other words, it is a skier and/or snowboarder paradise.

Fireworks at The Grand Summit

Fireworks at The Grand Summit Hotel

The Canyons Resort Village is within walking distance of both the Grand Summit Hotel and the Sundial Lodge. Located at the base of the Flight of the Canyons high speed Gondola lift, the village shops include Canyon Mountain Sports, a great place for the latest telemark, alpine and randonee ski gear along with all the accessories. Kindersport caters to children 6 months to 18 years featuring such top brands as Kids Spyder.

Snowboarders will want to check out One Sweet Ride, the main board shop on the mountains for boards and all the accessories. Brands include Nitro, Salomon, Burton, Northwave and more. Surefoot is the country's largest ski boot shop with a huge selection of boots including the Surefoot Custom and Orthotics boots and a guarantee that assures your satisfaction for the lifetime of the boot.

Photo: the Sundial Lodge

the Sundial Lodge

Dining options include those mentioned in the hotel write ups and the following, located both on the mountains and at the bottom of the mountains. For a great sit down gourmet lunch, large wine list, full service bar and amazing views of the Wasatch Mountains, check out Lookout Cabin at the top of Lookout Peak. Located on the plaza of the Canyons Resort Village is the Westgate Grill, a very popular place, receiving great reviews for its food and atmosphere. With beautiful mountains views, the cozy eatery features a small bar and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as offering an après ski menu.

The Dreamscape Grill is located at the base of the Daybreak and Dreamscape lifts. If you want a quick sandwich, drink, burger, energy bar, etc., this is the place to go for a quick break from all that snowboarding and skiing. Sun Peak is at the base of the Sun Peak Express lift. A spacious mountain lodge features signature dishes such as pork tenderloin, prime rib, roast chicken, plus soups, sandwiches and burgers. Open daily from 9 am to 3 pm. For one of the most unique dining experiences, check out The Viking Yurt, high above Red Pine Lodge. Open for dinner only, the evening begins with a snowcat-drawn sleigh ride that starts from the base of The Canons Resort. You are greeted with a mug of traditional glogg, piano music and an exquisite 5 course meal. On certain evenings, the sleigh stops at Red Pine Lodge where you can snowshoe or cross-country ski with headlamps up to the yurt.

Photo: The Viking Yurt, high above Red Pine Lodge

The Viking Yurt, restaurant high above Red Pine Lodge

While it's costly, it would be an experience like no other. The Viking Yurt has won all sorts of awards, including "Most Romantic Place to Propose in America" by The Today Show; the Chef has been voted "One of the Ten Hottest Chefs in Utah"; and the restaurant was featured on the Food Channel as their restaurant of choice for Utah in their "Rocky Mountain Christmas Special". Reservations are a must as the yurt has only 32 seats. For reservations, call 435-615-9878.