With the Sundance Film Festival behind us, Park City only has a short break from gracing the world stage. The Intermountain Healthcare International Ski World Cup returns for its 22nd year at Deer Valley Resort, February 6-9. The world’s best men and women freestyle competitors will amaze and awe spectators as they twist, fly and ski their way to the podium. The three exhilarating areas of competition include moguls, dual moguls, aerials. These are the same events that Deer Valley hosted during the Olympic Winter Games in 2002, so it’s no surprise the Intermountain Healthcare Freestyle International draws an enthusiastic crowd of Park City locals and visitors each year. Expect plenty of cowbells to be ringing! The qualifying rounds take place during the day, and the competition is under the lights, which makes the event all the more electrifying. And there’s more…it’s free!
Ensure maximum enjoyment of the spectacle by being fully prepared. Having attended this event for many years as locals, we have five pieces of advice to follow:
- Dress in layers. Consider wearing long johns and even ski pants, in addition to very warm gloves, a hat, and warm socks.
- Standing on the snow gets chilly, so wear snow boots designed to keep you dry and comfortable in low temperatures.
- Hand warmers – they’re your friends!
- A hot beverage in an insulated cup or some local Alpine Distilling or High West spirits in a flask will make you the envy of the crowd.
- Ride the free bus or carpool! There tends to be a lot of traffic with everyone departing the event at the same time.
The World Cup kicks off on Thursday with the moguls competition, continues on Friday with aerials, and concludes on Saturday with dual moguls. View the event schedule here.
Deer Valley’s EBS Lounge in Snow Park Lodge will expand its hours of operation for the nighttime events. Kick off your evening with a cocktail and snack. If you’re looking for something more substantial, start your night early with dinner at the extravagant Seafood Buffet at Snow Park Lodge and walk a bit of that off as you hike up the hill to the competition. Other nearby dining options in Snow Park include The Brass Tag inside The Lodges at Deer Valley or Deer Valley Grocery Café where you can grab and go if you prefer to eat on the hill. We dare you to resist snagging a Deer Valley chocolate chip cookie to munch on during the event!
Live up the luxury at the World Cup by getting tickets for the VIP tent. There, you can seek warmth and absorb the social environment among Park City jet-setters, sponsors, and the like. The tent also features a lavish buffet and drinks.
However you decide to experience the World Cup, it promises to be one of your most exciting winter weekends in Park City. Take advantage of this extraordinary chance to see the rising stars of skiing up close.
