The three area ski resorts, all within a few minutes' drive of each other, are vastly different. There's something for everyone here: Posh Deer Valley is Utah's version of very upscale Beaver Creek, Colorado, and big and lively Park City is the party resort. The Canyons is casual and friendly. Snowboarders are welcome at Park City Mountain Resort and the Canyons, but not Deer Valley.

Many skiers try all three resorts, and if you're going to do so, it will pay to do a bit of advance planning. The Silver Passport is a discounted multi-day package for use at all three resorts. Various restrictions apply, though, including that the passport must be purchased before your arrival in Park City, and that it must be purchased in conjunction with lodging. Contact the Park City Chamber of Commerce for details.

Step Back in Time -- Be sure to pick up a copy of the Park City Main Street Historic Walking Tour brochure at the visitor information center. It will lead you to 45 buildings and historic sites that have somehow managed to survive fires, hard times, and progress through the decades. The historic walk, complete with engaging anecdotes, really brings the town's lively past to life.

Ski Them All, in Just One Day

Ski Utah's Interconnect Adventure Tour is unique. Six full-time guides take a dozen skiers on journeys to the slopes of four to six of Utah's renowned resorts -- and about 20 miles of untracked backcountry in between.

"If you're a good skier and looking for a day of adventure, come out with us," says Deb Lovci, one of the guides and owner of the Old Town Guest House in Park City. "It's an awesome way to see how the whole Wasatch is connected."

Tours visit the Deer Valley, Park City Mountain, Solitude Mountain, Brighton, and Snowbird Resorts, and the Alta Ski Area, and use the backcountry routes to navigate between the resorts. These rarely used routes offer incredible views of some of the most majestic terrain in the Rockies.

Interested skiers should know a few things before making reservations. Skiers should be advanced, comfortable with skiing a variety of terrain and snow conditions, and in good physical condition. "It's a long day," as Lovci notes. Be sure to make reservations in advance -- these popular tours fill up around holidays and on weekends. Tours are done completely with alpine gear.

The trip is offered daily from mid-December to mid-April, weather permitting, departing from either Deer Valley Resort (Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sun) or Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort (Tues, Thurs, and Sat), and costs $250, including lunch, lift tickets at all resorts, guide service, and transportation -- and a much-deserved finisher's pin. Participants must be at least 16, and snowboarding is not permitted.

For additional information, call Ski Utah at tel. 801/534-1907 or visit www.skiutah.com/interconnect.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.