UOP, previously known as the Winter Sports Park (I believe the correct name was the Utah Winter Sports Park), a place I spent quite a bit of time during 2 ski seasons in the early-to-mid 90s. In its infancy, it was home to four ski jumps (18, 38, 68, and 90 meters) and what was purported to be the world's biggest halfpipe. My recollection is that all the other facilities were either under construction or were planned to be constructed at some point in the future. The lodge near the pond where the freestyle aerialists land their jumps in the summer was brand new then. We held our awards ceremonies and swag parties there. I was an employee of a ski event organization that held ski races and mogul contests at several Park City, BCC, and LCC resorts (also Snowbasin and Sundance on rare occasion) at the time. The organization branched into nordic ski jumping events shortly after the Winter Sports Park opened to the public and I became very interested in participating in jumping after working at my first contest. One had to become certified to jump by the staff of the Winter Sports Park. The first two certifications were easily accomplished by an experienced skier. The first was a triple jump or three fairly small jumps in rapid succession skied at quite a fast pace. A passing score qualified one for the 10 meter ski jump which, unlike the other four ski jumps, was not constructed like the typical structure of a ski jump but was a purpose-built, sculptured mound of dirt with a ramp to launch from and a fairly standard landing zone. Certification progression to ever larger jumping facilities was based on technique and one's ability to jump the length of the landing zone (or out-jump it) and consistent successful landing of one's jumps in the telemark position.
Access to the Winter Sports Park was somewhat similar to going to one of the many local resorts: one could purchase day (or night) tickets or a season pass. In the very earliest months of operation, skiers could access the facilities using alpine gear and were even allowed to jump with ski poles. More commonly skiers would jump using tele gear or proper ski jumping gear. I always jumped using my tele gear, which back then consisted of long, skinny skis, simple 3-pin bindings, and low-cut, leather lace-up boots. It never occurred to me to use poles. I became friendly with the staff of the nordic ski jumps and volunteered to work at several ski jumping contests unrelated to my aforementioned employment, which resulted in my having free use of the facilities during public sessions. I witnessed quite a few very bad accidents during my time there and ski poles were soon not permitted and not long thereafter, alpine gear was verboten.
I spent all my time there using the 18 and 38 meter jumps. They, along with the huge half pipe, were accessed by a platter lift. The two larger jumps were located further up the slope at Bear Hollow. I became certified to use the 68 meter jump but it never crossed my mind to do so. Jumping using tele gear was forbidden on anything larger than the 38 meter and I would have had to purchase or rent proper nordic ski jumping equipment. Furthermore, launching from the end of the ramp at such great speed on a jump that big was not something I was prepared to take on. There's no dumping speed once one is committed and in the track (other than assuming a less aerodynamic position). I spent the following year in New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji and it was during that time that SLC was awarded the 2002 Winter Olympics. Once back in the Wasatch, the Winter Sports Park had begun evolving into the UOP and my interest returned to resort and backcountry skiing and riding. I still look back fondly on my time spent nordic jumping and am thankful for having the opportunity to participate in such a fun and thrilling activity.
