We're on our way!

Greetings all,
We are on our way to Utah tomorrow so wanted to give one more update on the blog.  It's still snowing out there.  6" at Deer Valley yesterday, and potentially another 3-6 tomorrow through Saturday.  Alta, Snowbird, and Solitude had 7" yesterday and could have up to 10 more by Saturday.  Woo Hoo!!!
While this weekend's snow may be the last for the week, hopefully some of our secret stashes will keep some powder for everyone to enjoy.  Don't worry, as Jack's Bar Mitzvah guests, you all will have access to some of our favorite runs.
The weather overall for the week looks excellent.  Snow coming to an end on Sunday, pretty cold on Monday (high of 30) and then upper 30's to mid 40's with mostly sunshine for the rest of the week. 

Here are a few other tips and reminders:
We'll be starting our days out early, usually heading up the mountain at 9:00 and doing a few runs on the front side to warm up.  Catch us out there as you drop the kids off at ski school for the day.

Lunch for us at Deer Valley is always going to be at either Silver Lake or Empire Lodge-the Turkey Chili is not to be missed!!  Stay in touch via text message to meet up for lunch.

We have a back room set aside at Main Street Pizza and Noodle Company on Thursday night for dinner for whomever would like to come.  Thinking about potentially going tubing after skiing before dinner.  We'll get the word out if we do.

Don't forget on Friday we are road tripping to either Solitude or Snowbird (probably Solitude).  Either is about a 45minute-1 hour drive from Deer Valley but well worth it.  Both a true taste of big mountain skiing with spectacular scenery.  Anyone is welcome to join us.

HERE IS THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
For the Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, if you have not yet done so, please let us know if you will be skiing or taking the shuttle (if you are staying at the Montage, the Bar Mitzvah is just a short walk next door to Empire Lodge).  If you are going to take the shuttle, you can meet it at Snow Park Lodge at 8:45.  This is also where those who are skiing to the service will begin.  We recommend being ready to get on the lift by 8:45 (lifts technically open at 9:00 but we may be able to start early).   Also, remember the service will be outside so dress appropriately. 
Directions to the service if skiing (not to worry if you're a beginner, it's Green runs the whole way there)  :

• From Snow Park Base take the Carpenter lift up.
• Take a short run on Silver Link and Trainer. These runs are never labeled-just ski away from Carpenter towards the back side of the mountain and  hang a right at the bottom of the first section-heading towards Silver Lake Lodge and to the Quincy Express Lift.
• Take the Quincy Express Lift to the top.
• Ski to Empire Lodge via the Bandana ski run.  Follow the signs to Empire Lodge (if you see a trail for Lucky Jack off of Bandana, that will get you there too!).  Service begins at the Empire Lodge at 9:30 AM.  There will be a lite kiddush brunch after the service before we head back out on the slopes
• .Here is an interactive trail map so you can see where you'll be headed

The party continues that night at the Wasatch Brew Pub on Main Street at 7:00.  Dress is very casual.  Ski town chic (JEANS!!).
Can't wait to see you all out there!  Happy Passover and Pray for Snow!
Love,
Ken, Ang, Jack, and Sam

Ski Rentals and Lift Tickets

Greetings all,
Only a few weeks until Jack's Mitzvah in the Mountains and we hope everyone is getting as excited as we are. We do have some good news in that we've been able to arrange for discounted lift tickets at Deer Valley.  The regular day rate for a lift ticket is $102 but we've been able to secure the group rate of $81 for a single day ticket.  See this link for additional pricing details.  The only issue is that we need to pay for them with a single form of payment.  Thus, if you want to take advantage of the discounted tickets, you must email us with your order (number of skiers, number of days, etc.) and then get a check to us for the full amount of your order (preferably before we leave for Utah on 3/22).
If you've signed up for ski school, depending on the age of your kids, the lift ticket may be included so double check that prior to making your order.  Additionally, if you are thinking about taking a day off or going somewhere else to ski (NOTE-We may encourage everyone to do a short road trip to either Solitude or Snowbird on Friday, 3/29 so snowboarders and skiers can ride together and also to provide a different kind of experience for everyone) then don't include Friday in your order for Deer Valley.  Let us know if you have any other questions.

If you haven't made plans for your ski rentals yet, here are a few thoughts in addition to what was in the previous post:
The most expensive (but perhaps most convenient) is Deer Valley ski rental.  While you pay a bit extra, the rental shop is right at the mountain.  However, depending on when you arrive, you may want to arrange for ski rental delivery right to where ever you are staying.  There are several shops that do this and while you pay more than the regular rental rates, the convenience factor is huge.  You can arrange your delivery for the afternoon or night you arrive or even for the morning of your first day of skiing.  Ski n See/ARCS seems to have the best delivery rates from what I can tell.  If you use Promo Code PCCVB25 you should save additional money. They also have a location near the Silver Lake Lodge in DV in case you need to switch out gear for any reason.  D2D also has good delivery rates and are associated with Christy Sports, which has locations all over Park City including a demo center midmountain at DeerValley.  Whether you are getting delivery or picking up in store at a ski shop, make sure you reserve online before you go, which always gets you a discounted rate.  See prior post for additional suggestions.

Also, don't forget to make dinner reservations.  See the previous post for a link to a list of restaurants and again, feel free to call or email us for suggestions.  Additionally, if you want to meet up with us, on Thursday, 3/28, the Main Street Pizza and Noodle Company is setting aside its back room for us and anyone in the group who wants to meet us there.  It's very casual with pizzas, pastas, salads and beer.  We'll be there around 7:00.  Feel free to show up whenever you'd like.

There will be at least one more blog post prior to the Bar Mitzvah that will include details, logistics, and trail maps for getting to the service.  If you think you'll be taking the shuttle instead of skiing to the service, please let us know.
Can't wait to see you all there!
Pray for Snow!
Ken, Andrea, Jack, and Sam

Trip Planning

Hey all,
Well, the invitations have been sent and we are so excited about how many of you will be joining us in Utah for Jack's Bar Mitzvah.  Make sure you check out the lodging links to the right or call us if you want help in finding a place to stay.  For those of you that might need to sign up for ski school, here is the link.  We would suggest that you sign up as soon as possible so it doesn't sell out.  You can always cancel up to 48 hours before the lesson if you decide not to use it. 

If you're going to be renting equipment, here is a list of potential places to do so.  They are all priced somewhat comparably and most give a 20% discount if you reserve online.  Some even deliver to your door (which might be a good option for those of you who don't arrive until late in the evening-you can have the delivery show up early the next morning and still be out to the slopes before first chair!).

Jans Sports (book at the flagship store, rather than the St. Regis which is more expensive). 

Christy Sports (has a midmountain test center at Deer Valley if you want to demo some different skis during the day)

Black Tie Skis (Delivery)

Aloha Sports (Offers delivery)

Deer Valley Rental (No discounts but convenience because at the mountain).

Silver Star (Off the beaten path and not easy to find, but if you're a gear geek, they have great demos!)

If you are interested in what other activities Park City has to offer, then click here: PC Activities.  You'll find links for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hot air ballooning, spas, etc.

Finally, here is a list of restaurants in Park City.  We've been to almost all so call us for recommendations.
Can't wait to see you all on the slopes!

FARES HAVE DROPPED!

Depending on the day you're traveling, fares on several flights have dropped.  I saw as low as $318.  Check Delta, United, and Expedia.

Early Season Snow

The view from Empire Lodge (the location of Jack's Bar Mitzvah) !!  Hopefully bodes well for a great ski year. Unfortunately plane fares remain high but perhaps can be offset by the plethora of great lodging deals to be had right now. Be sure and let us know if you have any questions about trip planning.

Start Thinking About Travel Plans

Greetings all,
For those of you considering joining us in Utah this spring for Jack's Bar Mitzvah, we've updated the blog with some links for you to begin exploring your travel planning.  We'll be out there from 3/23-3/31 (the Bar Mitzvah date is 3/30).  Come for as long as you'd like!  Park City and Deer Valley are right next to each other, nothing more than a five minute ride away.  We recommend getting a condo or home for the time you'll be out there but there are traditional hotel rooms available as well.  We'll be staying close to the Deer Valley Resort where the Bar Mitzvah will be taking place but if you have snowboarders in your crew, you may want to think about staying closer to Park City or the Canyons (sorry, they'll have to strap on skis if they're coming to the service as Deer Valley does not allow snowboarders).  You'll find several different rental companies on the right hand side of this page, all of which we've used before.  Currently, Resort Property Management has a 25% off deal. They will honor that deal until the end of September if you ask for Sean Herwitt and tell them you are with the Kramer Bar Mitzvah.  I also think that they have the most diverse offerings for all sizes and prices of places.  Resort Quest is now connected to Wyndham so you might be able to use Wyndham points there.  They've also agreed to give 10% off to our party.  Resorts West is mostly upscale properties.  We've had a lot of luck with VRBO in the past as well.  We've also provided a Marriott link as they have three properties in Park City any of which may work for you depending on your budget. The Marriott Mountainside is on Park City mountain, the Marriott Summit Watch is on Main Street (might be a good option if you have people in your party who won't be skiing or boarding), and the Park City Marriott is only about a mile or so away and the most budget friendly.  If you're looking for something really luxurious, the Stein Erikson Lodge is on the mountain and consistently voted one of the top hotels in the country.  The new Montage Deer Valley is steps away from where the Bar Mitzvah will be taking place and the St. Regis is also on the mountain and a Starwood property if you have points.

As we've stayed at a lot of different properties and know the area really well, please call or email us if you are close to booking something and we can make sure you're looking in the right areas and can give you our recommendations. 

Unfortunately, airfares right now are through the roof.  The cheapest I've seen lately is $457/person which is about $100 more than we usually pay to get there from Chicago.  If you have miles, perhaps that can be an option otherwise, the Southwest fares will be out in a few weeks and hopefully that will bring prices down.  There are airfare sites linked on the right hand side of the blog as well.

Finally, if you're not a skier, don't worry, we'll be posting links to other winter activities soon (cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, ziplining, bobsledding, museums, shopping, dining, etc.).

Save the Date

Greetings Friends and Family! Have you ever considered taking a ski vacation? If so, then we invite you to consider joining us in Deer Valley, Utah next spring for Jack's Bar Mitzvah. The ceremony will take place on March, 30, 2013 at Empire Lodge in Deer Valley (note: while we are certainly going to encourage people to ski to the location, you will not need to. Shuttles will be available).  The date is right around spring break (if you're in HP or Deerfield, it's the second Saturday of ours) so if you're looking for a great excuse to spend some time in the mountains, please save the date.
Check this blog frequently for updates, important links, and more information soon (If you become a follower of the blog you can receive an email when it's updated).