There’s a big resort sheen to Park City: the mountain, purchased by Vail Resorts in 2014, is the largest ski resort in the U.S., with more than 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. But if it’s it’s a relaxed trip you’re after, don’t let that put you off. This silver boomtown-turned-skier’s-paradise has serious charm. Nestled in the craggy Wasatch Mountains of Western Utah, it’s the most accessible major ski destination in the United States, thanks to Salt Lake City International airport being only 40 minutes away. Every January, Park City is thrust into the spotlight when the glitzy Sundance Film Festival descends upon its snowy streets—but the rest of the year this is a laid-back town.
Between its expansive trails and the neighboring 2,000-acre Deer Valley resort, you’ll find vast terrain covered in Utah’s ethereal powder. After a day on the mountain, you can ski right into town to rest your legs at a whiskey-slinging saloon, or stroll the Victorian main street to find the perfect cowboy hat and catch some live music at an underground venue.
Here is what you need to know before your next trip to Park City, including the best restaurants, bars, and hotels.
(Editor’s note: Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the amenities and services of many hotels are fluid and subject to change. We advise you to contact businesses directly for updates and check Park City’s website for local guidelines and details before visiting.)
Getting to and around Park City
Fly directly into Salt Lake City International Airport, which recently completed the first phase of a four-billion-dollar renovation to expand terminals and make baggage claim more efficient for incoming skiers and snowboarders. For those coming from Chicago, Denver or San Francisco, you can also travel via Amtrak’s scenic California Zephyr to Salt Lake Central Station.
From there, it’s a 40-minute drive along I-80 through Parleys Canyon to Park City. If you are renting a car, four-wheel drive is strongly encouraged.
The downtown area is small and walkable. Most hotels are ski-in/ski-out, but there is also a free shuttle service (which includes transportation to Deer Valley), as well a ski lift in the center of town.
What to do in Park City
Utah is so sure it has “The Greatest Snow on Earth” it trademarked the phrase, so of course skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions. Park City Mountain is open to both downhill skiers and snowboarders and in 2015, the resort combined with neighboring Canyons Resort and added 4,000 acres to its already sizeable territory. The mountain has varying terrain, from expert-level bowls to areas designated for beginners. Those interested in the area’s history can sign up for a complimentary ski tour of the defunct silver mines scattered around the mountain. Afterwards, head to the newly renovated Mid-Mountain Lodge, a former miner’s boarding house, to grab a toddy at the resort’s only full-service on-mountain bar, and a porchetta sandwich right off the in-house rotisserie. On a warm, sunny day, the expansive deck with sheepskin-covered benches and roaring fire pits is the best place to enjoy a beer before you ski back to town.
If you’re the type of skier who prefers an extra shot of luxury—immaculate grooming, mountainside raw bars, and a ski valet to escort you to the base—then Deer Valley is for you. The trails at this skiers-only resort are lined with high-end homes, making for some excellent real estate peeping while you’re gliding down the mountain. For those looking for a lesson, check out their renowned ski school, or book a former Olympian as your guide for the day with the resort’s Ski with a Champion program. Before your last run, take the Jordanelle gondola up to RIME Raw Bar. Order the buttered lobster roll and a glass of Prosecco while you take in the epic views of the mountain from the refurbished cabin’s outdoor deck.
For the best deals on lift tickets for Park City Mountain, purchase them online and in advance through the Park City or Epic Pass websites. For longer trips, the Epic Pass is worth the upfront cost when you consider that a one-day ticket purchased at the mountain will run you close to $200. Deer Valley also sells lift tickets in advance through their website and is accessible with the Ikon Pass. (NOTE: Epic and Ikon Passes go on sale in the springtime and sales close in the fall prior to the ski season.) If you need help layering up or just don’t want to lug bulky gear through the airport, Park City and Vail Resorts have partnered with Kit Lender to deliver it directly to your destination.
Beyond skiing, there are a handful of other winter activities to check out. Book your own private dogsledding expedition through the aspen groves with All Seasons Adventures (the owners are highly-trained mushers who run their own rescue for sled dog breeds.) For family-friendly fun, soar down Utah’s longest tubing lanes at the brand-new Woodward Park City or test your nerve on the original 2002 Olympic bobsled track (accompanied by a professional, of course) at Utah Olympic Park.
Though it’s primarily known for its winter activities, Park City has plenty for summer travelers, too. Go golfing, horseback riding, paddle boarding, or pack a cooler and go further afield on a half-day expedition with Park City Fly Fishing Guides. They work with anglers of all levels and will show you the best rivers and remote streams to snag a cutthroat trout. For incredible views of the surrounding valley, book a flight with Bigfoot Hot Air Balloons and watch the sun rise against the Wasatch mountains.
Where to eat and drink in Park City
No trip to Park City is complete without a stiff drink at High West Distillery. Their saloon is conveniently positioned at the end of the in-town Quitin’ Time Trail, making it an easy place to loosen up those ski boots. In addition to the whiskey cocktails, the Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs and Pastrami-Spiced Chicken Wings are exactly what you crave after a day on the mountain. High West has also transformed the deck of Nelson Cottage into a distanced après and prix-fixe dinner experience with private alpenglobes.
For the best not-so-secret burger in town, walk up main street to No Name Saloon. Grab a seat in front of the wood-burning stove and check out the antiques and oddities covering the walls of the Mission-style pub. If you’re looking for something a little healthier, Harvest is your go-to for pillowy scrambled eggs piled on toasted sourdough and acai bowls with homemade muesli. Other notable places include Firewood, a sleek date night spot on main street where everything from the wagyu to the provoleta (grilled cheese) is cooked over a wood-fired grill. The seasonally-driven Riverhorse on Main has an impressive wine list and The Eating Establishment is the go-to for all-day breakfast and diner classics. Yuki Yama has super-fresh sushi while Old Town Cellars is great for a more subdued wine bar vibe. On the Deer Valley side, don’t miss the St. Regis’s cocktail lounge (the outdoor firepit has great views of the valley) or its pop-up yurt village for après ski Champagne with foie gras and osetra caviar.
Where to stay in Park City
Downtown Park City provides the best access to the mountain and all of the happenings on main street. The 12-room Washington School House Hotel is in a renovated historic school house overlooking the middle of town. The pristine rooms have antique furnishings and plush linen-upholstered arm chairs. Let the valet take care of your skis while you grab your robe for a dunk in the hillside hot tub.
For a more home-away-from-home experience, check out the modern Imperial House. It has the amenities of a luxury hotel, like concierge services and a driver at the ready, but gives you free reign of the top two floors (including four bedrooms) of a former 1900’s boarding house. If you’re looking to stock the fridge or pick up a fried chicken picnic dinner, Imperial House’s sister-shop Riverhorse Provisions is located right downstairs.
In Deer Valley, the iconic Stein Eriksen Lodge is a luxurious chalet with easy ski-in/ski-out access. The back deck is a prime après spot to catch the last light of the day and dip into their White Cheddar-and-Stout Fondue.
If relaxation is your goal, book a room at Auberge Resorts’ The Lodge at Blue Sky. This sprawling new compound is located on a 3,500-acre private ranch about 25 minutes from downtown Park City. The serene location and intimate 46-rooms more than make up for the distance from the mountain: Guests can snowshoe to the hotel’s private yurt for a fondue lunch, book a guided heli-skiing adventure directly from the hotel, or take a dip in the spa’s riverside mineral pool to soothe their hardworking ski legs.
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