On March 3, The Salt Lake City Council adopted the Foothills Trail System Master plan to improve and create trails within the system.

The plan aims to improve and create environmentally sustainable, accessible, safe, and low-maintenance trails from the North Salt Lake boundary to Emigration Canyon.

This plan has been in the works since 2016, when a public input process gathered public support and feedback. This feedback helped to guide how the plan was developed and will influence trail development projects for the next 10 years.

The vision of the plan is for “The Foothills Natural Area [to] provide a variety of recreational trail experiences for all ages and abilities while managing the Foothills’ environmental resources for future generations.” according to the Salt Lake County Public Lands webpage.

Once the plan is fully implemented, the trail system will include:

• 65 miles of new trails and 41 miles of existing trails, for a total system length of 106 trail miles.
• A mix of multi-directional and one-way trails, some with shared-uses and others dedicated to a single use, like walking or biking.
• A growing network of improved trailheads with information kiosks.
• Wayfinding signage located at every trail intersection.
• Three ‘Habitat Study Areas’ where biological impact assessments will be conducted to inform trail alignments and mitigate disruption of native species.

You can learn more about the details of the plan on the Public Lands Webpage.

Further responses to key three issues brought up in February 2020 can be found on the Salt Lake City Council’s website.

Image Source: karamysh on Shutterstock

What’s the best remodeling project for your home? The answer, in part, depends on where you live. Every year, Remodeling Magazine evaluates which projects bring the most return at resale in different markets around the country in their “Cost vs. Value” report.  For the purposes of this blog, we are focusing on the Pacific states (WA, OR, CA, AL) and the Mountain states (MT, ID, UT, CO, NV).

According to Remodeling Magazine, these are the six top projects in those two regions that currently have the best return on your investment when it comes time to sell. To see the full report, click here.

Garage Door Replacement

The project with the most return from Washington State to Nevada? A new garage door.

In the Pacific States, replacing your garage door will cost an average $3,785, but will increase your resale value by $4,686, recouping 123.8 percent of what you paid for it. Homes in the Mountain States will also benefit from a garage door replacement, recouping 98.6 percent of their costs.

Due to its size, a garage door can have a big impact on a home’s curb appeal.  But adding to your home’s aesthetic is only one advantage; the warranty that comes with the new garage door is also a selling point for potential buyers who can trust that they likely won’t have to deal with any maintenance issues in the near term.

Manufactured Stone Veneer

As long as the new stone veneer is consistent with your neighborhood’s overall look, this siding is the second-best project across the Pacific and Mountain states.

Stone veneer can replace your home’s existing siding, adding a fresh, modern look that conjures a cozy vibe all the way from the street, before buyers ever step foot inside. Along the West Coast, it can recoup 110.4 percent of the cost when you sell, and Mountain states will recoup 96.5 percent of the cost.

Wood Deck Addition

While building a deck might seem like a big undertaking, it’s actually a pretty cost-effective way to positively impact your home’s resale value. Pacific states can expect to pay around $15,000 and Mountain states just above $13,000, but they’ll see 87.8 percent and 74.3 percent recouped respectively when they sell.

Adding a deck extends the living space of your home and provides even more area for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors.  Whether you choose a natural wood deck or a low-maintenance composite deck, you can pick from a variety of styles based on the lay of your land and the areas of your backyard you wish to highlight.

Minor Kitchen Remodel

No need to move walls or appliances around, a minor kitchen remodel will do the trick to recoup 87.1 percent of the cost in the Pacific states, and 80.3 percent in the Mountain states.

An outdated kitchen can go from drab to fab and become a focal point with a fresh palette. Replace the cabinet doors with new shaker-style wood panels and metal or metal-looking hardware. Switch out the old counter tops with laminate that matches the new look. Think about adding a resilient flooring option, then finish the project with a fresh coat of paint to the walls, trim, and ceiling.

Grand Entrance

Looking to improve your curb appeal and create an entrance that guests and homebuyers won’t soon forget? Add a fiberglass grand entrance. This project involves replacing a standard-sized front door with a larger opening with dual sidelights (glass panels). Typically costing around $8,000, Pacific states will see 85.1 percent of that recouped in the sale, and Mountain states will see 71 percent.

Siding Replacement

Depending on the size of your home, replacing the siding can be an expensive undertaking. However, it’s a project that comes with high returns. For Mountain states, sellers can expect 75.4 percent of the costs recouped, and Pacific sellers will see 84.3 percent.

Not only is siding one of the first things a buyer sees, but it also serves as an indicator of the overall health of the home. Broken or damaged siding could mean that there are other problems with the home, such as pests and rot. Replacing old siding is a cost-effective way to boost your home’s curb appeal and ensure buyers are going to walk through your front door.

Ski season in Utah is an experience unlike any other. The planners of the 2002 Winter Olympics knew it, and we at Windermere Utah know it, too. And, when it comes to choosing where you want to go for your winter adventures, avid skiers, mountain enthusiasts, and snowboarders aren’t without options. I put together this helpful guide for you to use while planning your next Utah winter escape.

Salt Lake City – Packed with culture and access to easy international travel, enjoying Salt Lake’s host of resort areas means you really can have it all.

Snowbird
Skiable Acres: 2,500
Opening Day: November 29th
Terrain Distribution: Green- 8%, Blue- 22%, Black/Double Black- 70%

Known for it’s fantastic off-piste terrain, Snowbird offers you premier powder, and an apres experience that you can savor well into the evening hours. Snowbird also has an extra long season, and accommodates all levels, so whether you’re looking to take the kids on their first bunny slope, or are in the mood for some pro-level heli skiing, Snowbird is a fabulous choice. Be sure to check out their website to find their list of events.

Alta
Skiable Acres: 2,614
Opening Day: November 29th
Terrain Distribution: Green- 15%, Blue- 30%, Black/Double Black- 55%

Latin for “elevated,” Alta’s steep slopes and varied terrain lets you explore all that the mountain has to offer. Recently voted as having some of the best extreme terrain, you’ll find three things in Alta: fresh powder, incredible vistas and pure adrenaline. As the first ski area of Utah to install a lift (1938) Alta is rife with historic significance and keeps you close to Salt Lake’s downtown district, so even while you’re off the slopes, the adventures don’t stop. But, don’t forget, Alta is for skiers only. Take a look at their website here.

Brighton
Skiable Acres: 1,050
Opening Day: November 19th
Terrain Distribution: Green- 21%, Blue- 39%, Black/Double Black- 40%

Kids 10 and under are allowed to ski for FREE making Brighton a family favorite. The slopes of Brighton welcome guests with ample powder and short lift lines. Known for being well-rounded in all areas – terrain and hospitality – this resort area has been a SLC staple since the 1930’s. While resort areas like Alta are known for being ski-only, Brighton attracts many snowboarders and backcountry enthusiasts. You can renew and purchase your Brighton passes online at their website.

Solitude
Skiable Acres: 1,200
Opening Day: November 29th
Terrain Distribution: Green- 10%, Blue- 40%, Black/Double Black- 50%

If you’re looking for premier powder but don’t want the crowds, Solitude is aptly named for exactly what it offers. 77 named runs give skiers of every level the variety you want, and with tons of lodging options in a village-like setting, everything you need is right on hand. For the full Solitude experience, be sure to check out their most well-known trails: Dynamite, Honeycomb Canyon, and Challenger. You can learn more about Solitude on their website.

Layton – Tucked along the Wasatch Front, Layton has three fantastic ski resorts that keep you close to home while on the slopes.

Snowbasin
Skiable Acres: 3,000
Opening Day: November 30th
Terrain Distribution: Green- 10%, Blue- 50%, Black/Double Black- 40%

Best-in-class advanced piste terrain is calling, as well as endless adventures off the beaten path, and you’ll find it all at Snowbasin! This is one of the sites that hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, so if you’re in the mood for some history and luxury treatment, you’ll want to check out all of the amenities Snowbasin Resort offers.

Powder Mountain
Skiable Acres: 8,464
Opening Day: December 1st
Terrain Distribution: Green- 25%, Blue- 40%, Black/Double Black- 35%

Slack country, off-piste, and tree skiing – for the winter enthusiast, anything and everything can be found on Powder Mountain.  Because Powder Mountain also takes great strides towards preserving its natural surroundings, ticket sales are limited. This means that your experience is not only so much more exclusive, but it also means shorter lift lines, and lighter crowds on your favorite runs. Take advantage of this incredible resort by checking out their website.

Nordic Valley Resort
Opening Day: December 7th
Skiable Acres: 140
Terrain Distribution: Green- 35%, Blue- 45%, Black/Double Black- 20%

For the winter sportsman on a budget, Nordic Valley offers you a value that can’t be beat. It’s also incredibly community oriented, with after school programs and nightly specials that ensure easy and affordable access to incredible slopes for participants of all ages and levels. Take a look at their season pass page to get great offers on what you love to do most.

Park City – The place where mountain lifestyle meets luxury accommodations. The only time you’ll lift a finger is to raise the lift rail. 

Park City Mountain Resort
Skiable Acres: 7,300
Opening Day: November 22nd
Terrain Distribution: Green- 8%, Blue- 42%, Black/Double Black- 50%

For the first time visitor, as well as the regulars, you can expect great things from Park City’s Mountain Resort. Their elevated learning areas, enhanced snowmaking and grooming, and reimagined on-mountain dining experiences are all new for the 2019-20 winter season. Check everything they have to offer here.

Luxury Ski-In/ Ski-Out Neighborhood- The Colony at White Pine Canyon

Deer Valley
Skiable Acres: 2,026
Opening Day: December 7th
Terrain Distribution: Green- 24%, Blue- 40%, Black/Double Black- 36%

Last, but certainly not least on our list, is the immaculate Deer Valley Resort. Ski in/ski out takes on a life of its own in this luxurious mountain setting. Their daytime restaurants has garnered attention from the most selective winter sport lovers, and their lift infrastructure gives you a streamlined experience. While it is classified as “skier only,” the resort itself offers amenities and views beyond belief. Take a look for yourself, here.

Luxury Ski-In/ Ski-Out Neighborhood- Red Cloud at Empire Pass

Sundance
Skiable Acres: 450
Opening Day: December 6th
Terrain Distribution: Green- 35%, Blue- 45%, Black/Double Black- 20%

Although it’s a relatively small resort in comparison to Deer Valley and Park City, this resort has the most gorgeous views of Mount Timpanogos! Great ski pass prices, few lifts, and rarely any lines!

I hope this list is helpful to you, and I’d love to know – is there anything I missed? If you’ve got a favorite winter getaway, tell me about it in the comments! I wish you a healthy, active and enjoyable ski season.