I don't have much in the way of news right now - I'm still away from home with limited computer access, but there's a lot of new interest here and at other websites, and people are asking questions that were answered in my last update, so I'm going to re-post it after deleting all the December stuff.  Keep adding info and asking your questions...

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*UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE*

Continue posting your comments and ideas, and periodically I'll summarize andadd any important information that has come up since my last update.That way y'all won't have to read back through everything.

Please let me know about broken links or corrections...especially in the 'WHO'S GOING' and 'GROUP DINNER' lists of names...

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WHO'S GOING?

Lily & Sam (Comfort Inn & Suites - Airport)
Aao2010 & Husband (Red Lion)
Lori & Larry (Red Lion)
Deb & Bob (Red Lion)
SusanG (Red Lion)
DebbieF (Hilton Garden Inn)
Joyce (Hilton Garden Inn)
Jennifer (local)
Stepho (Red Lion)
Susie
Cori(?)
Michelle
Cindy(?)
Mari(?)
Rosh(?)
Martha(?)
Floridafan + friends(?)
Theresa(?)
Mike(?)

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GROUP DINNER
7:30pm on Thursday, Feb 7, at Jersey's Sports Grill (within walking distance from the Red Lion and Hilton Garden Inn) I need to start getting a firm headcount, so if you want to go and aren't on the list (or are on the list but can't go), please let me know! Here's who I have so far:

Lily & Sam
Aao2010 & Husband
Lori & Larry
Michelle
Deb & Bob
SusanG
DebbieF
Cori

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NOTABLE WEBSITES

https://webpoint.usspeedskating.org/files/Event_PDFs/615_Event_Agenda.pdf - event schedule

http://www.utah.com/lodging/saltlakecity.htm - hotel info
http://www.saltlakecity.com - visitor info
http://www.rideuta.com - public transportation - Click on *route finder* on the left column... that takes you to a page which shows: UTA System Maps
http://www.olyparks.com/UOO/Events.asp - event info

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HOTELS

I can attest that staying in the 'host' hotels where the skaters stay is a lot of fun, so take that into consideration when choosing your lodgings.

The Red Lion Downtown is the host hotel for the World Cup.  It is a large-scale hotel, with dining and full facilities, rated '3 diamonds' per AAA. The Red Lion has a special rate of $89 per night for the World Cup - ask for the Short Track Special. If you don't get that rate, ask for Dave Johnson. They have a free shuttle to/from the airport. ROOMS ARE LIMITED. (801) 521-7373.

There is a brand-new Hilton Garden Inn across the street from the Red Lion - Anthony (a skater from our Yahoo Group) works there, and he quoted a rate of $79 per night. They have a restaurant on premises (breakfast and lunch), and airport shuttle. E-mail anthony.barthell@hilton.com with the type of room you want and he'll arrange the rate for you. (801) 364-5200

Other hotels that are not hosting for this event but are closer to the Oval are Crystal Inn - (801) 736-2000 and Country Inn- (801) 908-0311.  They are located in West Valley City, off I-215, exit 18 (about 6.6 miles from the Oval).  Those in our group used both of these hotels for Nationals (at an $80 rate) and they were very good, but since they're not the host hotels this time their rates may be higher the Red Lion or Hilton Garden Inn .  If you check there, ask them if they have special rates for guests who are attending events at the Oval - you may still get a good deal.

OTHER HOTELS
WEST VALLEY AREA - all are AAA 3-diamond, except for the Sleep Inn, which is 2-Diamond
Baymont Inn and Suites SLC - West Valley City: (801) 886-1300
ESA (Extended Stay America): (801) 886-2400
La Quinta Inn West Valley City: (801) 954-9292
Sleep Inn: (801) 975-1888
Holiday Inn Express - E Center (brand new) - (801) 517-4000

TAYLORSVILLE
Homestead Studio Suites SLC/Mid Valley (801) 269-9292
Several people stayed there for other events, with mixed reviews. A budget option - no frills, but less expensive and slightly closer to the Oval

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION:

All the hotels I checked out have a complimentary airport shuttle, but if you don't have a car you should confirm this when you make your reservation. If you're renting, 4WD vehicles have been recommended in case the weather turns bad, but keep in mind they're in high demand and short supply in the winter.

From the West Valley area(exit 18 off I-215 - 6.6 miles from the Oval), the manager of the Country Inn suggested Valley Shuttle (801) 566-8500. Their rates are$20 each way for 1-6 people. For larger groups they have a van that will seat 10.

From Downtown (Red Lion, Hilton Garden Inn),Valley Shuttle (801) 566-8500 charges $30 each way for 1-6 people. That appears to be the best 'certain' public transportation option, because cab fare is more expensive ($40).

The Red Lion has a shuttle for competitors, officials and volunteers.There is a possibility that it would be available to us, but we shouldn't count on it... I'm checking on that, and will confirm as soon as I know something.

It was suggested that we keep the public transportation options in mind just in case the weather's crappy. If the forecast is good, we should be able to rent cars at the last minute, and if it's bad, we can opt for the public transportation. (Or you can rent and cancel if the weather is bad - check on cancellation policies).  But have a plan, in either case.

Other than cabs or pre-arranged shuttles, public transportation options are horrible at best. TRAX runs too far east, and the bus route is said to be too far away from the TRAX route to make an easy connection. Bus route #348, mentioned in an earlier update, no longer appears to be a viable option.

I've also gotten some info that the area around the Kearns Oval can be dicey with regard to safety. If that's true, we may want to take that into consideration if we need to walk to bus stops, etc.

There is a 'free zone' with TRAX in the city center,and the Red Lion & Hilton Garden Inn are within 1-1/2 blocks of the Free Zone. This means that there's no fee for the transport. This gives access to shopping and downtown sightseeing. I'm told by the Red Lion that the walk to TRAX is quite safe.

Routing hints: When traveling to the Oval, take the 215N around the city and down to4700th.  Bangerter Highway was the route we used often in December, 'cause it was usually cleared quickly when the weather was bad.  (And the weather WAS bad)

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TICKETS:

Nothing yet, but I have an e-mail in to Matt K for more info.  DebbieF heard that tix may go on sale this week.  I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything.

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

The schedule isn't up yet.  If you're booking flights, though, it would be wise to schedule as late in the day as is comfortable. You'll want to be there for the medal ceremonies, won't you?  And sometimes there's a banquet that fans are invited to attend, so you might consider leaving on Monday if time and finances allow it.

CHECK THE CURRENT SCHEDULE INFO:
https://webpoint.usspeedskating.org/files/Event_PDFs/615_Event_Agenda.pdf

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CLOTHING, CAMERAS AND OTHER 'PRACTICALITIES'

The rink could be very cold.  It wasn't very bad at all in December, but you never know.  Bring very warm socks, preferably with some wool in them. Closed shoes or leather boots. And gloves... Dress in layers -- maybe a turtleneck,a sweater, and a parka or ski jacket. Jeans, cords, or wool-blend pants are fine. Most people don't wear hats, but you might like to tuck a lightweight hat or headband into your pocket. You will definitely want something warm to sit on, such as a polartec throw (about $5 at the local drugstore). One is mandatory, two is nice (...one for your butt,one for your lap.) Also, think about maybe bringing a small sack or backpack (backpacks ARE allowed.) You will be carrying your fleece throws, programs, race schedules, souvenirs, etc.,and it's nice to have a place to stow it all. You might also want to bring a thermal coffee mug, but they will almost certainly be selling them as commemorative souvenirs. They sell out quickly, though!

The best camera to bring is a digital SLR or a camcorder. If you have a"point and shoot" you will have to pray to the gods to get a good action shot. If you have a "point and shoot", aim mostly to get starting line, "milling around", medal ceremony, heat box shots, etc.

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SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES

Park City is beautiful and fun, and about an hour(?) away from SLC.  I have stayed at the Radisson Inn, now the Park City Peak Hotel (435) 649-5000- it's just slightly on the outskirts of town. In Feb it's $199, fairly reasonable by Park City standards.

Park City has a shuttle that runs throughout town and as far away as The Canyons Ski Resort, so we never had to drive while we were there.

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
http://www.parkcitymountain.com/winter/index.html - Lily's favorite (large resort w/variety of runs - I've been there and I agree!)
http://www.snowbird.com/
http://www.alta.com/ - note: no snowboarding
http://www.skibrighton.com/
http://www.skisolitude.com/
http://www.deervalley.com/ - note: no snowboarding
http://www.thecanyons.com/
The websites offer a lot of info, from snow conditions, ticket prices,equipment rentals, trail maps and the live webcams. It's a kick, just to watch the live webcams!

Also, Orbitz has a page where you canpoint-and-click for lift tickets and rentals at the 3 Park City ski areas (Park City Resort, Deer Valley and The Canyons). There is also info about transportation to Park City from SLC.
https://www.orbitz.com/Secure/ViewActivitiesInformation?&retrieveParams=true&z=43f0&r=23