Park City, Utah is arguably the USA’s ultimate alpine playground. As home to the largest skiable terrain in the United States, it is a fabulous blend of Hollywood glamour, luxury dining and a thriving, exciting après scene. All of this is conveniently located a mere 35 minutes from the brand-new Salt Lake City International Airport.
From the world-class skiing and snowboarding conditions that Park City is renowned for, to gin making and tasting, sky-high hot air ballooning and heli-skiing, it’s your perfect alpine playground and a must for every traveller.
Hit The Alpine Playground In Style
Park City is truly an alpine playground of epic proportions. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels are catered for across two-world class resorts – Deer Valley and Park City Mountain – where ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth®’ covers over 400 ski runs.
From black diamond runs and impressive off-piste action, to snow parks and beginner slopes, you’ll find fresh powder aplenty. Many of the major ski and snowboarding events of the 2002 Winter Olympics were held at Park City, with the Olympics’ inaugural halfpipe –‘Eagle Superpipe’ – now a favourite show-stopping fixture. Advanced skiers and snowboarders will love it, while beginner and intermediate park rats will find great rails and jumps to play on all day in a selection of three other parks.
Park City Mountain’s longest run – ‘Home Run’ – will give guests one of the best views they’ll find in any alpine playground. Or take to ‘Quit’n Time’ – aptly named for its stop off in Park City’s Old Town, which is perfect for a lunch break.
For skiing in true style, head to Deer Valley resort, known for its superior levels of service and ski-only slopes and ranked as the best US ski resort by the World Ski Awards for the eighth year in a row.
Happily Ever Après
After a fab and fun day on the slopes, après is essential and when the clock strikes 4pm, Park City’s alpine playground does not disappoint. From ritzy hotels to cosy local bars that embody the ski spirit of yesteryear (with a hint of wild west), Park City is your every après dream come true.
The ski in/ski out St Regis Resort Deer Valley lives up to its opulent name, offering a nightly Champagne sabering celebration on the hotel’s Mountain Terrace, complete with welcoming fire pits to gather around. Those after a true local experience should head to the No Name Saloon. Serving up local craft beer and burgers, the relaxed vibes and rustic charm provide the perfect backdrop for après adventures.
A Wealth Of Winter Wonderland Experiences
Not a skier? Not a problem. Park City offers a (mountain) range of winter wonderland activities for families, friends, and couples to experience. Whether you want to try out dog sledding with rescue huskies lead by master mushers, or a traditional snowshoeing adventure with views of the snow-capped Wasatch Mountain peaks, Park City ticks every box. Other highlights in the alpine playground include tubing lanes, snowmobiling, snow biking, ice-skating, cross-country skiing and sleigh rides.
Gin For The Win
Alpine Distilling’s gin making experience is a must for all of legal drinking age when visiting Park City. In partnership with local restaurant 350 Main, guests can create their very own gin flavour in the microbrewery beneath the restaurant. You will mix your own combination of botanicals to create a personalised gin flavour, all the while being revelled by the history of gin over the years. Leaving the gin to distil and settle into its flavour, you’re then treated to a four-course dinner, complete with paired gin tastings.
Showstopping Sundance
The social calendar event of the year and one of the world’s most iconic film festivals, Sundance Film Festival lights up Park City in January each year. A favourite for locals and visitors alike, Sundance Film Festival is the largest independent cinema festival in the United States, with a mission to discover and develop independent artists and audiences. Park City’s alpine playground transforms into an artists’ escape and Hollywood hotspot during the festival, making it an unmissable time to experience this glamorous getaway. Bonus: While the town is the epicentre of the movie action, the slopes are crowd-free, allowing skiers and snowboarders plenty of space on the mountain.
Gourmet gastronomy
Whilst still retaining its small-town charm, Park City’s dining scene rivals that of any major global city. Catering to Hollywood’s elite, the enviable food scene is a destination highlight itself. Sample smoked chipotle black mussels at Chimayo, enjoy a seasonally rotating menu at the award-winning Riverhorse on Main, one of the oldest and most distinguished restaurants. Five5eeds run by an Aussie couple, is a cool café that serves up the best coffee in town, as well as exceptionally tasty, clean dining.
Check into the Pendry Park City
The Pendry Park City, opening in January 2022, will be the latest luxury hotel launch in Park City. Located in a prime ski in/ski out location in Canyons Village at Park City Mountain, the hotel will offer an oasis for guests, designed as a modernist take on a traditional alpine playground lodge. The luxury resort will feature 152 guestrooms and suites, as well as exceptional après ski indulgences including Spa Pendry, fine dining and a sumptuous rooftop pool and bar. An all-season spot, the inspired design and thoughtful service will offer travellers the ultimate Park City escape year-round, whether guests are carving through fresh powder in winter or hitting the hiking trails in summer
Swap the slopes for the shops
Historic Main Street, at the heart of Historic Park City, is a must-see. Located between Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort, the quaint street exudes alpine playground charm and is bustling with events, dining hotspots, bars as well as independent galleries and boutiques. Looking to deck out your winter wardrobe? Stio offers the best fashion forward and technical gear around, and champions sustainable skiwear garments. Alternatively, Olive and Tweed is the perfect place to browse for artist driven accessories, while Flight Boutique is a go-to for womenswear.
Savour the Summer
An adventure paradise all year round, the fun doesn’t stop in summer. Park City’s stunning mountain backdrop becomes blanketed in vibrant greens and wildflowers for guests to explore. Highlights include hiking up mountain trails such as the ever-popular Armstrong Trail, stand up paddle boarding in Deer Valley and rafting down the Weber River. Throughout the summer, free concerts also run nearly every night. The Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheatre in Deer Valley Resort puts on weekly shows for guests to pitch a picnic and enjoy the live music. For art lovers, on the last Friday of every month over 20 galleries on Main Street open their doors for a free ‘Last Friday Gallery Stroll’, perfect to savour the summer evening and appreciate the arts
View from the top
For a final memorable moment, take to the skies for the best bird’s eye view of Park City. Guests can enjoy year-round hot air ballooning and experience a tranquil flight over the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, to awe at the breath-taking scenery. Or for an adrenalin pumping experience in winter, heli-skiing offers a bucket list ride for advanced skiers.
