Park City, Utah During the Shoulder Season

I organized a trip to Park City, Utah, during the shoulder season to enjoy the beautiful mountain atmosphere. No snow in the forecast. I booked a stay at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Sunrise Lodge. This wasn’t any vacation; it was a trip to celebrate three birthdays, including my own. The price for a stay like ours would have been over $1,000 per night during peak season. Luckily, as an HGV Max owner, I used my Club Points to cover it.

Sunrise Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) Club

My first and most critical task was securing accommodations. I was ready for the challenge. I was up at midnight in February to book our stay at Sunrise HGV. The key was securing the only four-bedroom unit before another owner could book.

Eight guests shared the four-bedroom space, which consisted of three Studio and one one-bedroom unit. Each had its own lock-off for privacy. The other guests used a two-bedroom unit located in a different building.

Once the HGV stay was confirmed, I immediately notified the group to check flight schedules for Southwest and Delta. Rapid Rewards members had to wait for the March release of the schedule.

Securing the Flights: The Southwest Airlines Hack

If you’re not a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Member, you are missing out on free and reduced travel. Did you know that if you find a lower rate, you can cancel the original flight and rebook the cheaper flight? Our $480 flight dropped at least three times, costing $299 per person by the time we boarded at MDW. I had an additional SWA credit, bringing my total cost to $258.

Planning a trip for Park City, Utah During the Shoulder Season

We divided responsibilities among the group, and everyone stepped up to the plate. We had dedicated committees for Transportation, Entertainment, Groceries, and Decorations. Everyone took ownership of their tasks, making the planning seamless. We were a little concerned about fitting 11 people and all our luggage into one Sprinter van, but the vehicle seated everyone comfortably, making our airport travel smooth.

Shopping & Supporting Local

We made sure to spend a few hours in downtown Park City, supporting local businesses and enjoying the mainstream scene. Our first stop was Olive Tweed. We discovered Burns Cowboy Shop. Fun fact: the famous cowboy store is shopped by the writers of the show, Yellowstone. By the way, did you know Sundance is headed to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027? We also enjoyed some retail therapy at the Junction Commons Outlet.

Food & Fellowship

For dining, Drafts Burger Bar (DBB) was such a hit; we ate there twice.

We cooked up a taste of Chicago by adding Italian beef to the menu. Lynn and Dartesha used the grills on the property to cook sausages, bringing a piece of home to Utah. Sophia, Dee, and Lisa made breakfast on Friday and Saturday.
Cheryl blessed us with her famous ginger tea.
Of course, no birthday celebration is complete without cake.

UNO Takes the Crown

I tried to get a few things going—I created a scavenger hunt and packed Family Feud. However, when we gathered for Game/Pajama Night, UNO was the undisputed champion of the trip. We also played Right, Left, Center, but UNO dominated. Finally, we came together for Sunday football, with everyone repping their favorite teams. Yes, Chicago, Atlanta, and Detroit were all cheering for their team.

Budget for Park City, Utah During the Shoulder Season

I usually include a budget at the end of my posts. The accommodations were taken care of, and we split the cost of transportation, groceries, and dining. We also tipped the shuttle drivers and the housekeeping staff. Although it was my birthday, I created a welcome basket for each room filled with things you don’t think you need. Items included: hand lotion from Aveda, makeup cloths from Marshalls, travel washcloths, and Olay Cleansing Melts from Amazon.

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From the time SWA landed in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Thursday, until our group left the beautiful Sunrise Resort on Monday morning, it was more than I expected. The crisp mountain air, the peace and tranquility of mountain backdrops, downtown Park City, where the Sundance Film Festival is held, and all the warm smiles of the people in shops and stores were truly a great experience for this Chicagoan. I was able to reconnect with friends and reenergize my spirit on this trip, hosted by my friend Sheryl. Loads of food, fun, and fellowship captured in moments, but turned into memories. The staff was both gracious and kind. The interior was both warm and inviting. Personally, I would like to revisit this experience in the near future, perhaps during the summer, to gauge both cold and hot conditions. I am thankful to say I recharged my battery.

Ricky Wetherspoon

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