Off-Slope Fun in Park City

Continuing my recap from an early March trip to Park City, Utah.... (Check out Part One here)

Skiing wasn't the only activity pursued during my stay in Park City.  Borderline rain/snow was predicted for the final two days, so instead of shelling out big bucks to ski in the rain (I could do that back home for much less!) my friend Hollie and I decided to check out the shopping in downtown Park City.

Sloppy snowfall in downtown Park City

Many of the visitors to Park City are not hurting for money.  That became evident when Hollie and I perused Main Street.  We passed many well-heeled ladies, dressed to the nines in expensive clothing.  Lots of high-end brands had set up shops downtown.  We even counted three fur stores! 

For the man who has everything...

Speaking of fur..... one shop featured an item for the man who has everything - the fur jockstrap!  This unusual clothing article retailed for $39.95.  We asked the lady in the shop if she sold very many and were told they average 10 per day.  (Can you believe it?  That's a lot of money to spend for a gag gift!) 

The 2002 Winter Olympics held events at Park City

After walking the length of Main Street and back, Hollie and I drove over to the Park City resort, checked out some more shops, and watched a few hardy souls skiing in the rain.  Some of the 2002 Winter Olympics skiing events were held here, commemorated by a tall, artsy sign.

Ski Museum at the Olympic Park

On the topic of 2002 Winter Olympics - Hollie mentioned Park City had a museum at the old bobsled and ski jumping venue.  The following day, with more crummy weather in the forecast, we decided to drive over and have a look.

Sign for Utah Olympic Park

The old venues are still in use.  Freestyle skiers and ski jumpers still train on the 2002 facilities.  Also, the bobsled run is operational, offering rides to the public ($180 for a very quick trip).

Jump where freestyle skiers train

The freestyle skiing venue was vacant, its ramps snow-covered.  The pool below was empty, save for a thick blanket of snow.  (Obviously now a summer training facility)

Line up of neon ski wear!

The site did have a great museum, the Alf Engen Ski Museum.  It was named in honor of Alf Engen, a Norwegian-American skier who set several ski jumping world records in the 1930s.  He also helped established many ski areas in the western US, and is known as the pioneer of powder skiing.

Hollie tries out the ski jump simulator

The museum was very well done.  First, Hollie and I walked past a huge display of ski wear throughout the decades.  Lots of bright-colored garments, especially ones representing the 80s!


 

Olympic uniforms

Since neither Hollie nor I were willing to shell out 180 bucks apiece to ride the bobsled, we did the next best thing and tried the bobsled simulator.  For five bucks, it was a lot of fun.  Just around the corner was a ski jump simulation video, so of course we also had to try our hand at that.  Let's just say it wasn't very pretty.......(we'll stick to our day jobs!)

Channeling my inner freestyle skier

There were more fun things to see and do - like getting your picture taken as a freestyle skier.  Wahoo!

Hollie checks out the bobsled

Or trying to stuff yourself into a real Olympic bobsled.  (Just how do the riders get themselves in there so quickly?)

Opening ceremony costume

The upper floor had all sorts of memorabilia from the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic games.  
From team uniforms, (USA! USA!) to opening ceremony costumes, to a full wall of the different pins exchanged.

You too can be an Olympic torch bearer!

You could even hold a replica of the Olympic torch!

Snowy bobsled track

After thoroughly exploring the museum, Hollie and I went outside to get a look at the bobsled track.  Rides weren't offered until later in the day, so there wasn't much to see.  Plus everything was covered with a thick blanket of snow.

Future Olympians in training

On a nearby hill, we watched future Olympic skiers training on a short slalom course.

Hollie models her Park City hat!

The place that we stayed had its own gondola that took visitors up to Park City, Canyons Village base.  Every time we took a ride, both Hollie and I admired the cool hats the gondola employees wore.  After looking all over town for duplicates, we learned the hats were part of the official Park City employee uniform and weren't for sale to the public.  However, that didn't stop Hollie.  She offered one of the employees 25 bucks for his hat, and to our surprise he said "okay." 

Funny bumper sticker

It's amazing how fast a week of vacation can fly by.  Before I knew it, Friday arrived, and we were packing up Hollie's car for the 13-hour journey back home.  Despite some scary icy roads in northern Utah/southern Idaho, I'm happy to report we arrived in one piece.

Super fun to experience a new ski area - thanks Hollie for inviting me! 

(This blog will now resume "52 Hike Challenge" posts)