For weeks the talk of the town has been the new Interconnect ski bridge that links Brian Head Resort’s two mountains. Navajo and Giant Steps have been divided by Highway 143 for nearly 40 years. On Dec. 15, 2007, that all changed.

by Scott Bird, Brian Head LivingExperiencetheChange

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A At the Interconnect’s opening ceremony, Ron Burgess of Brian Head Ski Resort said, “this will add nearly an additional 35% more ski terrain for Brian Head Resort.”

This additional terrain will reduce ski lines and increase access to and from the resort. Regulars like Matt Shondeff of Riverside, California, said it was his first time snowboarding this year at Brian Head. His family owns property so we know this won’t be his last. He said he liked the bridge and the new terrain.

On the opening day of the new bridge, “Dutch” Deutschlander, the mayor of Brian Head, said, “we heard a lot of comments and heard a lot of plans. Some people characterize it as ‘just somebody’s dream’ or ‘ah, that’s just a fantasy’. Well, folks, you are here today to witness the reality that is here. It is built and we are going to enjoy it.”

There are two main types of people that use Brian Head: full-timers and part-timers. It is very clear that the majority of owners are seasonal and a few locals that make Brian Head a fun place for others to enjoy. After only two years in Brian Head, I have met individuals

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The Interconnect Bridge adds nearly 35% more ski terrain to Brian Head Resort.

Celebrating a new chapterSkiers and snowboarders bearing flares celebrate the opening of the Interconnect Bridge in a torchlight parade on December 15, 2007. Cheers rose as fireworks erupted, marking the beginning of a fully-connected mountain resort.

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and families from all over the world. All who have experienced living in Brian Head are in the middle of a large transformation.

Visitors and Local ImpactWe are experiencing the change. Those who see this change the most are the local owners or long-time visitors who know Brian Head’s past. Those who are excited for this change are people looking forward to Brian Head’s future and possibilities. There are only 50-60 full time residents in Brian Head. Each one has taken part in the transformation either by actively participating in government and economic affairs, or by adding another smile on the hill. Visitors love the social atmosphere of the ski town.

Matt Jorgenson (our creative director) and I spoke with several people about the new runs and their experience. At Pizano’s Pizza, a local pizza shop by Giant Steps, we met Joe Martinez from Las Vegas. He comes to Brian Head about three times a year with his wife and kids. He really enjoys the atmosphere of Brian Head and feels like it’s a little picture he captures—a great memory for his family to always remember. “The lift lines are small and the terrain

Above: Joe Martinez of Las Vegas visits Brian Head with his family about three times a year.

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is great for me and the kids,” Joe said has he sipped his Coke.

There is no doubt that Brian Head is primarily a vacation or tourist destination. As change continues, Brian Head will become a very affluent community with shops and dining for all to enjoy.

Paul High of Sup Board Shop

commented on the busy day they had renting out boards. Lift tickets were only half-price, which would explain why so many people were on the hill. Sup Board Shop is located in the Mall to the north of Giant Steps. “It was a busy day,” Paul said. “The new improvements will only increase business, so

bring it on.”This is not just a frenzy bubble

or popular show that will lose its savor. As Kent Kroneman, a local resident of Brian Head, said, “Brian Head is being discovered.”

We aren’t doing anything different and that is why it’s so great.

Above: Torch-bearers cross the Interconnect Bridge on one of Brian Head’s new lifts as they prepare for the torchlight parade.

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Brian Head has its own characteristics that are not hard to recognize. Its family-oriented attribute has not changed in the past 30 years since it was discovered in 1964 by Burton Nichols, nor has the distance from civilization. It is here, 9,500 feet above sea level where you will find water you can’t taste and air you can’t see.

Brian Head is a place where a parent hasn’t had to worry about their kids skiing on Navajo while a parent skis on the other side of the

mountain at Giant Steps. Once upon a time, Brian Head was a town with five bars with chaos nightly, and only one police officer to take care of it all. With the town improvements, we now have five police officers and one bar. We don’t have drug problems. There are no serious incidents that families should be scared about.

We are not as “full-time” family friendly as we would like. It is difficult for families with kids who are in school involved in social activities. You’re isolated up here. You

don’t have many kids the same age to play with. It is also very hard for young families to purchase up here because of the inflating prices. Wages are low and prices are high. Not a good mix in the housing market.

We love living in Brian Head. This fits our lifestyle. We’re retired. We wanted to live away from a lot of people and we enjoy it. We like to take our friends to the top of Brian Head Peak. We take them around town, get a bite to eat and enjoy the quiet life.

Water You Can’t Taste,Air You Can’t SeeBrian Head residents of seven years, Kent & Ruth Kronemanshare a look back.

AAs a long-time baseball fan, one of my favorite movies is Field of Dreams. The saying “if you build it, they will come” is its famous line. Just the opposite has happened for Brian Head. It wasn’t discovered because someone built it, but

because it has not been built. Brian Head is heading in a

great direction. Neither current residents, nor the resort, nor even the chamber of commerce caused the growth to occur. The small town has been discovered by

hundreds who are purchasing new developments, and existing cabins and homes on the mountain.

With Brian Head on the map, we welcome those visitors who seek the quiet enjoyment found in Brian Head. See you on the mountain.

by Scott Bird

Scott Bird | Mountain of dreams

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Twilight settles on Brian Head Peak (11,307'), Dec. 15, 2007

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Brian Head Living MagazineBrian Head Living was designed to be your guide to living and playing in Brian Head, Utah. This little town is quickly growing and becoming one of the most popular family getaway locations in Southern Utah. Brian Head Living is dedicated to providing accurate information regarding the town of Brian Head and the real estate market.

Scott Bird Realtor, Associate Broker, PartnerMatt Jorgenson Creative Director, Partner

Brian Head Living101 S. Village Way, Suite 5P.O. Box 190035Brian Head, UT 84719Telephone (866) 815-7622Fax (800) 962-6053E-mail info@brianheadliving.comwww http://www.brianheadliving.com

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