Park City, a former silver mining boom town, is 32 miles southeast of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. Nestled in Utah’s Wasatch Range, Park City is home to two world-class ski resorts—Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain.
Park City
Park City, incorporated in 1884, has a population of about 8,400. It has a laid-back mountain town atmosphere but with gourmet dining and shopping at your fingertips. And while it has many outdoor activities year-round, winter brings unparalleled snow conditions for fun, on and off the slopes. It was host to the 2002 Winter Olympics.
In addition to skiing, there’s snowshoeing, snowmobiling, horse-drawn sleigh rides and many other activities to enjoy the winter wonderland. And if you’re a thrill seeker, you can ride a bobsled down the 2002 Olympic track at the Utah Olympic Park.
But the town’s beating heart is Historic Main Street, a lively gathering place. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Main Street is especially enchanting in winter when snow blankets the Victorian buildings, which house restaurants, bars, boutiques, art galleries and other establishments. You can take a gin-making class at Alpine Distilling and bring home your bottled gin.
Main Street is also the hub for year-round festivals and events. Most notable is the annual Sundance Film Festival in January. If you’re in town over the holidays, check out the annual Snow Globe Stroll featuring nine life-sized snow globes along Historic Main Street, on display through Jan. 4, 2023.
Not surprisingly, Main Street is also popular for après-ski gatherings.
Après-Ski
The Spur Bar and Grill: Enjoy wings, burgers and brick oven pizza along with wine, beer and cocktails. Nightly live music makes this a fun hangout.
No Name Saloon: Choose from a wide selection of buffalo burgers, hoof-less burgers (turkey or veggie), sandwiches and beer.
Old Town Cellars: Relax at the private-label winery with a glass or two of wine.
Alpine Distilling: Savor creative gin and whiskey cocktails.
High West Distillery: Head straight from the slopes to this ski-in/ski-out distillery.
Non-Ski Activities
Experience Park City’s natural winter playground with exhilarating activities available through adventure companies.
Summit Meadows Adventures: Enjoy scenic views of the Wasatch Mountains via guided snowmobile tours on groomed trails.
All Seasons Adventures: Explore the backcountry on snowshoes or cross-country skis or go on a dogsledding adventure.
Deer Valley Resort
With over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain across six mountain peaks, the upscale Deer Valley Resort (DeerValley.com) is a skier’s paradise. It’s a ski-only resort that pampers guests with first-class service from top to bottom.
Ski valets at the base loading zone help unload gear and navigate you to where you want to go. Ski lodges provide free overnight ski storage and complimentary shuttles between accommodations and the town, about a mile away.
That leaves more time to explore the mountain with 21 chairlifts, 103 ski runs and six bowls. If you’re new to the resort, and an intermediate or expert skier, consider joining one of the four free guided mountain tours.
Love tree skiing? Deer Valley has over 900 acres of glade skiing through aspen groves—and what a way to experience Utah's signature powder. Locals favor Ontario Bowl, Sunset Glade and Triangle Trees.
Designated kids’ adventure zones have fun names like Quincy’s Cabin (an actual cabin with a stuffed animal inside), Bucky’s Backyard and Ruby’s Roost.
No doubt by now, you’re ready for a break—for food and a drink, that is. Situated atop Flagstaff Mountain, Cushing’s Cabin is a popular stop for hot chocolate and Deer Valley’s signature turkey chili. Or kick back in one of the day lodges—Snow Park, Silver Lake or Empire Canyon.
Après Ski and Dining in Deer Valley
Stein Eriksen Lodge's Champions Club: This family-friendly spot has a bar and a large entertainment center.
Montage Deer Valley Veuve Yurt: Sip French bubbles that pair perfectly with caviar, charcuterie, smoked fish and other gourmet bites.
Fireside Dining: Relax over a cozy, four-course dinner. For extra fun, ride in a horse-drawn sleigh to the restaurant.
Troll Hallen: Satisfy hunger with the signature Stein’s Burger and garlic cheese fries.
Deer Valley Lodging
Deer Valley Resort has a variety of accommodations in Snow Park, Silver Lake and Empire Pass. Ski-in/ski-out properties include the 5-star Stein Eriksen Lodge (SteinLodge.com), part of the Luxury Stein Collection. The elegant mid-mountain lodge features luxury suites, a full-service spa and onsite restaurants.
Park City Mountain
With more than 7,300 acres of terrain for skiing and snowboarding, 330 trails, 42 lifts and six terrain parks, Park City Mountain (ParkCityMountain.com) is the largest ski resort in the US. There are two main base lodges—Park City Mountain Village and Canyons Village. Both base areas have dedicated learning areas.
You can also access Park City Mountain via the iconic Town Lift on Historic Main Street. The Quicksilver Gondola connects Park City Mountain to Canyons, making it possible to ski or ride the entire mountain in one day. But allow yourself at least two days to enjoy the vast terrain.
In the pedestrian-friendly Canyons Village, hop on the Orange Bubble Express chairlift, which has heated seats and a plastic windshield.
Park City Mountain Dining
Mid Mountain Lodge & Public House: When it's time to refuel, stop for a bite and local history at Mid Mountain Lodge, a renovated 19th-century ski-in/ski-out miner’s boarding house.
Cafeteria-Style Dining On-Mountain: Refuel at one of the quick-service cafeteria-style restaurants, including Summit House, Miners Camp, Cloud Dine, Red Pine Lodge and Sun Lodge.
Lookout Cabin: Fine dining restaurant with incredible mountain views. Serves lunch daily with a full-service bar and wine list.
Après-Ski Park City Mountain
Head to Red Tail Grill in Canyons Village to unwind after a day on the slopes. You'll find family-friendly dining and a hopping aprè-ski scene.
Park City Mountain Lodging
A wide array of luxury ski-in/ski-out to budget-friendly hotels, condos and vacation rentals are available throughout Park City and Canyons Village.