Black Bear Lodge by Wyndham Vacation Rentals

The mid-mountain Black Bear Lodge has a rough-hewn elegance, minutes from the slopes. And not just any slopes. The prestigious Deer Valley Ski Resort was voted the #1 Ski Resort in North America by Ski Magazine readers five years straight. Located in the heart of Silver Lake Village, Black Bear is right across the street from Silver Lake Lodge and walking distance to the Silver Lake Village Lift. (So if you happen to get a little turned around, just remember “Silver Lake” and you’ll be fine.) Pro tip for saving time once you get there? Ask about ski equipment delivery and purchase advance lift tickets for any of the three area mountain resorts. Once you’re here, the “convenient” theme continues with a complimentary ski shuttle and private shuttle to town – just let the driver know where you’re headed. Kids begging for a stop at the heated outdoor pool? Brave the short, brisk walk – it’s great once you get in.

Upscale one- and two-bedroom condominiums have a posh cabin feel, with beautiful natural stone fireplaces and custom furnishings. Once breakfast is cleared away and everyone passes your “properly-bundled” inspection, head for the lift. (Each day’s departure time may get a little later, as you're all moving a little slower.) Show your advance-planning savvy and have groceries delivered to your fully equipped kitchen upon arrival. Don’t skimp on the snacks – your après ski crowd will be ravenous. Keep your ski layers on, brush the snow off the balcony and head out there with hot drinks, then change and hit the hot tub before it’s time to get dinner going. Don’t over-engineer your evenings – board games and movies are all you need. While the kitchen cleanup crew finishes up, watch the little ones start dragging pillows and “preferred” blankets to the sofa, setting up camp for the movie. (How is it that they can work the remote better than all the adults combined?)

Black Bear Lodge is close to the impressive variety of live shows at the Egyptian Theatre, so be sure to check the performance calendar well in advance of your trip. And if you’re interested in a little history and culture, the Park City Museum and Kimball Art Center are nearby as well. Or if you’re here for all mountain sports all the time, Deer Valley’s right outside your door, with Park City and Canyons just minutes away. If you’re willing to venture a little further afield, go see Kamas, a quaint mountain town surrounded by pristine national forest. And Jordanelle State Park is great for hiking, biking and horseback riding in the summer. Kick the pace up a notch and take your thrill-seekers to the alpine slide at Utah Olympic Park (18 banked turns!), and reach insane speeds (up to 60mph!) in less than a minute on the bobsled track. Then move on to the Extreme Zipline, Summit Adventure Course, Drop Tower or Extreme Summer Tubing. (You’ll all sleep well that night!)