Current News
CURRENT NEWS
Hwy 14 Land Slide Alternate Routes
Amid Summer’s Inn Voted 2009 “Inn of the Year”
Amid Summer's Inn Bed & Breakfast "Best Decor" B&B Award Winner
Cedar City voted "Best Utah Getaway" by Las Vegas Review Journal
Cedar City Ranks In The Top 20 Cities for Outdoorsmen In Outdoor Life Magazine
Cedar City Receives A Top Ranking From Where To Retire Magazine
The Garden Cottage B&B Chosen As The Top Rocky Mountain B&B in Utah
NBC Today Show Rates Cedar City in their Top Eight Fall Foliage Destinations
Patchwork Parkway – Utah State Route 143 Receives National Scenic Byway Status
See “What’s Happening” on Twitter
Utah Shakespearean Festival Named one of North America's 100 Best Events for 2012
PRESS RELEASES
American Cowboy Names Cedar City One of the Best Places to Live in the West
Burnt Offering Beckons Bountiful Snowfall
Downtown Alliance to Benefit from SUU Hospitality Student Venture
Warren Miller’s “Wintervention” - Southern Utah Style
Winter Back Country Acclaim for Southern Utah
Hwy 14 Land Slide Alternate Routes
CEDAR CITY, UT – Due to a massive landside eight miles up Cedar Canyon on SR-14, alternate routes are being suggested for travelers. Visitors and travelers to Scenic Southern Utah can still catch some fall colors and travel to destinations such as Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks National Monument and Duck Creek Village. The Iron County Visitor Center, located at 581 North Main Street, Cedar City, has maps and information that will aid travelers in finding the best route to arrive at their intended destination.
For tourists wishing to see Cedar Breaks National Monument, SR-143, via Parowan and Brian Head, offers a look at unique scenery and low elevation fall colors while serving as a direct route to several viewpoints before connecting to SR-148. Although the visitor center and campground services are now closed at Cedar Breaks, the viewpoints will remain open until the road closes after snowfall prohibits traffic to the area. Utah State Route 143, Utah’s Patchwork Parkway, is a designated National Scenic Byway. Hwy 143 also connects travelers to Highway 89 and SR-12 leading to Bryce Canyon.
From the north, another access point to Bryce Canyon from Interstate-15 is SR 20. SR-20 connects to Highway 89 and SR-12 to Bryce Canyon.
“The landslide will definitely impact travel, Bonnie Char, Public Relations Specialist notes, “but fortunately there are alternate Scenic Byways that provide access to the National Parks, Monuments and recreation areas in southern Utah. Travelers may just discover additional favorites along the way.”
Amid Summer’s Inn Voted 2009 “Inn of the Year”
PETALUMA, CA / CEDAR CITY, UT ––“The Complete Guide to Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Guesthouses International” by Pamela Lanier have voted Amid Summer’s Inn located in Cedar City, Utah, as their #1 choice as the “2009 Inn of the Year”. “This is quite a prestigious honor for Amid Summer’s Inn”, relates Bonnie Char, Public Relations Specialist for the Cedar City ~ Brian Head Tourism Bureau, “Our Bed and Breakfasts in Cedar City are top-notch and this awards proves that Cedar City offers some of the best places to stay in all the world”.
Amid Summer's Inn, a turn of the century English Tudor home, sits on a quiet, tree-lined street. Hosts Gary and Charlene Elsasser welcome each arrival, showing their dedication to providing an enjoyable and memorable experience. Centrally located between Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and Brian Head Ski Resort, the inn and its award-winning flower garden are a short stroll from Cedar City’s historic downtown district. Visitors from all over the world join the Amid Summer's Inn for the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespearean Festival, Neil Simon Festival and Festival City USA.
Gary and Charlene have been interior designers for the past 35 years. Gary's fine workmanship shows throughout the home, and Charlene's love for design gives each room a distinctive personality and flavor. The parlor features an antique Rococo sofa and chairs and an inviting fireplace accents the arched ceiling, while fresh flowers and chocolates add to the ambiance. Every guest room features a private bath, air conditioning, cable television and wireless internet. Some suites have jetted tubs, flat screen TV, phones, ceiling fans, and DVD players.
Amid Summer’s Inn is famous for its many extras, which include a full multi-course gourmet breakfast feast, served family-style in the elegant formal dining room. One guest wrote in the comment book, "The breakfast alone is worth the price of your room.” A former cake and candy store owner, Charlene enjoys making specialty candies in her spare time. She and Gary delight in creating new dishes for their guests. “In our words, the "good life" means delicious food, interesting conversation, the comforts of a lovely home, enjoying the arts, exploring beautiful Scenic Southern Utah, and most of all, the comfort of our family, friends, and guests, and what they give back to us enriches our lives.”
“We offer many congratulations to Amid Summer’s Inn as well as our warm wishes for continued success”, notes Pamela Lanier. You can find more information about Amid Summer’s Inn on Pamela Lanier’s Bed & Breakfast Guide at www.LanierBB.com or by going directly to the B&B’s website at www.amidsummersinn.com.
ABOUT THE INN OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
One of the great appeals of Bed and Breakfasts is that they are as unique as the innkeeper's themselves. At LanierBB.com, we offer our readers the opportunity to pick the best B&B's in over 80 fun categories including our distinguished Inn of the Year. Winners are announced annually in our guidebook, on our website, newsletters, press releases and directly to the voters. Past winners can be reviewed at www.LanierBB.com/innoftheyear/past.html. 2010 votes are being accepted now, to learn all about our Guests’ Greatest Picks and cast your vote, please go to www.LanierBB.com/vote.php.
ABOUT BBIGI
Founded in 1982 by Pamela Lanier, The Complete Guide to Bed and Breakfasts, Inns & Guesthouses International is one of the largest bed and breakfast innkeeper organizations internationally with over 8,500 members and growing. Our purpose is to extend awareness of specialty lodging throughout the world and to provide innkeepers educational resources and opportunities to personally share their unique properties with every guest possible.
Guests Pick their 2010 “Best Decor” B&B Award Winner From over 8,500 B&B’s worldwide!
PETALUMA, CA MARCH 2nd, 2010- Congratulations to Amid Summer’s Inn in Cedar City, UT who was recently chosen as offering the “Best Decor” out of 8,500 B&B’s around the world! Our readers have spoken and the Amid Summer’s Inn has unanimously received the greatest number of votes in this category by their loyal B&B guests and regular visitors to LanierBB.com. Innkeepers Charlene & Gary Elsasser certainly earned this prestigious award, their hard work and effort has not gone unnoticed by the traveling public!
Located in lovely Cedar City UT, the Amid Summer’s Inn serves their guests with extraordinary comfort and unparalleled attention to detail. Warm, welcoming and full of character, the Amid Summer’s Inn offers travelers an ideal base for a relaxing and memorable bed and breakfast retreat.
Guests at the Amid Summer’s Inn are always the top priority of innkeepers and staff. With excellent attention to detail and personal service, the Amid Summer’’s Inn is the ultimate bed and breakfast destination for any traveler in search of an unforgettable experience.
Pamela Lanier’s Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and Guesthouses International has been assisting inn goers with a comprehensive variety of boutique lodgings since 1982, announcing an “Inn of the Year” winner for 26 consecutive years. The oldest and most prestigious B&B vote program in the world, guests may now vote for any bed and breakfast in over 80 categories on LanierBB.com, all votes tallied and winners announced at the beginning of each year in Lanier’s print guide, The Complete Guide to Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Guesthouses International, award-wining website, newsletters and with press affiliates.
Thinking of visiting Cedar City UT, or want to meet the exceptional innkeepers that put their heart and soul into their B&B? Contact them today and they’ll receive you at their B&B with open arms and smiling faces!
Amid Summer’s Inn
140 South 100 West
Cedar City, UT 84720
435-586-2600
http://www.amidsummersinn.com/
Las Vegas Review Journal Votes Cedar City – “Best Utah Getaway”
Las Vegas, NV / Cedar City, UT – For the past twenty-eight years the Las Vegas Review - Journal, Nevada’s most widely read newspaper, compiles the “Best of Las Vegas”. Cedar City, Utah garnered the top honor of “Best Utah Getaway” for 2009.
On the website for the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Best of Las Vegas, the “staff picks” notes of Cedar City, “whether it’s off of red rock cliffs or at the theater, this is our pick for hanging in Utah. If the terrain and Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespearean Festival aren’t enough, there’s the Braithwaite Arts Gallery, cute shops and plenty of nearby lakes, parks and petroglyphs.”
“We are thrilled that Las Vegas readers recognize the perfect getaway vacation just across the Nevada border in Southern Utah”, Bonnie Char Oldroyd, Public Relations Specialist, Cedar City ~ Brian Head Tourism Bureau states. “Cedar City offers a myriad of activities for all ages. Our diversity of outdoor activities and arts offerings makes Cedar City a clear choice for families and individuals of all phases of life. Our beautiful red rock mountain welcomes visitors and residents alike to explore, relax, and feel right at home in Cedar City.”
Las Vegas resident, Matthew Blackburn, says: “You can do everything in Iron County, [UT], from hunting and fishing to four-wheeling, snowboarding to hiking, it’s all right there.”
According to the congratulatory letter received by the Cedar City ~ Brian Head Tourism Bureau from publisher Sherman R. Frederick, “On Sunday, March 29th over 531,369 readers enjoyed the Review-Journal’s results in the twenty-eighth edition of “Best of Las Vegas”, filled with articles and advertisements about the best and worst of Las Vegas.”
This year’s Best of Las Vegas poll featured 184 choices. The Review-Journal received 15,145 votes for 2009, nearly double from last year’s votes. Most of the votes came from Las Vegas Valley, but votes were also received from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, the Cayman Islands, France, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, the Philippines, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Cear City Ranks In The Top 20 Cities for Outdoorsmen In Outdoor Life Magazine
Outdoor Life recently named Cedar City as one of the top 20 places to live for the avid outdoorsman. From a list of 200 cities, Cedar City came in at #15.
Outdoor Life evaluated towns across the country using such criteria as hunting, fishing, access to public lands and local economy.
They began by compiling a list of every town with a population center of more than 4,000 people. They evaluated the growth rate, unemployment rate, commute time, crime rate, housing prices and more. Towns were then graded on their appeal from a sporting perspective.
When the totals came in, they combined all the factors and placed the locations in order. Cedar City scored well. On a scale of 1-10, Cedar City sported a nine in public land access and gun laws, eight in "trophy" hunting potential and a seven in huntable species.
To view the entire report, click here. http://www.outdoorlife.com/article.jsp?ID=1000057228
Cedar City Receives A Top Ranking From Where To Retire Magazine
For the second time in a year, Where To Retire Magazine has recognized Cedar City as being one of their best picks for retirees. In their recent February “Best Choices” issue, the Magazine recognizes Cedar City as one of their “Five Best Budget Towns To Retire”.
The magazine, which is geared towards helping people with their retirement decisions, profiled five towns that give residents the most bang for their retirement buck. The towns were selected based upon the myriad of perks and amenities offered at a lower cost than many communities. Where To Retire editors chose the following top five locations as the picks for best budget towns, including Crossville, TN, Columbia, SC; Mount Dora, FL, Sussex County, DE and Cedar City, Utah.
According to the Where To Retire editor, Mary Lu Abbott, these budget locations offers retirees outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, cultural events and a well rounded lifestyle with costs of living below the national average. According to Abbott, Cedar City was selected because “it’s a haven for lovers of the arts and outdoors with access to an array of national parks as well as the Utah Shakespearean Festival at Southern Utah University.”
"We received the call a few months ago that we were in the running for the Best Choices Issue", said Maria Twitchell, director of the Cedar City-Brian Head Tourism Bureau & Visitor Center, "I think it's great to be recognized again by this well known publication".
Where To Retire magazine was created as a means in helping readers find the ideal place to retire. Now published six times a year, the magazine covers the best retirement regions, towns and master planned communities across the globe and has a national circulation of 220,000. Cedar City was spotlighted in a 10 page feature in their 2006 January/February edition and was selected as one the magazine's "Top 8 Ski Towns" back in 2004.
The Garden Cottage B&B Chosen As The Top Rocky Mountain B&B in Utah in The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards
The Garden Cottage B&B in Cedar City was selected as a “Best of the Rockies” winner in the annual Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards, 2008-2009. The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards are based upon a qualitative and quantitative review of the nearly 50,000 independent reviews submitted to Bedand Breakfast.com, the leading online B&B directory and reservation network world wide. The Garden Cottage Bed and Breakfast is the only Utah Bed and Breakfast to receive this award.
“We know how important independent reviews are. We’re delighted that inngoers concurred that The Garden Cottage B&B is a favorite among those seeking the B&B experience,” explained BedandBreakfast.com’s Sandy Soule, one of the most highly recognized authors and a spokeswoman for the B&B industry. “It’s clear that The Garden Cottage B&B earned high marks from inngoers for their fine accommodations, breakfasts, amenities, and wonderful hospitality and service,” commented Soule.
“We are pleased that we were chosen for a Best of BedandBreakfast.com Award and are thrilled that our guests posted reviews that resulted in this award, stated Diana Simkins, owner/innkeeper of The Garden Cottage Bed and Breakfast. “It is rewarding that our attention to the details that make a difference to guests were recognized by inngoers who took the time to write reviews of The Garden Cottage,” commented Simkins. Here is an excerpt from on of our reviews:
“Garden Cottage is a visual and sensory delight. The charming, spotless rooms with comfortable queen-size beds decked with quilts and embroidered linens, charming antique furniture, and decorating details that complete each room perfectly are just a few of the reasons we return again and again. The colorful, old fashioned garden is a peaceful retreat, and breakfast is always delicious and ample. Diana and Gary are personable hosts and think of everything to make our stay memorable. Before we buy tickets for the Shakespeare Festival, we make sure that a room at Garden Cottage is available. We are already booked for the 2009 season!"
About The Garden Cottage B&B: Experience a romantic get-a-way in Cedar City, Utah, in an enchanting English cottage surrounded by an old-fashioned cottage garden. Five antique-filled romantic bedchambers with queen beds and private baths await you at the top of an inviting winding staircase. Full breakfast with savories and sweets. Between Zion, Bryce National Parks. Just across from the Utah Shakespearean Festival. For reservations call 1-435-586-4919 or visit our website at http://www.thegardencottagebnb.com or email us at romance@thegardencottagebnb.com.
NBC Today Show Rates Cedar City As One of Their "Eight Great & Unusual Fall Foliage Destinations".
Travel Editor Peter Greenberg recently revealed his list of “Eight Great and Unusual Destinations for Fall Color Viewing” on the NBC Today Show listing southern Utah’s Cedar City in the mix. Greenberg recommends leaf peepers to move away from popular destinations like New England to discover new places for fabulous fall foliage.
Greenberg recommends Cedar City as a surprising location for fall color viewing, stating “ Places like Cedar City offer one of the most dramatic fall foliage backdrops in the country. Cedar Breaks National Monument contains cliff faces eroded into the west side of the Markagunt Plateau. Alpine Ponds Trail takes you through trees, meadows, flowers and wildlife for spectacular foliage viewing.” Greenberg also adds “You can also drive along the access road, UT 148, which circles the cliff’s edge. Kolob Canyon is located in Zion National Park. It offers breathtaking canyon views (some say it rivals the Grand Canyon in terms of the gorgeous colors and layers).
To see the full report plus the video from the Today Show, go to this link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20997833/. Other destinations included in the report were: Aspen Colorado; Michigan’s, Upper Peninsula; Montana; Leavenworth, Washington; Wine Country, California, South Carolina, & the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Patchwork Parkway – Utah State Route 143 Receives National Scenic Byway Status
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Officials from the Federal Highways Administration in Washington, D.C. announced Friday, October 16, 2009 that Utah’s Patchwork Parkway – Utah State Route (SR) 143, the road that runs from Parowan through Brian Head to Panguitch, is now designated as a National Scenic Byway.
Also known as America’s Byways, the program only accepts nominations every three years. “The title of National Scenic Byway is very difficult to attain”, according to Nancy Dalton, Byway 143 Coordinator, “We were one of 63 applicants, and the only Utah Byway designated to receive National Scenic Byway status.
The designation recognized the historical intrinsic value of Utah Scenic Byway 143. An annual quilt walk in Panquitch, UT commemorates a slice of history where pioneer travelers laid quilts over the snow to protect their limbs from the bitter cold. Though the route offers historical significance, it holds equally notable diversity of scenery, color and never ending vistas. Dalton, Byway 143 Coordinator adds, “There are several overlooks and pullouts where one can view Cedar Breaks National Monument, Brian Head Peak, Markagunt Plateau, Vermillion Castle, Panguitch Lake, lava fields, historic sites, meadows of summer wild flowers, and during autumn aspen groves of brilliant fall colors. A series of trails, side roads, historic and petroglyph sites are ideal for picnics, casual walks, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting and camping”.
Leigh von der Esch, Utah Office of Tourism Director: "We are thrilled to add this new scenic byway designation to our state! This prestigious designation recognizes the uniqueness and beauty that can be found along Highway 143 for the traveler. This is the culmination of the efforts of so many in Southern Utah. Job well done!"
While touring southwestern Utah, Monday, October 19th at 2:30 PM, Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell will locally announce the National Scenic Byway designation of Utah SR 143 at a special media and community event held at Heritage Park in Parowan. (89 West Hwy 91). The program will feature several guest speakers, dancers from the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, dignitaries, quilts, and displays. The Byway 143 committee members will be in attendance to answer questions about National Scenic Byway 143 and its designation. In case of bad weather, the program will be held in the Iron County Fairgrounds building located at 80 South 600 East.
See “What’s Happening” on Twitter.
Cedar City, Utah – The Cedar City ~ Brian Head Tourism Bureau is now available to follow on “Twitter”. Information can be accessed at www.twitter.com/CedarCityArea. “Our goal is to reach visitors, no matter where they are, with up to date information on events and activities in the Cedar City area, according to Amber Bennett, Market Assistant for the Cedar City ~ Brian Head Tourism Bureau. “Our office sends out a weekly “What’s Happening” to hotels and businesses, this is simply another way to “be in the know” as soon as it hits the calendar”.
“Visitors and locals have access 24/7 to event calendars and activities through our website at www.ScenicSouthernUtah.com,” adds Bonnie Char, Public Relations Specialist for the Cedar City ~ Brian Head Tourism Bureau. “Now we’re joining the world of “tweets” where we can share up to the minute information.”
Twitter is a social networking service that enables users and followers to send and receive text-based messages known as “tweets”. Anyone wishing to subscribe to updates to the calendar can visit twitter online at www.twitter.com/CedarCityArea or go to www.ScenicSouthernUtah.com and click on the twitter icon.
American Bus Association Names the Utah Shakespearean Festival One of North America's 100 Best Events for 2012
Cedar City, UT – The American Bus Association (ABA) announced that the Utah Shakespeare Festival has been designated by an experienced expert tourism industry selection committee as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2012. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that the Utah Shakespeare Festival offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, according to the ABA.
With the release of the American Bus Association’s 2012 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 30 years of the program. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.
“The attractiveness of the Utah Shakespeare Festival as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Cedar City, Utah,” said Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA’s president and CEO. “The real news here is that the Utah Shakespeare Festival has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and out economy. The honor gives Cedar City an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.”
"The Utah Shakespeare Festival is honored to once again receive this national recognition from the American Bus Association,” said Scott Phillips, executive director for the Utah Shakespeare Festival. “As we are about to complete our 50th year celebration it is rewarding to have others recognize the Festival’s artistic work and our ability to help stimulate the region's economy. Our annual motorcoach business has been steadily climbing over the past several years, which is why the ABA and the Festival make great partners in promoting and fostering the national tourism industry."
According to studies completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from $5,000 to more than $11,000 in a local destination’s economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.
“Motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer,” Pantuso said. “That’s why the Utah Shakespeare Festival is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay.”
ABA’s 2012 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected the Utah Shakespeare Festival from hundreds of event nominations submitted by ABA members. Judges considered the event’s broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches, skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.
The Top 100 Events list is available online at http://www.buses.org/News-Publications/Top-100.
PRESS RELEASES
American Cowboy Names Cedar City One of the Best Places to Live in the West
CEDAR CITY, UT – Cedar City, Utah garners national attention as one of the top “20 Best Places to Live in the West” featured in the April/May edition of American Cowboy Magazine. The country's favorite Western lifestyle magazine, based in Boulder, Co., revealed its fourth annual list of "Best Places to Live in the West" this week. Editors rounded up a herd of entries from the plains to the Pacific. Only the top 20 won the American Cowboy seal of approval as ideal places to hang your ten-gallon hat - for good or just for a good long weekend.
"This year's entries truly live up to the Western ideal of places embodying the rugged, free spirit of the Western version of the American Dream," said DeAnna Jarnagin, Associate Publisher of American Cowboy. "They're places where you can experience authentic cowboy culture, spectacular scenery, a true dose of history and, a really, really good steak."
Major criteria for selection include outdoor appeal, historical significance, regional ranching activity and tourism. Editors also considered population, average land price, average household price, median age and the number of Western events held throughout the year.
Winners were named for five regions: Texas and The Plains, California and Nevada, The Rockies, The Southwest and The Northwest.
“The article mentions just a few of our fantastic events, including Cedar City Livestock and Heritage Festival and the 50th Anniversary of the Utah Shakespeare Festival” notes Bonnie Char, Cedar City ~ Brian Head Public Relations Specialist, who received a preview copy of the upcoming magazine. “We are thrilled to be recognized in this way; this kind of publicity will give perspective vacationers a glimpse of the various unique offerings available in scenic southern Utah.”
Check out the complete article in the April/May issue of American Cowboy magazine. A limited number of free copies of American Cowboy are available while supplies last at the Iron County Visitor Center (581 No. Main Street, Cedar City, UT).
For more information, contact:
DeAnna Jarnagin
Associate Publisher, American Cowboy
Deanna@americancowboy.com
972.637.3398
About American Cowboy:
With 100,000 subscribers, American Cowboy is the voice of the new American West, celebrating Western lifestyle, travel, culture and gear with engaging stories and gorgeous photography. Fans flock to AmericanCowboy.com and 45,000 readers opt-in for monthly e-newslettters.
Burnt Offering Beckons Bountiful Snowfall
BRIAN HEAD, UT – The annual ULLR (pronounced oo-lar) Burn will take place Monday, November 15, 2010 at 6 PM in front of the fire station in Brian Head, UT. Everyone is welcome to attend. The ULLR Burn event at Brain Head is a fun sort of ritual sacrifice to the mythological Viking snow god to bring a bounty of snow to the mountain for the upcoming ski and snowboard season. ULLR (oo-lar) is commonly known as the Norse snow god among modern ski culture. Many ski resorts have similar celebrations to commemorate and recognize ULLR throughout the ski season. Attendees are invited to bring old ski or snow board equipment, gear, mate-less gloves, etc. to be burned in a big metal drum as sacrifice to ULLR.
For the past 25 + years, Bob Goldhirsch and Tim Deutschlander, of Brian Head, Utah, have a pre-ski season ritual they call the ULLR Burn. ULLR (oo-lar) is universally known as the snow god among modern ski culture, and Goldhirsch likes to believe the God of Après Ski as well. The date is never set in stone but usually takes place a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving which, pending snow – is usually opening weekend for Brian Head Resort. According to Goldhirsch who has been driving the snow cat at Brian Head Resort as a groomer for the past 20 years, “There is no set time. When it feels right – we do it. Our purpose” states Goldhirsch, “is to appease ULLR to give us a good winter season”. The celebration, designed to usher in winter, includes a big bonfire, fireworks and a toast with aptly named ULLR peppermint schnapps.
Although the origin of the name ULLR can be traced to many different historic mythologies and theories, the commonly held history is told best by the town of Breckenridge, CO.
“Ullr was so well skilled in the use of the bow and could go so fast on his skis that in these arts no one could best him. Each winter he covered the earth with snow to protect it from harm. It has been said that Ullr enjoyed the cold weather and loved traveling throughout the land, gliding along on his great skis, for pleasure and hunting.
It is also said that Ullr was such a great skier, he would streak across the sky leaving the brilliant stars as his trails (they obviously had some fine powder days). Though very skilled, Ullr guarded his knowledge closely and refused to show the other gods how to ski.” http://www.gobreck.com/events/town-events/ullr-history
Downtown Alliance to Benefit from SUU Hospitality Student Venture
CEDAR CITY, UT – An Evening of Culinary Enlightenment featuring art, food, music and wine will take place Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 7 PM in the Hunter Conference Center at Southern Utah University. The event is being organized by the students and faculty of the SUU Hotel, Resort, and Hospitality Management Program as an educational project. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Cedar City Downtown Retail Alliance. Tickets are available online ($30 /per person or $210 for a table for eight) visit: www.artmusicwine.eventbrite.com.
Live musical entertainment will be provided by gypsy-folk artists Taarka with special strings performance by SUU music students. Art from the Rouge Gallery will be for sale and on exhibit. The schedule of events for the evening will be: check-in 1st floor 6:30 – 7:00 PM; Socializing and Hors D’oeuvres 2nd floor, 7:00 PM; Wine Presentation by resident sommelier Larry Chandler, 7:30 PM in the Red Hill Room (2nd floor).
The event gives SUU students an opportunity to plan and present an event utilizing their skills addressing all aspects of event planning: including planning and preparing menu items, presentation and handling all phases of a large scale event. Lisa Assante, SUU professor in the Hotel and Resort and Hospitality Program approached the Downtown Alliance as being the beneficiary of the event. Assante considered the Downtown Alliance a nice fit for the event and aid in promoting the economic vitality of Cedar City’s downtown.
Mark Baruffi, Vice President of the Downtown Alliance, is thrilled about the collaborative venture. "The fact that SUU has agreed to host our annual wine tasting, art and music fundraiser on campus speaks volumes about the universities’ desire to work side by side with downtown Cedar City officials, business owners, and representatives as we move forward with a new master plan for our downtown."
Baruffi adds, “Professor Assante and her students at SUU have been working tirelessly to develop an incredible menu and presentation for our event. All I can say is WOW! I couldn’t be happier.”
For more information, contact Mark Baruffi at (702) 413-8988 or go to
www.artmusicwine.eventbrite.com.
Warren Miller’s “Wintervention” - Southern Utah Style
CEDAR CITY, UT – The tagline “The Greatest Snow on Earth” isn’t news to winter enthusiasts in Utah, however the rest of the world is about to discover the beauty and powder of southwest Utah. Warren Miller’s latest film “Wintervention” features an entire segment on southwest Utah – specifically Cedar Breaks National Monument with its unique red rock formations and undisturbed famous Utah powder.
Brian Head Resort and Southern Utah University will host the Cedar City showing of Warren Miller’s 61st film, “Wintervention” - November 2, 2010 at 7 PM in the Ballroom on the SUU campus. Tickets are $20. Attendees receive one lift ticket to Brian Head Resort as well as admission to the film. Narrated by skiing icon Jonny Moseley, the film is being called “the definitive solution for the snow obsessed”. According to Warren Miller entertainment, “Warren Miller films attract a cult-like following and mark the official start of winter for sports enthusiasts everywhere. Warren Miller premieres are an experience, a party and a phenomenon not to be missed.”
Eddie Bauer/First Ascent Guide Zach Crist, who is featured in the film, said of southern Utah, “This is the most amazing scenery anyone will ever see and when there’s snow on top of it, the offerings for a skier are unimaginable”.
Southern Utah was featured in a Warren Miller film in the 1980’s, yet the 2010 version does not disappoint. “It is exciting that our region is being recognized as a premier back country location! Where else can you ski among red rocks?”, according to Cedar City ~ Brian Head Tourism Bureau Public Relations Specialist, Bonnie Char, “The exceptionally great powder-filled winter early in 2010 attracted the Crist brothers attention for Warren Miller, but in southern Utah, we know that conditions like those shown in the film are common occurrences at 10,000 feet. It’s thrilling that our unique back country is really being put on the map by Warren Miller’s movie. For Utah backcounty experiences, it’s not just the Wasatch front – it’s the red rocks of southern Utah that really stand out as a unique destination.”
Two YouTube “First Ascent” videos can be viewed at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZOBq4AUTtk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqVBLob5emc&feature=relate
Winter Back Country Acclaim for Southern Utah
CEDAR CITY, UT – Several media outlets worldwide are recognizing the unique terrain, pristine powder and undeniable beauty that southern Utah has to offer in the winter. With publications world wide discovering the winter beauty of southern Utah, it’s no wonder that Warren Miller’s latest film “Wintervention” features an entire segment on south west Utah – specifically Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Australia’s #1 sports magazine “Snow Action” visited Brian Head Resort last winter, were duly impressed and will feature southern Utah in February 2011 Ski Safaris. “Snow Bomb Magazine” explored the “nether regions of southern Utah” during the summer through a Ski Utah partnership bringing top tier writers and winter devotees to experience Brian Head Resort and surrounding outdoor adventures. Most recently, the UK publication “Whitelines” October edition chronicles the adventures of several X-games participants, a writer, photographer and their tourism guides in southern Utah. The article features both back country excursions and Brian Head Resort, showing stunning photos of professional snowboarder, Dom Harrington launching off local red rocks of “False Breaks”.
The popular back country red rock excursion to “False Breaks” is located in Dixie National Forest, just east of Cedar City on SR 14. Steve Robinson, Recreation and Lands Staff Officer for the Dixie National Forest, notes about winter adventures: “The usual back country precautions should be taken by experienced skiers and boarders, including avalanche beckons. Even though there are no permits issued for these areas, this is very much a back country experience and no rescue resources readily available.” He also adds that certain Wilderness Areas are designated as “non-motorized use” areas.
If skiing off cliffs, weaving in between red rock hoo-doos (and hiking back out) is a bit extreme for your winter adventure tastes, Brian Head Resort offers over 650 acres of uncrowded skiable terrain for all levels. Deer Valley Recreation Area (up Cedar Canyon on SR 14) will expand 12 kilometers to 20 kilometers of groomed Nordic Trails. Additionally, a snowmobile excursion from Brian Head town to High Mountain Overlook of Cedar Breaks is a view in winter not to be missed.
To learn more about Southern Utah and plan your winter getaway visit: www.ScenicSouthernUtah.com or call (800) 354-4849.