Year-round Activities at Utah Olympic Park

While vacationing at Deer Valley there are plenty of things to do, but Utah Olympic Park is a must see. Located merely five miles north of the Deer Valley ski area; this huge complex was where many of the 2002 Winter events took place. Although the Olympics are long gone, this park still offers great fun for the whole family whether it's winter or summer. Be sure to schedule this in on your Deer Valley vacation itinerary.

The park is located in a gorgeous spot only a couple minutes from Deer Valley and has something for people of all ages. During the winter months, those ready to pay the price can take �The Comet� on the bobsled track used during the Olympics. This intense bobsled ride can get up to 80 miles per hour and applies 5G�s on the athletes. You go down the track with two friends and a driver, finish the three-mile track in less than one minute. This is not for the faint of heart, but it's an exhilarating experience for the courageous soul. During the summer months, �The Comet� is equipped with wheels and travels down a concrete track. This ride is not quite as extreme but still fun and less costly. Other rides available for the daring summer visitor include two zip lines that allow you to �zip� above the beautiful scenery at up to fifty miles per hour and the Quicksilver alpine slide. This slide is relatively new to the park and offers fun for children of all ages although the younger ones must be accompanied by an adult.

For those who feel no need for speed, there are plenty of things to do that don�t require a seat belt or a harness. Only a few paces from the parking area is the Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center inside of which are two museums. One gives tourists a nostalgic view of ski history and the 2002 Olympic Museum showcases pictures and other memories from the olympic games.

Guests can also take a guided or self-guided tour of the park to see all of the facilities. Other than the bobsled track, there are six Nordic ski jumps and jumps for freestyle aerials. During the summer months you may watch freestyle aerialists practicing their tricks and flips as they hurtle off a ski jump and land in a 750,000-gallon-pool. This pool is utilized in the summer to permit freestyle jumpers to perfect their skiing tricks.

Whether you desire to experience a piece of Olympic history, winding down the bobsled track at incredible speeds, or merely enjoying the gorgeous scenery; this park has something for everyone. Package deals can be obtained for guests interested in participating in a mixture of activities.

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Blake Provo enjoys writing for Blooming Resort Rentals which provides Deer Valley lodging options for area visitors. Also, see the Park City Ski Lounge website they sponsor.