As the winter season approaches, you wonder what could be the “Things to do in Park City” well the city is full of activities do and it’s time to start thinking about your next ski trip among others. If you’re looking for a destination that offers world-class skiing and a high altitude mountain town, look no further. Park City is home to two premier ski resorts, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain, which offer a combined 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. But skiing isn’t the only reason to visit this town as there are other things to do.
With its vibrant arts scene, award-winning restaurants, and endless outdoor activities, this mountain town is seasonal hop for recreational activities. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at why Park City should be your next winter destination, and provide insider tips on the best skiing, resort, dining, and attractions to check out during your stay be ready for an unforgettable winter getaway.
5 Reasons Why Park City Should Be Your Next Winter Destination
- World-Class Skiing: Park City offers some of the best skiing in the world, with two premier resorts, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain, offering a combined 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. These resorts are known for their perfectly groomed runs, challenging terrain, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. And with an average of 350 inches of snowfall reported each year and you’re guaranteed to have plenty of fresh powder to ski on.
- Vibrant Arts Scene: Park City isn’t just a skiing town but also home to a thriving arts community. The town hosts Sundance Film Festival each year, which attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. In addition, there are numerous galleries and art museums in town showcasing both local and international artists. Whether you’re a film buff or an art lover, you’ll find a lot of good staffs.
- Award-Winning Restaurants: Park City has become a foodie destination in recent years, with a wide selection of award-winning restaurants offering everything from casual cuisines to undisputable hotel restaurants. Many of these restaurants in town focus on locally sourced ingredients. There are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans as well so it’s good to ask the restaurant you are visiting if the serves this vegetarians food among their menus. Some of the must-visit restaurants in Park City include Riverhorse on Main, Handle, and Tupelo.
- Endless Outdoor Activities: While skiing is the main draw in Park City, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy as well. The town is home to over 350 miles of hiking and biking trails and several golf courses and snow country trail. If you’re feeling adventurous.
- Charming Mountain Town: Park City has managed to maintain its small-town charm despite its growing popularity as a tourist destination. The town’s historic Main Street is lined with quaint shops, galleries, and restaurants, and there are several historical places to explore. With friendly locals and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s perfect place to unwind and relax your mind away from home.
7 Best Ski Resorts in Park City and Snowbird
- Deer Valley Resort: Known for its impeccable grooming and luxurious amenities, Deer Valley Resort is consistently ranked among the best ski resorts in the country. It offers 2,026 skiable acres spread across six mountains, with runs for all skill levels. And with five-star dining and ski-in/ski-out accommodations, Deer Valley is the ultimate ski vacation destination.
- Park City Mountain: The largest ski resort in United States, Park City Mountain offers over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, with 348 runs and over 41 lifts. The resort is known for its diverse terrain that has runs for beginners and experts alike. The city has plenty of none -mountainous activities, which are conveniently accessible within reach.
- Canyons Village: Located at the base of Mountain, Canyons Village offers 4,000 acres of skiable terrain, with runs for all skill levels. The village also has hotels, shops, and restaurants close or inside, making it a convenient place to stay during your ski trip.
- Solitude Mountain Resort: This resort is known for its peaceful and uncrowded slopes and is a great choice for skiers looking for a more relaxed ski experience. The resort offers 1,200 skiable acres, with runs for all skill levels. And with several dining options and a variety of lodging class available and is a great place to spend a winter vacation.
- Brighton Resort: With 1,050 skiable acres and a reputation for its excellent terrain park, it is a popular choice for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. The resort also offers plenty of runs for beginners and intermediates, as well as expert skiers to enjoy their winter activities.
- Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort: Located just a short drive from Salt Lake to snowbird ski area. This resort is known for its challenging terrain and deep powder with steep slope slide. It’s has 2,500 skiable acres with runs for all skill levels skiers.
- Alta Ski Area: One of the oldest ski resorts in the country, Alta Ski Area is known for its challenging terrain and excellent snow quality. The resort offers 2,200 skiable acres, with runs for advanced skiers and experts. There are other varieties of lodging in nearby town of Alta and this is another great choice for a winter vacation for those wanting to because to Salt Lake City as this is located on the midway between Salt Lake and Alta.
Other Winter Activities in Park City
If skiing isn’t your thing, don’t worry – there are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy in Park City. Here are a few things to take a look at:
- Snowshoeing: Explore the beautiful winter landscape of Park City on snowshoes. There are several guided snowshoe tours available, as well as plenty of trails to explore on your own.
- Ice Skating: Lace up your skates and hit the ice at one of Park City’s ice skating rinks. The Park City Ice Arena is a great option for families, with public skating sessions available throughout the week.
- Sledding: Take the kids sledding at Gorgoza Park, a winter playground with several tubing lanes and other snow activities.
- Woodward Park City: This park good for children and new starter for it recent renovation and skateboarding row for snow slide.
- Snowmobiling: Get your adrenaline pumping with a snowmobile tour of the surrounding mountains. There are several tour operators in Park City offering guided tours for all skill levels just ask your resort.
- Hot Air Balloon Rides: See Park City from a different perspective with a hot air balloon ride with company like Big Foot Balloons. Several companies offer balloon tours of the area, providing a unique and unforgettable experience overview of the mountain.
10 Best Restaurants in Park City
- Riverhorse on Main: This upscale restaurant is known for its creative American cuisine and extensive wine list. The restaurant is located in a historic building on Park City’s Main Street, adding characteristics of a nice restaurant in busy road in the middle of the city.
- Handle: This farm-to-table restaurant focuses on locally sourced ingredients, with a menu that changes regularly based on what’s in season. The restaurant has a cozy, rustic atmosphere, and is a great place to enjoy a meal after a day on the slopes.
- Tupelo: This contemporary restaurant offers a fusion of southern and western cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood and game meats. The restaurant has won several awards for its cuisine and wine list.
- Shabu: This Japanese hot pot restaurant is a fun and interactive dining experience, where diners can cook their own food at the table. The restaurant offers a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables to choose from, as well as a selection of dipping sauces.
- High West Distillery: This restaurant and distillery is located in a historic building on Main Street, and offers a variety of western-inspired dishes and cocktails. The distillery also offers tours and tastings, providing a unique and educational experience.
- Chimayo: This Southwestern restaurant offers a variety of dishes inspired by the flavors of New Mexico and Arizona. This restaurant has a cozy, intimate atmosphere and is a great place to warm up after a day on the slopes.
- The Farm: This restaurant is located at Canyons Village, and offers a farm-to-table menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has a rustic, elegant atmosphere, and is a great place to enjoy a meal with stunning mountain views.
- Burgers and Bourbon: This casual restaurant offers a variety of burgers and other comfort foods, as well as an extensive bourbon menu. The restaurant has a fun, laid-back space and is a great place to unwind after a day of activities.
- Powder: This restaurant is located at Waldorf Astoria Park City, and offers a good dining experience with stunning mountain views. The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients, with a variety of dishes inspired with flavors ingredients.
- The Eating Establishment: This casual restaurant has been a Park City institution since 1972, and offers a variety of classic American dishes. It has a lot of fun and is a great place to grab a bite to eat before hitting to ski area.
Where to Stay in Park City
Park City offers a wide variety of lodging from ski-in/ski-out resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts. Here are a few options to consider:
- Montage Deer Valley: This luxurious resort is located at Deer Valley Resort, and offers ski-in/ski-out accommodations and a variety of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and several dining choices.
- Stein Eriksen Lodge: This ski-in/ski-out lodge is located at Deer Valley Resort, and offers a variety of luxurious accommodations, including suites and private room. It has several dining, a spa, and a heated outdoor pool.
- Waldorf Astoria Park City: This ski-in/ski-out resort is located at Canyons Village, and offers a variety of luxurious accommodations, including suites and private room. It also has several dining, a spa, and an outdoor heated pool.
- Washington School House Hotel: This boutique hotel is located in a historic building on Park City’s Main Street, and offers a variety of elegant accommodations, including suites and private cottages and also has a spa and several dining selections.
- The Chateaux Deer Valley: This ski-in/ski-out hotel is located at Deer Valley Resort, and offers a variety of accommodations, including suites and private room. It also has a spa, fitness center, and several dining Amenities.
History and Culture of Park City
Park City has a rich history dating back to the 1860s, when it was founded as a mining town. The town quickly became known for its rich silver deposits, and by the turn of the century, it was one of the largest silver producers in the world. However, the mining industry began to decline in the early 1900s, and by the 1950s, Park City was struggling economically.
In the 1960s, the town began to reinvent itself as a ski destination, and several ski resorts were built in the surrounding mountains. The town also began to preserve its historic buildings and landmarks, and today, Park City is a unique blend of old and new resources that make it unique.
In addition to its mining and skiing history, Park City is also known for its vibrant arts scene. The town hosts the Sundance Film Festival each year, which attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. If you are coming during this festival, you’ll have chance see several galleries display while in town if you are art lovers.
Best Time to Visit Park City
The best time to visit Park City depends on what you’re about to do while in the city. If you’re a skier, the winter months (December through March) are the best time to visit, with plenty of snowfall and excellent skiing conditions. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so be prepared for crowds and higher prices.
If you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed vacation, consider visiting in the spring and fall. The weather is mild during spring and fall seasons, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking and biking.
Summer on the other hand, is also a great time to visit Park City for it warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities. The town hosts several festivals and events during the summer months, including Food, Wine Classic and Kimball Arts Festival.
How to Get to Park City from Salt Lake Airport
Park City is located just 35 miles east of Salt Lake City International Airport, and a long I-80 east making it easily accessible for travelers. There are several means of getting from airport to Park City including the following:
- Rental Car: There are several rental car companies located at the airport and it’s easy to rent a car and drive to Park City. The only problem you will have to encounter is parking space at park city. The driving takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic and distance.
- Shuttle: Apart from Park City Expedition, there are several shuttle companies that offer transportation from airport to Park City. Some of the most popular companies include Park City Transportation, All Resort Express, and Canyon Transportation.
- Uber or Lyft: Both Uber and Lyft operate in the Salt Lake City area, and can provide transportation to Park City on the tips of your hand.
Tips for Planning Your Park City Trip
- Book Early: Park City is a popular destination, especially during the winter months, so be sure to book your accommodations and reservation early to avoid disappointment of being about booked.
- Dress according to weather condition: Weather in Park City can be unpredictable, so be sure to dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing as needed.
- Stay Hydrated: The altitude in Park City can be challenging for some visitors, so be sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout your trip especially during summer.
- Take Advantage of Free Transportation: Park City offers a free bus system that can take you to most of the major attractions and ski resorts in town. This is a great way to save money and avoid the hassle of driving and parking your own car.
- Try Something New: Park City offers a wide variety of activities and attractions, so be sure to try something new during your stay. Whether it’s snowmobiling, hot air ballooning, or trying a new restaurant, there’s always something to do in Park City that can be great fun to you.