A UNIQUE LEGACY BACKED BY A STRONG COMMUNITY
by Blake Peterson
Tucked away in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, in a mature aspen and evergreen forest, is a ski-in/ski-out community of extraordinary alpine homes. A place made for outdoor enthusiasts, The Colony is more than just a “ski-ranch” development, it’s an unparalleled place to live, with a steady and dedicated approach to preserving the land, its residences, and the town of Park City, Utah. Let’s sample what this private, gated community features and stands for.
Unique
The Colony is full of wonderful contradictions.
It is a secluded and private playground, where you are transported deep into the mountains, yet you are close to everything that you could possibly need. It is a quiet and peaceful hideaway, surrounded by old-growth forests, meadow lakes, and meandering streams, but there are non-stop opportunities right out your back door with ski runs and hiking trails flowing in every direction.
The Colony pushes the standard for on-mountain living higher, with a careful and conscientious approach to being good stewards of the land. Everything The Colony stands for is grounded in nature, the history that came before it, and the belief that less is more.
Since its beginning 22 years ago, The Colony continues to exceed expectations with a consistent vision and implementation of sound development practices while remaining thoughtful of homeowners, the Park City community, and, most importantly, the beautiful land we are so lucky to call home.
Steadfast
As we define what our new normal lifestyles look like, the developers of The Colony have never wavered from their vision or long-term commitment to the project and community. They adapt quickly, while maintaining a consistent and strategic development vision that provides an outstanding lifestyle to all who call it home. In fact, numerous Colony partners do call The Colony home and have set up legacies built on their belief and support of this project. To say that Iron Mountain Associates and The Colony Sales Team are dedicated to this amazing place is simply an understatement. Its deep roots have made it an incredibly resilient development.
Evolving
In the center of what is now the U.S.’s largest resort, The Colony’s 274 home sites span over 4,600 acres of Park City Mountain Resort. Though ever-evolving, PCMR continues to grow into one of the greatest resorts in the United States, if not the world. It has improved year after year to become a full-fledged four-season resort with never-ending adventure, entertainment, and escape.
In the winter, crowds quickly disperse over the resort’s 7,300 acres. Riding conditions have remained stellar with abundant snow and immaculate grooming of The Greatest Snow on Earth. The beautiful new lodges, endless après ski options, and delicious fine dining that Park City is famous for make The Colony the smart choice for those who want the best.
When the snow melts, PCMR offers first-class trail systems for biking and hiking, as well as an 18-hole golf course, scenic gondola rides, farmers markets, and outdoor concerts. It is nearly impossible to be bored here, no matter your age. There is something to enjoy, try, or ride around every corner.
In addition, PCMR has committed to becoming a sustainability leader in our community. Through Vail’s Epic Promise, PCMR has committed to zero net emissions and zero waste to landfills by 2030. This mission to preserve our natural environment and contribute to the success of our community is something that The Colony embraces and enthusiastically supports.
Caring
Since day one, The Colony has also been consistently dedicated to its own sustainable endeavors, with over 90% of its pristine land protected permanently as open space. At one time, this land was envisioned for 3,000 units, but the developer, Iron Mountain Associates, had a different idea. They felt that honoring this land the most meant developing it the least. This belief that less is more has been its greatest strength and its most significant draw.
In addition to protecting the land, The Colony protects its community of people. It has remained consistent with this goal from its beginning, in early 1992. During the last few months during COVID-19, we took precautions that closed much of our community in the name of safety and precaution. The Colony has remained informed, transparent, and proactive throughout this unprecedented time.
While some property closings and transactions were put on pause, multiple buyers have continued to find security and solitude within The Colony’s boundaries. Interest remained strong during the first half of 2020. Tours were safely held and will continue to be available to all clients who are looking, while strict safety guidelines are maintained for as long as necessary for the greater community’s well-being.
Current lot offerings average more than five acres per site, the largest to be found within any private, gated, ski-in/ski-out community in the world. Each home is carefully integrated into the landscape while minimizing construction impacts and executing significant re-vegetation efforts. When driving through The Colony, it is easy to understand why Colony homeowners quickly fall in love with this mountain wonderland and the Park City community as a whole.
People
This love of Park City also extends greatly to the people and businesses that make this community so special. The Colony and its many philanthropic owners are major contributors to local charities, organizations, and events that include the Peace House, Mountain Trails Foundation, KPCW – Park City’s local public radio station, Youth Winter Sports Alliance, and the People’s Health Clinic.
The permanent protection of land and the continual support of the community are the ultimate goals of The Colony, and its homeowners actively support these and many other great local causes. The Colony community ranges from professional athletes and celebrities, to technology wizards and celebrated surgeons. They span a wide age range and have diverse backgrounds, yet all come to this town and this development in search of one thing: legacy.
Colony homeowners have found the privacy and solitude of their backyard to be both an escape and an inspiration for themselves and their loved ones. The 185 custom homes already built in The Colony have everything from observatories and bowling alleys, to climbing walls and skate parks. Homes here reach the peak of mountain luxury and cater to every homeowner’s individual sense of adventure, style, and concept of family gathering, gatherings that The Colony hopes will continue throughout future generations.
This legacy, however, is limited as there are a little over 30 lots left for those looking to own their own private piece of paradise. Most of these lots are found in Phase Five, which provides the most unique properties that The Colony has ever offered. Phase Five amenities include luxury snowcat access, a winding Nordic ski track, private walking/snowshoeing trails, and trout fishing among beautiful mountain ponds. These incredible homesites have commanding views of old-growth forests, remarkable water features, and gentle building pads. Although every lot at The Colony is remarkable, these sites go above and beyond.
If a legacy of unique adventure and escape, backed by a strong community with a deep love of nature is on your radar, then The Colony’s only question is: What will you build here?
