Vail & Park City top Boyd's list after an epic few decades skiing
Boyd had the ski monkey put on his back at the age of three and has since travelled the world in pursuit of big mountains, cold days and great snow.
That journey has taken him to over 50 ski resorts in nine countries, from interlinked European super-resorts to the powder paradises of North America. And out of all those many, many runs it’s just a couple of resorts in the USA that really stand above all the others: Vail and Park City.
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- How long have you worked at Skimax?
Two years
- Skier or Snowboarder & how many years?
I know I’ve only ever skied, but how many years? I dunno….about 40?
- Favourite Ski Destination?
There are two that stand out for being Overall Ace At Everything: Vail in Colorado and Park City in Utah
- What do you love about these resorts the most?
Vail is the first ski brand of any sort that stuck in my head, so it was top of the list for my first US ski trip and it certainly didn’t disappoint. And on revisits over the years it has just got better and better. Park City is so great and so easy – just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City Airport, and most accommodation is an easy walk to and from lifts.
- Best place for coffee?
In Vail my pick is Loaded Joe’s. Reliably excellent coffee, simple but good snacks, and how great to see them taking over the space formerly occupied by that multi-national coffee company – the little guy wins!
If you want a taste of home, head to Campos in Park City. Good honest strong coffee from this Australian company
- Best place for apres?
Vail has the best apres scene of any US resort, whatever your budget. Garfinkel’s (or Garf’s to the regulars) in Lionshead is the pick for the winning combo of sun deck, live music, big screen sports and decent prices.
Before you ask, YES you can get a drink in Utah. Dig deep or smash the credit card in any number of fine hotel cocktail bars if you’re felling indulgent, otherwise chase the value crowd to No Name Saloon for beers and burgers on a budget on the heated rooftop terrace.
- Best village dining and favourite dish?
In Vail make sure you try The Blü Cow. They have Ernst’s Famous Über Soup, a blend of 23 herbs and vegies in a chicken noodle soup, guaranteed to cure any ill!
Park City’s worst kept secret is El Chubasco. Excellent authentic Mexican served fast and cheap. Try the Mexican Style Tacos.
- Special occasion dinner spot?
The hottest fine dining in Vail for the last few years has been Sweet Basil. Try anything with their Whiskey Maple Pork Belly.
Park City is awash with really good steak restaurants, you can’t go wrong. But for a menu with more imagination and flair, impeccable service and wonderful ambiance book yourself a table at Riverhorse on Main.
- What should visitors not leave your resorts without doing?
The back bowls in Vail are lift serviced and accessible to all but beginners. There’s no excuse to miss out on this incredible side of the mountain.
For a different kind of thrill, give the Alpine Coaster in Park City a go. It’s a leisurely haul up, then a scenic two minute scream back down to the valley floor on this gravity powered roller coaster.
- What item should visitors take back with them?
Take a little piece of the Winter Wonderland of Vail back to our summer Christmas, with souvenir shops throughout the village selling adorable Christmas Tree Ornaments.
In Park City, take an afternoon to visit the Outlets mall, home to loads of big brands such as Oakley, Nike and Calvin Klein.
- Any other tips to making the most of your stay in these resorts?
Both Vail and Park City are really close to many other stunning resorts. If holiday allowance and budget allow, expand your holiday plans to ski a few more resorts.
