THE HOMESTEAD CRATER IN HEBER CITY UTAH

Congratulations on deciding to complete your open water certification dives at the Homestead Crater. We plan to do everything possible to make your experience fun, exciting and unforgettable. In an effort to help insure a successful weekend please take a moment to read the following information. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

WHAT IS THE CRATER?

It is a 55-foot high dome shaped mound surrounding a 65-foot deep mineral rich body of water. The warm water flowing from the Crater was originally used by weary miners to soak away their aches and pains. The melting snow from the Wasatch Mountains penetrates the earth where it is heated.

This mineral-rich warm water seeps up through the ground and into the Crater. There was a time when the only access to the water was through a 20-foot opening 55 feet above the water. The current 110 foot long tunnel provides access to the warmest diving waters in the continental United States (96 degrees).

The bottom of the Crater has a 12-foot layer of fine silt where researchers have discovered old bottles, cans, marbles and several thousand coins. The wooden dock provides a means to easily enter and exit the water making your diving as effortless as possible.

HOW DO YOU GET THERE?

The Homestead resort is located in the beautiful Heber Valley of Utah, surrounded by the spectacular Wasatch Mountains. You can choose from several different routes, when leaving from Denver. Here are just a couple.

THE DIRECT ROUTE:

Go North on I-25 to Cheyenne then go west on I-80 to highway 40.

Go South on Highway 40 (approx. 13 miles) to the Homestead/Midway exit sign.

Follow the signs to the Homestead Resort/Crater (approx. 5-7 miles).

It will take you about seven to eight hours to get there. It is approximately 540 miles from A-1 when using this route.

A PRETTIER ROUTE:

Go West on I-70 to the U.S. 40 exit.

Continue on U.S. 40 for approximately 400 miles until you get to the Homestead/Midway exit.

Follow the above directions to get to the Homestead Resort/Crater.

This route is about 80 miles shorter (from A-1) but will still take you about eight hours due to the mountain driving (but it sure can be beautiful).

WHERE DO YOU STAY?

Heber City is an approximate 10 minutes drive from the Crater. This quaint town has a variety of hotels from which to choose (please see the attached list). You will want to make your reservations as soon as possible in order to insure you have a place to stay.

WHEN DO WE DIVE?

Your Open Water certification consists of four dives conducted over a two-day period. The dive times vary so your instructor will let you know when he or she calls to introduce him or herself. He/she will also let you know where to meet (for the orientation) on the first day of diving. We recommend that you eat before the orientation and don't forget to bring your logbook and Recreational Dive Planner. (Please note that the orientation starts one and one half hours before the dives so please be on time)

WHAT OH WHAT DO YOU WEAR?

This of course depends on the time of year. However, it is always a good idea to plan for all occasions. Because the air temperature and the ground can be a bit chilly inside the Crater, you should bring a towel, sweat suit and something for your feet. Even though you will not need an exposure suit, some like to wear a t-shirt to help prevent the BCD from scratching their shoulders. The changing area is, shall we say small, so we suggest you put on your swimming suit before you enter the Crater.

Dining is casual so you won't need to bring your tuxedo or gown.

WHEN TO PICK UP YOUR DIVING EQUIPMENT?

You are welcome to come by the dive store and pick up your rental gear (BCD, Regulator, Gauges, Alternate Air Source, Weights, Dive Bag and Tanks) any time after 3:00 pm on the preceding Thursday or after 10:00 am the preceding Friday of your open water dives. Please return all of the equipment no later than the Monday after your certification dives---clean and dry please.

Note: We do not provide mask, fins, snorkel, booties and fins for the open water training dives. If available these items can be rented.

WHERE DO YOU EAT?

We like to get together for a group dinner on Saturday night. Family and friends are invited. Your instructor will provide you with the location and other details.

• Homestead Resort: There are a couple of restaurants located at the resort.
• Heber City Restaurants: There are numerous restaurants located in Heber City, roughly 10 miles from the resort.
• Park City: You are only a 15 to 20 minute drive from world class skiing and tons of great restaurants.

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY & WATER ACTIVITIES GUIDELINES:

Each diver is required to submit a Crater Waiver and Release of Liability Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement and Water Activity Guidelines (A single copy is attached). If you need additional copies for your dive buddy(s) please ask and an A-1 crewmember will provide them. Please give your completed form to your instructor when you arrive for the orientation.

FLYING AFTER DIVING:

If you are planning to fly to or from Salt Lake City, please remember the general rule regarding flying and diving:

“A minimum surface interval of 18 hours is required to be reasonably assured you remain symptom free from decompression sickness upon ascent to altitude in a commercial airliner (altitude up to 8000 feet cabin pressure).”

SOME LODGING OPTIONS

 
RODEWAY INN (very basic rooms, economically priced and be sure to ask for the upgraded rooms)
Be sure to tell them you are with A-1 and they are suppose to provide you a 10% discount on your room. This is generally where the A-1 instructional staff stays.

425 S. Main Street · Heber City, UT 84032
1-800-932-0355 · 435-654-2150

Homestead Resort (Magnificent resort with very nice rooms) You'll want to reserve your room right away. As an A-1 customer you will receive a special rate. Be sure to read and follow the directions below. (Note: There are occasional weekends where rooms are not available).

1. To make reservations call 1-800-327-7220 and ask for the Reservations Department.

2. Tell her/him you are with A-1 Scuba and Travel Center and have a special group code: 395920 (This is very important; otherwise they will not know to give you the room at the special rate)

3. Give the reservationist the dates you will be staying at the resort and how many people you will have staying in your room (full names)

Traditional room: Weekday $79 for two + 10% tax *Weekend $89 + tax

Deluxe room: Weekday $99 for two +10% tax *Weekend $109 + tax (Add $10 per person for each additional person)

(Regular rates range from $149-$209)

SOME OTHER HOTELS FOUND IN THE HEBER CITY AREA:

 
Swiss Alps Inn (simple, clean and economical)
167 S. Main · Heber City, UT 84032
(435) 654-0722

Holiday Inn Express (expensive but nice rooms)
1000 S. Main · Heber City, UT 84032
(435) 654-9990
(Rates may vary and rooms often fill very fast. Be sure to make your reservations as soon as possible)

At A-1 Scuba and Travel Center we believe in exceeding our customers expectations. It is our commitment to excellence that allows us to provide you with quality, great service, safety and enjoyment. We look forward to serving you and plan to make your open water weekend one that you will remember for a lifetime.

Thank you for giving us an opportunity to work with you and have a wonderful trip!

Safe Diving and have a great time,

Scott & Lynn Taylor

Owners of A-1 Scuba and Travel Center

 

Revised 4/07