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Photo courtesy: Park City Mountain Resort.PARK CITY -- A national magazine has named a Utah ski resort the top location for family vacations.
"SKI Magazine" named Park City Mountain Resort the '#1 Family Vacation" after conducting a survey of more than 20,000 of the magazine's readers. Reasons cited for the choice include the resort's connection to "one of the best ski-towns in the world" and its "top-notch ski school."
Resort officials were "very excited" at the recognition, according to spokesperson Andy Miller.
"Creating a memorable family experience is one of our biggest objectives," he said. "The resort is very accessible and thus a natural destination for families."
Creating a memorable family experience is one of our biggest objectives.
–Andy Miller
Miller emphasized the variety of unique activities the resort offers as part of its appeal. Among these is the Alpine Coaster, one of the resort's signature attractions. The coaster is the only attraction of its kind in the state of Utah.
The resort is also preparing to open the Flying Eagle zip line this winter for its first full season. The line opened late this summer to great success, according to Miller.
"These activities provide a different way for families to have fun, make memories, and experience new things," he said. "They're a way for people to keep having fun even after they are done skiing or snowboarding for the day."
Also offered at Park City are tiny class sizes for learners of all ages and beginner zones reserved specifically for ski and snowboard school students. The program, called Kids Signature 5, was the first program in the nation to cap student enrollment at a 5:1 student- instructor ratio.
- #1: Deer Valley Resort
- #5: Park City Mountain Resort
- #18: Canyons Resort
- #19: Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort
- #27: Snowbasin Resort
- #28: Alta Ski Area
- #29: Brighton Resort
- #30: Solitude Mountain Resort
A group called Snowmamas was created to provide an online support community for visitors to the resort. There, visitors can ask questions of people who are familiar with the resort and are enthusiastic about sharing their experiences and helpful tips.
Miller said people "come for the great snow," but the family-oriented atmosphere at the resort adds to the experience.
Utah is known throughout the industry for its high-quality snow.
"We have the greatest snow on earth," said Nathan Rafferty, CEO of Ski Utah. "If you're a skier or snowboarder, you know why it's good. The quality just makes the experience that much better."
Rafferty said the recognition is something Ski Utah is proud of.
"It's a huge deal for Park City Mountain Resort and the entire state of Utah," he said. "Anytime one of our resorts can be honored like that, it benefits not only the resort but the entire industry."
