by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: August 22, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Park City Utah at Christmas is a sight to behold. White Christmas doesn't even to begin to describe the piles of snow that lined the roads of the small town they call Park City. I was expecting something much larger. Really it's just a small mining town with friendly people a great deal of winter sports.

There are two very small movie theaters in town. There were two grocery stores we saw. There were many wonderful restaurants and shops to enjoy. If you like art you will find wonderful galleries. Shopping is first class. And did I mention the snow.

There are some curious things about the area. They have these widely decorated moose every time you turn a corner. I didn't see much rhyme or reason so I assumed they were a passing art phase. Even the out let mall had a giant red moose with a shopping bag. I guess this should have prepared be for Christmas Eve, but as usual I missed the signs.

On Christmas Eve we watched as the torch light of skiers paraded down the mountain. It was beautiful and something that had not been widely advertised, but the locals apparently participate every year. We were walking back to our condominium when Josh said "Hey Mom, check out the moose."

I turned my head trying to remember if this was where the giant blue moose statue was placed. It wasn't blue and it wasn't a statue. Those things are huge. I swear his legs were as tall as Josh. I was speechless.

Finally I stammered, "I think we should go back the long way." The moose didn't seem too bothered by us. In fact he was kind of moseying along behind us. I tried to remember if I had ever been taught to do when in company of moose. Do you run? Do you hide? Do you play dead? I was wishing I hadn't left my husband back wrapping presents.

We made it safely back to the condo and watched the moose bed down under a pine tree on the golf course. I had a better understanding for all the statues. Locals hardly noticed his presence.

If you can enjoy first class resorts with a small town atmosphere this is your holiday destination. There is skiing, sledding, dog sledding, cross country, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and any other winter sport imaginable. People were skiing and hooked to giant kites. The Olympic venues are there and running. Josh gave bob sledding a try. Did I mention the snow? We have gone back for the last three years. Join us, its great fun.

Learn more about this author, Trenna Sue Hiler.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.