Park City, Utah—Year-Round Play, the Mountainkind™ Way

Sponsored by Visit Park City 

In Utah’s iconic Wasatch Mountains, home to The Greatest Snow on Earth®, there’s a place where adventure, a love for the outdoors, authentic mountain town culture, and respect for nature aren’t just a pastime—it’s a shared language. This is Park City, known for its Mountainkind spirit, where locals and visitors alike are connected by a sense of adventure, a shared responsibility to preserve the natural beauty of the destination, and an appreciation for small-town charm, arts, and culture. But while many people may know Park City for its Olympic legacy—host of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and primed for the upcoming 2034 Winter Olympics—this iconic Utah mountain town proves why every season brings with it a unique flavor that makes Park City one of the world’s best mountain towns. Explore our guide to experiencing each of Park City’s four seasons. 

Fall in Park City 

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisper, Park City’s valleys and mountains light up in hues of yellow, orange, and red, ushering in one of the town’s most underrated seasons. Hundreds of miles of singletrack trails for biking and hiking wind through glowing aspen groves, while a hot air balloon ride offers a bird’s-eye view of the changing colors. Grab fresh produce and baked goods at Park City’s Wednesday Farmers Market, saddle up for a horseback ride through lush, colorful forests, or experience some of the season’s headlining events, like the Park City Wine Festival, Deer Valley Beer Festival, and Dine About Park City (happening both in the fall and spring). Fall in Park City is the perfect prelude to winter. 

Winter in Park City 

Winter, without question, is the definitive experience in Park City, as evidenced by its Winter Olympic legacy and being home to two of North America’s most renowned ski resorts. Park City Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States, featuring more than 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, 3,200 feet of vertical, and seven terrain parks, is a destination in and of itself. Non-skiers and families will find plenty to love, too, including scenic gondola rides, the Flying Eagle Zipline, outdoor ice skating, snowmobile tours, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and more. Nearby, Deer Valley Resort, one of the few destinations reserved exclusively for skiers, is consistently ranked among the nation’s best, known for its unmatched ski-in/ski-out access, elevated après-ski scene, and curated mountain adventures. Deer Valley has been undergoing a historic expansion, which has included adding an incredible 2,500 acres of new terrain (increasing its total to 4,500 acres), nearly 100 new ski runs, 10 new chairlifts, and the East Village Express Gondola. 

Beyond the resorts, Woodward Park City is made for those who like to spend most of their day hitting park features. It’s home to several lift-served terrain parks, as well as tubing lanes and a ski and snowboard learning zone. Do you have the need for speed? Utah Olympic Park invites visitors to relive Winter Olympic history by riding a bobsled down the 2002 sliding track. And if cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or fat bikes are more your speed, Summit County’s Nordic Trail System features 80 kilometers (50 miles) of groomed trails. As the sun sets on a day of adventures, Park City’s historic Main Street comes alive with its legendary après-ski scene, from the ski-in High West Distillery to cozy patios and upscale restaurants up and down the street. 

Spring in Park City  

As the days get longer and warmer, and the snow begins to soften, spring in Park City brings sun-soaked, fun-filled ski days to Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain, both of which typically remain open well into April. Can’t-miss spring events include the spring concert series at Canyons Village, the beloved pond-skimming competition at Park City Mountain, and Slopeside Sets at Deer Valley’s Chute Eleven. The fun continues with bustling après-ski spots just off the slopes, including RIME Raw Bar at Deer Valley, Bridge Cafe at the bottom of the Town Lift, the Corner Store at the Park City Base Area, and much more.  

As it gets later into the spring ski season, the bustling ski beaches of Park City’s ski resorts are where it’s at. Get some laps in during the morning and then post up slopeside for the rest of the afternoon. Cap off the day with some R&R at the Spa Montage, the Spa at Hotel Park City, or Spa Pendry.  

Summer in Park City 

Park City overflows with outdoor adventures, unique activities, and a full lineup of exciting events during the summer. Experience one of the best mountain biking destinations in North America, as Park City was named the first Gold-Level Ride Center in the world by the International Mountain Bike Association. Enjoy more than 400 miles of mountain biking trails, as well as miles of gravel and road riding, in and around Park City, plus even more mountain biking access at both Deer Valley Resort, home to 60 miles of trails, and Park City Mountain. 

Other summer highlights include great local golf courses like Canyons Golf Course, fly fishing, and a plethora of fun summer activities at both Deer Valley and Park City Mountain, such as scenic chair lift rides, hiking, and alpine coaster rides. As the afternoon warms up, take a break from the sun by visiting the Alf Engen Ski Museum. At the end of the day, unwind on one of Main Street’s great patios, like No Name Saloon before indulging at one of Park City’s renowned restaurants like the AAA four diamond Riverhorse on Main. Among Park City’s top summer events are the Deer Valley Music Festival (happening in July and August), the Concerts on the Slopes summer concert series at Canyons Village, Park Silly Sunday Market, and Savor the Summit, dubbed “Utah’s Largest Outdoor Dinner Party”. See a complete list of Park City events on this events calendar. 

Travel Sustainably in Park City 

Sustainability is central to the Mountainkind spirit in Park City, where it tends to attract travelers who are passionate about preserving its beauty and natural resources. Park City’s convenience to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) means that guests don’t even need a car. Those who do drive often opt to park once and take advantage of Park City’s walkability and the town’s free, easy public transportation. Visitors are encouraged to join the effort in simple, meaningful ways: Riding free public transit, carrying a refillable water bottle, embracing leave-no-trace practices, and supporting local businesses.  

Plan Your Trip 

• Getting there. Park City is just a 35-minute ride from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). From the airport, travelers can take a rideshare, taxi, or shuttle.     
• Getting around. Park City’s free bus system makes it one of the most accessible, and easiest mountain towns to get around and to get to Park City Mountain, Deer Valley, Woodward, and beyond. Park City is very walkable, while the town’s free, historic trolley is a fun way to explore Main Street. For those who like to get around by bike, Summit Bike Share is an affordable, eco-friendly e-bikeshare service for getting around Park City. 
• Where to stay. Park City is home to an incredible selection of boutique hotels, resorts, ski-in, ski-out vacation homes, and more. Many of Park City’s hotels prioritize sustainability, including the Montage and Pendry hotels, which are LEED certified.