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Base Camp Salt Lake City: The Greatest Snow on Earth

Program Number: 20695RJ
Start and End Dates:
2/17/2013 - 2/22/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Price starting at: $1,397.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Winter Sports Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 13; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt    

With an average of 500 inches of snowfall each year, it’s no wonder that Salt Lake City’s Wasatch Mountains — the western edge of the Rockies — have achieved a skiing status as the “greatest snow on Earth.” Experience this world-class powder for yourself as you explore the trails of four of the nation’s top-rated ski resorts — Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude — and get insightful pointers from professional instructors. Learn about the region’s rich ski history, gain perspective on the lives of the native Ute people, and enjoy a special dinner at the “Lion’s House,” the historic home of Brigham Young.




Highlights

• Ski some of the finest trails in Utah and improve your techniques with lessons taught by Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA.)
• Attend a rehearsal of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir prior to their scheduled radio and television performance.
• Consider the history of this Rocky Mountain region during field trips to the American Museum of Natural History and Historic Temple Square.



Activity Particulars

Skiers of all ability levels welcome. Elevations of 11,000 feet.




Date Specific Information

2-17-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.




Salt Lake City

From a distance, rugged Rocky Mountain peaks appear to be part of Salt Lake City’s skyline, offering a visual reminder of the city’s unique position as urban oasis and outdoor gateway, where culture, Old West history and natural wonders meet.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotel in the heart of the downtown Salt Lake City.
Meals and Lodgings
   Plaza Hotel
  Salt Lake City, Utah 6 nights
 Plaza Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Experience this beautiful full-service hotel in the heart of downtown next door to Historic Temple Square, world's largest Family History Library, Salt Palace Convention Center, Energy Solutions Arena, the Utah State Capitol Building, Gateway Mall, Abravanel Symphony Hall. This prime location enables you to walk to many attractions and experience downtown Salt Lake City life at ease. The trax light rail system, which is located right outside the front door, will whisk you away anywhere from the Gateway mall up to the University of Utah, as well as points south. Trax light rail system is free within downtown Salt Lake City. The Salt Lake Plaza hotel is surrounded by restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and an endless amount of fun activities. The Salt Lake Plaza Hotel’s family style, full service restaurant offers one of downtown’s most popular dining experiences. Enjoy your dining experience in the traditional family atmosphere offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and anything in between. The Plaza Hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of over 85 restaurants and 13 night clubs. Local favorites include Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano, Red Rock Café, The Roof, Spencer’s Steak House, Market Street Bar & Grill.
  Ship Information: You can use Fed Ex Ground to ship your luggage, skis or any items you would rather not lug through the airports to: Salt Lake Plaza Hotel 122 West South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84101 800-366-3684
  Contact info: 122 West South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101 USA
phone: 800-366-3684
web: www.plaza-hotel.com/
  Room amenities: Experience a large, comfortable room with a new king or queen size Simmons Beauty Rest pillow top mattresses. Additionally, your room will feature: -Full room Service -Microwave and refrigerator -Free wireless hi-speed Internet -Full size irons and ironing boards -In-room safes -Cable television with CNN & ESPN -Same-day valet dry cleaning service -Complimentary in-room coffee -Voice mail -Hairdryer -Desk/work area -Roll away beds available for a nominal fee
  Facility amenities: The Salt Lake Plaza Hotel has 150 luxurious guest rooms and suites that are all 100% non-smoking. The large comfortable rooms are ideally suited for business travelers and vacationers on the move. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, you will feel right at home during your stay. -Guest laundry facilities -Valet laundry -Complimentary in-room coffee -Voice mail -Hairdryer -Desk/work area -Roll away beds available for a nominal fee -Fitness room -Complimentary airport shuttle service for Individuals ($30.00 Value for free!) -Complimentary business center -Complimentary wireless Internet -Guest Library -Full service restaurant offering room service -Outdoor seasonal pool -Indoor Jacuzzi ® -Exercise room -Covered parking.(Daily Fee) -Unique western theme gift shop -Concierge service
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $72 plus tax To add nights before or after the program, ask for Rich Williams or his assistant to make your reservations and take credit card information. Regular front desk employees will not be able to give you this special Road Scholar rate. (800) 366-3684, ext. 3007
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $72 plus tax To add nights before or after the program, ask for Rich Williams or his assistant to make your reservations and take credit card information. Regular front desk employees will not be able to give you this special Road Scholar rate. (800) 366-3684, ext. 3007
  Check out time: 10:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
5:45 PM You will be staying at Plaza Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
8:00 AM You will be staying at Plaza Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Nielsen Adventures, LLC Waiver/Questionnaire
  Parking availability:
Covered garage parking available for around $7 per night.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Salt Lake City, Utah
  Nearest highway: Crossroads of I-15 and I-80
  Nearest airport:  Salt Lake City International
  From End of Program
  Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Salt Lake Plaza Hotel

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Salt Lake Plaza Hotel Shuttle
phone: 800-366-3684

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

10-15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

8 miles
   

Hotel offers free shuttle to and from Salt Lake International Airport. Upon arrival and after retrieving luggage, call the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel at 800-366-3684 for their van to come get you. The Plaza hotel is only 10-15 minutes from airport. If you are flying Delta, your pick-up location is door #10. All other airlines is door #6. The first hotel shuttle (free shuttle) leaves for the airport at 6:30 AM and every 30 minutes thereafter. Paid taxi service will be required prior to 6:30 AM.
 
Driving Directions
  SALT LAKE PLAZA HOTEL FROM THE EAST on I-80 Westbound, get onto I-15 North. Take exit 306 (600 South exit). Travel east (toward mountains) until you come to West Temple Street. Turn left. Travel five blocks to South Temple Street. You will see the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel to your left on the corner of 122 West South Temple. FROM THE WEST on I-80 Eastbound take exit 121 for 600 south. Travel 0.5 miles and merge onto West 600 South. Travel east (toward mountains) until you come to West Temple Street. Turn left. Travel five blocks to South Temple Street. You will see the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel to your left on the corner of 122 West South Temple. FROM THE NORTH on I-15 Southbound take exit 309 onto 600 North. Travel east 2 blocks and turn right onto 300 south. Travel south 6 blocks then turn left onto North Temple. Travel 2 blocks east and turn right onto West Temple. Travel 1 block and turn right onto South Temple and you will immediately see the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel on your right at 122 West South Temple. FROM THE SOUTH on I-15 Northbound. Take exit 306 (600 South exit). Travel east (toward mountains) until you come to West Temple Street. Turn left. Travel five blocks to South Temple Street. You will see the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel to your left on the corner of 122 West South Temple.
Elevation Note: Salt Lake City elevation is 4,500 feet. Ski Resort elevations range from 7,000 - 10,000 feet.

Equipment Requirements: Ski equipment is available for rent within a few blocks our hotel and the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel courtesy van can take you to one of these locations for ski rentals: 1. Ski 'N See, Canyon Sports: 102 West 500 South Salt Lake City, UT 84101 (801) 333-7767 skinsee.com 2. Canyon Sports: 517 South 200 West Salt Lake City, UT 84101 (801) 322-4220 canyonsports.com 3. Utah Ski 7 Golf: 134 West 600 South Salt Lake City, UT 84101 4. Wild Rose Mountain Sports: 702 3rd Avenue Salt Lake City, UT 84103 (801) 533-8671 wildrosesports.com (801) 355-9088 utahskigolf.com
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival, Orientation, Introductions.
(Sunday, February 17)
   
 Afternoon: 3:00 - 5:30 Arrival to Salt Lake City. Check into room. Rooms may not be ready for check in until 3:00 PM. The Salt Lake Plaza Hotel offers a free shuttle service to the hotel from the airport. This program combines great skiing with the best of Salt Lake City's main attractions right out the front door including Historic Temple Square, amazing shops and galleries, the new City Creek Center encompassing over 20 acres and three city blocks next to our hotel and so much more! The light-rail TRAX train is free within the down-town area and you can board right in front of the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel. 5:45 - 6:00 PM: Road Scholar Registration in assigned conference room. See front desk for assigned Road Scholar Conference room. Meet your group leaders, pick up your name badge, participant list and detailed itinerary.
 Dinner: 6:00 - 7:00 PM: Dinner in the hotel JB's Restaurant.
 Evening: 7:30 - 8:30 Introductions and program overview. Brief overview of Alta, Brighton, Solitude and Snowbird ski resorts.
   
Accommodations: Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Brighton Ski Resort / Lesson with PSIA Instructors / Dinner at Roof Restaurant
(Monday, February 18)

Note: Brighton Statistics Vertical, lift-serviced drop: 1,745' Base elevation: 8,755' Top elevation: 10,500' Lifts: 5 quads, 1 triple, 1 Magic Carpet Skiable acres: 1,050 Number of runs: 66
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a full breakfast buffet in JB's restaurant at the hotel.
 Morning: Load bus and depart for Brighton Ski Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon and enjoy history discussions and video en route. At resort, group splits according to ski ability for morning ski lessons taught by Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). Enjoy the morning learning ski techniques to improve your skill level. Learn the best runs the mountain has to offer as your ski instructor takes you to various terrain. Ski lessons from PSIA instructors are an important part to having a successful week on the slopes. Your ski instructor will work with you individually to help correct any habits preventing you from reaching the next level of skiing ability. Sometimes just the smallest change in your stance or balance makes the world of difference and allows you to ski safer, faster, and longer and not be as tired at the end of the day.
 Lunch: Following your morning ski lesson, meet at Molly Green's Bar and Restaurant located at the base of the mountain. Enjoy lunch together, share stories of your ski lesson and morning explorations while sitting around the table near the cozy fireplace.
 Afternoon: Group will be divided based on ski ability then enjoy the afternoon exploring more of Brighton's wonderful slopes. Brighton has a rich ski history beginning in the 1920's when the Wasatch Mountain Club began skiing at Brighton because of its sumptuous snow.
 Dinner: Wonderful Dinner Buffet at "The Roof Restaurant" located within walking distance of hotel. The Roof Restaurant is Utah's premier gourmet dining buffet. With breathtaking views of Temple Square and Downtown Salt Lake City, The Roof is a fusion of inspiring views and extravagant food. Chef Pedro Mauricio prepares international cuisine with daily regulars for a dynamic menu. Additionally, we offer a world-renowned dessert buffet with an abundance of delicious choices. Buffet features: Fresh Garden Salad with Accompaniments and Dressings Selection of Gourmet Salads Chilled Shrimp with Chef-Inspired Cocktail Sauce Cold Poached Salmon with Lemon and Dill Imported and Domestic Cheese Displays Hot Soup or Chowder Slow-Roasted Prime Rib and Honey-Baked Ham Hot Entrées Fresh Hot Pasta Chef’s Choice of Potatoes Seasonal Steamed Vegetables Seasonal Fruits Soft Drinks
 Evening: Following dinner, enjoy a thought-provoking expert-led presentation regarding historical accounts of Brighton, Alta, Solitude and Snowbird Ski Resorts and what makes them the top-rated resorts in the country.
   
Accommodations: Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Alta Ski Resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon. PSIA Ski Lesson/ Free Evening
(Tuesday, February 19)

Note: Alta Ski Resort offers something for everyone: Ski Base Elevation: 8,530 feet Peak Elevation: 10,550 feet Ski Base Elevation: 2,200 acres Lifts: 1 high-speed quad 1 high-speed triple 2 triple 4 double chairlifts 4 surface lifts Ability: 25% beginner, 40% intermediate, 35% advanced



   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet in JB's restaurant at the hotel.
 Morning: Depart by bus for Alta Ski Resort with a history discussion and video en-route. At the resort the group will split based on ski ability for morning ski lessons: Discover Green Runs. Take your turning skills up the mountain. Ride the chair to the beautiful Albion Basin and ski the green runs back to the base area. Continue to develop your turning skills and confidence, and learn more about adapting to changes in terrain and snow on the green runs. Intro to Blue Runs. Begin skiing some of the easier blue slopes and develop parallel turning skills. These classes focus on control on slightly steeper terrain and the movement necessary to initiate parallel turns. Ski the Upper Mountain. Use all of Alta's lifts to ski any of the groomed blue slopes. Focus on adapting your parallel turn to the more varying terrain and snow conditions encountered on the blue slopes. Beyond the Blues. Ski groomed blue and black slopes as you develop the skills necessary to move beyond intermediate skiing. Short radius turns, carving, pole use, rhythm and gaining confidence are common lesson themes.
 Lunch: Following morning ski lessons, meet at Alf's Restaurant for our group lunch. Alf's features an incredible atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating and beautiful views of Albion Basin and Devil's Castle. Alf's has a great collection of antique skis on display courtesy of the Alf Engen Ski Museum.
 Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring more of Alta's terrain in smaller groups divided by ski ability. In 1935 the U.S. Forest Service retained the noted skier Alf Engen to hike into the area and determine its potential as a future ski area. Alta opened to skiers for the first time on January 15, 1939, offering a single ride on the chair for 25 cents. Alta is one of three remaining ski resorts in America that prohibits snowboarders.
 Dinner: Experience one of the many fine restaurants in downtown Salt Lake City on you own. A list of various local favorite restaurants (all within walking distance from the hotel), will be provided by group leader. The Group Leader will also escort participants to a local restaurant to be determined by group. Options Include: Bambara- noted for its full exhibition kitchen The Bayou with a Cajun influenced menu The Garden Restaurant located on the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. JB's Restaurant in hotel Plus many other options within walking distance of hotel.
 Evening: Free evening to explore downtown Salt Lake City and visit historic Temple Square or the Conference Center where local docents can guide you through the historic buildings.
   
Accommodations: Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Solitude Ski Resort / New Natural History Museum of Utah / "Through Native Eyes" an in-depth understanding of the Utah Native American People.
(Wednesday, February 20)

Note: Solitude offers 65 named runs and three bowls spread over 1,200 acres and features terrain for every ability level. 20% Beginner 50% Intermediate 30% Advanced/Expert Average Snowfall: Over 500 inches Top Elevation: 10,035 ft. Base Elevation: 7,988 ft. Vertical Drop: 2,047 ft. Total Acreage: 1,200 acres Snow making: Coverage of 5 lifts/21 runs/150 acres Lifts: 3 High-speed Quads, 2 Quads, 1 Triple, 2 Doubles.



   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a huge breakfast buffet in JB's Restaurant.
 Morning: Load bus to Solitude Ski Resort with history discussions en-route. Group divided by ski ability into smaller groups for exploration of the mountain.
 Lunch: Meet at Last Chance Mining Camp located conveniently adjacent to The Village at the base for a delicious group lunch. Enjoy sharing stories of the best runs from morning skiing with other group members while you savor fresh wraps, pizza, grilled specialties, hearty soups, baked goods and delicious Chile. Or you can sample the Mexican menu featuring burritos and fajitas.
 Afternoon: Enjoy more skiing on the slopes of Solitude this afternoon. Again this is a resort with a rich history. In the early 1900s, tenacious silver miners gave the name Solitude to the mountain because of their feelings being alone on the mountain for weeks and months at a time. The development of Solitude as a ski area is a rich anecdote. Robert M. Barrett became a millionaire as a Moab uranium miner during the early 1950's. He moved to Salt Lake City and took up skiing. While pursuing his passion at Alta, he was denied restroom access because he walked up the mountain to ski down to save $5 for a lift pass. Barrett was told the restrooms were only for the paying guests. This agitated him a great deal. He declared he would open his own ski area and let any guest use the restroom! Barrett went about purchasing every piece of land available in the canyon adjacent to Alta, started construction in 1956, built nice restrooms and the rest is history. The ski area opened in the fall of 1957.


Depart Solitude at 3:00 PM and return to hotel. Shower, change clothes and depart for the newly constructed Natural History Museum of Utah. Join our expert-led historian as you explore this amazing museum. The building is immediately recognizable due to the 42,000 square feet of standing seam copper that wraps the exterior of the building. The copper is installed in horizontal bands of various heights to represent the layered rock formations seen throughout Utah. Explore nature and science in ten themed galleries, and also step outdoors to experience nature as it's revealed just outside the building.

 Dinner: Enjoy a dinner in the Museum Café.
 Evening: Continue exploring the Natural History Museum then gather in the conference room for an expert-led presentation. Examine Utah History Through Native Eyes and learn about the Navajo,Ute, Shoshone, Goshute, and Paiute people. Gain a unique insight into life from a Native American perspective.
   
Accommodations: Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Snowbird Ski Resort / Dinner in Brigham Young's home "The Lion House" / Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearsal
(Thursday, February 21)

Note: Snowbird: Terrain: 27% Beginner, 38% Intermediate, 35% Advanced Number of Runs: 85 Lifts: 1 tram, 4 quads, 6 doubles Terrain: 27 percent beginner, 38 percent intermediate, 35 percent advanced/expert. Elevation: Top of resort is 11,000-foot Hidden Peak, lowest point on the mountain is bottom of Baby Thunder chairlift at 7,760 feet. The 125-person Tram covers 2,900 vertical feet in approximately seven minutes.



   
 Breakfast: Enjoy JB's breakfast buffet in the hotel.
 Morning: Experience Snowbird Ski Resort and be among the elite who ski this top-rated resort. Enjoy a mountain tour led by an expert guide who will show you the best places to skii and recount the history of Snowbird resort.
 Lunch: Group lunch at Mid-Gad Restaurant which is located mid-mountain in Gad Valley. Mid-Gad features the largest outside patio seating area at Snowbird with some of the best mountain views in the state.
 Afternoon: Enjoy skiing "The Greatest Snow on Earth" at Snowbird. Snowbird opened for skiing in 1971 but the resort has a storied history including being completely wiped out at one point by a series of avalanches. A unique aspect of the modern resort is The Peruvian Express Chairlift and Tunnel opened in December of 2005, allowing easier access to Mineral Basin through a 600-foot, one-of-a-kind original (the only ski tunnel in North America).
 Dinner: Dinner at "The Lion House". The Lion House is one of Salt Lake City's most famous and enduring landmarks. A truly elegant mansion, the Lion House is decorated with countless antique pieces from a bygone era. Built in 1856 by Brigham Young, the home derives its name from the stone statue of the reclining lion over the front entrance. Within the walls of this historic residence, a warm ambiance beckons you with home cooked recipes and hearty portions.
 Evening: Enjoy our program finale as you experience the sound of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir in the historic Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was built between 1864 and 1867. The roof was constructed in an Ithiel Town lattice-truss arch system that is held together by dowels, rawhide and wedges. The building has a sandstone foundation, and the dome is supported by forty-four sandstone piers. The overall seating capacity of the building is 7000. Enjoy the impressive sound from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The 360 members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir represent men and women from many different background and professions and range in age from 25-60. As Volunteers, they reflect a medley of unique experiences and are brought together by their love for singing and their faith. Their incomparable voices are the common chord that unites to form the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. 11,623 Pipes: Complementing the Choir is the sound of the majestic Tabernacle organ, one of the largest and most distinctive instruments in the world.
   
Accommodations: Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Independent departures
(Friday, February 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet available in the hotel JB's Restaurant anytime between 6:30 - 10:00 AM
 Morning: Complimentary Hotel Shuttle van leaves every half hour to the airport beginning at 6:30 AM. Try to schedule flights after 7:30 AM to use the free hotel shuttle. You can book another week of skiing with us in Park City (Program #7573) and continue to enjoy "The Greatest Snow on Earth" the following week!
   
Accommodations: Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Salt Lake City, Utah Historic Temple Square
Across from the Plaza Hotel, in walking distance, visit historic Temple Square, where the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performance, and/or have a guided tour of the Conference Center, which has a garden on the roof top, across from Temple Square.
  Downtown Salt Lake City
Explore downtown Salt Lake City, e.g., shopping centers, museums, theaters, and restaurants, by the free UTA TRAX train, or walk, if the location is near by.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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