CANYONS MAGAZINE

operated dining venues to choose from, they
can match the mood of the day. “Being able
to eat at Talisker facilities is so much easier,”
says O’Brien. “There are so many dinners
Talisker does that are coupled with activities,
like archery or kids crafts in the tepee.” A favorite
for all the generations of this family is
the Outpost, a cozy yurt nestled in an aspen
grove that is used for member events like
campfires and barbecues.
But aside from its world-class skiing
and golf and all the other amenities that
members enjoy, what distinguishes Talisker
Club is its focus on putting members
at ease and paying attention to all the
details that create the definitive alpine
experience, while retaining a friendly,
unstuy atmosphere.
“What I really love is the quality they
provide,” says Pignatelli. “Everything they do
is top notch. If you were sitting by the pool,
someone might ask if they could clean your
sunglasses. Talisker is the best I’ve ever seen
about delivering services. The employees are
incredibly well trained and dedicated.”
All resident members have access to
all Talisker amenities in each of the club’s
distinct community environments. In
addition to Tuhaye, which is clustered
around the golf course, Empire Pass occupies
some prime real estate high on the
slopes at Deer Valley. Higher still, at 8,900
feet, is the Red Cloud Community, perched
atop Flagsta Mountain. With less than a
dozen homesites left, Red Cloud is a private
stash of powder and exclusivity, where
members gather with friends and family to
share the pleasures of living on the highest
point of a top-rated ski mountain. A fourth
Talisker resort home option is available
at the Waldorf Astoria Park City, which is
found within Talisker-owned and operated
Canyons Resort.
An important aspect of the Talisker
Club is its legacy membership, in which all
benefits, privileges and access are granted
to the extended family, up and down the age
range—parents, children and grandchildren.
“When you purchase a second home or a
piece of real estate now, the entire family can
use the home and club and are not limited by
the primary members’ schedule or their ability
to attend every golf round, ski lesson or
mountain bike ride,” says Michael Radovan,
Talisker’s VP of Real Estate Sales. But at the
same time, he adds, “This also allows the
entire family to accompany their guests or
friends, which is what a second home is all
about: family and friends.”
Legacy membership translates to extra
value, Radovan says. “Everything we build
and program has that thought in mind—
who in the family will use each amenity,
how will they use it, and how this will
enhance the experience.”
Community happenings bring members
together to take in the fresh air, the camaraderie
and delectable victuals. Hikes, wagon rides
or trail rides on horseback, barbecues, picnics
and wine socials are just a few of the diversions
available. Every program by Talisker
naturalist Chas Rauch is a huge hit. In addition,
there are organized events that members
look forward to each year. These include golf
tournaments, the Tower Cup annual ski race,
a spirited Super Bowl party at Talisker Tower,
and, of course, Independence Day at Tuhaye.
The July Fourth event was part of what
made Marc and Melissa O’Brien decide to
purchase at Talisker. That, and family. “My
parents were the first to buy a lot there,”
says Melissa. “We went for the Fourth of
July party, then Marc and I bought a lot; we
wanted to get in early. Then my sister bought
a lot. Then we bought an existing house.”
After 140 years, families are still falling
in love with this remarkable setting on the
Fourth of July and throughout all seasons
of the year.
“Talisker’s facilities
make it a very easy
day, especially with
young children...we take
advantage of a lot.”
–Melissa Pignatelli O’Brien
Opposite page: The
football is up for
grabs on an early
winter afternoon.
Left: Dyan Pignatelli,
with daughters
Melissa and Tina.
Below: The wonders
are big and small on
a summer hike.
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