Intl Edition 63

L I KE A ROL L I NG S TONE

S T. R E G I S D E E R VA L L E Y

O f all the wonderful ski mountains in the US, I’ve always been partial to those in Utah… home of the best snow in the world. My time spent there over many years has been memorable and keeps me coming back whenever possible. With that said, a recent trip earlier this year to the St. Regis Deer Valley was clearly the “best ever.”

often repeat, it is nevertheless one not to be missed. GOOD vacations and travel, whether they are of the mountain, beach or cultural variety, hopefully become indelibly etched in our memories. However, GREATones becomemuchmore thanmemories; more than photographs to be enjoyed; more than talking points

of sites seen and countries visited. These become more because of the unique experiences we have and the incredible and inspirational people we are fortunate to meet and spend time with along the way. The St. Regis Deer Valley checks all of these boxes. Skiing with and getting to know forty-nine- year-young Hall of Fame Paralympic skier Chris Waddell will undoubtedly have you looking at skiing… and life a bit differently. Chris is the most decorated male mono-skier in history. Despite becoming paralyzed from the

Inadditiontogreatskiing,Iwasoffered an opportunity to personally experience a fewWinter Olympic events, and while hesitant tomiss any time on the powder- covered trails of Deer Valley, I couldn’t resist. We headed out to Soldier Hollow, home of the 2002 Winter Olympic Biathlon course where we were coached to shoot with precision rifles similar to those used in the Olympics. After a safety briefing, instructional orientation and a little practice, we engaged in a

mini-competition. During the winter season, guests at the St. Regis will ski and shoot as part of the biathlon experience and I guarantee you’ll never view biathlon competition the same way again. Before heading back to the luxurious comfort, cocktails and dinner at the St. Regis, we stopped at the Utah Olympic Park, built for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. There we had an opportunity to tour the Olympic Museum, stand at the top of the ski jump (terrifying just to be there and look down) and finally proceed to the bobsled track. After a brief safety instructional from Bill Schuffenhauer, 2002 silver medalist in the four-man event, we donned helmets and took the ride of a lifetime, tearing through ten turns while pulling 3G’s and hitting speeds of 70 mph. It was 47 seconds of exhilaration, terror and an experience never to be forgotten. While this may not be the sort of ride you will want to

waist down in a skiing accident while home from college on winter break, Chris began a foundation and is a much coveted motivational speaker. Crossing paths with Jillian Vogtli will not soon be forgotten either, both for the aches and pain felt for several days following her workout class as well as for her brand of passion. Jillian was a member of the US Ski Team in the 2002 and 2006Winter Games. Jill’s approach to wellness is a holistic one that supports fitness for life with a focus on overall well being, nourishing the body and soul. Your stay at the St. Regis Deer Valley will be more than a ski trip to a great mountain, more than great accommodations, service and fantastic food at a superb resort. It will be a “journey” that will become a part of you and one never to be forgotten. stregis.com/deervalley -Barry Himmel

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