Tolon pointed at the giant pulley wheels on each side of the lift base.

Most people leave their gear in lockers up the mountain or at a lift base.

Where to stay The Four Seasons' blend of comfort, service and location - on the slopes, just above the lift base - is unrivalled.

Park City is huge, but has some lodgings close to the lift base and a historic Main Street with lots of lively restaurants and shops.

But the lack of glitz (and crowds on weekdays) suits families, as does the growing range of accommodation around the lift base.

Where to stay Zephyr Mountain Lodge is a smart, modern apartment hotel right at the lift base.

If you like groomed blacks in the early morning, keep an eye on the grooming notices at lift bases to see when Suisses or M is groomed.

The buses pick up from a number of hotels, so getting from your hotel to the lift base can take much longer than the advertised time.

What you see when you arrive at the lift base is a trio of impressive mogul slopes towering above you.

These circulate around and between the villages, taking in the lift bases along the valley.