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Brian Head Resort - Part 1
Dear Utah, I Love You
Written by: Christine Coviello
Why should you go skiing in Utah? Our reporter fell in love with the place and has written a love letter about skiiing at Brian Head.
Dear Brian Head,
I just can't get you off of my mind. I love you and I can't hide it. I want to tell everyone I know...
Okay, so I can't write a love letter. But I wish I could. That is how I truly feel about this trip. I think I am in love.
When I heard I was coming to visit, I was nervous. I had never been skiing or taken part in any winter activity. I was afraid I would make a mistake, or not be prepared. I thought my New York attitude and wardrobe would make me stick out like a sore thumb.
I was dead wrong.
We took Southwest Airlines out of Islip, NY. I didn't like the general seating approach, but since our flight was so early, seating wasn't a problem. We arrived in Las Vegas, NV later that afternoon. When we stepped outside to wait for our cab, I turned to my friend, Julie, and said, "I don't think we are in Kansas anymore."
Lights, hotels, and slot machines... Oh My! In any direction you look there is a grand looking hotel. I wish I could have spent more time here.
Just as I was about to wander off and gamble, our tour coordinator Ron arrived. Ron is from Utah Scenic Tours, and he set the tone for the entire weekend. He was knowledgeable about the surroundings and was excited to teach us whatever he knew. Instead of a potentially boring 3-hour drive, we received a breathtaking tour along the way. We had the unique experience of passing through 2 time zones, 3 states, and 4 seasons! I was in complete awe as we drove. Practically in shock at the beauty, I stared out the window at this wonderful place. I couldn't believe this actually existed in America!
We stopped at Zion National Park. My only regret is not having more time. The colors of the scenery are truly indescribable. This is something that touches your soul. Words are not enough. The drive was already one of the highlights of the trip.
With all of this excitement and traveling, we needed a snack, so Ron was nice enough to stop for an early dinner in St. George, Utah. Ron took us to his favorite local hang out spot called Café Rio, and we had delicious Mexican food. On the surface, what looked like a fast food restaurant ended up being great cuisine!
On the road again, we were off to Brain Head Ski Lodge. As we watched the scenery change from spring to fall, Ron shared some local history. Being a city girl, I was fascinated by all the wildlife and the range of plant life we saw along the route. Quickly, it began to snow. We piled on our ski jackets, scarves and gloves, and started to experience the temperature change along with the infamous high altitude.
As we pulled up to the entrance of the lodge, I was excited to enter what seemed like a winter wonderland, so far removed from the hot streets of Vegas. We stayed across the street in a beautiful suite. The room had two queen beds, a kitchenette, and a fireplace and living room area. We were quite exhausted from our trip and the altitude change, and promptly fell fast asleep.
We woke up early the next morning and were surprised to find we had a foot of snowfall the night before. What a treat! We prepared for a full day of outdoor activities by starting with a hearty breakfast at the Columbine Café in Cedar Breaks Lodge. I never normally have a large breakfast back at home, but everything looked so good on the menu I was compelled to order something. I had the pancakes, and Julie had an omelette. Both were delicious, we exclaimed, as we cleaned our plates!
We wanted to start with something new, so Julie and I took a snowboarding lesson. After 3 hours, we both are experts at falling, but that's about it! We lucked out, and there was fresh soft powder to fall on. Our instructor was very nice and encouraging. Coming from the East coast with long lines at the ski lifts and snobby "snow bunnies," it was nice to just walk right up to the lift and feel comfortable to try something new. That is what you notice immediately about Brian Head. Everyone is so relaxed and accommodating. They make you feel like you are out visiting friends.
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Barbara from the Deli
with Christine (Barbara on right)
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Speaking of long lost friends, we had the pleasure of dining at The Mountain View Deli and Bakery. Make sure to visit Gemini, the dog, if you ever stop by. She is adorable. To show me how small the world is after all, I met the owners, Barbara and Steve, who after a quick chat, realized they are from, not only the same town as me, but literally around the corner. Barb treated us like long-lost cousins, but I noticed they genuinely treated everyone this way. We had the tomato basil soup and a sandwich. We also tasted a few other things, and this soon became our mandatory stop over the next three days for snacks and small meals. Everything was homemade and delicious. It is one of those, "Hey Ma, What's for dinner!" kind of places.
Read part 2
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