Jennifer Wesselhoff, the President and CEO of the Park City Chamber/Bureau, is set to embark on a significant journey to Italy next month. As part of an official state delegation, Wesselhoff will attend the Winter Olympics in Milan and the surrounding region, marking a pivotal step in preparations for the upcoming 2034 Winter Games to be hosted in Utah. This trip is not only an opportunity for Wesselhoff but also a key part of the broader strategy to ensure that Park City is fully prepared to host the Olympics once again, following the successful 2002 Winter Games. Scheduled from February 6 to February 16, Wesselhoff's itinerary includes participation in an observer program organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This program allows her to gain firsthand insights into various aspects of the Games, including destination readiness, visitor experience, communications, marketing, branding, and the overall impact on local communities. "I’m looking forward to absorbing as much information as I can, since this will be my first Winter Olympic Games," Wesselhoff stated in a prepared response to inquiries from the Park Record. The Park City Chamber/Bureau will cover Wesselhoff's travel, lodging, and meal expenses, with no fees associated with attending the observer program. This financial support reflects the organization's commitment to ensuring that Park City benefits from the experiences and lessons learned from hosting large-scale events. Other local delegations from Park City and Summit County will also participate in the observer program, albeit at different times and locations throughout the Winter Olympics. The knowledge gained from this trip is expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing planning efforts for the 2034 Games. Wesselhoff's focus on visitor experiences and community impacts aligns with the Chamber/Bureau's goal of maximizing long-term tourism benefits while addressing sustainability concerns in the region. As Park City prepares for the heightened scrutiny and increased visitor numbers associated with the Olympics, the Chamber/Bureau will need to strategize on how to maintain tourism levels leading up to the Games, particularly during the ski season of 2033-2034. Wesselhoff's trip to Italy will be her second consecutive Olympic observation, as she previously attended the Summer Olympics in Paris in 2024. This earlier experience was designed to familiarize local leaders with the mechanics of the Olympics, touching on critical elements such as transportation, security, and business impacts. Observations made by Park City travelers in France provided valuable insights that will inform future preparations for the Winter Games. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy represents the first of two Winter Games scheduled prior to 2034, with the 2030 Olympics set to take place in the south of France. Additionally, the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032 will serve as further learning opportunities for Park City officials. With a commitment to thorough preparation, the Park City Chamber/Bureau is dedicated to ensuring the community is ready to showcase its strengths and hospitality to the world. The Park City area is central to the overall plans for the 2034 Winter Olympics, with key venues such as Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort, and the Utah Olympic Park designated as competition sites. This involvement not only impacts the logistics of the Games but also the associated transportation and security measures that will be vital to their success. The planning process for 2034 is expected to span the Wasatch Back, with other venues including the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in nearby Wasatch County. Accompanying Wesselhoff on the trip to Italy will be a delegation from City Hall, including Mayor Ryan Dickey, Park City Councilor Tana Toly, and acting City Manager Jodi Emery. Additionally, Councilor Bill Ciraco plans to travel independently, and Summit County representatives, including Councilor Tonja Hanson and County Manager Shayne Scott, will also participate in the observer program. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of a unified approach to preparation for the 2034 Winter Olympics. As the 2026 Games unfold across northern Italy, with Cortina d’Ampezzo and Milan serving as central hubs, the focus will be on learning from both the successes and challenges that arise. Cortina d’Ampezzo, a renowned mountain resort, will host skiing events, sliding sports, and curling, making it particularly relevant for Park City, which shares a reputation as a premier ski destination. The insights gained from this Olympic experience are expected to enhance the region's readiness for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2034. In conclusion, Wesselhoff's upcoming trip to Italy represents a crucial step in Park City's preparations for the 2034 Winter Olympics. By learning from the 2026 Winter Games, local leaders aim to ensure that Park City not only meets the expectations of the Olympic Committee but also enhances its community and tourism infrastructure for years to come.