Jean-George comes to the St. Regis Deer Crest slopeside at Deer Valley

Where Can You Find Chef Jean-George After the New Year?
Posted By Christina Bohnstengel on December 8th, 2009

ShareHaute Living cover profile and beloved chef of haute cuisine Jean-Georges Vongerichten has had quite the busy year, but that certainly doesn’t mean that he is sitting back resting on his tasty treats of success. In his latest venture, the divine chef of fine dining is bringing his culinary skills to the Wild West, just in time to please the palates of Utah’s ski enthusiasts.

Lucky residents and visitors descending upon Deer Valley are in for some of the finest culinary delights in the region with the debut of J&G Grill, located slope-side at the new St. Regis Deer Crest Resort. While Jean-Georges admitted his passion for skiing in a press release, only Haute Living readers will know what the famous chef of fine dining craves from fast food joints, both in New York and on the road. Don’t believe it might be Wendy’s or the Shake Shack? Check out his Haute Living cover article, where he sat down with Daniel Boulud and Masaharu Morimoto to find out for sure.

But back to the valley. “Deer Valley is a beautiful place that has some of the best skiing in the world,” said Jean-Georges Vongerichten. “With the opening of my first J&G Grill at The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort, I’m excited to merge two of my greatest passions: cooking and skiing. The menu will have beautifully grilled items and a selection of my favorite recipes from my restaurants around the world, made with the best and freshest ingredients from the region.” Try it out in January and let your tastebuds be the judge.

A Touch of Excellence

St. Regis Deer Crest Resort is open

By Mike Gorrell
The Salt Lake Tribune

Updated: 12/04/2009 11:31:09 PM MST

Park City » Befitting the luxury evident around every corner of the St. Regis Deer Crest Resort hotel, even the ribbon-cutting ceremony culminating Friday's grand opening had an upper-crust flair to it.

Two white-gloved butlers politely took their place in front of a dozen scissors-wielding dignitaries. Walking backward in opposite directions, they unrolled the ribbon from a scroll, revealing the hotel's coat-of-arms insignia imprinted on the material. Then, with a dozen quick snips almost drowned out in the applause of 150 invited guests, the $320 million hotel officially opened on the eve of Deer Valley's 2009-10 ski season opener.

Just for good measure, hotel General Manager Michael Hatzfeld capped the ceremony by stepping out onto a slope-side balcony and lopping the top off a champagne bottle with a sabar. He then began filling glasses for bubbly toasts to the second top-echelon, brand-name hotel to open in the Park City area this year. The Dakota Mountain Lodge, a Waldorf Astoria hotel in the Hilton chain, entered the market in July.
"Park City deserves something like this," said Kirsten Whetstone, a senior planner for the city who has monitored the project since its inception. "It's just beautiful."
Walk into the lobby and a large, square piece of glass art work magnifies and distorts the flames burning in a fireplace behind it. Head into the main ballroom and the eye turns quickly to elaborate chandeliers dangling from the high ceiling. Original artwork of all styles and persuasions adorns the walls.
The art alone "cost a small fortune," said Michael Zaccaro, of Falcon Investors LLC, the ownership group's representative overseeing the hotel built by Okland Construction and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.
Zaccaro was chosen for that role for one good reason -- he doesn't ski. That means he won't be distracted by a bluebird day to skip out on work for a few runs. The reward for that kind of nose-to-the-grindstone type of dedication, he said, is that the people who signed up to own the hotel's 27 private residences and 64 hotel-condominium suites "are pleased with how the hotel came out. We over-delivered on our promise."
As a result, "we will have a much larger percentage of our buyers closing on units over the next 45 days than projects of a similar nature," Zaccaro added. "That's quite reassuring, their level of confidence in this project."
Heaven knows, he acknowledged, the financial difficulties of the past couple of years provided ample reason for prospective buyers to reconsider. But supported by bankers who have been "better than great and honored all of their commitments in a very difficult time," Zaccaro added, the ownership group "has a strong financial base that will allow this hotel to weather the storm and to be successful long-term."
Those lucrative possibilities appealed to Utah government officials at the ceremony.
Lt. Gov. Greg Bell said he felt a sense of "awe and respect [in this] flawless, iconic mountain resort."
And Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, said the hotel is as fine as he has seen in extensive travels in Europe and Asia.
"Deer Valley already has a reputation of excellence," he said. "What St. Regis does is raises that level of excellence."
To Valentine, the opening of this world-class hotel brand also reinforces the state's message that "Utah is an island of economic activity that is still growing. This facility just adds to that reputation and brings money into the state."
mikeg@sltrib.com

St. Regis Deer Crest cuts ribbon

Management calls it one of the most 'grand' of the luxury brand
by Andrew Kirk, OF THE RECORD STAFF
Posted: 12/04/2009 04:16:10 PM MST

One of the most anticipated moments of the winter occurred Friday morning when the ribbon was cut on the St. Regis Deer Crest hotel ushering in a new era in which Park City is expected to have a higher profile and greater exposure among the most wealthy vacationers from the Northeast.
Michael Zaccaro, managing partner of the ownership group Deer Crest Janna, said the vision for an internationally-recognized, five-star-brand hotel was inspired by the site itself.
Perched above and to the east of the base of Deer Valley Resort, the site is adjacent to one of the ski runs in the private community of Deer Crest. From below the site can only be seen from a particular angle near the south tip of Jordanelle Reservoir.
With ski-in, ski-out access, incredible views of the Wasatch Back, situated in one of Park City's most upscale communities adjacent to a resort repeatedly voted No. 1 in America by affluent skiers, something like a St. Regis was the only thing deserving of the site, Zaccaro explained Thursday.
The ownership group in conjunction with the developers, Stan Castleton and DDRM, chose Starwood Hotels' St. Regis brand because of the large and loyal following it has among elite travelers especially those in the Northeast.
General Manager Michael Hatzfeld said St. Regis is excited to be in Park City because being at the best addresses in the best destinations is core to its values. Deer Crest and Deer Valley is one of those addresses and Park City is one of those destinations.
The St. Regis in Aspen, Colo. has been "an iconic ski destination" for the company, but it isn't ski-in, ski-out.
Furthermore, the summer activities in Park City are superior to those in Aspen, he said.
"It's not just a focus on the three or four months of ski season, but the summer months can bring Fortune 500 companies to these destinations," he said.
So as not to overload Deer Crest with traffic, most guests and visitors are brought to the hotel by a funicular starting near the Deer Valley parking lot.
A gondola just wouldn't have done, Zaccaro said. The smooth, roomy and unique experience the funicular ride provides is the perfect introduction to the hotel. It was a focal point in the planning process, he said.
"It's not that much different than an elevator but far more spectacular," he said.
It is the first commercial funicular in the United States, holds 15 people plus luggage and is a 90 second ride that is touted as energy efficient. The views are expansive as well.
"Nothing else has the same impact," he said.
Zaccaro said the condominium-hotel industry was "given a black eye" by the start of the recession, but said the financial structure of the hotel is incredibly sound. The committed buyers are closing at a rate that has soothed fears, he explained.
At the ribbon cutting, Hatzfeld and Starwood senior vice president of operations Carla Murray both said they had been general managers at the Aspen location and both agreed St. Regis Deer Crest was "a little grander."
"This is by far the most spectacular and interesting (St. Regis) I've had the privilege to run in my career," Hatzfeld said.
"Count on us," Murray said during her remarks. "We plan to be an active member of this community."
Lt. Gov. Greg Bell addressed the crowd at Friday's ceremony and said he considered the hotel to be one of the country's most amazing structures. Conceptually, legally, financially and structurally it is a "remarkable" feat, he said, and called its completion despite the recession "miraculous."
As the hotel and its three competitors (Dakota Mountain Lodge, Stein Eriksen Lodge and The Montage) create more world-class amenities it will garner greater world-wide recognition, Zaccaro said adding, all four hotels are "looking forward to working with each other."

The Canyons invites you to join the club

New offering allows frequent skiers to experience resort as a VIP
by Andrew Kirk, OF THE RECORD STAFF
Posted: 11/20/2009 04:40:03 PM MST

This week The Canyons announced a new option for enjoying the resort with VIP status: The Canyons Club.
In short, members get line-cutting privileges, First Tracks every Wednesday and Saturday, access to two special dining options, plus discounts on lodging, lessons, meals, equipment and other resort services.
"It's about allowing (guests) to experience The Canyons in a different way," said vice president of marketing Todd Burnette.
Other resorts in places like Colorado and Vermont have similar clubs, but this will be Utah's first, he said.
Club membership for a couple is about $2,500 and for a family of four is about $5,900.
Heading into what is expected to be another flat season, resorts are acting conservatively, but Burnette said there was no reason to wait to unroll this.
"In our minds, The Canyons Club is a long-term commitment for us," he said. "We see there's a void in the marketplace; no one else offers this kind of service in Park City."
He emphasized that these special services for club members will not come at the expense of other visitors, nor will it compromise the resort's affordable ticket and pass prices.
"With such a big mountain we can appeal to a variety of audiences," he said.
For example, with the line cutting privilege, club members will use the ski school lines that already exist. First Tracks is open to anyone willing to buy a ticket, but including it in the membership opens it up to more people.
The club is also not a snub to locals to attract more destination skiers. To get one's money's worth, a member will need to visit the resort several times making it most appealing to locals looking to enhance their experiences on the mountain, he said.
A significant element of membership is dining privileges. For years, the Viking Yurt has provided a unique and intimate dinner-dining experience on the mountain. The Yurt has been expanded to almost double its seating capacity and lunch and dinner is now available for members.
The Canyons has also secured local chef Barbara Hill to head up a new restaurant, The Alpine House, in The Forum open to members for lunch and après ski before it opens to the public at 5:30.
Hill started Snake Creek Grill in Heber and has worked for some of Park City's finest restaurants including Riverhorse on Main and at Stein Eriksen Lodge.
"Our guests constantly tell us they're interested in additional dining options they want to combine fine dining with ski vacations," he said.
Membership also permits 15 percent off other food and beverage options, he added.
Additional perks of family membership include four free ski or snowboarding lessons for a child plus a week of summer camp. The year-round benefits include full use of the gondola during summer, Grand Summit swimming pool access and even bike storage.
A perk for the resort is that it can introduce new services in a limited way to members as practice before offering them to all guests. For example, instead of just building a new 500-seat restaurant to improve on-mountain dining, the resort can take baby steps with the yurts.
"This is a first step in an evolution of the service level at The Canyons," he said.
Talisker, owner of the resort, has been careful not to over-promise and under-deliver, Burnette said. This gradual introduction of new offerings helps it achieve its goals in an efficient way.
"We will constantly evaluate how it is working and will make it better moving forward," he added.

Why do we KNOW that Park City is the BEST ski town for buying real estate in 2010?

SKI 22nd annual Reader Resort Survey is a guide to North America’s top resorts.

Here’s an update on the state of skiing from the experts: you, our readers. SKI’s 22nd annual Reader
Resort Survey is a guide to North America’s top 30 resorts.

#1: Deer Valley, Utah
‘The ultimate upscale destination resort. Five-star all the way.’

#4: Park City Mountain, Utah
‘An easy and convenient mountain. Very family friendly.’

#20: The Canyons, Utah
‘A little of everything. The more I ski The Canyons, the more I like it.’

18 Individual Category Rankings:

Access
1. Park City Mtn. Resort, Utah
2. Deer Valley, Utah
3. Loveland, Colo.
4. The Canyons, Utah
5. Snowbird, Utah
6. Copper Mountain, Colo.
7. Alta, Utah
8. Solitude, Utah
9. Brighton, Utah
10. Alpine Meadows, Calif.

Weather
1. Solitude, Utah
2. Alta, Utah
3. Deer Valley, Utah
4. Powder Mountain, Utah
5. Vail, Colo.
6. Telluride, Colo.
7. Aspen Highlands, Colo.
8. Park City Mtn. Resort, Utah
9. Snowbird, Utah
10. Snowbasin, Utah

Grooming
1. Deer Valley, Utah
2. Beaver Creek, Colo.
3. Vail, Colo.
4. Northstar-at-Tahoe, Calif.
5. Snowmass, Colo.
6. Mammoth Mountain, Calif.
7. Sun Valley, Idaho
8. Park City Mtn. Resort, Utah
9. Breckenridge, Colo.
10. Solitude, Utah

Lodging
1. Deer Valley, Utah
2. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
3. Sun Valley, Idaho
4. Aspen Mountain, Colo.
5. Beaver Creek, Colo.
6. Telluride, Colo.
7. Park City Mtn. Resort, Utah
8. Vail, Colo.
9. Steamboat, Colo.
10. Snowmass, Colo.

Service
1. Deer Valley, Utah
2. Sun Valley, Idaho
3. Beaver Creek, Colo.
4. Snowbasin, Utah
5. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
6. Northstar-at-Tahoe, Calif.
7. Vail, Colo.
8. Snowmass, Colo.
9. Aspen Mountain, Colo.
10. Telluride, Colo.

Dining
1. Deer Valley, Utah
2. Aspen Mountain, Colo.
3. Sun Valley, Idaho
4. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
5. Telluride, Colo.
6. Vail, Colo.
7. Beaver Creek, Colo.
8. Park City Mtn. Resort, Utah
9. Jackson Hole, Wyo.
10. Steamboat, Colo.

Snow
1. Alta, Utah
2. Powder Mountain, Utah
3. Grand Targhee, Wyo.
4. Solitude, Utah
5. Snowbird, Utah
6. Brighton, Utah
7. Vail, Colo.
8. Steamboat, Colo.
9. Snowmass, Colo.
10. Deer Valley, Utah

On-Mountain Food
1. Deer Valley, Utah
2. Snowbasin, Utah
3. Sun Valley, Idaho
4. Beaver Creek, Colo.
5. Aspen Mountain, Colo.
6. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
7. Snowmass, Colo.
8. Vail, Colo.
9. Aspen Highlands, Colo.
10. The Canyons, Utah

Lifts
1. Mammoth Mountain, Calif.
2. Deer Valley, Utah
3. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
4. Sun Valley, Idaho
5. Snowmass, Colo.
6. Vail, Colo.
7. Snowbasin, Utah
8. Squaw Valley, Calif.
9. Beaver Creek, Colo.
10. Jackson Hole, Wyo.

Apres-Ski
1. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
2. Aspen Mountain, Colo.
3. Heavenly, Calif.
4. Vail, Colo.
5. Park City Mtn. Resort, Utah
6. Breckenridge, Colo.
7. Sun Valley, Idaho
8. Telluride, Colo.
9. Deer Valley, Utah
10. Jackson Hole, Wyo.

Family Programs
1. Steamboat, Colo.
2. Deer Valley, Utah
3. Beaver Creek, Colo.
4. Northstar-at-Tahoe, Calif.
5. Snowmass, Colo.
6. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
7. Sun Valley, Idaho
8. Vail, Colo.
9. Park City Mtn. Resort, Utah
10. Keystone, Colo.

Scenery
1. Heavenly, Calif.
2. Telluride, Colo.
3. Jackson Hole, Wyo.
4. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
5. Aspen Highlands, Colo.
6. Big Mountain, Mont.
7. Squaw Valley, Calif.
8. Mammoth Mountain, Calif.
9. Alta, Utah
10. Arapahoe Basin, Colo.


Terrain Parks
1. Mammoth Mountain, Calif.
2. Northstar-at-Tahoe, Calif.
3. Keystone, Colo.
4. Breckenridge, Colo.
5. Park City, Utah
6. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
7. Snowmass, Colo.
8. Vail, Colo.
9. Copper Mountain, Colo.
10. Steamboat, Colo.

Off-Hill Activities
1. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
2. Heavenly, Calif.
3. Sun Valley, Idaho
4. Park City Mtn. Resort, Utah
5. Vail, Colo.
6. Aspen Mountain, Colo.
7. Breckenridge, Colo.
8. Deer Valley, Utah
9. Jackson Hole, Wyo.
10. Beaver Creek, Colo.

Terrain Variety
1. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
2. Squaw Valley, Calif.
3. Jackson Hole, Wyo.
4. Mammoth Mountain, Calif.
5. Vail, Colo.
6. Big Sky, Mont.
7. Alta, Utah
8. Telluride, Colo.
9. Snowbird, Utah
10. Kirkwood, Calif.

Challenging Terrain
1. Jackson Hole, Wyo.
2. Snowbird, Utah
3. Squaw Valley, Calif.
4. Alta, Utah
5. Taos Ski Valley, N.M.
6. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
7. Mammoth Mountain, Calif.
8. Aspen Highlands, Colo.
9. Big Sky, Mont.
10. Crested Butte, Colo.

Value
1. Loveland, Colo.
2. Powder Mountain, Utah
3. Alta, Utah
4. Arapahoe Basin, Colo.
5. Brighton, Utah
6. Solitude, Utah
7. Big Mountain, Mont.
8. Alpine Meadows, Calif.
9. Grand Targhee, Wyo.
10. Taos Ski Valley, N.M.

Overall Satisfaction
1. Alta, Utah
2. Jackson Hole, Wyo.
3. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
4. Deer Valley, Utah
5. Aspen Highlands, Colo.
6. Telluride, Colo.
7. Mammoth Mountain, Calif.
8. Vail, Colo.
9. Powder Mountain, Utah
10. Snowmass, Colo.

Tourism officials allocate $1M for winter ads

Promotions » Because of lower airfares, they will have more ads on national cable networks.

By Mike Gorrell
The Salt Lake Tribune

Updated: 11/13/2009 04:46:48 PM MST
Courtesy of Utah Office of Tourism Pleased with the response to last year's introduction of...



Airfares are down, so Utah tourism officials are directing this winter's advertising campaign at out-of-state skiers and snowboarders who might be tempted to fly here after seeing an ad on a national cable television channel.
The $1 million promotion, which will hit homes across the nation Jan. 4-24, again will feature snowflake characters that seemed to make a good impression with viewers when they debuted in last year's Utah Office of Tourism campaign.
"The snowflakes were big hits in terms of awareness. We felt they helped us break out of the clutter" of the overall advertising world, said David Williams, the Tourism Office's deputy director.
"We had the great powder shots in our ads like everybody, but we were looking for something different that caught people's eyes," he added. "They did that. The awareness ratings we got on them were the highest we've had. We don't think the campaign is stale, by any means."
The Tourism Office coordinated its promotional effort with Ski Utah, marketing arm for the state's $1 billion ski industry. Ski Utah is focusing its dollars on print ads that started appearing in magazines in early October and will continue through February.
This week, both organizations began online advertising campaigns. The Tourism Office is spending $100,000 for access to paid search engines and Web sites that attract the interest of 25-to-54-year-olds, likely to be active adventurers, with an average income greater than $75,000 a year.
Audience Science, E-Miles, Expedia, Time Inc. Lifestyle Digital and Travel Ad Network were the Web sites selected for Tourism Office funding.
On Thursday, the Board of Tourism Development finalized its cable purchase, which is down from $1.3 million last year -- an example of the recession's toll on state budgets.
"In the past with TV ads, we had our national cable buy and we also focused on the Los Angeles spot market," Williams said. "With our reduced budget, we looked at different options and [decided] we get more bang for the buck with the national cable market."
That perspective was shaped largely by airfares that Ski Utah puts at 17 percent less than a year ago.
"We know there are good deals on airfare and the ski industry attracts visitors from Chicago, New York, Florida, all over the country," Williams said. "We hit so many people with cable."
So for much of January, Utah skiing ads will appear periodically on eight cable channels. Utah's exposure will be greatest on the Food Network, followed by History and A&E. Almost as much ad time will be purchased on Bravo, various ESPN channels, Fox News, MSNBC and the Travel channel.
This year's campaign again emphasizes the accessibility of Utah resorts from Salt Lake City International Airport.
And while the snowflakes pay homage to the state's trademarked "Greatest Snow on Earth," this newest promotion will play with that wording to impart the idea Utah also has the greatest resorts, dining, shopping nightlife and family fun on the planet.
Tourism officials know the importance of delivering that message well in this tough market, Williams said.
"Given what's going on with the economy, it's important to get our name and brand out there," he added. "Tourism is a big economic engine for the state, and it can help our whole state economy if we can get visitors to come here."
mailto:mikeg@sltrib.com#_blank

The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort has Postitve Impact on the Economy

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) -- Thousands of people have applied for jobs at the aspiring five-star St. Regis Deer Crest Resort on Deer Valley's ski slopes. The owners say they're hiring as many as 300 people for service, transportation and managerial jobs.
The resort says it has received 2,000 online applications and another 400 during a job fair last month in Park City. The St. Regis will open Nov. 5. It's signature feature is a funicular railway that lifts guests from the base of the Park City ski area. The owner, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., says it spent $325 million on the resort complex, which includes 181 guest rooms, 67 condo-suites and 26 residences.

Deer Valley gets skiers' nod -- again

Reader survey » Seven Utah resorts among top 30; Alta's powder deemed best.
By Mike Gorrell
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 09/18/2009 03:30:16 PM MDT

Even with recessionary forces taking a big bite out of available resources last winter, Deer Valley Resort did not skimp when it came to servicing its well-heeled clientele.
Now the Park City ski area has been rewarded for sticking to founder Edgar Stern's service-oriented principles through tough economic times: Ski magazine readers have ranked it as North America's best resort for the third consecutive year.
"Deer Valley delivers what the Ski magazine reader wants, which is consistently good snow, few crowds and exceptional service, dining and lodging," magazine Executive Editor Greg Ditrinco said Thursday. "That all adds up to a pretty solid ski vacation."
Seven Utah resorts reached the Top 30 in the magazine's annual reader survey, with Park City Mountain Resort joining Deer Valley in the Top 10 (finishing fourth). Colorado had a dozen resorts among the 30, led by Vail at No. 3.
Naturally, Utah resorts fared best in the "quality of snow" category, one of a dozen used in the evaluation. Alta finished first for its powder, followed by Solitude (fourth) and Snowbird (fifth).
But as Ditrinco noted, Ski magazine readers "are really looking for the whole resort experience. They enjoy skiing, but they also are interested in apres ski activities, fine dining, first-class lodging.
"It's not just enough to put down good snow and run the lifts," he added. "Our readers are looking to travel to a winter resort, not a ski area in the traditional sense. That's a trend the whole ski industry is skewing to. Successful resort operators realize that and are working to keep customers happy on the snow and off."
The magazine, which has a circulation of 400,000, appeals to largely male readers, with a median age of 49 and an average household income of $127,300; 29 percent are reported to have household assets of $1 million or more. Nine of 10 survey respondents said they used the magazine to choose a resort destination.
Ditrinco spoke highly of Deer Valley Resort's decision to assume responsibility for booking and maintaining accommodations from Deer Valley Lodging, which ran into major financial problems at the end of last season.
"That's classic vertical integration of the business, a good strategic long-term move," he said. "Deer Valley was built on service. Stern understood that more than anybody. But service is built on staffing and training, and I don't see any slippage on either of those fronts at Deer Valley. It may come out of the recession stronger than it went in."
Deer Valley General Manager Bob Wheaton said resort officials made a conscious decision last year to maintain its investment in its staff, calling it "the heart and soul of our organization during this tough economic time."
Calling Ski readers "well traveled, avid skiers and lifestyle enthusiasts," Wheaton said that being ranked No. 1 three years running -- and no lower than third in the last nine years -- "is an honor we can't underestimate."

HOUSING'S HIDDEN STRENGTH

Industry lobbyists are urging more tax credits, but home sales seem to have momentum of their own
By Prashant Gopal
BW Magazine
September 14, 2009

Homebuilders and Realtors are lobbying Congress to keep alive the tax credit for home purchases and to make it available to more buyers. They say the $8,000 credit—which is for people who have not owned a home for three years or more and expires after Nov. 30—has boosted demand for low-priced homes, many of them foreclosed and in need of repair. But, they maintain, it has done nothing for the "move-up" market, let alone the luxury segment. Many say the housing market will falter unless the credit is extended, doubled in value, and given to any buyer. "The giddiness we see out there [about a recovery] is without merit," says Richard A. Smith, chief executive officer of Parsipanny (N.J.)-based Realogy, the parent of Century 21, ERA, Coldwell Banker, and Sotheby's International Realty.
But some little-noticed data indicate there's more strength in housing than the industry recognizes. Prices have stabilized, and even appreciated, in the middle- and high-priced segments of the market in many cities, not just in the low-priced segment that is most directly helped by the home-buyer tax credit. That's according to the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller tiered price indexes for 17 metro areas, which were released on Aug. 25 but received relatively little publicity.
Seasonally adjusted prices rose in each segment of the market (low-, medium-, and high-priced) from May to June in cities including Boston, Washington, and Chicago. High-end prices went up even in hard-hit Phoenix. Las Vegas, where foreclosures are running extremely high, is the only one of the 17 metro areas that saw a price drop in all three price categories in June.
"The tiers are really revealing," says economist Karl E. Case of Wellesley College, who developed the index with Yale University economist Robert J. Shiller. "[The rising prices] can't be just first-time buyers." While prices could fall after the expiration of the tax credit, says Case, "It's not a knockout blow if the expansion is broad-based."
Those arguing that housing needs government life support say most of the sales action is in foreclosed homes, which tend to be super-cheap and are being bought as starter homes or investment properties. But a National Association of Realtors member survey seems to contradict that theory. Even as home sales rose, the share of first-time buyers dropped from 53% in March to 30% in July.
As for the argument that luxury is dead, Toll Brothers (TOL), the nation's largest luxury homebuilder, announced last month that in its May-July quarter it posted its first year-over-year increase in signed home contracts since 2005. Toll Brothers even started cutting incentives in some markets, mostly in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states.
True enough, the housing market remains weak. Increasing the tax credit to $15,000 for all homeowners through the end of next year would result in 675,000 additional home sales, according to an analysis by Mark M. Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Economy.com (MCO).
There is evidence that sales fall when credits expire: In California, homebuilding slowed in July after a $10,000 credit for newly built homes expired. And with the rush of summer buying over, the market remains vulnerable to rising unemployment as well as a new wave of foreclosures, which could flood the market and drive down home prices. The Mortgage Bankers Assn. said last month that 9.24% of residential mortgage loans were delinquent as of the end of June, the most since recordkeeping began in 1972.
On the other hand, the housing market might be able to absorb more foreclosed properties as long as banks dribble them out slowly, says Rick Sharga, vice-president of Irvine (Calif.)-based RealtyTrac. "We may be in an unusual period of time where the market is recovering in spite of the record number of foreclosures," he says. "It's hard to explain, but that's what the numbers suggest at the moment."
With prices down and mortgage rates low, housing affordability is the best in years for those who can qualify for a mortgage (admittedly no easy feat). Michelle Meyer, an economist with Barclays Capital (BCS) in New York, says that while the tax credit did contribute to the lift in sales and prices, "A lot of it has to do with greater affordability and a brighter economic outlook. Even if you say some of the gain is artificial, it's still true that we're seeing an increase in housing demand, and that shows fundamental strength."

LUXURY HOTELIER INTERVIEW: Mr. Michael Hatzfeld, General Manager, St Regis Deer Crest Resort

Published: September 10, 2009
A conversation with Mr. Michael Hatzfeld, General Manager of the St Regis Deer Crest Resort, opening in Park City, Utah this winter.

What is unique about your hotel's location?

The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort is nestled into a natural saddle along the slopes of the magnificent Deer Valley Resort, rated the number one ski resort in North America in 2008 and 2007 by the readers of SKI Magazine. The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort spans across 12-acres and enjoys beautiful, perpetually unobstructed views of the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. It features extraordinary ease of access, just 39 miles from Salt Lake International Airport and one mile from Park City's bustling Main Street. This stunning location boasts direct slope-side access via the Deer Hollow ski run, and a broad variety of year-round recreational and cultural offerings.

What authentic local experiences will guests have access to?Guests at the St. Regis Deer Crest Resort will have access to North America's top-rated ski experience at Deer Valley in winter, in addition to skiing and snowboarding at Park City Mountain Resort (ranked number five) and the Canyons Resort (ranked number 14 in North America). During the summer season Park City offers golf and fly-fishing as well as some of the country's best mountain biking and hiking on nearly 400 miles of maintained trails in the area. Throughout the year an abundance of dining options are available at 105 Park City restaurants, including 22 Zagat-rated establishments (more than Aspen and Vail combined!) Park City is home to 30 art galleries and host to countless cultural offerings - music and concert performances, festivals and art shows - including the vaunted Sundance Film Festival, the Kimball Art Festival, and the Park City International Jazz Festival.

What are some amazing things that your Concierge can arrange?

World-class fly fishing trips and helicopter skiing, plus tickets to the Sundance Film Festival.

Does your hotel have a philosophy?
Combining classic sophistication and modern luxury, the St. Regis brand remains faithful to its commitment to excellence. Founded by John Jacob Astor IV, with the opening of the first St. Regis Hotel in New York City over a century ago, The St. Regis brand of hotels is known for its unique luxury dimension, customized service and refined elegance, in the best destinations worldwide.

What makes your hotel memorable and unforgettable?

The Ski Beach at The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort combines the vibrancy of European après ski life with the elegance that St. Regis brings to all of its properties. Nestled slope-side at the Deer Valley Resort amidst the pristine Wasatch Mountains and directly accessible from the Deer Hollow ski run, the Ski Beach at The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort is the ultimate après ski destination. Guests and visitors coming from town or the mountain’s Snow Park Lodge may access the Hotel and Ski Beach via The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort's funicular, a luxurious Swiss made tram car that seats 15 and is the very first in a North American ski resort. The Ski Beach is perfect for meeting family for lunch or friends for libations, soaking up the sun while enjoying an epicurean creation from Jean-Georges Vongerichten's kitchen, or simply relaxing and people watching. The Ski Beach at The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort is completely unparalleled in Utah and will be a natural gathering place for casual mingling, relaxed dining, and easy socializing.

Stunning panoramic mountain views surround the Ski Beach and can be enjoyed year round while relaxing in chaise lounges on outdoor decks, while sipping and snacking on the 3,000 square foot stone terrace that boasts a 40-foot long firewall and bird's-eye view of the multi-tiered, year-round swimming pool that features waterfall columns and is bookended by two hot tubs. The après ski scene can be enjoyed well into the evening knowing that when it's time for dinner, guests can either stay on site to dine in St. Regis' signature Jean-Georges restaurant, or take the convenient funicular to the base of Deer Valley® to access the variety of dining options in Park City. As Utah's first five-star branded resort, The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort provides a convivial and memorable five-star après ski experience.

What will guests rave about to their friends and family?

The iconic St. Regis butlers are a distinguishing feature of the St. Regis Deer Crest Resort. Trained in the European tradition, the butlers and all staff throughout the Resort imbue an extraordinary standard of service in every aspect of the St. Regis visit. Attentive yet discreet, the St. Regis butlers and staff anticipate and satisfy needs seamlessly, creating an exquisitely relaxing and fulfilling guest experience.

What is the atmosphere of your hotel? What types of guests does it attract?

Distinguished by its grand scale, The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort offers sophisticated and luxurious mountain accommodations, establishing a new standard for mountain elegance. One of the finest luxury branded hotels, The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort is set apart by the outstanding features of the suites and units, as well as the impeccably designed exteriors, inviting common areas, gourmet food and outstanding wine collection, and exclusive spa and fitness center. The luxurious décor for the hotel guestrooms and suites extends into all aspects of the design. The stunning, yet soothing color palette features creams, rich browns and earth-tone hues. The kitchen and living areas are equipped with state-of-the-art appliances and custom designed furniture, flooring and finishes.

What makes your hotel a destination within itself?

With over half of the Hotel space dedicated to common areas featuring world-class services and punctuated by exceptional commissioned works of art throughout, the St. Regis Deer Crest Resort provides guests plenty of room to explore and enjoy the full offerings of the Resort. The unique features of the St. Regis Deer Crest Resort coalesce into an extraordinary experience - from arrival via the funicular with personalized check-in and orientation; to the riveting culinary creations of Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's 120-seat J&G Grill with its open kitchen, private wine room dining, 22-seat communal dining room, and intimate Chef's Table; to the Wine Vault with a collection of over 10,000 bottles. Guests enjoy the personalized ministrations of professionals at St. Regis' exclusive 14,000 square foot Remède Spa and indulge in whole-body wellness with certified trainers in the Athletic Club. In the St. Regis Library, complimentary hot beverages are served in the morning hours, followed by afternoon tea at 4pm, and the famous Champagne Sabring ceremony to welcome the transition to evening at 5pm. The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort envelops its guests with an unparalleled standard of service, ensconced in elegant mountain contemporary décor within a setting of stunning natural beauty.

What is the best way for guests to "arrive in style" to your hotel?

What is bound to be the most well-appointed mode of transportation at any mountain resort, the funicular is a unique feature of The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort. A pair of 15-passenger cable-hoisted tram cars on steel rails, the funicular is based at The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort's Snow Park Building and ascends over 230 vertical feet in just 90 seconds to the primary hotel building which houses the majority of The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort's amenities, guest rooms and private residences with convenient slope-side access directly on to the Deer Hollow ski run. Travel on the funicular, which is free of charge, serves as a chic and convenient way for hotel guests and visitors to explore The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort's phenomenal amenities, including Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's new J&G Grill, a wine bar featuring a 10,000-bottle collection, a 14,000 square-foot Remède Spa, a Val d'Isere style ski beach adjacent to the Deer Hollow ski run, and an outdoor terrace with a 40-foot long firewall. The 90-second journey feels something like a luxurious elevator ride with fabulous vistas of Deer Valley. The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort funicular cars are heated and air-conditioned and function independently so that demand can be met both at the base and top terminals which are enclosed so guests are never exposed to the elements.

Can you recommend other destinations/hotels nearby (within 300 miles) that your guests should consider combining into a trip?

For a very different outlook on the natural beauty of Utah, guests might consider a visit to the visually striking, other-worldly terrain of southern Utah. The breathtaking red rock and sandstone formations of Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park all can be easily visited from the friendly city of Moab.

Deer Valley holds onto title

SKI Magazine readers give DV top spot, again
by Nan Chalat Noaker, Record editor
Posted: 09/15/2009 05:26:42 PM MDT

If Deer Valley employees have been tight lipped this week, but now they can brag all they want. Deer Valley has been named the best ski area in North America by the readers of SKI Magazine for the third year in a row. Staffers celebrated quietly earlier this week but were asked to keep the news under wraps until the formal announcement was released. According to Deer Valley President Bob Wheaton, the resort topped five categories including Guest Services, Slope Grooming, On-mountain Food and Dining. As always, Wheaton deferred all of the credit for the honor to his staff. "I am very pleased and proud of the staff that earned this award," he said. Each year, SKI Magazine sends 20,000 ballots to its readers and also collects votes online. According to Wheaton, Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada earned the No. 2 spot and Colorado's Vail took third. In the 20-plus years that SKI has been conducting the poll, only Vail has matched Deer Valley's hat trick.

Park City bankers explain credit crunch

Jumbo loans were popular with speculators, now investors won't buy them
by Andrew Kirk, OF THE RECORD STAFF
Posted: 07/31/2009 04:21:38 PM MDT

Ask any Realtor or home builder how they're doing and they often say the same thing: clients can't get "jumbo loans." Those are home loans that exceed a $729,750 limit set by Congress as the maximum amount for loans guaranteed or purchased by the federally-chartered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
That's a relatively small sum when shopping for a stand-alone house in Park City. Before last September, home-financing companies used to brag about their ability to find loans for nearly any amount.
That is because mortgages are usually sold to investors. Before the credit crisis, there were many types of investors. Now, there are few to speak of unless the loans are guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac which still buy the majority of mortgages in America.
But unfortunately for Park City home shoppers, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets limits on the size of loans they can buy, hence the distinction "jumbo," explained Brad German, spokesperson for Freddie Mac.
The irony is it's a great time to get a smaller loan.
"Wells Fargo has made more loans in the first six months of this year than they have in years. Money is available, plentiful and inexpensive. And it's absolutely true," said Rick Klein, sales manager for Mountain Summit Mortgage, an affiliate of Wells Fargo.
"Frontier remains a very active lender," said Marc Estabrook, president of Frontier Community Bank. "Year to date, we've funded nearly $32 million in loans."
Riley Risto, vice president and branch manager at Mountain West Bank, explained the problem this way: Commercial mortgages; jumbo mortgages; construction loans; and home equity loans or lines are much harder and more expensive to obtain; loans for residential developments; and loans for timeshares, fractional ownerships and condominiums to be used for nightly rentals, are all but impossible to get.
"Unfortunately, these segments make up a significant portion of Park City's real estate market," he said.
Klein said borrowers for the types of loans listed above are "under much more of a magnifying glass today."
It wasn't hard to qualify for a loan in the past, Estabrook said, and those days are gone.
Because the FHFA is backing smaller loans, investor banks are still buying them and local banks are still supplying them. But because there is no security in buying loans not approved by the FHFA, global investors aren't interested, Klein said.
Risto said he believes a correction in the market is necessary and warranted. He said there was a false boom created by a policy of artificially-low interest rates set by the Federal Reserve. The market was alright with "toxic assets" because they moved quickly through the system to companies like Countrywide, then on to the general investing public. Now banks and secondary-market investors "are being highly scrutinized by auditors and analysts for their concentration levels and risk management."
It may seem odd that large loans going for large houses would be trusted less than average homes going to regular Americans in the midst of a recession. Common sense might suggest that someone who can afford a $1 million house is more trustworthy than a blue-collar working trying to buy a $200,000 condominium. After all, job losses are still predicted.
But Risto explained that jumbo loans were popular among real estate investors.
In the old system, a plumber could just declare his income at $1 million a year and qualify for a $1-million loan so he could flip a house. Inexperienced contractors and novice investors suddenly became residential developers during the boom and got loans to create subdivisions. After the credit crisis last September, lenders were left holding loans for over-priced homes and half-completed neighborhoods.
Klein said the result of this national trend is that if banks lend jumbo loans, they've got to keep them. Even if a bank can afford to do that, they're going to price those loans at a higher rate.
Estabrook said his bank has been making those loans and has been keeping them. But a bank that size can only make so many of them.

Huntsman's Deer Valley compound: yours for $55 million

Now on the market, it is 'truly the crown jewel of Deer Valley,' agent says
by Jay Hamburger OF THE RECORD STAFF
Posted: 07/31/2009 04:21:59 PM MDT

Deedee Corradini, the real estate agent listing the Huntsman family compound in Deer Valley, says...

Jon Huntsman Sr., the industrialist and father of Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., has put his Deer Valley compound on the market, asking $55 million for what is among the prime pieces of real estate in Deer Valley.
The listing agent, Deedee Corradini, said it has been on the market for approximately two months, but there had been little publicity when it was offered for sale. The compound covers nearly 64 acres of land at 5000 Royal St. There is a mansion on the property and there is development potential on other parts of the land.
"It's one of a kind. Everybody says my property is one of a kind, but this truly is," Corradini said, calling the compound "truly the crown jewel of Deer Valley."
The compound covers three parcels, with there being development potential on each of them. They are:
a 40-acre piece of land with one house. The 20,000-square-foot house has 12 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a swimming pool, a fitness room, a game room, an artificial pond and an artificial waterfall. It was built in 1989. There is the potential to build another 14 houses on the 40 acres.
a 20-acre parcel where six or seven houses could be built.
a 3.61-acre parcel where one house could be located.
Huntsman wants to sell the three parcels to one buyer, Corradini said. She describes options for a buyer that include continuing to use the house and land as a family compound, keeping the house and selling the other land to developers or building on the other land themselves.
"There are people who want this kind of property. We just have to find them," Corradini said, adding that there are "many potential buyers."
She did not predict what the bids will be, though. She said Deer Valley and Park City have become sought-after places for businesspeople and celebrities.
Corradini said the Huntsman family has not used the compound regularly in recent years, prompting Huntsman to put it on the market. She said Huntsman has been spending more time in Driggs, Idaho, a small city close to Jackson, Wyo., that is becoming popular with people buying vacation properties. Huntsman is a key figure in the Huntsman Springs real estate development there.
Lincoln Calder, the president of the Park City Board of Realtors, said there has been at least one top-dollar sale in the area this summer, with a place in The Colony that had been listed at $23.8 million selling. He is unaware of the sale price, though.
Calder did not discuss the prospects of the Huntsman compound selling, but he said the property it is a rarity in Park City.
"It's a very unique piece of property and will take a very unique buyer with the ability to purchase it," Calder said.

County sets final deadline for Canyons golf course

Landowners who don't comply may lose development approvals
by Nan Chalat-Noaker, Record editor
Posted: 07/31/2009 04:22:10 PM MDT

Wolf Mountain Resorts LC has until Oct.1 to turn over the necessary easements and drop all legal impediments to construction of an 18-hole golf course at The Canyons or risk losing development approvals for a 35-lot subdivision that was part of the original development agreement for the resort. Wolf Mountain is the underlying leaseholder of much of the resort.
Once Wolf removes its roadblocks, other landowners in The Canyons Specially Planned Area have until this coming May 1 to begin construction on the long-awaited course, and until May 1, 2013, to open the course to the public, or all further development at The Canyons involving those entities will be suspended.
According to a 52-page report issued by interim Summit County Manager Brian Bellamy on Thursday, the county has exhausted its recourses for expediting the project, and is setting a new, hard deadline.
The American Skiing Company, Utah (ASCU)'s original development agreement with the county promised a completed public golf course by 2002 in exchange for specific development approvals for several landowners at the resort, but disagreements over the exact outline of the course put the project in legal limbo. As a result, the developers say, they were unable to obtain financing to move forward on the $11 million project.
Bellamy's report details the long, convoluted history of the proposed golf course, beginning with the original development agreement between Summit County and ASCU in 1997 and including the amended agreement in 1999, the soft default and suspension of plats and building permits in 2002, two "standstill" agreements allowing ASCU deadline extensions in 2003 and 2004, Wolf's refusal in 2006 to execute the deeds or sign the plats for the golf course, a redesign of the golf course to exclude Wolf's property, the county's lawsuit and subsequent settlement with Wolf, the sale of The Canyons to the Talisker Corporation, Wolf's lawsuit against Summit County and the county's counterclaim, Wolf's notice of intent to file a lawsuit contesting all of the golf course properties, and finally last June's public hearing that allowed each participating entity a chance to air its grievances and requirements.
The county's apparent willingness to take a tough stand and rescind the development agreement if the parties can't come to an agreement seems to have made a difference.
On Friday, after reading Bellamy's report, Kenny Griswold, principal partner of Wolf Mountain said, " Our negotiations with the county over the past month have been productive and Wolf looks forward to the start of construction on the course next summer." He added, "We look forward to doing our share I think it will be spectacular."
And on behalf of Talisker, attorney David Smith released this statement: "Talisker looks forward to the timely implementation of the County's findings on the Golf Course to be built at the Canyons. With the addition of the golf course and other planned improvements, Talisker will create a world-class all-season resort."
In addition to Wolf Mountain, the county's deadline applies to: ASCU; the Resort Village Merchants Association; Willow Draw, LC; the D.A. Osguthorpe Family Partnership and several other landholders.
On Friday Bellamy told The Record that he is "thrilled to see that people are willing to bury the hatchet to get this going." He added that he is "very optimistic" the landowners will meet the new deadlines.

Bernanke Says Fed Policies Are Sowing Recovery

JULY 22, 2009
By JON HILSENRATH

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke made a guarded declaration of success Tuesday before a skeptical and sometimes combative audience, saying Fed policies had helped to set the stage for a modest recovery this year.

In his semiannual testimony to Congress on the economic outlook, Mr. Bernanke laid out the case that growth is returning, saying businesses and consumers could be nearer to a resumption of spending after wrenching cutbacks. He also turned up the heat on Congress and the White House to get budget deficits under control or risk damaging the recovery.
"Aggressive policy actions taken around the world last fall may well have averted the collapse of the global financial system," Mr. Bernanke opened in his prepared testimony, adding later, "many of the improvements in financial conditions can be traced, in part, to policy actions taken by the Federal Reserve to encourage the flow of credit."
Michael Feroli, an economist at J.P. Morgan, called it, "one of the most pointed defenses of the Fed's actions so far" in the current crisis. It had a starkly political undertone, coming as lawmakers consider whether to rein in the Fed's autonomy in response to its controversial decisions in the crisis.
As markets reeled six months ago, the last time he formally briefed Congress on the economy, Mr. Bernanke offered a bleak outlook and vowed to use "all available tools" to stimulate growth.
The Fed projects the economy will be growing again by year end and will expand at a modest pace between 2.1% and 3.3% in 2010. But the job market -- another of the big risks to the outlook -- is expected to lag far behind, with the unemployment rate stalled well above 9% through 2009. The drag of high unemployment, Mr. Bernanke warned, could be a weight that holds back consumer spending and growth.
Investors were heartened that Mr. Bernanke made clear the Fed doesn't plan to raise interest rates from near zero until the job market shows clearer signs of improving and until the other kinds of economic slack -- like unused factory capacity -- are brought down. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 67.79 points, or 0.8%, to 8915.94. Prices on inflation-sensitive 10-year Treasury notes rose, pushing their yield down to 3.477%.
Mr. Bernanke also detailed his plans for how he will withdraw -- when needed in the future -- the hundreds of billions of dollars of cash the Fed has pumped into banks. The money went into banks to stop the market meltdown but could cause inflation if not withdrawn in time.
Though lawmakers were mostly respectful toward the Fed chairman, his reception showed he has a long way to go to win over congressional skeptics.
Lawmakers have attacked the Fed's rescues of big financial firms like American International Group Inc. and Bank of America Corp. Now they are considering proposals that would remake the way the central bank operates after the crisis. One popular proposal would subject Fed policy to congressional audits, something Mr. Bernanke strongly opposes. A plan by President Barack Obama would give the Fed more power to oversee big important banks, but many lawmakers are reluctant to add to the Fed's responsibilities.

"The Fed's made some big mistakes," Rep. Spencer Bachus of Alabama, the ranking Republican on the House Financial Services Committee, said before Mr. Bernanke started talking. "Historically, the board has done a poor job of identifying and addressing systemic risks before they become crises."
Mr. Bachus pointed to the near-collapse of CIT Group Inc. as the latest example -- it became a bank holding company under Fed supervision last December and required a private-sector rescue this week.
When Mr. Bernanke said congressional audits would expose the Fed to dangerous political pressure, the bill's sponsor, Texas Republican Rep. Ron Paul, shot back, "It's not like it's not politicized now."
Mr. Bernanke had a different critique of his own -- for Congress and the White House. Earlier this year, the Fed chairman supported the $787 billion fiscal-stimulus plan that passed against Republican objections. Tuesday, the Fed chairman said lawmakers now need to focus on reining in government budget deficits over the long run.
A deficit-reduction plan, he said, could yield immediate benefits in the form of lower long-term interest rates and improved business confidence. If the White House and Congress failed to produce a credible plan to reduce the deficit in the long-run, he warned, "we risk having neither financial stability nor durable economic growth."

"He laid out the Fed's exit strategy and basically said, 'Alright, let's see your exit strategy,'" J.P. Morgan's Mr. Feroli said.
The budget for the current fiscal year released by the White House's Office of Management and Budget in May projects the deficit will total more than $1.8 trillion in the 12 months ending Sept. 30, or 13% of gross domestic product.
Some investors worry the Fed will be forced to help the government finance its growing budget deficits by ramping up its purchases of U.S. Treasury bonds. By speaking out against the deficit, the Fed chairman staked out ground as an independent actor.
Still, he put his hands on a political football. Republicans used his deficit concerns to argue against Mr. Obama's fiscal-stimulus plan and the president's effort to rewrite health-care laws, which could fatten the deficit further still. Mr. Bernanke said lawmakers needed to find ways to hold down government health-care spending.

People's Clinic to move and expand

Services and need for volunteers will increase
Kristina Eastham, Record contributing writer
Posted: 07/21/2009 04:20:31 PM MDT

As the People's Health Clinic is seeing an increase in demands for its services, the move to a bigger facility couldn't come at a better time.
The non-profit clinic, which provides health care for uninsured people in Summit and Wasatch Counties, will be moving from their 1,800-square-foot building on Kearns Blvd. to the new Summit County Public Health Center. Located near the Park City Medical Center and the USSA training facility, it will provide 5,000 square feet of space to the PHC. Services will begin being offered at the new location the first week of December.
With that much additional space, the clinic will be able to expand its services to the public as long as they can find more volunteers to donate their time.
"We can always use more volunteers," said Nann Worel, director of development for the PHC. She emphasized the need for physicians and mid-level providers like physician's assistants and nurse practitioners. "With the new building, we'll have an even greater need."
With a declining economy and increased unemployment, the PHC is seeing an increased demand for its services, especially from people with chronic illnesses like diabetes or hypertension who have lost their health insurance with their jobs.
"Right now we're up 37 percent in patient visits over this time last year and with the new building we'll have more capability," Worel said.
To encourage volunteers, the PHC has started the Take Two and Call Me in the Morning Campaign, which asks local physicians and mid-level providers to donate two hours a month to the clinic. This minimal amount of time, if given by all local physicians, would meet the increasing needs of the uninsured community.
Other ways the PHC is meeting increased needs is by offering new services. Last August they expanded their services to include a physical therapist, Krista Clark, who volunteers her time one evening a week during the winter and one evening every other week during the summer.
She owns her own practice in Midway, Wellsprings Physical Therapy, and is sharing her 25 years of experience in orthopedic manual physical therapy, a sub-specialty emphasizes hands-on treatment to determine the root of the pain.
"I decided to volunteer there because I think physical therapy is an important part of the health care system, and especially when cost-effectiveness is a prime consideration," Clark said.
Generally, in Utah, physical therapy is an entry point into the health care system, meaning it does not require a referral, and can prevent costs associated with test and prolonged medicine use. Physical therapy's proactive approach often helps patients heal more quickly. At the PHC, patients generally see a physician before seeing Clark, who deals with "sprains and strains," that include a lot of back, neck and knee injuries. Patients require services for anything from ski and snowboard injuries to joints that are "irritated from repetitive stress in life," Clark said. "Then I teach them exercises and I teach them body mechanics and how to care for themselves [in order to] stay healthier."
The PHC is also bringing in two local acupuncturists, Melissa and Wyatt Krajewski, who own the local Longevity Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. The Krajewskis started volunteering their time last week, but, according to their website, are furthering their acupuncture studies in Japan until early August.
Worel said while the clinic's greatest need is for physicians, they welcome licensed volunteers with any specialty who are willing to donate their time.
"They're such wonderful people to work with; both the staff there and the patients," Clark said. "I think as a profession we need to be aware of giving back."
For more information on the People's Health Clinic, visit them online at peopleshealthclinic.org or call 615-7822.

Eat, drink, and tarry at new places in Park City

New establishments, owners and managers coming to Summit County this summer
by Andrew Kirk, OF THE RECORD STAFF
Posted: 07/21/2009 04:20:16 PM MDT
La Casita is gone from Main Street. Reyes Adobe, also a Mexican restaurant, will take its place...

Park City's food and drink scene will be slightly different this winter as several establishments have changed owners or are brand new this summer.
The economy has forced some owners out, but is also presenting opportunities for fresh blood to come in and try their hand.
The Beaver Creek Inn
The Beaver Creek Inn in Kamas is under new management. Stephanie Hardy said she plans on improving the quality of food, lowering prices in consideration of the current economy and staying open longer hours.
Spruce
Food service for the now-open Dakota Mountain Lodge at The Canyons will be provided by Spruce, a San Francisco-based American restaurant that strives to buy local, organic ingredients.
"It uses seasonal produce," explained spokesperson Karey Walker. "Whatever Utah has to offer, the chefs will source ingredients for the day's menu so the menu changes for what's available."
The company has other locations in California, and this will be their first in the Mountain West.
Slated to open July 29, the restaurant will be open to the public, to guests of the lodge and will provide food service to Golden Door Spa guests as well.
"We're very conscious of the Earth," she said.
Lindzee O'Michaels
Lindzee O'Michaels took the place of Kristauf's Martini Bar on lower Main Street.
Co-owner Steve Liebroder said their goal is to carry the highest quality beer and spirits in Park City. The establishment is also stocked with many games, both real and virtual.
Open since May, the bar has already gained a loyal following.
Jupiter Bowl
Summit County's first bowling alley has been long awaited and anticipated. Jupiter Bowl at Newpark Resort has already applied for its liquor license and according to Chris Retzer with the developers it is slated to be open by Thanksgiving. If delays occur, the bowling alley will definitely be ready for this coming ski season.
Reyes Adobe
La Casita is gone from the 710 Main Street plaza next to Reef's Kitchen and Oishi Sushi Bar. In its place, Robert Reyes is opening Reyes Adobe.
The interior is under renovation and he expects to be open in about five weeks. La Casita's kitchen equipment and furniture were all about 10 years old and Reyes said he wants to update everything.
Reyes Adobe will be a Mexican restaurant, but he's bringing in the chef from The Sky Bar and will be offering higher-end cuisine.
"He has great food," Reyes said. "It's going to be different from everything in the valley right now."
It will offer popular favorites, but will not be a taqueria, he said.
Reyes said he has 25 years of experience in the restaurant business, as does his chef.
"We're pretty savvy," he said.
Café 52
The recent changes to Utah's liquor laws have inspired management at The Stag Lodge at Deer Valley to open Café 52. The lodge has always had a private club serving alcohol for owners and guests in the lodge, but it has been granted new status to be a private restaurant, said Scott Sandlin, front desk manager.
Renovation was done to upgrade the facilities and Sandlin said they're pleased to offer more in the space to owners and guests.
Café Trang
Café Trang on Sidewinder Drive changed owners, but the restaurant is still in the family. Gwen Nguyen recently took over from her sister-in-law Vickie Tran. Nguyen said she's expecting no major changes the public will notice.

Lindzee O'Michaels focuses on quality beers in Park City

New bar carries only the highest-rated beer, wines and spirits
by Andrew Kirk, OF THE RECORD STAFF
Posted: 07/21/2009 04:20:21 PM MDT

Lindzee O'Michaels knows beer. Lindzee is not a woman, it's one of the newest businesses on Main Street, It opened in May and already has a loyal following.
"I consider it one of the finest bars in town. It has the best beer selection and some of the greatest bartenders in town," said client Rich Williams, who said he stops in several times a week.
Client Jeff Prows predicts Lindzee O'Michaels will become the heart of Main Street.
"They've pretty much got anything anybody would ever need," he said.
Proprietor Steve Liebroder said he'd like to build a reputation of having the highest-quality beers and spirits. He uses the website ratebeer.com to find out what beer aficionados are calling the best brands and brews. Then that's what he carries.
Liebroder said the time is right for such a place in Utah. He said he's been in the bar business for 25 years and has owned bars in the Salt Lake Valley for many of those. In the past, it hasn't been convenient or feasible to import obscure names. Now, importation is easier, and demand from drinkers is there.
"There are so many great beers we can now get in Utah. Higher-end stuff is more available to us than before," he said.
As a result, Lindzee O'Michaels has a wide selection of beer and spirits, but Liebroder said you're not going to see him bragging about that. His establishment is about offering quality of product, not quantity, he said.
The space was formerly occupied by Kristauf's Martini Bar and fans of its interior will recognize some of the same elements, but Liebroder has also worked to make the atmosphere more relaxed and fun.
"It's New York chic meets dive-bar friendly," he said. "It's an atmosphere anyone can be comfortable in and the price points are both low and high."
Who is Lindzee O'Michaels? Liebroder's daughter's name is Lindsay, his son's name is Michael and he needed to fit his son Zach in there somewhere. The O', he said with a wink, is just because "Irish is international for alcohol."
That kind of fun and silliness is representative of the tone Liebroder is working for. He's got ping-pong tables and new video games and will soon have shuffleboard. He wants his place to feel like home and be somewhere locals can come and stay the evening.
"You shouldn't have to travel up and down Main Street to have fun," he said.
Because the focus is on fine alcohol, in-house food offerings are limited to Polish dogs, but Liebroder said he's worked out a deal with The Bridge Café on the upper floor to bring food down to customers.
The patio offers ample outdoor seating in the shade next to a water feature.
Lindzee O'Michaels isn't actually the full name of the business. Liebroder added "Mixologists" to the end to highlight the talent of his bartenders. He believes he's hired some of the best people in town who bring many of their own concoctions that will be offered on the menu.
Their talent is not adequately described by the title "tender." Liebroder compared the difference to a chef and a waiter. One is a master creator, the other just delivers a product. His people don't serve drinks, they're "mixologists," he said. Lindzee O'Michaels Mixologists- 825 South Main Street, 658-1183

David Holland sold to Phoenix Realty

Repayment to owners unwilling to sign with new arrangement still in question
by Andrew Kirk, OF THE RECORD STAFF
Posted: 07/21/2009 04:20:15 PM MDT

New York based Phoenix Realty Group through its affiliate PRG Resort Management has purchased the nightly rental business David Holland's Resort Lodging (DHRL).
This purchase only pertains to the nightly rental business, not property management and other services performed for home owner associations.
Presumably the parent company of DHRL, Crossways Corporation owned by David Zatz, will continue that operation. Zatz's office declined to comment on Tuesday but said it has more information to release later this week.
Employees of DHRL's nightly rental operation will now become employees of PRG Resort Management.
The purchase was made July 15 and condominium owners were notified last Monday.
The letter from Phoenix Realty signed by president Keith Rosenthal said the company "anticipates a seamless transition to be completed in mid to late September."
"We want to assure you that, both during the transitional period and thereafter, you will be working with the same experienced staff and employees, and receiving the same high-quality services, as you have come to expect from DHRL over these past many years," it reads.
In return for signing new contracts with PRG Resort Management, the company promises to repay all monies owed to condo owners for the 2008-2009 ski season over a three-year period in four installments, plus interest.
The letter also promises that all of an owner's portion of future rental revenue will be deposited in a separate account.
Michael Fried, founder and CEO of Phoenix Realty, said on Tuesday he believes this is a "win-win situation."
"It provides home owners the vast bulk of which have been satisfied with the (DHRL) team's performance for the past 19 years the opportunity to continue working with that group and receive full recompense for claimed rental revenue for 08-09," he said.
The new deal brings in an experienced and sophisticated asset-management team as new owners and supervisors of DHRL, he said.
While this is good news for condo owners who wish to stay with Zatz and his team, the announcement still leaves questions unanswered for owners who want to be paid their owed spring revenues, but do not wish to sign with the new company.
Phoenix Realty said it did not assume any of those liabilities in the acquisition, presumably leaving Zatz with that responsibility.
Park City attorney Joe Tesch representing some of the affected parties said at first glance it looks to him that Phoenix Realty would be responsible since it bought the entirety of the nightly rental business, assets and debts.
In response to this question, Zatz's office said more information would be coming soon.
Condo owner John Belbute said via email on Monday that he did not like that this question was left unanswered. He also didn't like the repayment plan or the amount of interest offered by Phoenix Realty in the installments.
"I am leaving them because they have stopped communicating. I am going to proceed to take legal action. I have terminated our relationship and am also willing to go on the record that they have completely failed to communicate how they are planning to repay any owner who will not sign with them. I'm also willing to say that I offered to stay with them if they would negotiate the terms," he said.

The Canyons needs a golf course

The Canyons needs a golf course
County expects to issue report July 30
Patrick Parkinson, Of the Record staff
Posted: 07/21/2009 04:20:34 PM MDT

A plan to build a golf course at The Canyons could move forward with a report from Summit County July 30.
Interim Summit County Manager Brian Bellamy expects to release a set of findings detailing the reasons a golf course was not completed at The Canyons seven years ago. Landowners cooperated in the late 1990s to form The Canyons Specially Planned Area, which envisioned an 18-hole course and millions of square feet of commercial and residential space at the base of the ski resort.
"Everyone said they wanted it. It's just a matter of getting heads together to make it happen," Bellamy said.
Squabbling among some stakeholders has delayed construction of the golf course, which American Skiing Company, the former owner of The Canyons, originally agreed to complete several years ago. The Toronto-based Talisker Corp. development firm, which recently purchased The Canyons from American Skiing Company, must now fulfill those terms of the development agreement, according to county officials.
Bellamy said he has met with Talisker officials, since a public hearing in June, to brainstorm ways to jumpstart construction of the golf course at The Canyons.
"We want to find out what it's going to take to get the golf course going," Bellamy said in a telephone interview.
Officials hope the course will elevate The Canyons into a four-season resort.
But construction delays have already cost builders in the Snyderville Basin millions, deputy Summit County attorney David Thomas explained.
"There are a lot of people racking up tons of costs," Thomas said. "Some may go bankrupt."
Crews have been unable to break ground on the golf course because of disputes between landowners in the Willow Draw and Lower Village areas of the resort, Thomas said in a telephone interview.
Landowner Joseph Krofcheck says he needs an easement for a roadway to access his property to develop in Willow Draw before he agrees to contribute land needed for the golf course, Thomas explained.
Krofcheck owns more than 12 acres in the Willow Draw area and about three acres in the Lower Village area of the The Canyons, Krofcheck attorney Steven Peterson said at the hearing in June.
"He's been somewhat a casualty of this whole process," Peterson said about Krofcheck, who is in his 70s. "He is very, very supportive of golf. He just wants to see it go forward."
As a party to The Canyons Specially Planned Area, which brought together roughly 25 property owners, Krofcheck is entitled to build about 180,000 square-feet of development at the resort, Peterson explained.
But for him to access his land Krofcheck says Wolf Mountain Resorts must provide him an easement, according to Thomas.
"There is still discussion from [The Canyons] as to whether they could provide [the easement] or not," Thomas said.
Operators of The Canyons lease property for the ski resort from Wolf Mountain Resorts Managing Partner Kenny Griswold.
Instead of needing approval from Griswold, however, the lease might allow The Canyons to give the easement to Krofcheck, which could clear the way for course construction by bypassing Wolf Mountain Resorts if Krofcheck then conveys his land that is needed for the golf course, Thomas said.
"We'd work with Wolf. We'd work with the county. We just want to get this done so this torturous 12-year waiting period could be concluded," Peterson said.
Meanwhile, it is unclear whether The Canyons Resort Village Management Association, which is overseeing construction of the golf course, has secured financing for the project. Despite claims from other landowners, Wolf Mountain Resorts attorney Paul Peters said actions by his client have not blocked construction of the course.
"There is nothing keeping the [Resort Village Management Association] and [The Canyons] from starting the golf course today," Peters said at the hearing in June.

"FIGHT FOR FLIGHT"

Benefit at Huntsman Estate in Deer Valley, Aug. 19
Keeping U.S. women ski jumpers airborne

WHAT?
Women’s Ski Jumping USA, in collaboration with local businesses and individuals, is sponsoring an extraordinary event Wednesday, Aug. 19 to raise money for the U.S. Women’s Ski Jumping Team, to raise awareness about the exclusion of women ski jumpers in the Olympic Winter Games and how it has developed into a global fight for human rights and equality for women.

WHERE?
The Fight for Flight benefit will take place at the exclusive Huntsman Mountain Estate, generously offered by Karen and Jon Huntsman Sr. The 20,000 square-foot grand mountain home is situated among 63 acres of beautiful and idyllic Utah backcountry in Deer Valley. The $55 million estate has been a gathering place for the Huntsman family and is the perfect setting to host such an important event.

TICKETS and INFORMATION
• Tickets to the event are $200 per person and may be purchased in advance.
• To RSVP or if you have questions:
Call Beth Moon, event organizer: 435-640-3252, Email: bethmoon@bethmoon.biz
* For more information about the U.S. women ski jumpers and this event visit: www.wsjusa.com

Center of Excellence opens its doors to the public

Alisha Self, Of the Record staff
Posted: 07/14/2009 04:39:31 PM MDT
Nordic combined skier Bryan Fletcher tests out the skateboard ramps Thursday at the Center of Excellence

Where can you find Olympic medalists, reigning world champions and up-and-coming winter sports contenders all in one place? Right in your own backyard.
The Center of Excellence, the new headquarters for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), draws elite athletes from across the country, as well as members of 400 youth and domestic programs, to its world-class training and education facility in Park City.
On Friday, July 17, the Center is opening its doors to the public. Fans of the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding are invited to a formal dedication ceremony beginning at noon, followed by public tours from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
National team athletes, including 2006 gold medalist Ted Ligety, will be on hand to speak to visitors and sign autographs. USSA President and CEO Bill Marolt, USSA Chairman Dexter Paine, International Ski Federation Secretary General Sarah Lewis, Utah Sports Commission President Jeff Robbins and Park City Mayor Dana Williams will also be in attendance.
According to Tom Kelly, vice president of communications for USSA, the completion of the Center of Excellence marks a historic achievement in the organization's relationship with the community. "Not only are we excited to have been in Park City for 35 years, but now to build a facility like this that complements the Olympic legacy facilities - particularly the Utah Olympic Park and Soldier Hollow - it just provides a great training environment for our athletes here in this community," he says.
The facility has been open for athlete training since the beginning of May, but this week marks the first time that the Center is welcoming the community for a behind-the-scenes look.
The 85,000-square-foot facility features a state-of-the-art weight room, cardio area, aerials trampolines and snowboard ramps area, gymnasium, sports-medicine recovery and rehab room, nutrition center and sport-science lab.
One of the most unique features of the facility is the ramps and tramps area, where snowboarders and other athletes hone their coordination and agility skills. Former halfpipe world champion and U.S. Snowboarding halfpipe coach Ricky Bower helped design the area, which features a roller pump track with a bank turn, a kicker into the foam pit, a ski and snowboardcross start gate, a skate bowl and Olympic regulation trampolines.
The U.S. Alpine Team utilizes the area for drills during team workouts. Athletes maneuver back and forth through the foam pit and run up and down the sides up the skate bowl. "We get creative and mix it up," says Tim Jitloff, a member of the men's A team.
"The whole area really caters to body awareness - knowing where your body parts are at all times," says Graham Watanabe, a snowboardcross competitor who likes to test out tricks into the foam pit. "You're able to mix it up and do interesting, diverse training on a regular basis."
Another favorite for athletes is the physical therapy center, which features a rehabilitation pool, hot and cold plunges, a steam room and sauna, and multiple therapy tables. "It's such a huge improvement from what we had before," says Ligety. He explains that at any point in time, up to one-third of the Men's Alpine Team is contending with injuries.
"Medically, it's a huge step," says Sasha Rearick, the head coach for the team.
The Center isn't all about athletes working and playing. Its other purpose is to provide educational resources to USSA athletes, coaches, officials, clubs, parents, volunteers and other stakeholders nationwide. The second and third floors of the building feature the athletic offices, executive and department offices, and a boardroom for meetings. "Having the front office and the athletes together in the long run is a tremendous opportunity," says Rearick.
The facility also houses the Borgen Swartz Resource Communications Center, which utilizes the latest technology in high-performance video and analysis, and the Jacolyn and John Bucksbaum Education Center, which provides access to computers, academic counseling and educational program information.
"It's nice to have a lot of staff and athletes interacting in one place," says Peter Foley, head coach of the U.S. Snowboardcross team. The athletes really benefit from working with coaches, physical therapists, sports-science trainers and athletes from different teams in the same place, he adds.
The Center provides a gathering place for athletes and facilitates inter-team mingling. "There's a lot more camaraderie between the teams," says Ligety. "It's been good to get to know other guys."
Men's Alpine Team member Erik Fisher sums up what makes the Center of Excellence, well, excellent: "It's the whole package," he says. "It brings every aspect that the athlete needs to succeed, from sports science to physical therapy to the trainers and equipment."
"Just like we're proud to be here in Park City, we hope that Park City is proud to have us calling this community home," says Kelly. "We hope they can see this great facility where Olympic athletes will be training for Vancouver and Sochi and beyond, and get a sense of what a great community we are in and what great assets we have for athletes."
The Center of Excellence is located at 1 Victory Lane, just east of Park City in Quinn's Junction at the intersection of U.S. 40 and Utah 248. To find out more about the USSA or the facility, visit www.ussa.org .