One in four Americans have a disability in the United States. That is a staggering statistic, in part, because many are not readily apparent or visible. Factor in family, friends and caregivers, and this represents a huge population of people that, among other things, want to relax and enjoy their winter vacation.
Utah is one of the most accessible travel destinations, especially for those with special needs. But like every winter traveler, the biggest question is often, “Where should I stay?” ‘Accommodation’ for this audience means much more than thread count (Oh, but goodness, who doesn’t love soft sheets!), but if you’re considering a ski trip or winter vacation to Utah, here are some considerations and recommendations to get you excited – really excited – about coming here.
Location, location, location.
Yep, it is the #1 consideration for travelers, especially skiers and snowboarders. Ski-in/ski-out is everyone’s first pick, but it often – but not always – comes at a premium. For skiers with any type of challenge or limitation, being slopeside puts them closer, faster to what they came here to do – shred. No need to haul gear and commute to the resort base. Just clip in and go!
Slopeside in Park City
One of the best properties to consider is Marriott’s Mountainside in Park City. Located at the Village base of Park City Mountain, this property is part of the Marriott Vacation Club but is open to the public for individual stays. It is adjacent to the Payday Lift and approximately 100 yards from the National Ability Center, one of Utah’s best-known organizations for getting anyone who wants to experience the mountain as high as they want to go. If you are participating in a NAC program or want them to assist in a customized program for your group or family, be sure to check out The Lodge on its Round Valley campus.
Marriott Mountainside offers studio, one and two-bedroom villa layouts and accessible rooms may be requested when confirming the reservation. Gear rentals, retail stores and dining options abound making it a terrific base for your winter vacation.
Tip: Using points at Marriott and its Bonvoy properties, including St. Regis at Deer Valley Resort, Asher Adams in Salt Lake City and Courtyard Salt Lake City at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, are a great way to make lodging more affordable (or free). Definitely check out other points programs through hotels or credit cards.
What Sets Utah Apart is Never Being Far from the Action
Another option away from the resort base – but just as accessible – are the numerous hotels and condos available in the center of Park City including two-bedroom and three-bedroom options. What makes these options appealing is the access to the Towne Lift that ferries skiers and snowboarders from the stores and restaurants on Historic Main Street up onto Park City Mountain near the top of Payday Lift.
The Canyons Village at the northern end of Park City Mountain also offers a range of lodging options featuring accessibility inside and proximity outside. Resort hotels, including the Pendry Park City and Waldorf Astoria, are located beside Sunrise Lift and Frostwood Gondola, respectively. Plenty of shopping and dining options are also on-site, nearby or available for delivery to your door.
Ski Into the Cottonwoods
The front side of the Wasatch provides additional lodging and entertainment options. In Little Cottonwood Canyon, skiers and snowboarders will enjoy slaying and staying at Snowbird. The Cliff Lodge, a modern high-rise hotel is adjacent to the Chickadee Lift, a popular launching point for Wasatch Adaptive Sports lessons and programs. From there, the summit and the sky are the limit with the popular Tram taking skiers and snowboarders to the top. After a big mountain day, enjoy a soak in the rooftop pool or sauna in the Cliff Spa before heading for drinks and dinner at The Aerie.
Big Options in the Big City
For visitors looking for off-mountain entertainment, the number of lodging options is, frankly, too numerous in nearby Salt Lake City. Hotels and rental properties (from budget to luxury), sports and cultural attractions, shopping and dining options, and even medical and professional services if you need them are all available in this major metropolitan city that is less than 30 minutes from the world-class slopes.
Downtown Salt Lake City is home to many hotel chains, including the cozy and eclectic Hotel Monaco, a Kimpton hotel, across from the Capitol Theater and around the corner from Eccles Theatre. The Asher-Adams, a new Autograph Collection property rising from the renovated Union Pacific Depot, is across the street from the Delta Center, home of the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club. Like many modern brands, these hotels offer rooms with amenities including, roll-in showers or tubs, visual alarms for doors, smoke detectors and phones and offer guests assistance with any other special items or services to make their stay feel inclusive, seamless and memorable.
Utah is, arguably, one of most accessible places in the world to ski and snowboard. With attractions, amenities and accommodations to meet just about any traveler, it's no surprise why it's repeatedly asked to host the world.
