For many of us, Park City is a place we once visited and now have the good fortune to call home. Because of COVID-19 restrictions over the past few months, the very things that drew us here – exercising, dining out, experiencing the joy of live performance – have been temporarily off-limits. But now that Summit County is officially in the Yellow Risk Level, many of those activities are once again things we CAN do, so I wanted to focus on those here.
If you’re wondering what the Yellow Risk Level means, here are a few bullets:
(Photo credit: Summit County Health Department)
Groups of up to 50 people may gather following social distancing and sanitization guidelines
All businesses may operate fully if in compliance with the governor’s guidelines
Team and club sports are allowed
Restaurants are required to keep tables six feet apart, but up to 10 people may share a meal, preferably from the same household
Concerts can be held, but social distance must be maintained among attendees
Faith services can be held provided social distancing is maintained between people from different households
Face coverings in retail outlets are recommended, but not always required
Health care workers and employees of business who cannot maintain six feet of separation are required to wear a face covering
Though the county might move to a cautious Green Risk Level soon, the risk of cases spiking during the summer months has warranted most large public gatherings – such as Silly Market, art festivals, concerts and parades – to cancel this year. But there are still many things you can start to do again to help acclimate to our new normal.
Bison Burger at the No Name Saloon & Grill (Photo Credit: Dishing Park City)
Something you can start to do again is eat out, or at least continue to order take out and have an amazing restaurant experience in the comfort of your home! We all know Park City loves to dine, and after a few-months’ hiatus, now’s the time to show our local eateries – and their dedicated employees – you support them and have been awaiting their return. Visit the Park City Area Restaurant Association’s website by clicking here to see which restaurants offer curbside and eat-in options, and which are planning to reopen soon. As noted on their site, it’s not exactly business-as-usual, so please be patient with adjusted hours of operation and other restrictions they’re required to follow in order to re-open their doors to the public.
Historic Park City Alliance is also maintaining an updated online resource that lists businesses ready to receive patrons. Visit their site by clicking here. #shoplocal
In granting the “go-ahead” to gyms to start welcoming patrons back in, including PC Marc, Basin Recreation and other fitness facilities, with certain restrictions (masks, smaller class sizes) newly implemented.
If a pool party is more your thing, but if you’re continuing to follow the recommendation to limit nonessential travel, check into a local pool or club membership. The Waldorf Astoria Park City offers a monthly membership at $250 per individual or $400 per family of four (following a $3,000 initiation fee), along with daily cabana rentals. Call 435.647.5550 to book. Silver Mountain Sports Club & Spa’s outdoor pool & playground complex provides hours of fun for swimmers of all ages, and offers monthly memberships starting at $89.75 for individuals, or $159.75, with a $24.75 add-on for each dependent child ages 7-18 (children six and under are free). Another venue to consider is the aforementioned PC MARC.
One thing we have in abundance in Park City and throughout Utah is open space, often accessed through state and national parks. The Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reopened many of its parks at the beginning of May, but is still following safety precautions with its staff, limiting group sizes and recommending social distancing guidelines be followed. This includes separating yourself from other recreators, avoid crowded trailheads, and helping to keep parks and facilities clean. State parks many locals frequent include Rockport, Echo, Jordanelle and Deer Creek reservoirs in Summit and Wasatch counties, along with Antelope Island and Bear Lake. Check out the full list of state parks by clicking here, and consider purchasing an annual pass for just $75 and making the most of the more than 40 state parks visitors from across the globe travel to Utah to experience.
(Photo Credit: Utah Division of Natural Resources)
Utah’s National Parks – which include Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion – opened in May, as well. However, the parks are implementing phased openings, which means some facilities and services will not be available in all parks, so check each park’s website to help plan your trip. And remember that all th graders get a free National Park Pass for their family through the “Every Kid Outdoors” program, which can be secured by clicking here.
However you choose to start reengaging after sheltering in place, there’s no better time than in the summer to enjoy all the things that make our town so special, and the restaurant and shop owners are sure to welcome you in true Park City style!
Coming together in times of uncertainty is one of the many reasons people Choose Park City for their new home or vacation property. To learn more about the many ways to enjoy all Park City has to offer, connect with Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or visit her website by clicking here.
A busy spring evening on Park City’s iconic Main Street
If I didn’t know better, I would say that Park City had skipped ahead a month, and that we’re already in the middle of summer! The sun is shining, temperatures are in the 80’s, and only the most well established snow patches are still clinging to the high alpine landscape. And it’s not only the weather that feels like summertime. The Park City housing market is also experiencing a rebirth.
After a fairly quiet month of selling property during April, May has seen a definite uptick in activity. Many homeowners who were planning to list their properties before COVID-19 hit, are now moving forward and taking action, knowing that we have the necessary resources at our disposal to safely and effectively market and sell their home. We have brought three new listings to market in the last two weeks, one of which went under contract the same day, and there are five more listings in the works. More on that later.
While we were originally only planning to do these in-depth market updates once a quarter or so, the overwhelming demand for the update in last month’s newsletter led us to forego that idea, and push out an update again this month. A lingering sense of uncertainty means everyone wants to stay up to date with exactly what is going on in the marketplace, and understandably so. I will breakdown some tangible housing market numbers for the month of May below, and then offer a few personal thoughts on what I have observed in the Park City housing market as of late.
As always, if you have any specific questions on these statistics, or other segments of the market, please call, text, or email me, and we can talk about your specific criteria. Every clients’ needs and every transaction is unique, and so specificity is key when evaluating your own real estate purchase or sale.
Park City Real Estate
Park City Single Family Homes
Overall for the month of May, the numbers for single family home sales in the Park City area paint a generally positive picture compared to April. While the median sales price dropped 16.6% compared to March, it was up nearly 20% as compared to May 2019. Prices remaining on the rise year over is great news for sellers and homeowners. Homes are selling at an average of 94.1% of the asking price, nearly even compared to April, and down 3.3% from last May. This is a reminder that while sellers should price their homes realistically to sell, they may also want to leave a little room in the list price for negotiations.
The number of homes sold in May is down substantially, nearly 71% as compared April 2019, and down 29.2% compared to this April. A substantial portion of the decrease in sales can be attributed to less homes being on the market. The number of homes available for sale is down 12.2% year-over-year for May, but up 12% from April of this year, a good sign for buyers and that the market is moving in the right direction. Less inventory means a greater demand for the homes that are available for sale (especially the really exceptional properties that are well-priced) and less properties to compete against for sellers.
The days on market are down substantially, decreasing 34.1% from May 2019, and down 54% from April of this year. The large decrease in days on market means that despite a lower than normal amount of homes for sale, buyers are taking action and homes are selling.
Single family home sales for May 2020 in the Park City area as compared to April 2020 and May 2019; courtesy PCBOR
Single Family Homes Below $1,000,000
Median sold price decreased 8.9% from April and 7.9% from May 2019 to a current price of $724,250
Average number of days on the market for May are 31, up slightly from April, and way down from 81 days on market in April 2019
Inventory increased 12% from April, and is down 34.9% from 2019
Single Family Homes Between $1,000,000 and $2,500,000
Median sold price decreased 12.1% from April, but is up 10.2% from April 2019 to a current price of $1,537,500
Average number of days on the market for May are 35, down 75% from 141 days on market in April, and 131 days on market in May 2019, a huge swing in favor of a sellers market
Inventory is up 24.5% from April, and is down 17% from April 2019
Median sold price more than doubled, increasing 105.8% from April and is up 104.1% from May 2020 to a current sold price of $6,175,000, though it is likely skewed by a number of high list price closings
Average number of days on market for May are 251, down from 263 days on market in April, and up from 153 days in May 2019
Inventory is up 4.9% from April, and has decreased 5% from May 2019
Park City Condos and Townhomes
Shifting gears to another substantial segment of the Park City housing market, the numbers for condo and townhome sales are showing swings relative to the previous month. While the median sales price has decreased 8.9% compared to April, it is up by 35.9% as compared to May 2019. While prices did drop compared to the previous month, the increase year over year is good sign for owners and prospective sellers. Condos and townhomes are selling at an average of 96.9% of the asking price, up 1.7% from April, and up 0.7% from last May, overall remaining fairly stable.
The number of condos sold in April is down 44.4% compared to April, and down 66.7% compared to May 2019. Again, a sizable portion of the reduced number of sales is due to less condos and townhomes being on the market. The number of condos available for sale is down 24.9% year over year, which is an improvement upon last months 30.8% decrease. The available inventory compared to April 2020, is actually up slightly by 1.9%, a positive sign of more owners deciding to list.
The average days on market has increased by 46.8% from April, and is up by 149.9% compared to May 2019. New listings have nearly tripled compared to last month, increasing by 196%, and while they are still down by 18.7% year over year, I would not be surprised to see a continued increase in listings, which should spur more sales, as buyers have more options to choose from.
Condo and townhouse sales for May 2020 in the Park City area as compared to April 2020 and May 2019; courtesy PCBOR
Median sold price increased 16.3% from last month, and went up 37.3% from May 2019 to a current price of $552,500
Average number of days on the market for May are 86, down from 106 days in April, and up from 49 days on market in May 2019
Inventory increased 15.4% from April 2020, and is down 6.3% from May 2019
Condos and Townhomes Between $750,000and $1,500,000
Median sold price decreased by 35.6% from April, but is still up 1.1% from May 2019 to a current price of $885,000
Average number of days on the market for May are 409, up from 134 days in April, and up from 86 days on market in May 2019. This data will be interesting to review next month, as this jump seems like a bit of an anomaly, possibly caused by re-listing properties that had already been on the market for a long time
Inventory decreased 9.4% from April, and is down 41.7% from May 2019
Condos and Townhomes Above $1,500,000
Median sold price is down 10.9% from April and is down 39.7% from May 2019 to a current price of $1,900,000
Average number of days on the market for May are 375, up substantially from 192 days in April 2019, and up from 255 days on market in May 2019
Inventory decreased 11.9% from last month, and is down 36.4% from May 2019
Heber Valley Real Estate Overview
Single family home sales in the Heber Valley area show an increase in the median sales price compared to April 2020 and May 2019. The inventory has increased slightly this month, although it is still down compared to this time last year. New listings are up substantially, and the number of days on market are on the rise, however the percent of asking price received on homes that have sold, is about even month over month, down slightly to 98% of asking. The influx of available inventory combined with an increased median sold price bodes well for sellers and owner, and I would expect the number of units sold to increase again next month. While an increase in days on market is evident, it is still down slightly compared to this time last year, and remains a sellers market.
Single family home sales for May 2020 in the Heber Valley area as compared to April 2020 and May 2019; courtesy PCBOR
Salt Lake City Real Estate Overview
The Salt Lake City real estate market continues to stay hot, and multiple offers and low days on market for in demand areas continues to be the trend. For single family homes in Salt Lake County, we have seen a decrease in closed sales of 28.9% from May 2019 to May 2020, and an increase of 11.9% from April to May of this year, as market activity increases. While the median days on market for May 2020 doubled from last month, and is up 33% from May 2019, the current number of 16 days on market remains a very strong number for sellers, and a sellers market.
A sellers market is generally defined as any time frame between 0 and 90 days on market, so 16 days on market is a very strong number for sellers and indicates a shortage in available homes for sale. Further supporting a strong sellers market, is that the median percentage of the asking price received by sellers is 100%. On average, homes are selling at the full asking price, up from 99% in May 2019, and down one point from 101% of asking price in April 2020.
Single family home sales for May 2020 in Salt Lake County as compared to the previous 12 months; courtesy Wasatch Front Regional MLS
My Observations
Last month, there had been some talk in real estate circles about bargain hunting, and buyers seeking out 15-25% discounts on properties for sale. That continues to be a false narrative in the current market environment. While some metrics have decreased, overall the market and its sales prices are holding steady, or even increasing in some instances. While demand has decreased for some properties, a decreased inventory has helped many segments of the market to remain steady. As of now, there aren’t any market statistics supporting massive discounts or property fire sales. Multiple offers are being seen in Park City, and regularly in Salt Lake City, where buyers would be wise to write strong, clean offers when purchasing. And don’t forget – get prequalified.
As of late, I have seen a particular interest in single family homes located in popular family neighborhoods, with prices between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000. A recently listed Jeremy Ranch home that I co-listed with fellow Summit Sotheby’s International Realty agent and friend Marc Coulam, had 3 showings before going on the market and went under contract the day we went live, with a backup offer in place. We continue to see an increased interest from out of state buyers, who seem to reevaluating life’s priorities, and want to seriously pursue their dream of living in a mountain town with a little bit slower pace of life.
As always, premium properties that are well presented, well marketed, and priced in line with the market, will sell. This is where our marketing team is a cut above the rest. The ability to present a property in its best light, while broadcasting it to the largest qualified audience possible, will help beat out the competition and get the property sold faster for more money. With in-person property showings on a definite decrease, we include a 3D tour of every property we list, no matter the value. Luxury and exemplary service are an experience, not a price point.
Top-notch service, a powerful network, superior marketing, and in-depth market knowledge are as important as ever when buying or selling property. The sky is not falling, homes are still selling, and Park City is still an incredible place to live, retire, or raise a family. If you are interested in looking at numbers specific to your neighborhood, or are thinking of buying or selling real estate in the near future, please, call, text, or email me, and I will help in any way I can.
It is safe to say that the last several weeks have impacted all of us. We miss loved ones and friends, school and playdates, skiing and happy hours. Inspired by the thought of “What is Home?”, the amazing Summit Sotheby’s in-house videography team stopped by the Utah homes of our sales associates, management and staff to say hello, from afar, with the help of some drones.
The message of home is powerful. Home is a sense of inclusion – a sense of place. It is where you can be yourself. We hope you enjoy getting a glimpse into our lives at home, but most importantly, we wanted to pause and say thank you to all of the families who have trusted us with their homes. Whether in Park City, Heber, Kamas, Salt Lake, or anywhere else in Northern Utah, it has been a privilege to work with so many great clients to buy and sell your Utah homes. Thank you for the opportunity, and thank you for choosing to call this wonderful place home.
It’s official, springtime is in the air in Park City. The snow is melting, birds are chirping, bees are buzzing, and real estate is selling. Or is it? Questions and opinions about the Park City real estate market seem to be uttered nearly as frequently as the latest news on the pandemic, the two of which are admittedly intertwined. Uncertainty has been the word of the day for roughly two months now, and everyone has a different take on what they think will happen next. But as any experienced forecaster of economics or weather knows , nobody can be certain.
What we can be certain about are verified statistics and hard numbers that give an honest, unbiased look at how well the Park City real estate market, and the surrounding Utah real estate market, is performing. Now more than ever, people crave tangible information. Sure, we all have our opinions of what may occur in the next 6-12 months, myself included, but speculation is an exercise in futility, and business decisions – like buying or selling property – are best made when using current numbers, not just gut feelings.
The goal of this market update is to paint a picture of how the Park City real estate market has reacted to the Coronavirus pandemic. In addition to throwing around a bunch of numbers, I’m going to do my best to translate what some of these metrics may mean to you, the consumer. Us realtors have a tendency to get all caught up in the minutiae of these metrics, and if we’re not explaining how these numbers can be useful to our clients – the buyers and sellers that drive the Park City real estate market – then we are doing a disservice. If you have any specific questions on these statistics, or other segments of the market, please call, text, or email me, and we can talk about your specific needs and wants, as every client and every transaction is unique.
Park City Real Estate
Park City Single Family Homes
Overall for the month of April, the numbers for single family home sales in the Park City area do not paint a doom and gloom picture that many may have been expecting. The median sales price is actually up 21% compared to March, and up 11% as compared to April 2019. Prices remaining on the rise is great news for sellers. Homes are selling at an average of 94.3% of the asking price, down slightly by 2.7% in March, and down 1.6% from last April. This is a reminder that while sellers should price their homes realistically to sell, that they may also want to leave a little room in the list price for negotiations.
The number of homes sold in April is down substantially, nearly 49% as compared April 2019, but only down 4% compared to this March, a relatively minor correction despite the pandemic. Also, a substantial portion of the reduced number of sales can be attributed to less homes being on the market. The number of homes available for sale is down 23.5% year-over-year for April, and down 12.7% as compared to March. Less inventory means a greater demand for the homes that are available for sale (especially the really exceptional properties that are well priced) and less properties to compete against for sellers.
While the average days on market is up substantially from April 2019, the time on market has actually decreased from March 2020 to April by 19.3%. A decrease in days on market, combined with increasing sales prices, and a decrease in inventory, all bodes well for those interested in selling their Park City home.
Single family home sales for April 2020 in the Park City area as compared to March 2020 and April 2019; courtesy PCBOR
Single Family Homes Below $1,000,000
Median sold price decreased 2.5% from March and 9.1% from April 2019 to a current price of $795,000
Average number of days on the market for April are 29, the same as March, and down from 30 days on market in April 2019
Inventory decreased 8.7% from March, and is down 41.7% from 2019
Single Family Homes Between $1,000,000 and $2,500,000
Median sold price increased 16.7% from March and is up 8.9% from April 2019 to a current price of $1,750,000
Average number of days on the market for April are 118, up from 82 days on market in March, and 65 days on market in April 2019
Inventory is down 20% from March, and is down 35.9% from April 2019, likely contributing to the increased median sold price
Median sold price decreased 2% from March and is down 29.2% from April 2019 to a current price of $3,000,000
Average number of days on market for April are 255, down from 446 days on market in March, and up from 54 days in April 2019
Inventory is down 8.8% from March, and has decreased 11.9% from April 2019
Park City Condos and Townhomes
Shifting gears to another substantial segment of the Park City real estate market, the numbers for condo and townhome sales also do not signify a massive drop off or correction in the market. The median sales price has increased 3.7% compared to March, and is up 7.3% as compared to April 2019. The annual and monthly increase in prices bodes well for owners, investors, and those looking to sell. Condos and townhomes are selling at an average of 95.3% of the asking price, down 2.5% from March, and down 1.5% from last April, but overall remaining fairly stable.
The number of condos sold in April is down 25% compared to March, and down 47.8% compared to April 2019. Again, a sizable portion of the reduced number of sales is due to less condos and townhomes being on the market. The number of condos available for sale is down 30.8% year over year for April, and down 11.6% as compared to March. The decreases in inventory means a greater demand for the condos available for sale and less properties to compete against for sellers. More on this later in the blog, where I share some personal experiences on the market as of late.
The average days on market has dropped 14.5% from March, and is nearly even compared to April 2019, down just 1.8%. A decrease in days on market, combined with increasing sales prices, and a decreased inventory, are all generally positive trends for those interested in selling their Park City condo or townhome.
Median sold price increased 8% from March and went up 4.1% from April 2019 to a current price of $475,000
Average number of days on the market for April are 97, down from 103 days in March, and up from 70 days on market in April 2019
Inventory decreased 8.6% from March, and is down 20.1% from 2019
Condos and Townhomes Between $750,000and $1,500,000
Median sold price increased a very impressive 61.8% from March and is up 59.1% from April 2019 to a current price of $1,375,000 April 2019 to a current price of $475,000
Average number of days on the market for April are 187, up from 129 days in March, and down from 266 days on market in April 2019
Inventory decreased 7.1% from March, and is down 42.8% from 2019
Condos and Townhomes Above $1,500,000
Median sold price is down 9.4% from March and is up 1.5% from April 2019 to a current price of $2,132,500
Average number of days on the market for April are 192, down substantially from 306 days in March, and down from 285 days on market in April 2019
Inventory decreased 18.6% from March, and is down 33.5% from 2019
Heber Valley Real Estate Overview
Single family home sales in the Heber Valley area show a decrease in the median sales price compared to March 2020 and April 2019. The inventory has increased this month, although it is down compared to this time last year. New listings and the number of days on market are on the rise as of late, however the percent of asking price received on homes that have sold, is up slightly to 99% of asking. The influx of available inventory is helping to drive down the median sold price and increase the days on market. That said, 45 days on market still very much represents a sellers market.
Salt Lake City Real Estate Overview
The Salt Lake City real estate market has been, and continues to be, HOT. For single family homes in Salt Lake County, we have seen a decrease in inventory of 30% from April 2019 to April 2020, and a decrease of 11% from March to April of this year. The decrease in inventory combined with a still very strong demand for housing in Salt Lake has led to the median days on market decreasing from 16 days in April 2019 and 13 days in March 2020, to only 8 days on market in April 2020.
A sellers market is generally defined as any time frame between 0 and 90 days on market, so 8 days on market is a very strong number for sellers and indicates a shortage in available homes for sale. Further supporting a strong sellers market, is that the median percentage of the asking price received by sellers is 101%. On average, homes are selling for above their asking price, up from 98% in April 2019, and 100% of asking price in March 2020.
My Observations
There has been a lot of talk recently in real estate circles about bargain hunting, and buyers seeking out 15-25% discounts on properties for sale. While some metrics have decreased, overall the market and its sales prices are holding steady, or even increasing in some instances. While demand has decreased for some properties, a decreased inventory has helped many segments of the market to remain steady. As of now, there aren’t any market statistics supporting massive discounts or property fire sales. Multiple offers are being seen in Park City, and regularly in Salt Lake City, where buyers would be wise to write strong, clean offers when purchasing.
As of late, I have seen a particular interest in 2-4 bedroom condos and townhomes under $750,000 that live similar to a single family home. A recently listed Hidden Creek townhome of mine had 10 showings in the first 36 hours on market, is under contract above asking price in multiple offers, and received 2 backup offers. Another recently listed Hidden Creek unit had 6 showings in its first day on market. If anything, the out of area demand for this type of property may have increased during the pandemic, as buyers in large cities and on the coasts are looking to have a place to get away to in times of uncertainty.
As always, premium properties that are well presented, well marketed, and priced in line with the market, will sell. This is where our marketing team is a cut above the rest. The ability to present a property in its best light, while broadcasting it to the largest qualified audience possible, will help beat out the competition and get the property sold faster for more money. With in-person property showings on a definite decrease, we include a 3D tour of every property we list, no matter the value. Luxury and exemplary service are an experience, not a price point.
Top notch service, a powerful network, superior marketing, and in-depth market knowledge are as important as ever when buying or selling property. The sky is not falling, homes are still selling, and Park City is still an incredible place to live, retire, or raise a family. If you are interested in looking at numbers specific to your neighborhood, or are thinking of buying or selling real estate in the near future, please, call, text, or email me, and I will help in any way I can.
As our students settle in to learn from home for the remainder of the school year, education continues to be a hot-button topic locally and across the U.S. Some parents and students are struggling with the online instruction model, while others are thriving. What we do know is every student in the U.S. is in the same situation right now, but because all of the schools in Park City provide access to digital devices for all students, kids in area public, private and charter schools were weeks ahead of its peers in other states, once again giving our students a leg up due to local educational leadership and foresight.
I’ve put together an overview of Park City School District, along with three additional school options in Park City, or available to Park City residents, including Park City Day School, Weilenmann School of Discovery and Silver Summit Academy.
It’s widely known that Park City’s schools are head and shoulders among others across the state, and funding for its many innovative programs is one of the reasons why. For the public and charter schools, property taxes from second homes, which are taxed at 100-percent of value vs. 55-percent for primary residents, fill the PCSD coffers at a rate unmatched in any of Utah’s other Districts. At Park City School District, per-pupil spending of $15,320 surpasses the national average of $12,201, while the average of all Utah school districts falls far below at $9,251.
There are currently 4,780 students enrolled in PCSD, down from its highest enrollment of 4,891 two years ago. The Utah State Board of Education provides a Utah School Report Card for each public school and district based on assessments, and has given PCSD the following marks:
(Photo credit: Utah State Board of Education)
Park City was the first district to have all of its elementary schools participating in the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program, and elected to have French DLI at Jeremy Ranch and Trailside, and Spanish at McPolin and Parley’s Park. McPolin is has a full-school DLI program, wherein every student enrolled is placed into the program, while the other three schools have just two classes per grade, and engage in a lottery system each spring to determine which interested students will be placed into one of the available spots. It’s a program that’s been a feather in the cap of the Park City School District
Students in the program spend half the day with a teacher instructing math, science and social studies in the target language, and the other half with a teacher instructing language arts in English. Proficiency goals are set for each grade, with the presumption that students will take the AP exam in their target language in ninth grade, and university-level courses in grades 10-12.
If you’re considering entering your child in Dual Language Immersion, check out the state’s DLI video by clicking here, or ask to sit in on a class at the school your child will be attending in the fall. Initial meetings for incoming first graders are usually held in January, so visit Park City School District’s DLI page throughout the winter for updates.
In April, U.S. News and World Report’s 2020 Best High School report ranked Park City High 19th among Utah’s 429 high schools, and ranked “Best School District in Utah” by Niche in its 2020 Best Schools in America rankings and grades.
Other PCSD highlights include:
Ecker Hill Middle School was re-designated in 2019 as a national School to Watch. The honor is bestowed upon the administration and faculty for their exemplary work with young adolescents. Only 11 schools in Utah have received this distinction.
The Park City High School Class of 2019 graduates attend prestigious universities that include Auburn, Baylor, Cal Poly, Cornell, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine, Stanford, UCLA, Vanderbilt, Villanova, and Washington & Lee.
A top Advanced Placement district in Utah with a 75% student participation rate and a 70% pass rate.
Park City Center for Advanced Professional Studies (PCCAPS) offers courses in digital design, business strategy, engineering, software development, and teacher education. Instructors develop real-world, project-based learning strategies through collaboration with business and community partners.
Located in Quarry Village in the Pinebrook neighborhood (south of the Jeremy Ranch I-80 interchange), Park City Day School (PCDS) is an independent, non-sectarian school focusing on a dynamic liberal arts education for students in grades Preschool through 8th.
PCDS’s instructional model includes inquiry, place-based experiences via outdoor education, service learning and leadership through courses that include the Arts (music, performing and visual), Science, Mathematics, English/Language Arts, Social Studies, Wellness and Foreign Language Studies.
According to Private School Review, Park City Day School has an enrollment of just 163 students, with a teacher:student ratio of 5:1 and average class size of 14 students. Parents interested in enrolling their students at PCDS should contact the Admissions Director to learn more and to schedule at tour at 435-649-2791, or by emailing [email protected].
Weilenmann School of Discovery (WSD), located on Kilby Road west of the Jeremy Ranch interchange by Woodward Park City, is a public charter school serving grades K-8 with a focus on exceeding Utah core standards by integrating visual and performing arts, outdoor education, lab science, physical education and an off-campus Adventure P.E. program. Technology- and project-based learning experiences help students engage in their own learning and success, while gaining and applying deeper subject knowledge.
Daily learning incorporates small and flex groups, enrichment programs, tiered learning assistance and a comprehensive Special Education program. With approximately 600 students, WSD promotes a close-knit school community by focusing on character education. One of the hallmarks of the school is their Outdoor and Environmental Education coursework, which allows students to spend meaningful time in nature on a regular basis, using the outdoor classroom as a learning space.
New student enrollment is currently open for the 2020-21 school year, and can be started by clicking here and clicking the “Apply Now” button.
Silver Summit Academy is a K-12 school operated by the South Summit School District in Kamas, but is located near the western boundary of the Park City School District in the Silver Creek Business Park (Silver Summit Exit off Hwy 40, north of Home Depot). Students within the South Summit School District (SSSD) boundaries are given enrollment priority, with students from other district considered after SSSD students have been enrolled.
Silver Summit offers students a blended learning environment combining digital content with in-person instruction. Some classes are delivered mostly online, but there are teachers readily available to teach and assist students onside. With a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics), AP and Honors courses are offered, but extracurricular activities should be sought in the school district from which the student originates (i.e. students in the South Summit School District will engage in their clubs and athletics, while student in from other district will engage in extracurriculars in their home district’s schools).
The school notes that their curriculum works well for student athletes whose training and travel demands require flexibility, and they count quite a few competitive athletes among their student body.
The varied, yet all outstanding, education opportunities for students in preschool through 12th grade are just a part of what inspires so many families to people Choose Park City. To learn more Christine’s experiences with her school-age daughters, call her at 435-640-4238, or visit her website by clicking here.
As the weather warms and our community begins to slowly and carefully emerge from its Shelter in Place, we must remember that this pandemic is likely to continue to impact some of the most vulnerable members of community for the next few months, including our local students.
For nonprofits on the frontlines, the fiscal implication of COVID-19 has been significant, as none of their annual budgets could have taken into consideration the possibility of a global pandemic and the economic damage it could bring.
1000(Photo credit: Park City Education Foundation)
Among those nonprofits, Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) is no exception. As I shared last month, I’ve served as co-chair of PCEF’s Running with Ed (RWE) fundraising event, and am heartbroken it had to be canceled for later this month. Based on last year’s RWE record fundraising total, PCEF stands to lose $280,000 in critical funding for the 2020-2021 school year – a significant percentage of the $1.5-million they invest in Park City School District annually in programs like preschool, art and STEM.
While I’m disappointed we can’t celebrate our students as a community this month through Running with Ed, I’m encouraging everyone who has already paid their registration fee for this year to consider, if able, to change their runner registration into a runner donation, or log on to the RWE site to purchase a fun “Gap Year” t-shirt to show your support.
I asked my friend, Jennifer Billow, PCEF’s Associate Director of Communications and Development, to share the best ways that Parkites can help bridge the funding gap to serve the immediate needs of teachers and students throughout the District.
Jen said PCEF is focusing on two critical areas: Express Grants for teachers, and support for Bright Futures students.
With the governor shuttering schools through the end of the year, teachers had to quickly adjust their method of instruction to accommodate at-home learning, which meant some found themselves without the necessary tools to efficiently teach their students.
“We knew there was going to be this giant shift in the direction of education because of distance learning,” Jen explained. “Teachers were finding that just talking to their kids via Zoom (online meetings) is super boring, so they’re asking for tools like iPads and other technology to amplify what their students are doing on a laptop to make a lesson more interesting.”
To quickly provide funding to teachers, PCEF ramped up its Express Grant program, which typically has a budget of $10,000 and awards grants of $1,000 or less. Recognizing the urgent need to support teachers instructing at-home, once RWE was cancelled, PCEF asked supporters to donate to the Express Grant program instead. Within the first 10 days, nearly $25,000 was raised.
PCEF Express Grants help fund classroom supplies for low income families during at-home learning. (Photo credit: Park City Education Foundation)
The Express Grant fundraising goal is now $50,000, with funding earmarked for emergency requests, such as personal hygiene products and over-the-counter medicines for low-income families, classroom supplies some families are unable to provide for themselves at home, or new ed-tech resources for teachers (i.e. laptop compatible whiteboards, video/audio components, apps to enhance online learning). Jen noted these needs are likely to continue into the summer months, especially if summer school or bridge programs are put into place to support students who require additional instruction following the at-home learning period. To contribute to the Express Grant fund, please click here.
(Photo credit: Park City Education Foundation)
Also in need of urgent funding is Bright Futures, a program that mentors first-generation, low-income college students to help them from 10th grade through college graduation. This is accomplished by assisting students in choosing the right school, filling out financial aid forms and accessing critical resources to help them success in higher education. PCEF donors help bridge the gap between college expenses and what’s covered by scholarships and financial aid.
However, with most businesses closing or reducing services over the past few months and into the summer, the economic impact of COVID-19 has affected seniors and college students who relied on part-time jobs to help supplement their tuition.
“These kids are expected to contribute to their college costs by working part time, but their jobs dried up overnight,” Jen explained, adding, “Losing three to five months of income jeopardizes their ability to contribute.”
That’s why PCEF is seeking donations to support the 12 Bright Futures students currently in college and the 16 Park City High School seniors ready to start college in the fall. Ensuring these students are able to start and complete college through a life-changing contribution can be done by clicking here.
I encourage everyone to support PCEF – or any nonprofit near and dear to them – to the extent they are able, as supporting one another during these uncertain times can have benefits for both the recipient and the giver.
Park City Education Foundation and other frontline nonprofits are a few of the many reasons so many people Choose Park City for their new home or vacation property. To learn more about the variety of charitable organizations across Summit County that make the area so special, connect with Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or visit her website by clicking here.
As one of the hardest hit communities in the nation by COVID-19 – and following the shelter-in-place order by Summit County – we’re all a little shaken by what our present and future holds for ourselves and our beloved ski town. Birthday parties, Spring Break plans and weddings have been cancelled. Prom and graduation are still up in the air, and the stress of homeschooling kids for the first time is taking a mental and physical toll on many. And while it’s easy to think of the personal toll the pandemic is having in your household, it’s more important than ever to support the residents and businesses in our community for which the effects of COVID-19 in Park City are proving to be catastrophic physically, emotionally and financially.
Help for our Workers
Immediately upon learning that local restaurants would have to close their doors to dine-in customers, and that ski resorts would be closing for the rest of the season, Park City Community Foundation and its philanthropic, government and business partners initiated a Community Response Fund. The fund was created to assist area residents most directly impacted by COVID-19 in Park City by awarding emergency grants to organizations providing critical services in the areas of healthcare, food and housing to those individuals. It does not offer grants or financial support directly to individuals, rather, it funds high-impact nonprofits that already have systems in place to support individuals efficiently. As of March 27, $330,000 has been raised, and they’ve awarded the following initial grants:
$20,000 to People’s Health Clinic to help manage patient flow and provide critical supplies
$5,000 to EATS Park City to support the weekend backpack program in its growth during the crisis from 350 to 800 recipients
$10,000 to Connect Summit County to cover an increase in staff coverage and other supports for individuals struggling with mental health
$10,000 to Jewish Family Service to help provide financial assistance to families that have recently lost their income, based on a needs assessment and coordinated with CCPC
$10,000 for Peace House for support services addressing an increased risk for domestic violence victims during these stressful times
I’ve included links to the donation pages for each nonprofit listed above in case you’d like to provide much-needed direct support to these organizations.
Dining at Home While Dining Out
Photo credit: Park City Area Restaurant Association
Though many restaurants have closed their dining rooms as a necessary measure to help minimize further community spread of COVID-19 in Park City, approximately 50 have adjusted their operations to offer curbside and delivery services. Park City’s vibrant restaurant scene is part of what defines Park City as a world-class destination. By supporting these local eateries now, you can help them pay their staff now and stay afloat in the future. The Park City Area Restaurant Association has compiled this comprehensive list of restaurants participating in curbside pickup and delivery, which includes links to their individual sites, contact info and operating hours. You might also consider purchasing gift certificates online for future use at restaurants that are not set-up to facilitate curbside dining. To assist in doing so, a list of area restaurants can be found here, though not all offer gift cards online.
Supporting the Service Industry
Align Spa is one of many service providers offering certificates and products online.
Purchasing gift cards at service providers who have been shuttered during the shelter-in-place is a great way to directly support local businesses. Gyms, salons, groomers, galleries, hotels, museums, transportation companies and live entertainment venues are just a few of the types of businesses that could really use our community to rally around them and purchase goods or gift certificates online. You can access a list of local businesses at the Park City Chamber | Convention and Visitors Bureau website by clicking here. Doing so just might help your mental state by giving you something to look forward to doing in a few months (when we begin to return to life as we once knew it).
Propping up Nonprofits
The current situation has been particularly hard on nonprofits, as many operate on thin margins to begin with, and are now losing the critical admissions and donation revenue they counted upon for March and April. It was heartening to learn 42 cats and dogs at Nuzzles & Co. found emergency foster homes within one day of the animal rescue group taking to social media with a plea for placements, after Summit County issued its shelter-in-place order and they were required to cease operations at their outlet mall and Rescue Ranch locations. This has always been the way Park City has responded in times of dire need, and I’m confident it’s just one of many ways we are each doing our part.
While the human services nonprofits are receiving support to assist with essential needs, many nonprofits that enhance our local quality of life can also use your help. I challenge you to think of at least one nonprofit that has had a direct impact on you or your family. For me, the Park City Education Foundation comes to mind. In addition to providing funding for critical programs during the school year, they’ve increased their Express Grant Fund by $50,000 to support immediate teacher and student at-home schooling needs. I serve as co-chair of their Running with Ed fundraising event, and am heartbroken that it is, necessarily, canceled for this May, as that means PCEF stands to lose $280,000 in funding. I’m encouraging everyone who has already paid their registration fee for this year to consider, if able, to change their runner registration into a runner donation. I know this isn’t financially possible for everyone, but for those who can without a significant impact to themselves or their family, I am grateful. Stay tuned for how and when to give to bolster our 2020 funding needs. We’ll see everyone for the biggest and best Running with Ed on May 22, 2021!
If you’ve already made a purchase for performances or classes in April at arts organizations like the Egyptian Theatre Company or Kimball Art Center, consider letting them keep your payment as a donation.
Make sure you’re signed up to support your child’s school through Smith’s Inspiring Donations, Amazon Smile and Box Tops for Education, which now utilizes a mobile app for scanning your receipt instead of having to cut out the coupon and bring it to the school.
The Park City Community Foundation maintains a list of all area nonprofits. Check it out by clicking here, and see if there’s one that inspires you to show your support.
Going Beyond Neighborly
These days, it’s easy to live in a neighborhood while not exactly
being “neighborly.” This is a great time to find ways to connect with the folks
living on your street or in your building, so I’ve compiled the following ways
you can safely support your neighbors during this time:
Offer
to shop or make a pharmacy run for someone who is within the high-risk categories
(over 60, immunocompromised, asthmatic)
Share
your extra supplies; reach out on Facebook or Nextdoor to see who might be in
need and initiate a porch drop-off
Organize
a virtual block party using Zoom, Google Hangouts or Houseparty
Call
or FaceTime someone who lives alone; you could be the one person who reaches
out
Make
care packages for first responders; call in advance to find out what is most
needed, whether its hygiene supplies or pizzas from a designated restaurant
We’ve often heard that “in helping others, you help yourself.” No truer words have been spoken when it comes to lifting up our own community in this, its greatest time of need.
Our history of supporting each other through good and bad times is one of many reasons so many people Choose Park City for their new home or vacation property. To learn more about the variety of schooling options across Summit County that make the area so special, connect with Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or visit her website by clicking here.
If you’re like many parents across the globe, you’ve suddenly been thrust into the world of homeschooling your students, yet with very little time to prep, mentally or organizationally. Trying to find the balance between continuing important instruction during the next five weeks (minus one week for Spring Break – yay!) while maintaining a positive and nurturing household environment can be challenging for even the most Zen parents. That’s why I’ve compiled my favorite homeschooling tips for the coronavirus shutdown, from tackling the schoolwork itself, to ensuring mental and physical health are prioritized above all else. Bottom line: We’re all in this together, albeit, from the confines of our individual homes and yards.
Assess the Situation
At-home learning will look different for each family, so try taking a step back to breathe and determine the priorities for your situation. For families with older students, their kids are often already on autopilot and can navigate online learning seamlessly from home, though it’s still important to check in with them to hold them accountable and ensure they’re getting their work done.
It’s the families with elementary-aged children who are discovering the need for guided instruction throughout the day to be more than they think they can handle. Start by creating a learning area, if you don’t already have one, and assure your children that you’re in this together. Experts agree that children thrive off structure, so review the materials and expectations shared by your child’s teacher and be honest with yourself as to what part of each day can be dedicated to instruction. If you’re a working parent, your day is likely built around meetings and deadlines, so fold those into the schedule as times for your child to read, draw or just relax. During a typical elementary school day, there are multiple opportunities for your kids to take a break, so make those the times when you do the work that cannot wait.
Don’t beat yourself up about your student possibly falling behind or not meeting educational benchmarks, as every parent across the U.S. is in the same boat as you. However, it’s also not necessarily the time to just give up and say you “can’t do this,” because you CAN if you map out a plan.
“No one is expecting you to magically have a master’s in education overnight,” Oona Hanson, an educator and parenting coach, recently told POPSUGAR. “So many elements of a successful at-home learning experience require skills you already have as a parent.”
Find Projects That Interest and Excite
Budding bakers can try their skills during this extended time at home.
For many students, doing lesson after lesson online or in a workbook is torture without the promise of an upcoming class period where they get to do something they love, be it P.E., band or art. Take a tip from Ana Homayoun, a Bay Area educational coach, who told NPR she advises parents to find things for their kids to pursue that they haven’t had time for previously. If you have a budding Cake Boss, break out the pans and give them permission to experiment (baking is all about chemistry, right?). For a promising Picasso, find an area to set up the paints you’ve discouraged them from using in the past because – admit it – you didn’t have time previously to even thing about getting acrylic out of your rugs. Maybe take this time to train as a family for the Park City 4th of July 5K, or investigate the many, no-cost online exercise options, such as HIIT, with exercise boards and playlists offered by the local Beau Collective. This is the time to find a common interest you might not have discovered without the advantage of spending so much time together.
School fieldtrips tend to be one of the things many of us remember most fondly about childhoods. Trips to the science center or the zoo were often the highlight of a school year, and this year should be no exception for your children, even while learning from home. Check out some local nonprofits who are providing educational and engaging opportunities, including Utah’s Hogle Zoo, which is holding a live Facebook Fieldtrip every day at 11:30 a.m. that’s posted to their YouTube channel afterward. The National Parks Service also offers virtual tours of their locations across the country, so take advantage of the opportunity to “visit” areas that feature Natural Science or U.S. History, such as Denali National Park or the Erie Canal.
Dino fans will love the online learning opportunities offered by the American Museum of Natural History, which offers science classes and quizzes to sharpen minds of all ages. To support arts education, the Metropolitan Museum of Art provides dozens of resources, including art-making classes, audio guides and 360-degree videos of its collections. And for those whose goals take them to infinity and beyond, the Kennedy Space Center is providing free, online distance learning videos focused on space-related science, technology, engineering and math using Facebook Live, with presentations in both English and Spanish – an excellent opportunity for kids in Spanish Dual Immersion to receive instruction in their target language. Meanwhile, French Dual Immersion kids can take advantage of online tours of the Louvre en français.
Adjust Your Expectations
I
was going to write, “lower your expectations,” but for many of the hyper-driven
types I know, this would be impossible. Instead, take stock of what is critical
– maintaining a sleep schedule, reading and checking in with your child’s
teacher to let them know you’re dialed in and doing your best, talking with
your child to see how they feel homeschooling is going, or if there are other
concerns they’re harboring related to the pandemic. And reach out to your
“village” – there’s a reason “virtual happy
hours”
have become so popular as of late. It’s a great time to get support from other
parents facing the same challenges, while other virtual get togethers can offer
your kids a chance to see and chat with family members across the country and
around the globe.
The close-knit community and excellent educational opportunities
are one of many reasons so many people Choose Park City for their new home or vacation
property. To learn more about the variety of schooling options across Summit
County that make the area so special, connect with Christine Grenney at
435-640-4238, or visit her website by clicking here.
It’s barely March, but spring is known to zoom by for parents and visitors gearing up for summertime kid activities in Park City! Summer camp options abound, and mapping out a summer that’s equal parts action and education will make even the most persnickety camper smile! Many camps sell out of certain sessions early on, so if you missed an opportunity last year, be sure to get upcoming registration dates on your calendar! (Reminder: Park City School District breaks for summer on June 2 and resumes on Aug. 20, 2020.)
Starts at Trailside Park and Ends at Ecker Hill daily (435) 655-0999
Basin
Recreation offers
a full-summer option with their Summer Blast Youth Day Camp. Beginning on June
8 and finishing on August 19, this camp welcomes kids ages 6-12 and features themed
weeks filled with games, arts and crafts, weekly visits from the Kimball Art
Center and swimming. Registration is offered by the day, week or entire summer,
and starts at $40/day. Hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., with early drop off at 8 a.m.
and late pick up at 5 p.m.; registration opens at midnight on April 1. In
addition to their Day Camp, Basin Rec also offers weekly camps, including “Basketball
Camp,” “Mountain Bike Camp,” “Introduction to Lacrosse Camp,” “H20 Adventure
Camp,” “Tennis Camp,” “Pickleball Camp,” “Indoor Volleyball Camp,” and
“Preseason Soccer Camp.” For more information, visit the Basin Recreation site
by clicking here, or call the Field House at 435-655-0999. (Photo credit: Basin Recreation)
1354 Park Avenue (City Park) Park City, UT 84060 435-615-5401 (435-615-5440 when camp is in-session)
Park City
Recreation offers
a summer-long day camp, headquartered out of its City Park building (by the
Miner’s Hospital). New this year is an early, priority registration starting on
March 15 for residents living or working in the 84060 zip code, or for any
full-summer campers returning from last year. Regular registration for all
others begins on April 1. Camp is held daily from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., and includes
arts and crafts, sports, games, fields trips every Friday, and Wednesday trips
to the outdoor pool at the MARC. Full-summer cost is $1,975, beginning on June 8
and ending on August 14. Daily campers pay $53 per day, and there are no longer
weekly options available. Add-on activities include four-day golf lessons,
swimming lessons and skateboarding. Park City Recreation also offers a
Counselor in Training (CIT) program for teens ages 13-15. The program focusses
on leadership and job skills while working side-by-side with Summer Day Camp
staff and campers. Applications for CIT are due on Monday, May 4th,
and can be found here.
2250 Deer Valley Drive South (Snow Park Lodge) Park City, UT 84060 435-645-6648
Deer Valley Resort’s Summer Adventure Camp takes full advantage of its location at the base of the ski area, with headquarters at Snow Park Lodge. Hiking, mountain biking and SUP are complemented by games, puzzles, arts and crafts, and field trips. As a state-licensed center, infants as young as two months are welcome, with options available for kids up to 12 years of age. Camp begins on June 8 and runs five days per week throughout the summer. Prices for 2020 have not yet been posted, but a full-summer camper in 2019 was $2,793 for Explorers (ages 5 & 6) and Mountaineers (ages 7-12) and Explorers (ages 5-6), and $3,038 for ages 2 months – 4 years. Visit Deer Valley’s website for more info.
4501 UT-224 Park City, UT 84098 801-839-3379 Headquartered out of Park City Community Church (behind Park City Nursery on S.R. 224), this YMCA day camp offers a new adventure every day, with outings that include local Park City venues, Salt Lake field trips and explorations in the Uinta Mountains. The camp is for ages 5-12, with a special quiet room for the five-year-olds and a staff-to-child ratio of no more than 1:6. Beginning on June 8 and running through August 14, some of the weekly themes include “Wild Animals,” “World Explorers,” “Ancient Adventures,” “Olympics,” and “Don’t Try This at Home.” Daily hours are 8:30 – 4:30 p.m. for $225 per week, with optional extended care starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. for an additional $15 per week (financial assistance is available). Registration is now open – click here to learn more.
3863 Kilby Road Park City, UT 84098 435-222-2378 Heading into its first summer open for business, Woodward is elevating the action sports game for kids ages six and older of all ability levels, with an offering that includes mountain biking, skateboard, BMX, scooter, cheer, parkour, multisport and digital media. Camps are offered beginning the week of June 8 in groups of five or 10 sessions, and can run either Monday-Friday, or on the same day each week for five or 10 weeks. Sessions include lunch, recreational games and activities, positive relationship building, arts and crafts, and will be held rain or shine, with instruction from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily, plus 8:30 a.m. early drop off and 5:30 p.m. late pick up. Visit the Woodward website here for more details and to register.
(Locations throughout Park City) 435-640-8642 The Young Riders Youth Cycling program offers weeklong camps from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. beginning June 8, and provides opportunities for riders ages 5 – 14. Camps are available throughout the summer for every level of rider, including Pee Wee (ages 5 – 7), Beginner Youth (ages 7 – 9), Beginner Junior (ages 10 – 13), Intermediate (ages 9 – 13) and Advanced (ages 10 – 14). Registration opens on Wednesday, March 25 at 7 a.m., and camps fill up quickly, so be sure to click here to pre-register and ensure your biker is ready to roll!
3419 Olympic Parkway Park City, UT 84098 435-602-9401 The UOP’s Fundamentals Sport Camp is for kids ages 7 – 10, and features activities such as golf, sailing, swimming, tennis, karate, gymnastics, skateboarding and art. Each of the six sessions are held Tuesday – Friday, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (early drop off at 8:30 a.m. is available), and include an opportunity to try freestyle skiing skills in the park’s famous pool. Cost is $335 per week, and registration opens on Monday, March 16. Click here for more details, or reach out to Matthew Terwillegar, 435-602-9401/[email protected].
4056 Shadow Mountain Drive (off Old Ranch Road) Park City, UT 84098 [email protected] Each year, Summit Community Gardens’ offers enriching summer camps to give kids a chance to spend time outdoors while learning about nature, gardening and growing healthy food. Each week features a different gardening theme with hands-on activities with partner organizations EATS, Recycle Utah and Kimball Art Center. While this year’s schedule is not yet posted, last year’s camps were $180 per week and ran Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Registration will open on April 1. Click here for more info and to sign up for a reminder email.
1650 Park Avenue, Ste. 200 Park City, UT 84060 435-649-9884 Summit Land Conservancy offers adventure camps for kids who just love to be in the great outdoors! Children will learn about ecology, botany, biology, wildlife identification, local history, and the importance of land stewardship while acting as a junior conservator. Themes set for Outdoor Explorers (ages 7-12) include “Mountain Bike Monday,” “Trail Trekking Tuesday,” “Weber River Wednesday,” “Thrill Seeker Thursday” and “Farmer Friday.” Outdoor Explorers costs $375 per week, with dates beginning June 15 and ending August 14. This year, Summit Land Conservancy is offering a Summer Camp Lottery for those agreeing to support the organization throughout the year. Lottery forms must be received no later than March 15, and can be found by clicking here. General registration opens on March 30, but with the lottery, many spots might be filled before general registration opens. For more information, contact Caitlin at 435-640-9884 or [email protected]. (Photo credit: Summit Land Conservancy)
1258 Center Drive Park City, UT 84098 435-649-1767 Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter offers popular weeklong camps from run June 15 through August 14, and include both half-day and full-day options. Because camps sell out quickly, they offer early registration on March 15 for members who joined by Feb. 28, with general registration opening on March 23. This year’s camps include programs for kids in kindergarten through 7th grade, with a Counselors in Training program for kids in grades 7 & 8. Some of the weekly themes include “EcoExplorers,” “Nitty Gritty Nature,” “Down to Science,” Wild Sprouts” and “Disgusting Discoveries.” Click here to check them out and set a registration reminder for yourself.
1401 Kearns Boulevard Park City, UT 84060 435-649-8882 Camps at the Kimball Art Center are taught by professional, practicing artists with teaching experience, featuring a curriculum vetted to inspire, educate and foster an appreciation for art in all of its forms. From June 8 – August 14, four-day camps are offered for kids ages 3-17 featuring artistic endeavors such as illustration, digital painting, mosaics, watercolor and clay. Classes are offered in the morning and afternoon; please click here for more information and to register.
Various locations around Park City 435-645-5617 Park City School District offers a full summer of courses through their Leisure Learning department, with opportunities ranging from arts and crafts, to coding and babysitter training. The full catalog and class details usually go online at the end of March, and can be found by clicking here, or by emailing Jane Toly at [email protected].
301 Wakara Way Salt Lake City, UT 84108 801-581-6927 Kids can experience a Day at the Museum with the Natural History Museum of Utah’s (NHMU) weekly camps, held at NHMU on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City. Camps begin the week of June 8, and include trips to nearly locations such as Red Butte Garden, This is the Place, Utah’s Hogle Zoo and Tracy Aviary. A full schedule of camps and age ranges can be found by clicking here. Most camps for younger kids are half-day, while older kids attend from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Registration opened on March 9 to the general public – click here for more information.
2600 Sunnyside Avenue (840 South) Salt Lake City, UT. 84108 801-584-1700 Utah’s Hogle Zoo presents weekly summer camp options for kids in grades 1st through 8th, with themes like “Animal Olympics,” “Curious Creatures and Fearsome Features,” “Harsh Habitats” and “Animal Sense-ations.” Prices range from $80 for half days to $300 for full days, with discounts for zoo members. Check out the entire lineup by clicking here.
12033 Lone Peak Parkway Draper, UT. 84020 801-355-FISH (3474 For kids fascinated with life under the sea, the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium offers weeklong camps throughout the summer. Themes include “Tide Pool Titans,”“Feathers, Fins and Fur” and “Full STEAM Ahead.” Campers ages 4-17 can find a variety of experiences specific to their interests, including “Pirate Science,” “Creature Challenge,” “Feathers, Fins, and Fur” and “Ocean Explorer.” All campers receive a t-shirt, water bottle, backpack, behind-the-scenes experiences and animal encounters of the most creepy-crawly kind! Camps begin on June 3 and end August 16, with half days from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., and full days run 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., with extended care options. Prices per week are $130 for half day and $255 for a full day, with discounts for aquarium members. Click here for all the offerings.
Overnight Adventures
Highly-revered overnight camps are nearby via the YMCA’s Camp Roger (on Mirror Lake Highway jut past Kama) and the Girl Scouts’ Camp Cloud Rim (above the Montage in upper Deer Valley). Camp Roger offers week-long camps throughout the summer for ages 6-15, featuring mountain biking, hiking, archery, arts and crafts, and horseback riding. Camp Cloud Rim offers an idyllic, lakeside setting at 9,200 feet, where girls entering grades 1-12 can experience week-long, themed camps, such as “Boating Bonanza,” “Artrageous” and “Backpacker.” Some camps even allow younger and older siblings to share in the experience, with younger kids staying just a few nights, and older siblings camping for the full five days.
The amazing
array of summer camp options is just one of the many reasons to Choose Park
City. Be sure to connect
with Christine today at 435-640-4238 to explore future adventures of your
own!
Though Park City’s reputation as a winter sports destination was built on the more traditional pursuits of ski jumping, skiing, and – ultimately – snowboarding, every now and then, it’s fun to shake things up and try something out of the ordinary. For Parkites and visitors, opportunities to go beyond the norm abound, so I’ve put together a list of my current top five ways to stretch your limits while in the Wasatch.
3863 Kilby Road, Park City Open daily from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. 435-658-2648
The highly-anticipated Woodward Park City opened its doors just two months ago, but it’s already become the hottest destination in town. Designed to accommodate year-round fun, the 60+ acre attraction encompasses action sports and mountain parks that include everything from lift-accessed snowboarding, skiing and mountain biking, to both indoor and outdoor facilities designed for all levels of BMX, scooter, skateboard, parkour and cheer. Throw in an upgraded tubing experience with two surface lifts and the longest lanes in the state, and you have an experience certain to engage athletes of all ages and abilities.
Lessons are offered at a cost significantly lower than at local ski areas, with two-hour group lessons for $74, and full-day lessons from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. for $122.
For those aged seven and older looking to improve their snowboarding, skiing or multi-sport skills (including trampoline, parkour, skateboard scooter and bike) in a camp setting, the facility offers Woodward Weekends, a flexible Saturday and/or Sunday series of four, six, 12 of 24 full-days of instruction from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Two upcoming Winter Camps are also being offered during President’s Week (Feb. 17-21) and Spring Break (April 6 – 10). Further, the facility is throwing its hat into the summer camp ring with multi-day programs for kids six and older, offering either single-sport or multi-sport programs that also include more traditional summer camp offerings, such as arts and crafts. All camps provide for drop-off starting at 8:30 a.m. and a late pick-up at 5:30, with lunch included and discounts for members.
To learn more, visit Woodward’s website by clicking here.
“We believe that life is too short for lift lines, powder panic, and icy moguls.” – Park City Powder Cats
In the spirit of going where no man (or woman) has gone (or tracked) before, Park City Powder Cats offers 43 pristine acres of private terrain accessed by snowcats with heated passenger cabins, each accommodating 10 guests and two guides.
The typical day starts at 8:30 a.m. at the PC Powder Cats cabin in the Uinta Mountains, approximately 35 minutes from Park City. By 8:40 a.m., guides will distribute beacons and snowcat assignments, and participants will receive orientation and safety protocols. At 9 a.m., safety protocols are reviewed and everyone is in their cats, with a 9:45 a.m. arrival time at a slope, followed by the first run. From 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., skiers and riders will experience untouched power, with five- to 10-minute cat rides between laps. Lunch of sandwiches, wraps, soups, teas and baked goods is from 12 – 1 p.m., followed by more skiing and boarding in powder, bowls, chutes and glades. Everyone returns to the cabin at 3:45 p.m. with departure at 4:30 p.m.
Because there is no groomed terrain at 1000 Peaks Ranch, participants must be advanced or expert skiers or riders who can handle an ungroomed black diamond run in any condition, including powder, slush, ice or crust.
To learn more and book your snowcat adventure, click here.
6965 East Highway 158 Eden, Utah 801-745-3772, ext. 181
For a budget-friendly snowcat experience that doesn’t require a full-day commitment, Powder Mountain Ski Resort offers single-ride cat skiing or snowboarding at just $20 per ride for season pass holders, or $25 per ride for those with day passes. The snowcats bring skiers and riders to areas of the mountain lifts cannot access, providing an experience rivaled by heli-skiing, for a fraction of the cost. Located less than 90 minutes from Park City, Powder Mountain boasts 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, placing it among the largest resorts in the U.S., but the resort is known for being uncrowded with a laid-back vibe. To purchase cat skiing passes as add-ons to season or lift tickets, click here.
If cat skiing doesn’t provide enough of an adrenaline rush, give the good folks at Powderbird Helicopter Skiing a call. With 46 years of experience bringing skiers and snowboarders into the backcountry for guided heli-skiing and mountain adventures, Powderbird operates out of two conveniently-located base facilities, one near Historic Park City and the other at the base of Snowbird. With the ability to access the mountain in the gnarliest of conditions, Powderbird provides all guests with safety equipment, including an airbag pack, beacon, shovel and probe. At the beginning of each adventure, guests are trained in basic avalanche safety and how to use the aforementioned equipment, after which guides pick runs based on the group’s ability levels and current snow conditions.
Guest are not required to be expert skiers or boarders, but they should have an adequate level of fitness and skill set to fully enjoy the experience.
To connect with Powderbird, visit their website by clicking here, or call 801-341-2454.
To fully experience the Greatest Snow on Earth, Ski Utah offers its Interconnect Tour, allowing skiers (alas, not snowboarders) the chance to visit up to six ski resorts in just one day for an abundance of in-bound and out-of-bounds excitement.
Priced at $430 per person, the Interconnect Tour includes two Ski Utah guides, lunch at one of the resorts, lift access, transportation to the resort from which you’ve departed, and a finisher’s pin. Gratuity is not included, (but always encouraged).
The Deer Valley tour departs from DVR on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and provides an opportunity to visit Deer Valley, Park City Mountain, Solitude, Brighton, Alta, Snowbird, in addition to the backcountry between the resorts. With an average of 25 miles covered on skis, this tour requires participants be in good physical condition and able to ski variable conditions.
For more advanced skiers, the Snowbird departures on Thursdays and Saturdays cover Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, Solitude and the backcountry, and requires more hiking, sidestepping and a stronger overall skiing ability than the Deer Valley tour.
Private tours provide a more customized experience and cost $3,000 for up to six clients, or $4,500 for up to 12 clients.
For availability and online reservations, please click here, or call 801-534-1907.
Few towns match Park City when it comes to opportunities to step outside of your winter sports comfort zone. Similarly, when you Choose Park City, you’re guaranteed an experience above all others. Learn more about the many experiences unique to Park City by connecting with Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or visit her website by clicking here to learn more about the area’s neighborhoods.
