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Jeremy Pugh

Jeremy Pugh is Salt Lake magazine's Editor. He covers culture, history, the outdoors and whatever needs a look. Jeremy is also the author of the book "100 Things to Do in Salt Lake City Before You Die" and the co-author of the history, culture and urban legend guidebook "Secret Salt Lake."

Nov 13
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PBS Food and Travel Show Moveable Feast Stops in Salt Lake and Park City

By Eat & Drink

The PBS travel food show, Moveable Feast came to Utah to film two of its 10th-season episodes and to set up its iconic “Feasts” at two (also iconic) dining spaces—Log Haven and Park City Mountain Resort’s Lookout Cabin. Moveable Feast combines travel with an emphasis on cooking and an aggressive focus on finding local and honest food purveyors and chefs in each city they visit. The crew, fronted by wisecracking host Alex Thomopoulos, visits purveyors and restaurants and invites chefs to shoot a collection of cooking demonstrations. Its signature is a breathtaking aerial shot of “The Feast,” a grand table filled with the local chefs, purveyors they’ve met and local food lovers. Yes, it’s a BIG production.

An aerial shot of the “Feast” table at Log Haven. The show’s producers use drones to film the final shot of every episode. Photo by Cali Warner

Photo by Cali Warner

In Utah, Alex and the crew tapped Salt Lake City restaurant Chefs Viet Pham (Pretty Bird), Dave Jones (Log Haven) and Lavanya Mahate (Saffron Valley) to showcase their culinary techniques for the show’s cooking demonstrations. They also featured ingredients from local purveyors like James Fowler (Sugar House Distillery), Wonderland Mushrooms Company, the market Bombay Foods and the International Rescue Committee’s refugee farming program New Roots SLC at Wheeler Farm, among others. At each location, several days are spent shooting setting the grand table on the final night. For the local chefs and purveyors, it’s a chance to share what’s cool about Utah on a national stage. 

Moveable Feast crew filming feast. Photo by Cali Warner

“When the producers first called, we were skeptical,” says Log Haven’s event coordinator Faith Scheffler. “We’ve had film crews here before and they just take the place over to use as a set. But when we learned more about the show, we jumped at the chance. This was about Log Haven and celebrating Utah’s food culture.” 

During the shoot at Log Haven, we spoke with Thomopoulos about the show, which she described as “gentle” in contrast to many aggressive, competitive food shows. (Less Kitchen Nightmares and more “friendly Bourdain.”)

“We meet the people feeding their communities,” she says. “The people who are doing it right. I like to say, they’re doing it with both intention and attention. Everywhere I visit, I learn something and walk away with something new.”

Mahate demonstrates creating a cold tofu salad.

Chef Viet Pham’s chicken dish. 

Dishes prepared by Lavanya Mahate, founder
of Rise Culinary Institute for the Feast at Log Haven

In Utah, for example, Chef Viet Pham led the crew to New Roots SLC, a program by the IRC (one of two agencies that resettle international refugees here in Utah). It teaches refugees who farmed in the country they were forced to flee Utah farming techniques and helps them find markets and co-ops to sell their produce. 

“I was surprised at how many refugees are welcomed in Utah,” Thomopoulos says. “People here receive them with open arms. These are people who are in search of a better life and getting to meet the New Roots Farmers was an example of what I love about this show. We get to share these stories.” 

Thomopoulos, however, is no stranger to Utah. When she was in college she was roommates with Bill Coker and Lucy Cardenas, owners of beloved Salt Lake restaurant Red Iguana, who were guests at the moveable feast film in at Log Haven. 

“The first thing I did when I landed was go to Red Iguana,” she says. “Lucy and Bill are like family to me.”  

Lavanya Mahate (left) Log Haven Chef Dave Jones, Moveable Feast host Alex Thomopoulos and Pretty Bird’s Chef Viet Pham. Photo by Cali Warner.

Locals in the Spotlight

The two Moveable Feast episodes filmed in Utah featured many local purveyors, chefs and products. 

•Log Haven and Chef David Jones

•Chef Viet Pham of Pretty Bird

•Chef Lavanya Mahate, Founder of Rise Culinary Institute

•Park City Mountain Resort’s Lookout Cabin and
Chefs Alex Malmborg and Zeke Wray 

•Loulia Greek Olive Oil Company and the
Park City Farmers Market

•Grace and Milan Bronchella owners of Wonderlands Mushrooms

•James Fowler, owner and distiller at Sugar House Distillery

•Cheesemaker Fernando Chavez-Sandoval of
Gold Creek Farms, Woodland, Utah

•Sierra Govett from New Roots Community Farm

•Pratap Singh from Bombay Foods 

Park City Mountain Executive Chef Alex Malmborg gives a cooking demonstration with the show’s host Alex Thomopoulos at Lookout Cabin. Photo by Cali Warner.

Ready For My Close Up? Not.

The day after the first night “Feast” at Log Haven, which I attended as a guest, I received a frantic call from show producers Tiffany Thompson and Kat Kingsley. “Alex is sick,” Thompson says. “Would you be willing to be a backup host?”

Wait. What? I mean. Why not? So the morning of the shoot at Park City Mountain Resort, I took the Orange Bubble Express up to Lookout Cabin to be a television host. As it turns out, host Alex Thomopoulos, recovered from a bout of altitude sickness and I was off the hook. Honestly, I had no idea how I would have done that. Basically, it was a huge relief. 

But the crew did have a job for me after all. I helped Thomopoulos (and by helped, I mean did what she told me to do) during a cooking demonstration featuring salmon glazed with Sugar House Distillery’s Bourbon and a melon salad made with Loulia Greek Olive Oil and cheese from Gold Creek Farms that was served at the Feast. Meanwhile, I prattled on about Park City and Salt Lake City history and whatnot. How much of this ended up on the cutting room floor will be determined when the show airs in December. 

Editor Jeremy Pugh with Moveable Feast host Alex Thomopoulos.

Moveable Feast hosts

How to Watch

The 10th Anniversary season of Moveable Feast is underway. The Salt Lake City episode with Log Haven is scheduled to broadcast on Nov. 18 and the Park City episode featuring Lookout Cabin at Park City Mountain Resort will air on Dec. 16, as the season finale. Check listings at PBS Utah. The show is also available streaming on Apple TV and for PBS Passport members. pbsutah.org, pbs.org

Oct 30
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Editor’s Note: ‘I Want Time With You’

By Community

Every single one of us can remember at least one Christmas when what was under the tree was exactly what we wanted. We were, of course, kids who still believed in Santa Claus and the holiday still held its magic. After the morning, we would link up with friends and ask, “What’d you get?” Compare gifts in some sort of materialistic playground one-upmanship. Mine: I got the Millennium Falcon, the Lego Beta-1 Command Base set, an Atari (of course) and a boxed set of The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. I still have the last item but the rest has gone to nieces and nephews, garage sales or the DI (Deseret Industries, Utah’s Goodwill, for you Beehive newbies). 

As we get older, stuff matters less and the “what we got” is as important as what we give. The delight now is creating magic for the young ones and being caring and thoughtful to those we love. Kids are pretty easy, right? They still want stuff. It’s the grown-ups, who don’t need more stuff, who are the hardest to find gifts for. 

Editor's Note
Salt Lake magazine Executive Editor Jeremy Pugh. Photo Natalie Simpson / Beehive Photography

It’s pretty customary for magazines to trot out a gift guide for the holiday issue. We’re not immune to that trope. After all, one of our jobs here at Salt Lake magazine is to offer you discerning advice on where to eat, what to do and, sometimes, what to buy—especially at a time of year when buying stuff is on everyone’s mind. But this year we resisted the temptation to foist more stuff on you. Don’t we all have enough stuff? How, we wondered, can we guide you to gifts that won’t get sent to the Goodwill one day? So we created a holiday gifting guide (“Experience. Not Stuff”). It’s all based on a response my mother gave me when I asked her what she wanted for Christmas, which was: “I want time with you.” 

Give your time. Give something that won’t get put on a shelf or lost in a closet. Give experiences. Imagine your still-spry father opening a giant box and, there, inside, is a gift card good for “One Trip Down the Colorado River Through the Grand Canyon.” Or your vinophile best friend finds a note in their stocking “Good for One Personalized Wine-Tasting Course.” Or the sports nut gets a pack of tickets to the Salt Lake Bees games with a note that says, “Summer will come again.” And more. That’s what we’re talking about. Give out memories that will last and the only thing put on the shelf will be a framed picture of you and your father bucking down the rapids in the Mighty Grand Canyon. 

Happy Holidays!

Oct 27
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St. George’s Latest Desert Escape is Sentierre

By Adventures, Travel

If you’ve been to St. George lately, you know it is increasingly afflicted with a growing stucco sprawl in every direction. But we’ve discovered an oasis in Padre Canyon. Sentierre is a uniquely situated resort and isolated by a moat of protected federal and state lands. A true desert escape found just five hours from the Wasatch Front. 

St. George Resort
Photo by Joshua Horton

St. George Resort
Photo by Joshua Horton

Our vote for the sexiest new resort in St. George goes to Sentierre, an escape uniquely designed by Master Architect Mark Philp to meld with its environment and highlight its unworldly location in Padre Canyon on the edge of Snow Canyon State Park. Just minutes away from the heart of St. George, Sentierre feels far away from the sprawling developments and increasingly madding crowds. The sanctuary boasts 45 individual villas, with private pools and fully appointed kitchens (that can host the resort’s private chef, Edward Wright) strategically scattered across the site to adapt to, rather than disrupt the natural topography. An assortment of moody, minimalist décor is dramatically swathed in rich earth tones to soothe guests while panoramic windows create the illusion of being in, rather than merely observing, the surrounding red rocks. On-site offerings include a communal pool, daily wellness activities, E-bikes and excursions customized by your personal “Path Guide” (see below). “It just washes over you,” says Sentierre’s Marketing Director Jocelyn Andersen. “We want to create a place where you spend time with those that matter most to you and give you a space to strengthen your relationships.” Villas start at $2,000/night.

St. George Resort

Guided Luxury

In addition to its unparalleled location, Sentierre offers guests a personal “Path Guide” to help you design a retreat centered on wellness and your relationships. Path Guides will direct you to hikes and rides in neighboring Snow Canyon (or farther afield) and self-care appointments, creating a highly customized itinerary of activity and relaxation you will never forget.

Oct 23
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Plan-B and Sherlock Holmes Return to the Airwaves

By Arts & Culture, Theater

For many years, in those halcyon pre-COVID days, Plan-B Theatre and KUER’s 90.1’s RadioWest staged radio plays on stage and broadcast live on KUER. The company and radio broadcast are finally back with the world premiere of Sherlock Holmes and the Final Problem on Oct. 27, 2023, at the Jeanne Wagner Theater and broadcast live on KUER for two performances at 11 a.m. and an evening performance at 7 p.m.

Mathew Ivan’s original script, adapted from the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, asks the questions: What if Dr. Watson was a woman and, gasp, what if Sherlock Holmes wasn’t always right? 

On the run from his greatest enemy Professor Moriarty (Jay Perry), Sherlock Holmes (played by Doug Fabrizio) faces a crisis of confidence in his deductive powers, meanwhile, his steadfast companion Dr. Watson (played by Isabella Reader) begins to doubt the mighty detective.

Fabrizio (host of KUER’s RadioWest) returns to the role of Sherlock Holmes he first played in Sherlock Holmes and the Blue Carbuncle alongside Reeder as his Watson. (No word yet whether or not Fabrizio will don Sherlock’s famous headgear and cover up his famous locks during the performance.)

Because the performances will be broadcast live, there will be NO late admissions. (Even though there really never should be late admissions to any production.)

  • What: Plan-B Theatre and KUER 90.1 present Radio Hour: Sherlock Holmes and the Final Problem

  • Where: The Jeanne Wagner Theatre,138 W. 300 South, SLC and broadcast live on KUER 90.1

  • When: Oct. 27, 2023, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

  • Tickets and information: planbtheatre.org

Related: PREVIEW—PLAN-B AND SHERLOCK HOLMES RETURN TO THE AIRWAVES

Oct 08
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Wasatch in the Winter: Salt Lake City Basecamp

By Adventures, Outdoors

The Wasatch Mountains are the heart and soul and backbone of Salt Lake City. This rugged range forms the backdrop for our cities. We look up every day and watch with anticipation as the first snow falls and covers the peaks in what we proudly proclaim the “Greatest Snow on Earth.” Exploring the Wasatch in winter is a multi-billion dollar industry with visitors arriving from around the world to ski and board (mainly) and more importantly the proximity and grandeur of the Wasatch. It’s something we locals get to do every day, and at times, sigh, at times we take it for granted. We bemoan storms, canyon traffic, and, well, just the general hassle of winter (apart from the moisture, which we eagerly celebrate). This winter, let’s stop all the bellyaching and get up there and enjoy the adventures waiting to be had. 

Basecamp #1: Salt Lake City

The two largest canyons within the mountains that tower above Salt Lake City City, Big and Little Cottonwood, are your access to four of Utah’s most famed ski resorts—Brighton/Solitude in Big Cottonwood and Alta/Snowbird in Little Cottonwood. Each canyon has its own vibe that derives from the landscape itself, which, in turn, influences how the resorts make use of the terrain. Big Cottonwood is a wider canyon with more gradual walls, meaning Brighton and Solitude feature wider runs and, for the most part, more gradual inclines. Little Cottonwood, on the other hand, is much more narrow and steep which informs Alta’s and Snowbird’s reputations for steep and, for the most part, narrow runs. 

Salt Lake City Wasatch Mountains
Photo by Austen Diamond /Visit Salt Lake

Solitude Mountain Resort
Photo courtesy of Solitude

Solitude

Snowfall 500” • Acreage 1,200 • Vertical 2,047’

TERRAIN: Solitude is divided into two distinct areas from which to launch your mountain adventures, the Moonbeam and Village bases. Moonbeam generally services day skiers while the Village area is home to most of the resort’s lodging. From the Moonbeam base, you’ll have easy access to the Moonbeam and Eagle Express lifts. From the Village base, the big show is the Apex Express that connects to the Summit Lift and accesses Solitude’s most daunting and rugged terrain, the famed Honeycomb Canyon.
PROVISIONS: On-mountain, you’ll find the Roundhouse, a circular (naturally) day lodge that serves Himalayan mountain food (the butter chicken is lovely) as well as mountain comfort food. For a real dining adventure, book a space at the Solitude Yurt, where, after a nice snowshoe into the woods, you’ll dine at communal tables for this one-seating-a-night gastronomic experience.
ONE COOL THING: The bartenders at the Thirsty Squirrel are Solitude pros. They can give you good advice for finding powder stashes and venturing off-piste while mixing your drinks.  

Brighton

Snowfall 500” • Acreage 1,050 • Vertical 1,875’

TERRAIN: Unpretentious and friendly, Brighton’s sprawling runs attract a young crowd, a large contingent of brash snowboarders. It has the well-deserved distinction of being the resort where most Salt Lakers learn to ski or board. Brighton is also home to Salt Lake’s most prolific night skiing with more than 200 acres of lighted runs.
PROVISIONS:  Brighton keeps it simple—burger, beer, nachos on a sunny patio for your midday reprieve and a full menu at Molly Green’s afterward, which includes the best resort nachos in Utah. The Silver Fork Lodge, below the resort, has great grub, notably a breakfast that includes sourdough pancakes made with a 100-year-old starter.
ONE COOL THING: The views from the top of Snake Creek Pass, accessed by the Great Western and Snake Creek Express lifts, make it the perfect spot for your rub-it-in selfie. 

Snowbird Resort

Snowfall 500” • Acreage 2,500 • Vertical 3,240’

TERRAIN:  Snowbird is known around the world for its steep terrain and long continuous runs. The resort contains three drainages (Mineral, Peruvian Gulch and Gad Valley) all served by its iconic Tram atop Hidden Peak at 11,000 feet above sea level.
PROVISIONS:  We love The Steak Pit, serving dry-aged, prime beef alongside a stellar wine list. Next on our list is Seventy-One, an airy bistro with throwback decor that pays homage to the year Snowbird opened (1971).
ONE COOL THING: The patio outside of The Steak Pit is home to a family of porcupines who make regular appearances to get a snack from the kitchen staff. 

Salt Lake City Wasatch Mountains
Seventy-One at Snowbird Resort. Photo by Adam Barker courtesy of snowbird resort

Alta

Snowfall 551” • Acreage 2,200 • Vertical 2,020’

TERRAIN: Alta’s skiers-only terrain is among the steepest and most scenic in Utah. The famous resort, known for inspiring hikes to chutes and bowls well off the piste, is one of the oldest resorts in America and a key progenitor of the sport of skiing, period.
PROVISIONS: Rustler Lodge is famous for its community tables—single diners and couples can request to be paired with other guests and make new friends over a sumptuous fully coursed dinner. Goldminers Daughter’s beautiful views of the mountain make for the perfect start to your day with its breakfast buffet, and you’ll find the rowdy après ski at the Peruvian (as well as the best nachos on the mountain). And don’t miss the wine list at Alta Lodge.
ONE COOL THING: You can ski both Alta and Snowbird on one ticket. You access the ’Bird via a high mountain gate atop the Sugarloaf lift. However, snowboarders can’t come into Alta.

Alta: ‘Home of the Avalanche’

By 1872, the population of the mining town of Alta Town had grown to several thousand miners and camp followers, and that winter 10 died in a December avalanche. In 1885, 16 were killed in a deadly slide that destroyed the town and left 50 feet of snow on its ruined Main Street. The frequency and deadly nature of the slides prompted The Deseret News to dub Alta the “Home of the Avalanche.” Today avalanches in Little Cottonwood Canyon are still a threat but are mitigated by aggressive avalanche control by the Utah Department of Transportation and the Alta and Snowbird ski patrols. 

Sep 30
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Wasatch in the Winter: Ogden Basecamp

By Outdoors

The Wasatch Mountains are the heart and soul and backbone of Salt Lake City. This rugged range forms the backdrop for our cities. We look up every day and watch with anticipation as the first snow falls and covers the peaks in what we proudly proclaim the “Greatest Snow on Earth.” Exploring the Wasatch in winter is a multi-billion dollar industry with visitors arriving from around the world to ski and board (mainly) and more importantly the proximity and grandeur of the Wasatch. It’s something we locals get to do every day, and at times, sigh, at times we take it for granted. We bemoan storms, canyon traffic and, well, just the general hassle of winter (apart from the moisture, which we eagerly celebrate). This winter, let’s stop all the bellyaching and get up there and enjoy the adventures waiting to be had. 

Basecamp #3: Ogden

The secret is out about Utah’s second city and its easy-to-access resorts—Snowbasin, Nordic Valley and Powder Mountain. In fact, even though both are farther from Salt Lake, they are often easier to get to than Park City and the Cottonwoods when snarled up with traffic. Ogden is the yin to Salt Lake’s clean-cut yang. Ogden-ites pride themselves on their town’s outsider status. Redneck rebels, tattooed, bearded hipsters and hard-drinking old timers all mingle on 25th street where you can play at night after a day on the slopes.

Powder Mountain

Snowfall 500” • Acreage 8,464+ • Vertical 2,205’ Lift-served, 2,500’+ inbounds

TERRAIN: Powder Mountain’s massive size and limited crowds mean you’ll find untracked powder days after a storm. The real adventure lies in Powder Country. Snowcat skiing is available and worth spending a few extra dollars.

PROVISIONS: We love the views and Mexican cuisine at Hidden Lake Lodge. Sundown Pizzeria is another yummy option.

ONE COOL THING:  Mountain Hosts offer complimentary tours of the groomed areas of the resort throughout the day. It’s a perfect way to learn about this massive resort and make new friends. 

Snowbasin Resort

Snowfall 300” • Acreage 2,830 • Vertical 2,915’

TERRAIN: Long runs, a balanced mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain, plus thin crowds, define Snowbasin. The home of the 2002 Olympic games, Snowbasin was revamped in 1998 to include two gondolas and a high-speed quad.

PROVISIONS: We can’t get enough of the 360° views and gigantic fireplace at the John Paul Lodge.

ONE COOL THING: The bathrooms, yes, bathrooms at Snowbasin are shockingly luxurious, including sitting rooms, marble tile, bronze chandeliers, wood inlay details and impeccable cleanliness. 

Ogden Winter
Bathrooms at Snowbasin Resort Day Lodge. Photo Brian Smyer / Courtesy of Snowbasin

Nordic Valley Resort

Snowfall 300+” • Acreage 450+ • Vertical 1700‘ • Peak Elevation 7,060′

TERRAIN: Nordic Valley packs a wide variety of terrain into a growing but still feels un-crowded, space. About half of the terrain is intermediate. A terrain park packed with features helps keep things interesting. Alpine Lift delivers advanced runs, including Chainsaw and Falling Star, while beginners can build confidence on Old Barn Run.

PROVISIONS: Relax, warm up and grab a bite at The Grill, which offers BBQ, pizza, grilled items and sandwiches. For more options, head to Ogden or the Shooting Star Saloon in Huntsville (the oldest bar in Utah). 

ONE COOL THING: There’s more powder to be had after dark at Nordic Valley so skip the après and try night skiing instead. Night skiing at Nordic Valley runs until 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and  8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Sep 27
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Satire How to Drive in Utah

By Utah Lore

so you moved to Utah and you’re like, “Mom, the drivers here are THE WORST.” And your mom is like, “Are you going to turn Mormon?” That last part is up to you but meanwhile let us set you straight on the rules of the road in the Beehive State.

Utah Drivers

Yellow lights: More of an option here in Utah. You need to get to your date with utahisrad82. If you have to stop at a red light, for some reason, you can text utahisrad82 and let them know that you’ll “BRT.” Don’t worry about when the light turns green. Finish your text. We’ll wait.

Utah Drivers

Turn signals: These are optional and more of a question, really. Like, “Hey I was thinking about coming over into your lane as indicated by this blinky light. May I?” No. You may not.

Four-way stops: Driver’s ed was sooo long ago. Who can even remember how they are supposed to work? Just treat them like a game of chicken.

Merging: Under no circumstances let anyone in. You have to win at all costs. We hear tell about something called a “zipper.” This a myth perpetuated by carpet baggers from back east, somewhere.

Utah Drivers

Left-hand turns: If you are proceeding through the intersection and a driver turning left misjudges the distance and turns in front of you, DO NOT reduce speed. Make sure you almost, but don’t quite, T-bone them to help them understand what a crappy driver they are. They know what they did.

Roundabouts: These came from somewhere back east or something, Europe? We don’t know how to use these. Let the spirit guide you.

Pedestrians: Why are you even walking? If for some reason you are (are you a Poor?), just realize you are invisible to the people in the giant death-dealing metal boxes who are late for Tinder dates. Those orange flags at the crosswalks are invisible too. But keep waving them like a you’re a signalman on the deck of a clipper ship. It’s funny.

Distance: Just get right up on the bumper of the car in front you. That way they will know you are there.

Speed limits: Either 15 mph more than what the sign says or 15 less. Those signs with the numbers are really just helpful suggestions and an opportunity to practice your basic arithmetic skills.

Speed: Be sure to match the speed of the driver next to you to create a “wedge of self-righteousness” for the drivers behind you. (Thanks for the tip, Dave Hatch). Bonus if you can hang out in the blind spot of the driver next to you.

Cyclists: Are jerks. Buzz them and remember that for you the risk is only a broken side mirror. For them, it’s a potential trip to the hospital and/or death. Optional: Yell, “get a car!” as you make them poop their spandex shorts.

Passing lanes: Huh? All the lanes belong to you. Pick the one that feels right and just hang out. The people behind you will go around and glare at you as they pass. Ignore that.

Sep 25
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Wasatch in the Winter: Park City Basecamp

By Adventures, Outdoors

The Wasatch Mountains are the heart and soul and backbone of Salt Lake City. This rugged range forms the backdrop for our cities. We look up every day and watch with anticipation as the first snow falls and covers the peaks in what we proudly proclaim the “Greatest Snow on Earth.” Exploring the Wasatch in winter is a multi-billion dollar industry with visitors arriving from around the world to ski and board (mainly) and more importantly the proximity and grandeur of the Wasatch. It’s something we locals get to do every day, and at times, sigh, at times we take it for granted. We bemoan storms, canyon traffic and, well, just the general hassle of winter (apart from the moisture, which we eagerly celebrate). This winter, let’s stop all the bellyaching and get up there and enjoy the adventures waiting to be had. 

Basecamp #2: Park City

Park City is a world-renowned ski destination and the home of Park City Mountain (the resort) and Deer Valley, both situated near the actual town of Park City and its lively Historic Main Street and iconic town lift (serving Park City Mountain). Lodging and nightlife abound, drawing visitors from around the world in every season.

Sundance Mountain Resort

Snowfall 300” • Acreage 450 • Vertical 2,150’

THE TERRAIN: Founded by film legend Robert Redford, who named the resort after his iconic turn in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Sundance is a dose of the Old West. The resort’s upper reaches are home to its advanced terrain, and there is no better place to be on a powder day than Bishop’s Bowl. The right side is where those who like to cruise will find beautifully groomed runs, and the lifts at the base area are home to varied and interesting beginners’ terrain.

PROVISIONS: The Tree Room is Sundance’s most elegant and award-winning restaurant. Locals from Provo often drive up the canyon just to dine at this restaurant named for the giant tree it was built around. Up on the resort’s highest peak, you can enjoy the views at Bear Claw Cabin while taking a break in this fast-casual lodge.

ONE COOL THING: Robert Redford had the wooden 1890s bar in the Owl Bar packed up and moved from Thermopolis, Wyo. to Sundance. It was once frequented by Butch Cassidy’s Hole in the Wall Gang. 

Park City Winter
Photo courtesy of Deer Valley Resort

Deer Valley Resort

Snowfall 300” • Acreage 2,026 • Vertical 3,000

TERRAIN: Deer Valley is known for its perfectly groomed runs and stellar service. With 21 lifts, including 12 high-speed quads, lines are the exception rather than the rule. Head to Flagstaff Mountain for a selection of blue cruisers. Sorry snowboarders, Deer Valley is a ski-only resort.

PROVISIONS: Dining is a significant part of the Deer Valley experience. The Alps-inspired Fireside Dining at the Empire Canyon Lodge is a guest favorite. Don’t miss Deer Valley’s famous turkey chili available at the Silver Lake and Snow Park lodges.

ONE COOL THING: Kids receive special attention at Deer Valley. Ski school is available for ages three and up, while state-licensed childcare options are available from two months of age. 

Park City Mountain

Snowfall 360” • Acreage  7,300 • Vertical 3,200’

TERRAIN: Variety and size set Park City apart from other ski areas. It sits on 7,300 acres, including 300+ trails, 41 lifts, terrain parks and eight half-pipes. The mountain is divided into two base areas, Park City and Canyons Village. For blue runs, there are a lot of great choices off King Kong lift. Powderhounds will find the goods off Thaynes and Motherload Express.

PROVISIONS: Try The Farm for elegant dining, including regionally sourced ingredients. On the mountain, you can’t beat the views over fondue from Lookout Cabin.

ONE COOL THING: Visit the ski-in/ski-out High West Distillery at the base of Park City’s Quittin’ Time run. 

The Story Behind Deer Valley’s Infamous Ski Run Solid Muldoon

 It was one of the most famous hoaxes of the era. In 1877, using a mixture of ground bones, blood, meat, mortar and plaster, a Colorado trickster named George Hullmolded molded a missing-link man, kiln-fired his creation, then half-buried him in a hillside. Hull’s paid associate, William Conant “discovered” him, and the whole nation wanted a peek at the “petrified man.” The oversized figure was touring the country when someone likened him to a famous wrestler, William Muldoon, nicknamed “The Solid Muldoon.” The name stuck. It’s rumored that P.T. Barnum was in on the hoax, ginning up hype by “offering” $20,000 for the creation. Finally, The New York Times dug up the truth and now all that’s left of the Solid Muldoon is a popular groomer near Deer Valley’s Carpenter Express lift. — Heather Hayes

Explore more of the Wasatch Mountains from the Salt Lake City base camp and the Odgen Basecamp.

Aug 31
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Editor’s Note: Salt Lake Changes, Again

By Community

Here’s A quiz. In the early ’90s, I was a student at Utah State University, working at the student newspaper. Our advisor, the great Jay Wamsley, knew someone at the Utah Jazz. And, once in a while, I’d get a pass to sit on the baseline with actual photographers. (Meaning: The guys who called me “kid” and told me to stay out of the way.) I still have a file of negatives from my Minolta of Karl Malone dunking over Hakeem Olajuwon, John Stockton’s no-look dish to Karl and, then, Clyde “The Glide” Drexler shutting it down. (Sorry, Karl, it happened, kind of a lot.)

QUESTION: Where was I?

Ding. Ding. Ding. You are correct!

And now, the Delta Center is back—at least name-wise. But, in the decades among the slow-mo head-fakes of naming rights, things sure have changed up here on Walton Mountain. This issue is a celebration of and (a worry about) all that change in Salt Lake.

First, we present a comprehensive guide to the stalwarts of our arts community who are coming out emphatically with bold fall seasons, as evidenced by the dancer on our cover, Ursula Perry of Repertory Dance Theater. (“Brava! Encore! The Fall Arts Preview,” page 64).

Executive Editor Jeremy Pugh. Photo by Natalie Simpson

Next, we once again, emphatically (and a bit wearily) refute the statement “You can’t get a drink in Utah.” This statement is fiction. And we have 20 of Utah’s best bartenders who will Slap. Those. Words. Out. Your. Mouth. And offer you a glass of something you’ve never tasted, in ways you’ve never tasted it. These are the entrants to our 2023 Farm-to-Glass Cocktail Contest (page 81). We invite you to help us judge their efforts and help us decide the “One Cocktail to Rule Them All.” It’s a heavy burden but one that we expect you will shoulder gladly. 

Now we come full circle. 

Our story “The Great Salt Lake: From a Bird’s Eye View” found its way into these pages because Utah State University graduate, Clarissa Casper, at the urging of her professor, the great Matthew LaPlante, persistently sent it our way. It’s a beautiful love song to the birds that rely on the lake and the danger its disappearance will mean for these creatures. 

Go Aggies. 

Jul 27
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Summertime Treats to Beat The Heat: Shaved Ice and Milkshakes

By Eat & Drink

Remember when we were all complaining about the cold? And now…it’s 100 degrees outside and even your hair follicles are sweating. This summer, the brain freeze is definitely worth it in order to taste these irresistible local frozen treats. Here are our favorite frozen treats to beat the heat in Utah: Milkshakes and Shaved ice.

Hawaiian ‘Shave’ Ice

What it is not: A snow cone

What it is: Shaved ice—which Hawaiians shorten to just “shave ice”— is finer and softer than the ice used in snow cones, so it melts on the tongue. It has a long history—some date its origin to 7th century Taiwan. The Japanese who came to work in Hawaiian sugar plantations brought shaved ice along with them and it became a signature island treat. Now it’s everywhere. Hawaiians, of course, take it up a notch and hide a dollop of silky ice cream, coconut milk or condensed milk underneath the icy surface. 

Who does it best?

How to Do it Yourself:

Process 6 cups of ice (2 cups at a time) until they are fine, not crunchy. Use the pulse function to do this. Place a scoop of ice cream in each serving dish, top with shaved ice and drizzle with flavored syrup (simmer 1 pound of pitted peeled plums with 1⁄2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until the sugar has dissolved; cook further about 20 minutes. Strain and chill until ready to use). Serve over a scoop of ice cream or sweetened condensed milk. Sprinkle with coconut flakes.

Milk Shakes

What it is not: Ice cream

What it is: To be clear, there are two kinds of milkshakes—the soft-serve one served at fast food restaurants that is so thick you can’t suck it through a straw and the one made with ice cream and milk. We call these “real” milkshakes, but we like both.

Who Does it Best?

  • The Orginal Iceberg Drive Inn opened in 1960 and at first served “real” milkshakes. But customers requested a thicker shake, and owner Lamar Scrensen developed the Famous Thick Shake, so thick it stands inches above the rim of the cup. 3900 S. 900 East, SLC, icebergdriveinn.com

  • Tonyburgers serves the best “real” milkshake in town. Made with scoops of ice cream blended with milk and flavoring, you can suck it up through a straw and drive a car at the same time! 613 E. 400 South, SLC, tonyburgers.com

How to Do it Yourself:

To make a thick shake like the ones at Iceberg Drive Inn, you really need special equipment. But to make a real milkshake, just bring out the blender. Let your ice cream soften a bit before using it. Place 4 scoops in a blender with 1/4 cup of whole milk and a few drops of vanilla. Blend, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides, until it’s as thick as you like it. It’s pretty to top it with whipped cream and a cherry, but that’s up to you!