As the largest ski resort in the United States with over 7,300 skiable acres, Park City Mountain has much to boast about. The host to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Park City Mountain Resort is known as an essential world-class destination. It is a rare large resort that is in close proximity to an airport, as it is just a 35-minute drive east from Salt Lake City International Airport.
Park City has three distinct base areas, six signature properties, and many diverse ski-in/ski-out hotel and lodging options. It's especially attractive for intermediate skiers, as close to half of its 348 trails are blue, intermediate runs. With 3,200 feet of vertical drop, there’s also plenty of options for advanced and expert terrain lovers, along with 13 bowls and eight terrain parks. Despite its massive scale, Park City still offers many free parking options at the base of the village so you can easily get on the mountain.
The four-season resort is situated at the center of the historic and idyllic town of Park City, Utah, with access to award-winning restaurants that are within walking distance or accessible via the city's free transportation system. If you come in January during the Sundance Film Festival for which Park City is known, you might find yourself rubbing elbows with celebrities out on the town.
While there is a slew of great options throughout Park City, know that most of the best dining options will be found at the mountain village (vs. the Canyons Village) or on-mountain.
Located right in the Park City Mountain Village, Harvest has become a favorite for locals and destination guests alike. With a motto of “Food. Coffee. People”, Harvest offers a wide variety of options such as smoothies, smashed avocado toast and some of the best coffee in Park City. Those looking for healthier options will feel right at home.
Those looking to carb up before a day on the slopes will appreciate The Bridge Café and Grill’s Brazilian flair. Head here for pancakes, or maybe the Cristo Redentor, a french toast style ham and swiss cheese sandwich.
Located at the bottom of Tombstone Express you can find Tombstone BBQ, an authentic joint smoking meats daily. With brisket, pulled pork, smoked wings and multiple beers on tap, it is a great spot to get refueled under the sun.
If you happen to be at the village for lunch, you have to check out Main St. Deli & Eatery and grab a gourmet sandwich or salad. A staple for more than 30 years, they know food and they have a strong reputation among locals.
Short rib grilled cheese! If those words excite you at all, then you must go and visit Fletcher’s. This top spot in Park City is a bit on the pricier side and is only open for dinner, so make a reservation and enjoy a great night of unique eats.
For more of a traditional grill pub, No Name Saloon and Grill is a great option. The ambiance is great and they have buffalo burgers and a large drink menu. It is definitely one of Main Street’s best.
As the largest resort in the United States, there are trails for every type of skier and boarder. Due to the massive scale, it is recommended that you study the trail map and know which areas will lead to your best day on the mountain. There are two bases (Mountain Village and Canyons Village) and both lead to many runs for skiers and boarders of all levels. Some key tips are below based on skill level:
Beginner Terrain is primarily found at the Park City Mountain Village, with Crescent Express, King Con Express, and Bonanza Express all taking you to a variety of beginner terrain. There is also a premier learning environment called High Meadow Park which is at Canyons Village, a dedicated learning area that features three Adventure Alleys which are perfect for learning to ski for the first time. While High Meadows Park is on the Canyons side of the mountain, note that there is little variety for beginners there outside of High Meadows Park.
Intermediate Terrain is everywhere and there’s no way you could experience all of the options in a day. If you prefer open runs with a variety of terrain, the King Con Express is a 6-pack that leads to over 10 intermediate trail options. Just take the Eagle lift and head down Spiro to get to King Con. Many intermediate skiers will prefer the Canyons side of the mountain where you will be weaving through aspens left and right. Take the Red Pine Gondola to Chicane, a perfect warm-up run, and then grab the Tombstone Express lift and enjoy hours of great intermediate terrain.
Advanced/Expert Terrain is also plentiful but those wanting the highest thrills will want to head to either Jupiter Peak (Mountain Village) or Murdock Peak (Canyons Village). Murdock involves two chair lifts to Super Condor Express, and from there you can hit the aspen-lined glad of A Chute or Funnel Cloud, or go find some powder in Condor Woods. Jupiter will take three lift rides to access and if you want to get to the summit you will have to skin up.
The Soldier Hollow Nordic Center's 1,200-foot sliding lanes are the longest tubing lanes in Utah. Its recently-upgraded conveyor lift system offers fast lifts and short lines. You can also enjoy tubing at night with fun lights and a built-in sound system.
Woodward Park City also offers recent upgrades, including the addition of a new magic carpet and an increased number of lanes for tubing. Two moving carpets make it easy for everyone in the family to enjoy the snow.
There are over 70 kilometers of groomed trails in Park City and the surrounding mountains. Basin Recreation grooms 25 kilometers of free multipurpose trails connecting the Utah Olympic Park area with Willow Creek Park. Round Valley, located in Quinn's Junction, is a 25-kilometer trail network offering rolling hills and steep ascents. These free trails are multi-use and dog-friendly. White Pine Nordic Center offers 25 kilometers of fee-based groomed trails.
Only eight cities in the United States have hosted the Olympics, so make the most of your time in Park City and visit Utah Olympic Park. You can go on an actual bobsled ride!
The Park City Museum is a great way to learn about the silver mining that made many fortunes in the 1800s.
Visit the world-famous High West Distillery and sample their fantastic whiskey. Tours are held hourly from 11a-5p on most days.
Those who don’t want to ski but want to enjoy beautiful mountain scenery will want to drive through Guardsman Pass, one of the highest roads in the Wasatch Mountains. Note the road is often closed in the winters.
While many mountain coasters are reserved for the summer, the Park City Alpine Coaster and Slide offers a great alternative to skiing all seasons. You can take a sled down the slide’s hundred yards or let your hair fly on the coaster.
Main Street can entertain you for days. With over 100 clothing boutiques and 50 eateries among many other shops, you can stroll through Main Street for hours.
Sundance Film Festival is the largest annual event in Park City, taking place each January.
August has the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah International Cycling competition, one of the most challenging circuit races in the country. It starts and ends on Main Street, Park City.
You can find art, unique cuisine, and music at the Kimball Arts Festival that attracts over 50,000 guests in August.
Park City offers a variety of ski school options including private lessons, family lessons, and normal group child and adult lessons. High Meadow Park, recently opened, is a dedicated learning terrain area that gets prioritized snow-making every day.
Reservations are strongly recommended for the year-round Little Adventures Children’s Center, a state-licensed child care facility providing fun, age-appropriate activities, snow play, and arts & crafts. They welcome children between the ages of six weeks to six years old.