Park City Real Estate Trends

Canyons Resort Real Estate Prices and Vail Resorts

By Todd Anderson
May 31, 2013

The announcement that Vail Resorts will be the new operators of Canyons Resorts has been big news in Park City the past few days. There are many questions about how it will impact the resort employees at Canyons. The biggest question likely lies in the litigation over the land lease with Park City Mountain Resort, but we can’t answer that yet. Overall initial impressions thus far indicate that the change will be positive for Park City and a big plus for area skiers and snowboarders. How will it affect Park City real estate? <img src="http://blogs.realcove.com/youinparkcity/files/2013/05/RB_E0Q5385-300x200.jpg" alt="photo credit Canyons Resort and Rob Bossi http://canyonsresort.com photo credit Canyons Resort and Rob Bossi

 

Vail brings with it a large marketing presence and a huge database of skiers and snowboarders. Recently the resort operator has been shifting its model to focus efforts on resort revenue rather than real estate development. One of the main focus points of this effort is the Epic Pass. Vail Resorts will include Canyons in its Epic Pass program which offers skiers and snowboarders unlimited access to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Northstar, Heavenly and Kirkwood all for $689. The impact of this should be huge for Canyons which saw 450,000 skier days last season. The pass is sold to not just locals, but to skiers and snowboarders worldwide (last year saw buyers from 70 different countries). Anyone looking to ski a week at one of Vail Resorts operations can cut their vacation costs by purchasing an Epic Pass and open up the opportunity of skiing in Colorado, California, Utah, Austria and Switzerland all on one ticket. Go to Snow.com/epic-pass for more.

 

The impact of all the Epic Pass holders having essentially free lift passes at Canyons Resort as an added bonus to their pass purchase will undoubtedly bring more skiers and snowboarders to Park City. Home and condominium owners in Park City already know about the easy access and great offerings that are here, but this will open the area up to a whole new set of visitors. The added exposure to Canyons Resort and Park City will lead to increased demand for local real estate and drive up prices as well as add to the rental revenues of current owners.

 

There are many factors to real estate prices and we don’t have a crystal ball to see the future, but what Vail Resorts brings to Canyons and local Park City real estate should only prove positive.

 

Search Canyons Resort Real Estate

 

 

Park City among top 10 of Best Town Ever 2013

By Todd Anderson
May 27, 2013

Park City, UT is among the finalists in this year’s Best Town Ever competition in Outside Magazine. The magazine is recognizing Park City for the:

 

Skiing; three resorts named in the top ten in North America (Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort, and Canyons) make this pretty easy.

 

Road Biking; Outside notes the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway outside of Kamas as a riding highlight. I’d say that with Park City having been named the first Gold-Level riding center ever by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), mountain biking, with the hundreds of miles of trails in Park City, could easily have been the highlight (note that Outside while highlighting road biking notes in its description of Park City that the mountain biking is “absurdly good”).

 

Food & Nightlife; there are well over 100 restaurants that Park City offers without a bad one in the bunch, Outside highlights the High West Distillery “world class" is the descriptive phrase the magazine uses in describing Park City.

 

Easy Access to Green Space; it is nearly impossible to stroll ten minutes in any direction from Park City and not find yourself in some type of open space.

 

Outside closes its brief description of Park City by calling it “the best mix of adventure and culture of any mountain town in the West”. We here at YouInParkCity.com agree wholeheartedly!

 

Vote for your favorite “Best Town Ever” at: http://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/best-towns-2013.

 

Park City, UT is up against Boston, Bozeman, Carbondale, Greenville, Honolulu, Oklahoma City, San Diego, Spokane, and Waitsfield.

Park City Spring Ski Trifecta

By Todd Anderson
Mar 28, 2013

It is a Park City “bluebird” day! Not a cloud in the sky with a current temperature of 27 and a predicted high of over 50 degrees.

 

The end of the ski season is still over two weeks away and surely there will be more storms before it is over. But today has all the markings of spring and the summer activities soon to come.

 

Spring may be in the air but the skiing in Park City is far from over! You just have to adjust your thinking to match the conditions. Start the day off with a few Deer Valley groomers. Remember that while the weatherman said the overnight temp would be in the mid 30’s, the wind chill and elevation put that temp into the 20’s so the snow did freeze overnight. Wait until the sun has warmed up the non-groomed runs. By mid-morning the bumps will ski like mashed potatoes and the groomed runs will allow you to carve a trench behind you. These are great snow conditions!! Perfect Park City Spring Day

 

The skiing and snowboarding will stay great but a little wet as the afternoon sun takes hold. Spring fever can really take over at this point. The great thing is that Park City is ready for that. Give in to the call and move onto the next endeavor. Go down to Midway (just 20 minutes away) and play nine holes of golf at Wasatch or Soldier Hollow (yes they are OPEN), grab a bike and go for a ride, the fishing is great, maybe an afternoon run, or just a enjoy a frosty beverage at Deer Valley’s ski beach.

 

With the recent time change, sunset isn’t until nearly 8pm. There is time for a third activity for the day. Make it a Park City Trifecta; start the day on the slopes and add two more outdoor activities of your choice.

 

Enjoy a perfect Park City day!

Another Top Ten Rating for Park City

By Todd Anderson
Dec 10, 2012

Skiing Park City, UtahPark 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.

What Makes Park City Real Estate Valuable? The 4th of July Celebration

By Todd Anderson
Jun 29, 2010

            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: Fourth of July Celebrations Park City Fourth of July Parade            While Memorial Day marks the start of summer each year, it is truly the Fourth of July Celebrations in and around Park City that truly get summers here into full swing. Multiple events are going on in and around Park City. Trying to get to them all will lead you to need a vacation when it is all over. Here area a sampling of some of the things you'll find:             The Oakley Rodeo; the town of Oakley just minutes east of Park City is holding its 75th annual Rodeo and 4th of July Celebration which includes a PRCA sanctioned Rodeo (The REAL thing) Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday Nights at 8 pm with fireworks after the Rodeo and a dance on Saturday, a rodeo queen pageant (Saturday) and a parade on Monday. For more info go to: http://oakleycity.com/rodeo/rodeoHome.htm.              The Cole Sport/KPCW Summer Bash held at the Town Lift Plaza. Celebrate KPCW's 30th Birthday at this free and fun family event. Kids' activities, food and drink begin at 5pm, followed by rock and roll from Park City's Motherlode Canyon Band. Info at KPCW.org.             The Canyons Resort  FREE  Annual 3rd of July Celebration featuring music by The Disco Drippers followed by a huge fireworks show. Info at TheCanyons.com.             The Park Silly Sunday Market moves to a special Saturday to make way for Sunday's Parade route. Info at ParkSillySundayMarket.com.             The Utah Symphony plays a Patriotic Celebration at Deer Valley on Saturday July 3 at 7:30 pm. See deervalleymusicfestival.org             Park City Celebrates All day long on the 4th: 7:00 am Pancake Breakfast at City Park. 8:00 am Park City Ski Team 5k Fun Run. 10:00 am - 9:00pm Rugby games, live music, BBQ at the north end of City Park. 11:00 am Famous 4th of July Parade with over 70 floats celebrating Park City's history "From Silver to Snow". 12:00 noon - 4:00pm food, live music, beer garden, vendors in City Park. Fireworks at Park City Mountain Resort at dusk.             One Republic plays the St. Regis Big Stars, Bright Nights concert series at Deer Valley 7pm.                In addition to all of this, note that "mud-season" is officially over and all of the restaurants, shops and activities - including all three resorts (Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley, and The Canyons) with hiking, mountain biking rides, and more are ready and vying for your business. The great number of tourists and locals out and about in the area also make people keenly aware of real estate opportunities in the area, for assistance in that area, the YouInParkCity.com Group will be available to help you over the 4th of July Celebration weekend, give us a call at (888) 968-4672.             If there is a Park City community amenity that you have questions about, drop The YouInParkCity.com Group an email.

Deer Valley Rated #1 Again

By Todd Anderson
Sep 15, 2009

            SKI Magazine's annual reader poll has awarded Deer Valley Resort the number one ranking as the best resort in North America.  Pick up the October edition of SKI Magazine (not yet released) for the full rankings.             This marks the third year in a row that Deer Valley has been named the top ski resort in North America. Deer Valley earned top honors in five categories including Guest Services, Slope Grooming, on mountain food and dining, and Lodging.             Ski Magazine's subtitle for the resort on Skinet.com reads "The ultimate upscale destination resort. Five-star all the way." Resort president Bob Wheaton points to the staff at Deer Valley as well as the commitment to customer service as the reason for the rating and guest comments like the resort description subtitle back that theory.             Deer Valley edged out Whistler and Vail which took the number 2 and 3 spots in the readers poll.             What effects this may have on the local Park City and Deer Valley real estate are probably negligible. But good publicity never hurts and it is a great reminder for people that this is a fantastic spot to own and the desire to be here isn't waning

Park Meadows Golf Real Estate in Park City

By Todd Anderson
Jun 23, 2009

                Park City & Deer Valley real estate can boast of having many fine golf communities completed or nearing completion.  These include Glenwild, Tuhaye, Promontory Ranch, Hideout Canyon, Victory Ranch and Red Ledges.  Promontory features two courses, an equestrian center, club houses and numerous kids programs.  Tuhaye has one course (plus another in the works), a ski boat on the Jordanelle Reservoir, many kids programs but is unique in that its membership includes the Talisker Club amenities at Deer Valley ski resort. Victory Ranch will have an exceptional course but what separates it from the other clubs is that it has private river frontage on the Upper Provo River and fantastic fly fishing,  Red Ledges will open its Jack Nicklaus designed course 4th of July weekend and will have world class tennis facilities and other amenities. Glenwild's crown jewel is its Fazio designed golf course. It is a golf country club type of community complete with workout room, restaurant and swimming pool. All of the above are gated communities.

                 I think Park Meadows Country Club, which often seems to fly under the radar screen, is worth considering when a family is deciding to purchase a primary residence or vacation home in a Park City and wants golf to be a part of their Park City lifestyle.  It is not a gated real estate community and does not have many of the built in programs and amenities associated with these other clubs. On the other hand it is located within the Park City town limits which means all of the activities and amenities in Park City are readily available to families that purchase a home in Park Meadows and join the Park Meadows Country Club.  Some of the amenities in Park City are the Racquet Club, the free bus system, the Skate Park and City Park.  The Park City restaurants, clubs, events and shopping match its real estate in being world class.

                Park Meadows Country Club, originally designed by Jack Nicklaus, was renovated last year by John Harbottle. Park Meadows has a swimming pool, restaurant and workout room. It is adjacent to the Park City Racquet Club and is part of the city-wide free Park City bus system, a real plus for getting kids to and from all that Park City, Utah has to offer.

                No one knows what Park City real estate areas will appreciate more rapidly as we climb out of this recession but if I had to put money on it I would bet homes, condominiums and lots inside of the Park City town limits to bounce back more rapidly just based on the principle of scarcity. 

                If you are considering the purchase a home or condominium in the Park City or Deer Valley area and want to live on or near a golf course don't forget to take a peek at Park Meadows.

                For more info on Park City Real Estate contact a YouInParkCity.com Keller Williams Park City Real Estate specialist.

Deer Valley vs. The Beach

By Todd Anderson
Mar 07, 2009

             Working as a REALTOR® in the Park City and Deer Valley Utah area puts me in a place to get a lot of questions from visitors. This is especially true while I am out enjoying the things that make Park City such a great place to live or vacation; skiing, biking, playing golf, etc. People are always curious about the prices of homes and condominiums in the area; whether or not they have any interest in purchasing Park City or Deer Valley property.             When I tell people the asking price or recent sales price of one of the homes or condominiums in the area, they commonly translate the price into a per square foot price in an effort to make a comparison to their home town.  With it currently being ski season, the questions are often related to slope-side homes and condominiums with ski-in, ski-out access and projects currently under construction like the St. Regis, Montage Hotel, and Flagstaff Condominiums. Quick math puts the prices of most of these developments in the $1200 to $2000 per square foot. "Wow" and "Maybe you can sell me a spot to stand" are common responses once the math has been done.             One quick comment regarding the scarcity of true ski-in, ski-out property in the Deer Valley area, and for that matter, in the world often times puts a better perspective on the prices in Park City, Utah. These are also new homes and condominiums for sale with top grade custom finishes and upper end if not professional grade appliances. I remind people that the prices change dramatically as you move away from the slopes.             It is not unlike homes with views versus those without, or homes that are ocean front versus those that are a few blocks inland. On a recent trip to San Diego, I pulled a few for sale flyers from ocean front homes; after doing the math, I found that small homes (under 1000 sq. ft.) built 20 years ago or more are commanding prices well over $2500 per square foot.             Waterfront homes share a similar scarcity to slope-side homes; similarly resort towns all have a common scarcity in whatever makes them a great place to vacation usually makes them a very desirable place to live; if not for employment opportunities, definitely for lifestyle and quality of life reasons.             Whatever quality makes a resort town desirable and the proximity to that attraction, whether it is the ski slopes, golf course, ocean, or bay; the closer you are, the more scarce and more costly the property.             Deer Valley, not unlike other luxury resort towns, puts a premium on its amenity adjacent properties. But don't let those properties scare you away from Park City as a whole; there is a wide array of ownership opportunities available for the vacationer as well as someone wanting to call Park City, UT home. The YouInParkCity.com Group can help you find anything from a premium ski-in, ski-out property to one just minutes away at a discounted price. You'll have to make the decision of the mountains versus the beach.

Sundance Resort Living

By Todd Anderson
Nov 23, 2008

          For many people the name Sundance brings to mind a famous, high profile, independent film festival held each January in Park City. Crowds, traffic, famous and not-so-famous Hollywood types and paparazzi complete the idea of Sundance for these people. Sundance Resort is truly the opposite of the festival image.             The Sundance Resort is located about 30 miles southwest of Park City, Utah, and a short drive northeast of the Provo/Orem area of Utah. It is a quiet area tucked up a canyon with a feeling that is miles away from city hustle and bustle. The area is known for its rustic charm and its owner Robert Redford. Redford stumbled across this place in the 1950’s and purchased a cabin lot in Sundance in 1961. As development threatened to move into the area in the late 60’s, Redford rallied friends and investors to purchase 3000 acres and stave off the development. What has resulted from these actions that started thirty years ago is an area of 6000 acres of which more than 5000 acres is part of an environmental easement and a 450 acre ski and summer resort.             The Sundance Resort has space for only 250 nightly guests in its 95 cabins. In addition to this, there are only 300 private homes in the area. The residences here vary from A-frame cabins to magnificent homes with beautiful interior finishes and fabulous views masked behind an unpretentious mountain contemporary exterior.

   2983 Ridgetop Rd. Sundance, Utah resort home  views from 2983 Ridgetop Rd. Sundance, UT            It is the unpretentious nature of Sundance that makes it a truly special place.  Sundance has great restaurants and spa amenities, but its beauty is natural and comes from its lack of development and awe inspiring views of Mt Timpanogos’ 12000’ peak.  The resorts’ environmental easements and wilderness area feel will keep it genuinely different from its nearby ski resort neighbors in Park City. The true scarcity, low-key feel and lack of mega-resort status make Sundance priceless in comparison to other resorts.             For more on skiing at Sundance Resort, see the December 2008 edition of SKI  or go to www.SkiNet.com. For information on Sundance estate opportunities including the home pictured above, go to www.YouInParkCity.com and www.2983RidgeTopRd.com.  

More Reasons to Visit (and Live In) Park City

By Todd Anderson
Sep 26, 2008

          Not to be out-surveyed by Ski Magazine (see the previous www.YouinParkCity.com/blog ), Skiing Magazine has come up with more reasons to visit and enjoy the Park City winter scene.  The current edition highlights a survey conducted to identify reasons, other than skiing, why Park City ranks as one of the best ski destinations in North America.           Need your skis tuned?  Jans Mountain Outfitters was ranked as the third best in the country.  They have stores in town and on the mountain at Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort.           Don't want a hassle with resort transportation.  Don't worry, it's free from anyplace in town and from all major resort locations within miles of the three ski resorts.  But for a special treat, try the Karaoke Cab (the Music Taxi is also a good ride).  It was ranked as the second best value in the survey.           Want to enjoy the après scene after putting in a big day on the slopes?  Park City was ranked as the fifth best overall in the country.  Best dining was the Seafood Buffet at Deer Valley's Snowpark Lodge. Butcher's Chop House downtown received special mention.  For upscale dining, Stein Erickson's at Deer Valley is the only five-star restaurant listed in the survey.  And, don't forget the music and dancing where Harry O's pulled in top honors.  On any night you might see Metallica, 50 Cent, LL Cool J, Nas, or any other nationally recognized personality. See the YouInParkCity.com Events calendar and Dining guide for more info.           If you weren't a part of this survey, come to Park City to discover the Best for yourself.  Chances are you will be coming back for many years to come.           Make your plans to ski Park City's three resorts - Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort and The Canyons - now.  We'll have the snow ready for you soon.  And don't forget the summertime activities (ask a local and they'll tell you they moved here for the winter and stay because of the summer).  We have some very special, un-crowded things to do until it snows.           Once you've experienced Park City, you'll want to make it a lifetime experience, and any of the agents with YouInParkCity.com can help make that happen.  Check out the website, then call or email for more information. Posted by Ken Drummet

Park City Ranks Best in Ski Magazine

By Todd Anderson
Sep 24, 2008

Park City scores again with 3 resorts in SKI Magazines top 15 ski resorts in North America!           SKI Magazine released its annual reader's survey and Deer Valley has retained its top spot as the # 1 ski resort in North America.  Park City Mountain Resort moved up from sixth to fifth place and The Canyons jumped from 18th to 13th place.  In short another great year for the Park City ski resorts!            Skiers and resort home buyers today are looking for more than just the skiing; they are looking for a total vacation experience.  A Park City vacation starts with the ease of getting to the slopes from Salt Lake City Airport (only 30 minutes away), extends to the night life of Main Street, shopping and other entertainment for the non-skiers,  cross country skiing and snow shoeing represent just some of the experience that goes far beyond Park City's 3 Ski (and snowboard) Resorts.            Deer Valley has been ranked #1 four out of the past eight years.  They continue to be ranked #1 in service, food and grooming year after year.   Deer Valley limits itself to 6,500 skiers per day skiing on its two thousand plus acres.  The limitation is set not by how many people the mountain can handle, but by how many skiers the resort can handle in terms of food service. Un-crowded slopes lead to a great experience.  For accessibility Park City is by far the best ski location in North America, offering free skiing on your day of arrival. None of others can this offer this convenience.           These great reader poll results should make Park City real estate the beneficiary of more people putting Park City into their ski plans.  Park City is more and more being recognized as one of the premier ski and resort destinations in the world.  It remains on a cost /value comparison a better value than Vail or Aspen.  The fact that interest rates are currently very favorable (although tougher in terms of qualifying) bodes well for real estate sales. Great ratings from skiers and snowboarders will keep Park City real estate desirable to own and help to keep property values here high.           All three Park City Ski Resorts and the city itself are very pleased with the ratings again this year.  SKI Magazine Top Ten North American Ski Areas:

Posted by Michael Jacobson

Park City Golf Communities

By Todd Anderson
Jan 28, 2008

 The January/February edition of Travel and Leisure Golf includes a feature article naming "America's TOP 100 Golf Communities"; subtitled their "Annual List of the Best Places to Live-and Live Well".  The list includes Promontory, Talisker (aka Tuhaye) and Glenwild (all here in Park City, Utah).  The list was comprised with under the following criteria: "To be eligible, communities must offer property owners an opportunity for membership in an affiliated private golf club. Limited public access to the course- such as for guests at a resort- is allowed but may detract from a community's ranking.  Each property is reviewed in the following six categories, in order of importance: golf amenity; residential architecture and style; location, including natural setting and proximity to cultural activities; management, service and programming options, nongolf amenities, such as full service spa, equestrian center or marina; and environmental stewardship."  These requirements take quite a few areas out of the mix; even so, finding 3 of the 100 in the Park City area seems implausible.

            Don't get me wrong.  I think that each of these communities is deserving of high accolades and that each community has its own unique selling points.  As a resident of the area currently looking at Park City's local ski resorts all showing over an 80" snow base, I long to get out and play some golf.  Granted I currently ski 3-4 times a week and love it, I do look forward to being outside without 6 layers of clothing.  Like many ski resort area residents, I can say that I moved to the area for the skiing, but stay because of the summers.  Summers here are fantastic and the golf at these three communities measure up well.

            Promontory was given the #6 spot on the list of 100.  It opened its second 18-hole course this year (a Jack Nicklaus design to compliment its Pete Dye Canyon Course).  This area was the first of the club-type properties in the Park City area and covers 7500 acres.  Its seemingly endless compliment of alternative amenities includes skiing, fishing, equestrian facilities and a 5000 sq ft area devoted to kids.  See Promontory under the Park City Information/golf section of youinparkcity.com  

            Talisker (this is the name of the club amenity, the golf course and its attached community is named Tuhaye) earned the #14 spot on the list.  Of the three communities in the rankings, this may be the most well rounded (at least from a skier's perspective).  It is also the newest and its amenities just keep coming.  Its golf course is a Mark O'Meara design and there is talk of a Tom Fazio designed course on the way.  See Tuhaye under the Park City Information/golf section of youinparkcity.com

            Glenwild is the true golf community mentioned here in that it has no skiing counterpart involved.  It does measure up to the extras in the review categories with its spa and pool facilities, but not to the extent of the other two here.  Its golf course, though, sets the standard for the state and nearly always sits at number one on lists.  It is rumored that a well known former NBA star recently purchased a home in the area which is limited to just 200 build-able home-sites. See Glenwild under the Park City Information/golf section of youinparkcity.com 

            All-in-all, these are three great golf communities and when you look at their proximity to a major airport and the limitless opportunities for outdoor recreation that Park City and Utah offer, I can see where these may be part of the top 100 in the nation.  Personally, I think that my top picks might come from areas with a longer golfing season.  Until then, skiing will have to fill the void.

 
 
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