What to do, Where to Stay in Park City
What to do, Where to Stay in Park City – Park City is known for three things: skiing, snowboarding and the Sundance Film Festival.
Located 35 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Park City is easily accessible and home to a wide range of accommodations that attract throngs of vacationers during the winter season.
Sandwiched between two premier resorts, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain, this former mining town sits in the shadow of the rugged Wasatch Mountain Range.
In 2002, both resorts hosted events during the Winter Olympics, and the Utah Olympic Park, which sits just north of the main street, is still a major training facility for winter athletes, including the United States Ski Team.
What to do, Where to Stay in Park City – Skiing is no the only thing Park City has to offer.
You can walk around the Historic Park City area or visit the High West Distillery and Saloon.
For family fun, enjoy an afternoon of snow tubing at Gorgoza Park.
And after a long day schussing the slopes (or lounging in the lodge), enjoy the city’s bustling après-ski scene.
What to do, Where to Stay in Park City – The best time to visit Park City is from December to March, if you’re a winter sports enthusiast.
Ski season generally runs from mid-November through mid-April, depending on the weather and snowfall totals.
The winter months are the coldest, with temperatures averaging in the low 30s and dropping to single digits by nightfall.
Park City sees an average of 300 to 400 inches of snowfall annually, and the city is the busiest in January, when in addition to skiers, thousands of film fans flock to attend the annual Sundance Film Festival.
And while the ski season is the primary draw for this small mountain enclave, local Utah residents often visit for a cool break in the summer months, when Park City temperatures are typically 20 degrees lower than in other parts of the state.
When to Visit Park City Park City
The best way to get around Park City is on foot or via free public transportation.
The Main Street trolley runs up and down the steep historic street for short jaunts, and bus routes service all major locations in town, as well as both ski resorts.
Ride-share services, including Uber and Lyft, are available, and a new UberSki service guarantees you get a driver with all-wheel drive and room to carry skis and snowboards during the winter months.
The closest major airport, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), is located 35 miles northwest of Park City.
You can rent a car for the drive to Park City or take a shuttle van, bus or ride-share service to reach your accommodations.
Hotels & Resorts to Stay at in Park City
Montage Deer Valley
Situated less than 4 miles south of Park City, Utah, in Deer Valley, this massive resort places powder hounds right next to the slopes of Deer Valley Resort.
The Montage Deer Valley’s Spa Montage and ski concierge services will keep you and your equipment in top shape.
But its ski-in/ski-out identity doesn’t make this five-star property a winter-only escape:
There is a massive outdoor pool, horseback riding and more than 400 miles of hiking trails keep the Montage Deer Valley in season all year round.
Guests rave about the spacious rooms, all of which feature cozy gas fireplaces, private balconies or patios and resort or mountain views.
And once you’ve worked up an appetite on the slopes or trails, the resort’s five eateries will satisfy a variety of cravings.
Visitors also praise the property for its exceptional customer service, claiming they felt like VIPs.
The Lodge at Blue Sky
A swanky resort set in Wanship, Utah (about 18 miles north of Park City).
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection impresses guests with its scenic location and incredible amenities.
The setting is described as “stunning,” “serene” and “magical:”
The property occupies 3,500 acres of land in the Wasatch Mountain Range, which makes for snowy vistas in the winter and rolling green hill panoramas in the warmer months.
Accommodation options range from rooms and suites in the Sky Lodge to “Earth Suites” built into the mountainside to standalone one-bedroom suites. In-room amenities and features include high ceilings, large windows, work desks, soaking tubs and rainfall showers.
Each room and suite also provides a private terrace, perfect for admiring the mountain views.
Outside the accommodations, guests can enjoy activities like fly-fishing, yoga, meditation, hiking and snowmobiling, among other pursuits.
Skiing, snowboarding and heli-skiing are also popular activities here, and the hotel is within a 50-mile drive of several major ski destinations, such as Alta Ski Area, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort.
When it’s time to relax after a day of outdoor fun, visitors can retreat to the spa for a massage.
As for dining, The Lodge at Blue Sky is home to a few different options: Yuta serves seasonal fare with fresh ingredients and its terrace offers alfresco dining, while The Bar offers light bites and tasty drinks.
Several private dining options, including a yurt and a wine cellar, are also available. While this resort is certainly the epitome of luxury.
The St. Regis Deer Valley
This member of the St. Regis family – just southwest of Park City, Utah – truly lives up to the brand’s luxurious standards.
The lobby and on-site RIME restaurant are held up by massive stone columns, while spacious guest rooms feature crackling gas fireplaces and private balconies in select accommodations.
Other in-room amenities include separate tubs and showers, flat-screen TVs and complimentary bottled water. Recent guests were overall happy with their stay, especially the attentive staff and variety of on-site amenities.
The St. Regis Deer Valley is home to a heated outdoor pool (complete with two whirlpools), a full-service spa, four dining venues, a 24-hour fitness center and a sports equipment rental facility for when you’re ready to hit the nearby ski slopes.
Stein Eriksen Lodge
Just south of Park City, Utah, this hotel plays up its role as a ski haven with large stone fireplaces and old-fashioned leather furniture.
Guest rooms are spacious and simple, sporting neutral hues, private fireplaces and hot tubs. But while the cozy ambiance and slopeside locale are major perks, guests agree there’s more to Stein Eriksen Lodge than style and convenience.
The Norwegian-inspired spa offers a wide variety of treatments, and the cuisine at the Glitretind Restaurant and the Troll Hallen earns rave reviews from recent diners.
The property’s top-notch customer service also received high praise from previous visitors.
A complimentary shuttle service to nearby Park City, a fitness center, two pools and a ski rental shop are some of the other amenities here, but beware of high room rates.
Waldorf Astoria Park City
According to recent travelers, the Waldorf Astoria Park City, which is surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains, makes a great home base for a Utah ski vacation.
The Frostwood Gondola, located across the street, shuttles guests to Canyons Village.
From there, travelers can access more than 7,300 acres of skiable terrain and more than 300 trails.
Visitors can also rent equipment and purchase lift tickets through the property’s services.
But wintertime skiers aren’t Waldorf’s only happy campers. The hotel is also conveniently situated near stunning fly-fishing spots and miles of hiking trails. Golf, mountain biking and summer concerts round out the warm-weather offerings.
What’s more, travelers say that the resort’s pool is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.
The Waldorf is known for the award-winning spa.
But you don’t necessarily need to hit the spa to feel pampered: Guest rooms are spacious yet cozy and come with plush linens and gas fireplaces.
Visitors also say they feel like VIPs thanks to the oversized bathrooms (equipped with high-definition TVs).
In addition, the Powder restaurant received rave reviews and serves elevated comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hotel Park City, Autograph Collection
The Hotel Park City, Autograph Collection attracts guests with its romantic lodge-like atmosphere and its location near Wasatch Mountain and the Canyons Resort by Park City, Utah.
Though guests praise the hotel’s stunning setting and homey decor (the exposed wooden beams, Jacuzzi tubs, private balconies and stone fireplaces are particularly nice touches), many cite the hotel staff as the primary perk.
The rooms are beginning to show some wear, however, everyone from the concierge to the waiters at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, are incredibly friendly and accommodating.
When you find some downtime, lounge by the pool, relax in the spa, hit the ski slopes or play a round of golf at the adjacent golf course.
Best Things To Do in Park City
Once a silver mining town, Park City is now a premier winter sports destination. Home to two major ski resorts, Deer Valley and Park City, as well as an athlete training facility at Utah Olympic Park, the city fills up from November to March with powder hounds and cinephiles (it hosts the acclaimed Sundance Film Festival every January).
Year-round, Park City’s free, ski-friendly transportation system makes it easy to explore both downtown and resort attractions, including Historic Park City.
What’s more, if you’ve got little ones in tow who aren’t ready to tackle the bunny hills, you can head to Gorgoza Park, which offers snow tubing and mini snowmobiles.
A quick word to the wise: If you’re coming to Park City to ski, then you’ll want to know the mountains.
There are three world-class ski mountains in the area: Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain, and The Canyons at Park City Mountain. Deer Valley is a ski-only mountain, but snowboarders flock to Park City Mountain and The Canyons.
Deer Valley Resort, Park City Utah
Considered one of the top ski resorts in the country, Deer Valley boasts a bevy of lodging options, more than 20 chairlifts, 101 ski runs and more than 15 dining outlets from casual cafes to fine dining.
Plus, it is home to amenities like Mountain Hosts, which offer four complimentary ski tours of the property each day, complimentary overnight ski storage and an on-site licensed childcare facility.
The resort also offers one of the largest ski schools in the country, with more than 500 instructors.
Recent visitors called Deer Valley “the Cadillac of ski resorts,” praising the skiing, the outstanding service and the gourmet cuisine.
However, many also noted that its reputation as a resort for the upper echelon of skiers makes it pricey.
Powder hounds complimented the variety of well-groomed trails (especially the Ruins of Pompeii and Tycoon runs) and short chairlift lines, as well as the superb hotels and lodges with ski-in/ski-out access.
Since Deer Valley limits the number of skiers per day, many recommend purchasing tickets in advance, especially on holidays.
Deer Valley also prohibits snowboarders from its slopes, a welcome relief many skiers appreciated.
Bigger and Better: Park City & The Canyons Merge into USA’s Largest Ski Resort
Every fall around this time, ski resorts across North America start to roll out annual upgrades, hoping to woo travelers and outdo their competition.
Park City, Utah — the opening of the largest ski resort in the nation’s history.
Skiing in Utah has been on the uptick ever since the 2002 Winter Olympic Games were held in and around Salt Lake City.
While the Olympics have proved to be a double-edged sword for many cities that have hosted them, leaving a wake of unpaid bills and empty facilities, Utah was a rare exception.
The number of skiers and snowboarders visiting the state has increased dramatically, up about 40% since the Games, while hotels and base lodges built for the event are still going strong.
Canyons Village, Park City Utah
Once the base area of the Canyons Resort (which merged with the Park City Mountain Resort in 2015), Canyons Village offers slope-side accommodations, several dining options and access to the Orange Bubble Express, the first “bubbled,” heated chairlift in the country.
Recent skiers were delighted to find the Canyons and Park City slopes connected, allowing them to do runs on both parts of the mountain.
Many commented on the spectacular views from the Quicksilver gondola that connects the resorts, and the heated Orange Bubble lift from the base area. However, some mentioned that those with a fear of heights should steer clear of the gondola.
Advanced skiers preferred the Canyons runs, and many commented on the excellent service and dining choices.
It may be wise to purchase the Epic season pass and said it was a good value compared to individual lift tickets.
The Canyons has convenient ski-in, ski-out accommodations, the ski school instructors are friendly and the variety of ski lessons for all ages and levels.
Park City Mountain Resort, Park City Utah
The Park City Mountain Resort, which merged with the Canyons Resort in 2015, is the largest ski area in the United States, boasting more than 7,300 acres.
The resort features 41 lifts, eight terrain parks, 14 bowls, six half-pipes, one super pipe and more than 300 trails, as well as several ski-in, ski-out accommodation choices, ranging from hotels and lodges to private homes and condominiums.
A licensed day care center, a ski and snowboard school and an array of dining choices from casual ski-in restaurants to fine dining are just a few of the amenities, and the Quicksilver gondola allows guests to traverse the mountain with ease.
What’s more, Mountain Concierge service is available to answer traveler questions, book tours or make dining reservations.
The sheer number and variety of ski runs here are plentiful and many prefer the Park City runs to those at the Canyons, although the pricing for lift tickets, accommodations and dining is more expensive.
The layout of the runs can be confusing and the Wi-Fi access is limited, however, there is free transportation around the resort is convenient and easy to use.
The lower slopes can be particularly crowded on weekends and holidays.
Ski Maps for All of Utah’s Ski Resorts >>
Historic Park City, Park City Utah
Park City Sits In The Valley Between Park City Mountain Resort And Deer Valley Resort.
Once A Silver Mining Town, It Has Seen Booms And Busts, As Well As A Devastating Fire That Destroyed A Large Portion Of The Town In The Late 19th Century.
The Historic Park City Area Preserves Its Western Mining Heritage With A Charming Mix Of Boutiques, Galleries And Restaurants.
The Park City Museum, Located About Midway On Main Street, Features Exhibits Detailing The History Of The Mining Town Turned Ski Mecca And Is Also Home To The Official Visitor Center.
And, A Free Trolley Runs The Length Of Street If Your Feet Need A Break.
There’s A Variety Of Shops, Galleries, Restaurants And Bars In Historic Park City, Noting There’s Something For Every Taste From Souvenir Joints To Ski Boutiques.
Visit The Museum To Get A Feel For The Town’s Mining History, While Others Complimented The Free Transit And The Convenience Afforded By Bedding Down In This Area.
There Are Historical Statues Along The Street And The Availability Of Clean Public Restrooms.
Utah Olympic Park, Park City Utah
Utah Olympic Park was the home of several events during the 2002 Winter Olympics, and is still an official training site for current and future Olympic athletes.
Admission to the park and several of the park’s attractions are free, including the Alf Engen Ski Museum, the Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum, the Discovery Zone obstacles course, the Mountain Challenge course and several hiking trails.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, visitors can ride with a professional driver on the signature Comet Bobsled to feel the same g-force and blazing speed that Olympic competitors enjoy.
Other activities – all priced individually – include three levels of climbing and ropes tours, a zip line and a one-hour guided tour that visits the world’s highest Nordic ski jumps.
There are free museums and they are a great way to learn about Utah’s ski industry and the 2002 Olympic Games.
Those visitors who took the daring Comet Bobsled ride (which takes passengers down the 2002 Olympic track) said it was a truly unique experience and well worth the price.
Kimball Art Center, Park City Utah
The Kimball Art Center, located just a few blocks off Main Street, features exhibits by regional and national artists, and offers more than 300 classes in painting, drawing, photography, stained glass, pottery and other visual arts.
The annual Kimball Arts Festival in August is one of the largest events of the year, bringing in more than 225 jury-selected artists from around the country.
The art center is a local gem and a nice activity for non-skiers.
There are a variety of classes for kids and the Lego exhibit in the gallery.
Gorgoza Park, Park City Utah
Gorgoza Park is one of the most popular family attractions in Park City, especially for visitors with young children.
The park features seven lighted tubing lanes, a Fort Frosty playground for children younger than 6, mini-snowmobiles and a small hill for little tubers.
Individual ride tickets, as well as two-hour and four-hour passes are offered; Fort Frosty is free with a valid tubing ticket.
Families that visited said Gorgoza Park provided a nice break from the slopes and offered a fun way to entertain young kids for a few hours.
Most recommended purchasing the two-hour or four-hour tubing passes and also said it was a good après-ski activity since the park is open until 8 p.m.
The cost is about $100 for a family of four for two hours.
Shopping in Park City, Utah
What to do, Where to Stay in Park City – Main Street Park City, which has a charming old mining town feel to it, is lined with world-class shopping and art galleries.
Stop at Panache (738 Main Street) to pick up something special from their gorgeous collection of mountain-chic fashion, including cashmere sweaters, hats, and gloves.
OC Tanner Jewelers (416 Main Street) has exquisite jewelry, diamonds, and watches, and an incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Dolly’s Books & Gifts (510 Main Street) is a beloved institution that’s been selling books to Park City locals since the early 1970s.
Get your souvenirs and hostess gifts from Mountain Town Olive Oil (613 Main Street).
For destination shopping, head over to RedStone Center (Southeast Corner of Highway 224 and Newpark Boulevard).
Visit Splendor Beauty Emporium (1675 West Redstone Center Drive, #115) to peruse their impressive beauty and makeup selection, WISH party boutique (1635 Redstone Center Drive, #125) for whimsical gifts and party provisions, and local toy store J.W. Allen & Sons (1675 Redstone Center Drive) for their one-of-a-kind sleds.
Things Not to Miss in Park City, Utah
Horse-Drawn Sleighs
What to do, Where to Stay in Park City – Mix up your winter transit routine go over the river and through the woods in one of Park City’s family-size horse-drawn sleighs.
The Snowed Inn Sleigh Company takes you straight up the mountain to a icicle-studded lodge, where you can feast on a warm meal and live music.
Snowed Inn Sleigh Company Sleigh Ride and Dinner
The Snowed Inn Sleigh Company is an unforgettable western experience, perfect for families or special occasions.
Located on the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort, we offer horse-drawn sleigh rides up to our lodge for western style dining with live music.
Ride up to the Snowed Inn in a horse drawn sleigh guided by a real cowboy, covered in warm blankets with brilliant stars overhead.
They offer sleigh rides with or without dinner nightly in the winter months.
They also host private parties and events throughout the year.
Tubing
What to do, Where to Stay in Park City – A fun, family-friendly, less-expensive alternative to downhill skiing is tubing.
There are countless hills and parks around Utah that are perfect for sledding on your own, as well as some resort areas that offer some amazing tubing experiences, complete with tube rentals and even “lifts” to pull you back up the hill.
Soldier Hollow in Midway
Gorgoza Park in Park City
Wasatch Parc at Nordic Valley
Snowmobile Tours
What to do, Where to Stay in Park City – Swap your skis for some snowmobile skids and head out into the wintry blue yonder with Red Pine Snowmobile Tours, where you can plow through deep pow or fly along groomed trails with the assistance of a local expert.
Adventure outfit offering snowmobiling, snowshoeing & horse-riding on 1,000-acres of private land.
Located next to the Canyons Village, which means less driving, and more adventuring. With over 1,000 acres of private land available to explore, our winter wonderland is yours to discover.
A perfect combination of scenery, terrain, locations, equipment, and excellent service.
The the oldest and largest snowmobiling destination in Utah – 25+ year reputation.
Snowshoe Guides
What to do, Where to Stay in Park City – Sometimes winter is best appreciated when you slow down and smell the icicles. Get your meditation on with a friendly snowshoe guide from All Seasons Adventures, where you can tromp up and down hills by day or by moonlight. Be sure to alert your group if you suddenly achieve enlightenment.
5 Best Snowshoeing Trails in Utah
White Pine Trail | Little Cottonwood Canyon
Fairyland Point | Bryce Canyon National Park
Kessler Peak via Mineral Fork | Big Cottonwood Canyon
Mule Shoe Trail | North Fork Park, Ogden
Sundance Resort Nordic Center | Provo Canyon
Sundance Film Festival
What to do, Where to Stay in Park City – In 1981, Robert Redford, one on Utah’s resident celebrities, helped to form the Sundance Institute, an organization dedicated to enhancing the artistic quality of films.
He has since been instrumental in one of Utah’s major tourist attractions, the Sundance Film Festival. This festival is held every January. It is centered in Park City and has events Salt Lake City, Ogden City, and at Redford’ s Sundance Village.
Catch an artsy flick or bag a celebrity pic at this annual late-January explosion of indy talent, where Hollywood bigwigs and outsider little-wigs rub shoulders at after-parties and you can get a double-take just by wearing dark glasses and looking covert.
And, check out one of the many panels, lectures and parties that come with the festival each year.
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