The Chateaux Blog

For you first-timers, we highly recommend you utilize the help of an expert guide. With so many nuanced factors, it is difficult for a beginner to read the river on your own. 

Not only are guides happy to provide tips and tricks, but they love sharing their enthusiasm for their favorite sport. We asked an avid fly fisherman, Blake, to describe his passion.

“For me, fly fishing is an art. Every aspect is meaningful. The bait is intended to mimic the lifecycle of ever-changing river fauna. When you craft flies that work, it’s incredibly gratifying because it means you understand the river.”  

A beginner certainly does not need to craft his or her own flies. In fact, a lot of experts prefer to purchase their flies too. However, it’s nice to consider the subtleties of the sport in order to better understand and appreciate what really goes into catching a fish. 

Park City is the ideal place to start your fly fishing adventure. It is teeming with blue-ribbon streams (designation of extremely high quality), and beautiful mountain scenery.  ​​

Our front desk team is happy to book your trip with one of our preferred vendors to ensure your first time on the river is a rewarding and meaningful experience. 435-658-9500 

Try something new this fall, reconnect with nature, check a new sport off your bucket list, and if you’re lucky, you may even discover a new lifelong passion. ​

No trip to Park City is complete without a stop at the Utah Olympic Park. This world-class training site was once home to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Today, visitors are welcome to come explore the world-class facilities, experience thrill-seeking adventure rides, and witness top-tier athletes train for international competitions.
 
SUMMER ACTIVITIES:
​* recommended activity for families with kids

Summer Bobsled Experience

• Jump on this high-speed ride for the thrill of a lifetime on the 2002 Olympic Sliding Track, home to bobsled, skeleton, and luge events during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. For the summer season, the bobsleds are modified to roll on the track’s concrete surface. Expect to reach speeds up to 60 miles per hour!

* Zip Line Tour

• Utah Olympic Park’s new seven tower Zip Line Tour was designed with the thrill-seeker in mind. Participants will fly up to 161 feet above the canyon floor as they crisscross their way along scenic terrain, all while approaching speeds of up to 40 mph.

Summer Extreme Zip Line

• Experience what it’s like to be an Olympian flying off the K120 nordic ski jumps on the Extreme Zipline, propelling you to 50 mph – fairly close to the speeds of world-class ski jumpers.

Summer Freestyle Zipline

• The Freestyle Zipline is a great way to warm up before stepping up to the Extreme Zipline. The Freestyle Zipline is a bit shorter, less steep, and totally fun. Perfect for younger kids or adults who want a more leisurely ride.

* Alpine Slide

• The Alpine Slide is smooth and comfortable with amazing views. Enjoy the straightaways, drops, and 18 banked turns with easily controllable sleds allowing all riders to go as fast or as slow as they like.
• Please note- this attraction is currently undergoing maintenance but is anticipated to open later this month. 

Extreme Tubing

• Take a ride down the landing hill of a Nordic Ski Jump in an inner tube! Gain speeds up to 50 mph on the same ski jumps that today’s Olympic-level athletes train on.

* Airbag Jumps

• Experience what it is like to be a stunt person in the movies with the new Airbag Jumps. You can choose from 5 feet, 10 feet, and 15 feet — then bravely leap into the giant airbags below.

Summer Drop Tower

• Begin your journey with a 377-foot-long zip line ride, which ends at the Drop Tower. The only way down from there is to step off the platform for an exhilarating 65-foot free fall.

* Scenic Chairlift Rides

• Enjoy picturesque Olympic vistas from the Park’s two scenic chair lifts, gaining approximately 440 vertical feet of elevation.

 
* Summer Discovery Course

• This entry-level course is designed to challenge the Park’s youngest adventurers, with fun obstacles and passages to explore.

Summer Canyon Course

• This intermediate-level course is designed to test one’s abilities with log traverses, swinging elements, and problem-solving features. Participants should be prepared to be at heights up to 25 feet in the air – where their agility, balance, and coordination will be tested.

Summer Summit Course

• This advanced-level course is designed to test even the strongest athletes with wire traverses, swinging elements, and problem-solving features. Participants should be prepared to be up to 55 feet in the air.

Mountain Challenge

• Tucked in the aspens high above the Utah Olympic Park, the Mountain Challenge dares participants to complete the course without touching the ground. The self-navigated obstacles test the agility, strength, and endurance of every adventurer.

* Summer Guided Tours

• Guided tours are the best way to explore the venue and learn about the amazing stories of Olympic achievement, including our favorite Olympian, Stein Eriksen. Tours sell out regularly, so consider purchasing tickets in advance.

* Flying Ace All-Stars Freestyle Shows

• Olympians and national team skiers and snowboarders perform acrobatic feats as they soar up to 60 feet in the air before landing in the Spence Eccles Olympic Freestyle Pool. A great show for the whole family, this half-hour choreographed production will leave you breathless!
• Showtimes: Now through September 2nd, Saturdays & Sundays at 1pm

 
For more information on all the exciting activities and events happening at the Utah Olympic Park, visit the website here.
 
Make the most of your time in Park City with this must-see Olympic destination.
 

Playful aspen leaves dance in a gentle summer breeze, as if moved by the sweet musical stylings of homegrown musicians. The Sixth Annual Hops on the Hill has returned for another seven week series of local craft beer tasting, savory food pairings, and free concerts.
 
This local event is held every Tuesday at our sister property, Stein Eriksen Lodge. Inspired by the Olympic legend and his Norwegian heritage, the traditional ski lodge was the very first property erected in Deer Valley, and has since remained an iconic treasure.
 
Visitors flock to Deer Valley each year for destination weddings and legendary mountain vacations, but Hops on the Hill feels more like a tribute to locals. The tranquil ambiance is elegant yet laid back. Kids play in the grass, while old friends come together to spend carefree summer nights on the deck.
 
Stein Collection Corporate Chef and Vice President of Food and Beverage Operations, Zane Holmquist, carefully crafts fine small bites to pair with each brewery’s unique ales, lagers, stouts, and malts. You can find him on the deck chatting with attendees and personally serving his taste creations. Many are surprised to find a chef of his stature on the deck serving, but Hops on the Hill is special. Chef Zane describes it as an opportunity to experience “the more casual side of Stein.”
 
Each week, the event features two local breweries. The passionate brewers take pride in sharing their craft. They are happy to describe the complexities of flavor found in each distinct beer. Combined with Stein Eriksen Lodge’s award-winning pairings, the evening offers a unique opportunity to indulge in a variety of taste sensations.
 
Guests seeking a more casual dining experience are encouraged to come relax on the lawn, enjoy the free concert, and order from the à la carte grill and bar. Chef Zane welcomes everyone to “Bring the neighbors, the friends, the kids, and have a great time!” There is truly something for everyone. Bring your friends and family to partake in this favorite summer series!
 
For a full list of local breweries and bands each week, click here.
This event does sell out, so be sure to make an early reservation: 435-645-6455

Summer getaways are the best. Better yet, a romantic summer escape tailored for two!
Deer Valley is the perfect vacation destination for romance, with activities and things to do for couples seeking adventure, culture, or a little bit of both!
​
Adventure
For those who crave the outdoors, look no further than beautiful Park City.
​

• Horseback riding is a local's favorite. Enjoy quality time riding beside your partner through stunning mountain vistas and wildflower-graced valleys.
• For adrenaline seekers, enjoy the same scenic views from the back of an ATV. Cozy up together on a shared ATV, or cruise side-by-side on your own side-by-sides. Hold on tight as you adventure through the rugged Uinta mountains.
• For golf lovers, we highly recommend a round at the award-winning Promontory Club Pete Dye Course. Before you agree to some friendly competition, remember the incredible views can be very distracting.
• For some relaxed quality time, embark on a sunset hike. The caramel setting sun lasts deep into warm summer nights. Park City is home to many amazing trails of various difficulty levels. If you're looking to take it easy for a nice day picnic, or prefer a more advanced trail, Deer Valley Resort's lift-served trail system has something for every hiker.
• If you really want to experience Park City from new heights, consider a romantic hot air balloon ride. Soar gently above the wandering hills and majestic valleys.

Culture
If you and your partner hope to explore art, culture, and a lively music scene, Park City is the ideal getaway for you. Stroll down Historic Main Street together for a variety of shops, art galleries, restaurants, and local bars. Visiting any of the following would spark meaningful conversation and discovery:
​

• Park City Museum has done a beautiful job of preserving the historic heritage of this little mining town through elegant displays and interactive visuals.
• The Egyptian Theatre has been a centerpiece of Park City culture since the late 1800s. Today, it is recognized as the iconic landmark of the Sundance Film Festival, and hosts a variety of theater, comedy, musical acts and more all year round. Complete your night out with live entertainment at this historic venue.
• The Deer Valley Music Festival is a local treasure held every year at the gorgeous Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater. Avid concert goers eagerly await the summer line-up of world-class talent paired with the renowned Utah Symphony. Curl up together on the grassy lawn for a romantic night under the stars.
• The Kimball Arts Festival is a weekend-long extravaganza bringing together national artists, savory food pairings, the musical styling of homegrown musicians and more.  
• The Last Friday Gallery Stroll is a free community event welcoming locals and visitors alike to explore Park City’s thriving art scene. All the local art galleries along Historic Main Street offer refreshments and commentary on their original displays.
  

Pure Romance Awaits
The quiet mountain setting, postcard-perfect views, and luxurious amenities at The Chateaux Deer Valley make Park City an ideal romantic getaway. Enjoy intimate Italian dining onsite at Cena Ristorante & Lounge or allow our free shuttle to escort you to and from Historic Main Street.

Our knowledgeable front desk team is always here to help make your stay as seamless as possible. Call 435-658-9500 for all inquiries.  Additionally, we recommend considering our special summer activity package, which makes booking all these activities even easier.

Make this summer even hotter with a romantic getaway to Park City, Utah. ​

Deer Valley Resort summer operations are in full swing! We had the opportunity to chat with Deer Valley Resort Director of Mountain Operations, Steve Graff, for the inside scoop on hiking and biking in beautiful Deer Valley this summer season.

Steve has served at Deer Valley Resort for the past 25 years.

“So obviously, I love it!” he declared.

“It is the connectedness and sense of family that brings people back, employees and guests. It is the pride of what we do and who we are. I love working here. The people from the top down are all very approachable, and we all have the same goal in mind, to give the people who come here the best experience that we possibly can.”

Park City attracts visitors from around the world to experience the renowned hiking and biking opportunities. According to the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), Park City was the very first Gold-Level Ride Center, meaning our community is truly a world-class mountain biking destination.

The Deer Valley trail maintenance team is currently hard at work constructing a brand new flow trail on Bald Eagle Mountain. Steve explained the difference between flow trails and traditional mountain biking.

Mountain biking has evolved over the years. Traditional mountain biking is considered “technical” and it is characterized by narrower trails and switchbacks. Riders navigate more natural elements like roots and rocks embedded in these trails. The new flow trails are shaped with large machinery. They are characterized by a more consistent smooth surface and large berm turns.

“The turns are big and banked, a different type of riding, and a lot of fun! They are incredibly popular. Tidal Wave feels like a dirt roller coaster.”

Tidal Wave is one of three flow trails at Deer Valley Resort, located on Bald Eagle Mountain. They are currently constructing a fourth. This fourth trail will mark the development of four flow trails developed over the course of four years.

“As it’s being completed and parts of [the new flow trail] become available, we’ll open it up over the course of the summer. It will be a really fun addition on our lower mountain.”

With the proximity to lift service and the high speeds generated on these steeper trails, most of the mountain biking on Bald Eagle Mountain is designated as downhill only.

Here’s a breakdown of the difficulty level of the four flow trails:

1. Holly Roller- Green flow trail with gentle rollers
2. Tidal Wave - Blue flow jump trail
3. Tsunami- Black Diamond flow jump trail
4. Newest trail still currently under construction, Blue, 4-6 feet wide, no jumps, berm turns, intermediate difficulty

“Overall, if you are looking for a lift-served, downhill experience, Bald Mountain is definitely where you want to be, off of the Sterling Chairlift. I would recommend starting out with Holy Roller. If you feel comfortable after that, then I would move to Nail Driver, which is a mix of flow and technical. It has elements of new school flow trails and also elements of traditional mountain biking. And then, you could work your way to the advanced intermediate trail,Tidal Wave. You keep working through that progression until you get up to Tsunami or Fire Swamp.”

If you prefer a more traditional mountain biking experience, Deer Valley Resort has a series of first-class interconnected trails to choose from.

“If you're into a more lift-served cross country experience, so more traditional mountain biking at a gentler pace, without all the climbing, you can take the chairlift up. I would recommend trails like Deer Camp, which is incredibly beautiful, Flagstaff Loop, Boulder, Tour de Suds, mainly on Flagstaff Mountain. Because you’re using the chairlfit, there’s never more than a hundred feet or so of climbing at a time, creating more of a cross country experience, kind of rolling up and down with some pedaling.”

The Flagstaff Mountain trails are generally not as steep or fast as those on Bald Mountain, so most of them, including Flagstaff Loop, Boulder, and Tour De Suds, are all multi-use and multi-directional. Hikers and bikers alike can enjoy these trails in either direction.

“We are trying to create good experiences for everyone. Hikers and bikers can co-exist on the trails that tend to meander more.”  

There are plenty of multi-directional trails to choose from, as well as four hiking only trails- Sultan, Silverlake Trail, Ontario Canyon, and Red Cloud.

“There are a lot of options. My personal favorite is Silverlake. It is steep, just over two miles long, and gains 14 hundred feet in elevation. I love it because it starts at Silverlake, and it wraps around Bald Mountain to the East. It has pine forest, open meadows with amazing views of the Uintas and Jordanelle, woods, and the last half is exposed on the back side of the mountain with great views of Wasatch Mountain State Park and Timpanogos. Then, when you summit at the top of Bald Mountain, you can enjoy a complimentary lift ride down on Sterling.”

All the Deer Valley Resort trails are free and open to the public. Even the new high-speed downhill flow trails are free. Bikers would just need to ride up on a multi-directional Flagstaff trail, then cross over to descend Bald Mountain trails.

For those staying here at The Chateaux Deer Valley looking for a fun, easy hike, Steve suggested a multi-trail hike that begins right in our backyard!

1. Cross the street from The Chateaux Deer Valley over to Mid-Mountain Trail
2. Hike along Mid-Mountain for about a mile, where Red Cloud starts
3. Take Red Cloud up to the top of Flagstaff (moderate climb)
4. Enjoy a complimentary ride down Ruby Chairlift to Empire
5. Hike back to The Chateaux Deer Valley via Mid-Mountain trail

The whole loop is approximately four miles, but only about 900 feet of elevation gain over the course of the whole hike.

Whether you’re a professional mountain biker eager to take on more advanced trails, a beginner excited to experience a new sport, or a hiker seeking the best views, Deer Valley Resort has something for everyone.

For more information on the trail systems, mountain biking lessons, hiking trail guides, and more, visit the Deer Valley Resort website here.

As always, our Front Desk team is happy to help plan your next adventure: 435-658-9500

Additionally our Stein Eriksen Sport team at our sister property, Stein Eriksen Lodge, is knowledgeable and fully equipped to outfit you in the latest gear: 435-658-0680

Get out there and experience all Deer Valley has to offer this beautiful summer season!

​

​The moment Lance Rentrios stepped foot in Stein Eriksen Lodge, he knew he belonged.

“I came here for my birthday to visit, and I didn’t want to leave. I felt at home. I just fell in love, and I wanted to be a part of this. Mariam was my server, and I told her that I was going to work here one day. Years later, it happened.”

Lance serves as a bartender and server in Cena Ristorante & Lounge at The Chateaux Deer Valley. He also assists in banquets at both Stein Eriksen Lodge and The Chateaux. It’s not surprising that Lance feels so at home in the Stein community. His stepdad was a bellman here for twenty-three seasons, and his mom served on the security team. Not only is Lance honored to continue this family tradition, but he is drawn to the legacy of excellence these properties uphold.

“I want to do the best and work for the best. I do what I love, and I love to serve others. That’s what makes me happy. I got my foot in the door with Stein, and it’s been the best two years of my life.”

Lance stood up and demonstrated the proper technique for seamlessly clearing plates, describing the small but meaningful details that contribute to flawless service in every interaction.

“I take it very seriously. If you’re going to do something, you do it. Simply balancing a glass on a tray takes effort. The only reason I’m good at it is because I practiced at home on my own time.”

That’s not the only skill he diligently practiced. He memorized every detail of the menu. He learned all he could and more. He pairs this skill set with an unwavering dedication to personalized service. He keeps a notebook with guests names and special notes, allowing him to anticipate their preferences every time.

“When they return, they don’t ask for anything. I anticipate everything. And if it’s their birthday, I send them a card. If it’s Christmas, I send them a picture of our team out in the snow making a snowman. Now they feel like part of The Chateaux family, and they’re going to tell their friends. I like that.”

Lance’s passion for his career extends beyond the workplace. When asked what he enjoys doing in his free time, Lance replied,

“For me, it’s food and beverage. That’s my passion. That’s what I love to do.”

He’s especially fond of French cuisine, and he enjoys cooking dinner for his family every night. As a devoted family man and father of four young children, his greatest joy is fatherhood.

“My life is all about them. There is nothing more important to me than them just being confident and successful young people. That’s all I want.”

Working for Stein Collection and living in the Park City area has allowed him the freedom and flexibility to spend more time with his family.

“Here, there’s an extra level of support that we’re not used to. I felt welcomed right away. I love the company. I feel like I’m part of the community now. I don’t have plans of going anywhere any time soon.”

When Lance was recently awarded the prestigious recognition of Stein Collection Employee of the Year, it was not the first time. He was awarded Employee of the Year at Mandarin Oriental and Ritz Carlton before his employment here. He works very, very hard every day, and it shows. Lance has received many personal letters from guests and residents thanking him for his kindness and service.

When asked about the honors and recognition he has received over the years, Lance simply replied,

“I just want my kids to be proud of me.”

Each of our team members has a story, and we hope to share them with you through our “Behind the Chateaux” posts. It is the warmth and dedication of exceptional team members like Lance who truly bring life to the Stein Collection properties. Be sure to say hello to Lance next time you stop in at The Chateaux Deer Valley.

​

Imagine what Park City must have been like in the early days- rowdy prospectors, courageous settlers, and the bustling dawn of a new township. This captivating place has grown from a lawless mining town to a world-renowned destination, attracting famous athletes, artists, and filmmakers alike.

In order to learn more about the heritage of the town we love, we decided to stop by Park City Museum. We’re so glad we did! Park City has undergone countless seasons of change and development, but it has always been a truly extraordinary place. Here’s what we learned on our historical outing.

                 Park City was officially founded in 1884, but its history began long before that. Dating all the way back to 1600 A.D, this area was home to Native American bands that traveled the high alpine valleys in search of game. The first European settlers were a ragtag bunch of miners prospecting for silver. Unlike the rest of Utah, which was settled by Mormons seeking religious freedom, Park City was founded by these early prospectors.   
             Brigham Young arrived at his “City by the Salt Lake” decades earlier in 1847. By 1862, Salt Lake City was a booming establishment built on Mormon doctrine. Civil War Union General Patrick Connor was wary of the Mormon populous. He feared they would side with the Confederate Army. He sent Union Troops out to monitor the Mormons and to prospect. He hoped that if the soldiers discovered valuable minerals, a flood of prospecting outsiders would dilute the Mormon majority.    
              Just as Connor had hoped, in late October of 1869, after seven years of prospecting, the soldiers ascended the mountains of Big Cottonwood Canyon and discovered silver in what is now Park City. They marked the outcropping with a bandanna and resolved to return in the more temperate spring. They later named this first mine Flagstaff.
                 That same year, railroad workers completed The Transcontinental Railroad in Promontory, Utah. They marked the joining of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads with a golden spike that can still be visited today. With the railroad complete, some of these laid off workers, many of whom were Chinese, made their way to Park City. By 1870, the population was a mere 164 people, and it would be be another decade before the town officially became incorporated.
           With the discovery of exceedingly rich silver ore, Ontario Mine opened, and Park City developed into a mining boomtown. George Hearst, the father of William Randolph Hearst, and partners bought the Ontario for $27,000 dollars. Over the course of its lifetime, Ontario would produce $50 million dollars worth of silver.
               By 1875, Park City had its own public schoolhouse. Five years later, it had a newspaper. The Park Record printed it’s first issue in 1880, making it the oldest continuously published newspaper in Utah. By 1881, Park City acquired a telephone service. Telephone operator girls had the most glamorous job in town! As Park City grew, so did the booming silver industry.  
            Finally in 1884, Park City officially became incorporated, and they began constructing a City Hall. The town’s population reached 5,000 by 1889. Backed by the successful mines, residents of this bustling silver town enjoyed the modern luxury of electric lights. Parkites loved reading Park Record gossip columns detailing the lives of socialites who made their millions on the mines. One such resident, Susanna Bransford Emery Holmes, was better known as the “Silver Queen.” In 1892, she was making $1,000 a day from her interest in the Silver King Mine.
              Within a decade, the population doubled. By 1898, 10,000 residents called Park City home. In June of that year, the worst fire Park City has ever seen destroyed 200 of the town's 350 structures. It left 500 homeless and caused $1 million dollars in property damage. The resilient residents completely rebuilt Park City within a year and a half.
         In the early 1900s, miners rallied together to build Park City’s first hospital. It was much needed given the harsh mining conditions workers faced every day. Cave-ins, floods, and rickety infrastructures made mining a very dangerous trade. Minors were a rowdy bunch who frequented the twenty-seven local bars. With Prohibition in 1917, bootlegging became very popular. Prohibition was frustrating, but real hardships plagued residents leading into the 1930s-  a great influenza epidemic, labor unrest, and a terrible stock market crash in 1929. Silver King stock plummeted, and the miner’s livelihoods were in jeopardy. With WWII and plunging mineral prices in the 1940s, silver mining dwindled. By 1949, all the mines shut down.
         Park City in the 1950’s became increasingly known as a ghost town with a bad reputation for drinking, gambling and “giddy girls.” The town needed a big change if it was going to survive and prosper. Over the decades, many locals had enjoyed skiing and ski jumping, but it wasn’t until the late fifties that the notion of skiing as a viable industry seemed possible.
           In 1963, Park City qualified for a federal loan that allowed them to start developing a ski area. That first year, the resort accommodated almost 50,000 skiers a day, and so it began!  With this new sustainable industry in place, Park City has grown and flourished into the ski destination we know today, but those early mining days will forever be a part of Park City’s adventurous past.

Thank you to The Park City Historical Society and Museum for doing such a beautiful job of preserving Park City’s historic heritage.  Their exceptional museum and easily accessible records make learning about Park City easy and fun.

To experience the museum for yourself, stop by 528 Main Street, call (435) 649-7457 or visit the website.

​