7 Reasons to Visit Park City, Utah, This Winter

Park City in Utah may only be a short hop from Salt Lake City airport, but it’s a whole world away in many respects. In the winter, Park City is a top ski resort, and in the summer, it welcomes tourists seeking an idyllic vacation spot in the shadow of the majestic Wasatch Range. If you have yet to experience the pleasures of Park City, here are seven reasons why you should add it to your must-visit list.

1. Park City Has A Fantastic Range of Accommodation Options

Whether you visit in the winter or summer, Park City has a great selection of accommodation choices. Ski in and ski out accommodation is hugely popular in the winter season. It’s hard not to love the idea of staying in a beautiful ski lodge where you can ski right up to the front door.

Check out the Park City property rental options before you travel. Discerning travelers will find plenty of choices, from cozy lodges and condos to family-friendly homes in the historic downtown area, where you are within walking distance of all the key amenities.

Whilst there are some truly awesome vacation properties available, don’t worry if you are traveling on a tight budget. You’ll find plenty of inexpensive apartments and budget hotels, as well as hostels if you want to share with the backpacker crowd. Even the world’s best-known hotel chains like Marriot and Hilton are represented in Park City.

If you are traveling in a family or friendship group and you need a larger condo, lodge, or apartment, make sure you book well in advance. The best accommodation is usually booked up many months ahead.

2. World Class Skiing

Park City is blessed with two resorts and 11 ski hills. It usually has consistent snowfall throughout the winter season, and even better, this is the fluffy dry stuff that is perfect for skiing. Climatologists say this is down to the unique climate of the area combined with its close proximity to a large body of salt water. Expert skiers are too busy skiing to pay much attention to the boffins in the NOAA.

Not too long ago, a new link between Park City and the Canyons was opened. This created the largest linked ski area in the US. It now attracts even more winter sports enthusiasts, of all experience levels. In fact, Park City is one of the most beginner-friendly ski resorts in the country, so it’s a great place to learn to ski. 12% of the slopes on Park City Mountain are classed as beginner-friendly, but if you have more experienced skiers in your party, there are some awesome black diamond routes too.

Buy a lift ticket and explore more than 2,206 acres of trails. There are 21 separate ski lifts, many of them accessible via free shuttles. There is even a ski lift from Main Street, which takes you up Park City Mountain.

3. Top Winter Sports Selection

If skiing is not your thing, don’t worry, there are plenty of other winter sports to try in Park City. Visit the Olympic Park and have a go on the Bobsled Experience. It doesn’t last long but trust us when we say 45-seconds on a bobsled is more than enough excitement for most people to handle.

There are other winter sports you must try, too. Take a dog sled tour through the snow-packed meadows and admire the views as a team of husky dogs lead the way. For those who prefer horses to dogs, traditional sleigh rides are just as much fun. You can snuggle up under a warm blanket as the stars twinkle in the sky high above.

More athletic people will want to try cross-country skiing. Explore 20k of cross-country ski trails. It’s a tough workout, but the views are worth it. Local guides are available to show you the best routes and ensure you don’t lose your way in the snowy wilderness.

Ice skating, tubing, and snow-shoeing are also popular in Park City.

4. Excellent Après Ski Fun

Skiing and exploring the trails on foot are hard work, so you will be delighted to know that the après ski scene in Park City is excellent. At the end of a tough day on the slopes, you can head back to the town and partake in a few hot chocolates spiked with local spirits. After a few of these, you won’t be feeling much pain. The High West Saloon is a ski-in distillery, so you don’t even have to remove your skis to partake in the fun. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants for those who love to party all night long.

5. Tasty Food and Drink

Foodies won’t be disappointed by the food and drink on offer in Park City. There are award-winning cuisines to suit all palates, ranging from delicious seafood and local dishes. There are more than 150 restaurants to choose from, so whatever your budget, there is bound to be something that appeals.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is one of the top American steakhouses in Park City. Other fine dining restaurants include Riverhorse on Main and Lespri Prime Steak Sushi Bar. For a moderately priced meal, head over to 710 Bodega or Fletcher’s. For a delicious breakfast, we recommend Five5eeds or Good Karma.

6. Shopping in Park City

It wouldn’t be a vacation without a spot of shopping. For those who want to flex their plastic, you can shop ‘til you drop in local boutiques, art galleries, and all the big stores on Historic Main Street. Western Antiques and art collectibles are good buys, but if you need some everyday items, head over to the Tanger Outlet Center.

7. Spa Delight

The city is blessed with several luxury day spas. Book a relaxing spa treatment and chill after a hard day’s skiing or exploring. You can have a massage or join a yoga class. It’s all about indulgence, and if you can’t indulge yourself on vacation, you are missing out.

Park City isn’t just fantastic in winter – it’s amazing all-year-round!