My journey began in Brisbane with a seamless United Airlines check-in. After arriving in San Francisco, the Mobile Passport Control app helped me clear immigration in minutes, I highly recommend this for Aussie skiers connecting through the US.

A short flight to Salt Lake City followed, and despite tram disruptions, the trip to Park City was easy thanks to the free High Valley Transit services. By afternoon, I reached Canyons Village and checked into Westgate Resort and Spa, one of the closest ski-in/ski-out options once the lifts open. Warm weather meant the sections of the mountain wasn’t ready for skiing, but Park City still offered plenty to explore.

Main Street - Sunday morning in Historic Main Street is peaceful and picturesque, ideal for a pre-ski coffee at Atticus Coffee and Tea House. Even without the lifts turning, the town’s mountain atmosphere remains a highlight.

A Bonus Night Out - With extra time, I travelled to Salt Lake City to catch an NBA showdown: Utah Jazz vs Chicago Bulls. A double-overtime thriller, an electric crowd, and Aussie Josh Giddey on court made it one of the best spontaneous detours of the trip.

Ski Accommodation Spotlight: Founders Place and Park City Villages - A morning tour of Founders Place in Deer Valley showcased some of the finest ski accommodation in Utah. Spacious residences, luxury finishes, and true ski-in/ski-out access make it perfect for families and premium travellers.

A walk through Park City Mountain Village and Canyons Village revealed another unique touch: gondola cabins repurposed into art installations, adding colour and creativity to the resort experience.

Utah’s winter activities extend beyond skiing. I joined a full-day sightseeing tour to:

Bonneville Salt Flats - A surreal white landscape famous for land-speed racing and movie locations, perfect for dramatic photos and a must-see for visitors.

Great Salt Lake - Another iconic natural wonder, offering sweeping views and unique scenery unlike anywhere in the ski world.

Back in Salt Lake City, a visit to Temple Square and the Grand America’s Holiday Window Stroll delivered festive charm, gingerbread creations, and classic Christmas ambience.

I boarded the Canyon Spirit, which was previously known as the Rocky Mountaineer: Red Rocks to the Rockies, a spectacular three-day rail journey that operates from April to November, making it an excellent add-on for skiers travelling early or late in the season when snow conditions can be less predictable. The experience perfectly complements a ski holiday to Utah, offering panoramic red rock landscapes, luxury onboard service, and a memorable way to extend your US adventure beyond the slopes. This new luxury scenic rail services offers daytime journeys showcasing the American Southwest's dramatic landscapes, much like the Rocky Mountaineer does in Canada.

Moab Highlights - The hoodoo Moab hotel impressed immediately, and Moab delivered endless adventure options: Arches National Park, Canyonlands, off-road safaris, jet boating, and more.

Scenic Rail into the Rockies - From Moab to Glenwood Springs and on to Denver, the Canyon Spirit offered domed-car views of red rock canyons, snowy mountains, river valleys, and tunnels 45 of them on the final day alone.

• Early December can be unpredictable, late December to March is best for reliable snow.

• Park City’s free transport network makes getting around effortless without a rental car.

• Westgate Resort and Spa, and Founders Place are excellent picks for ski-in/ski-out stays.

• San Francisco is one of the easiest US entry points for Australian skiers.

Don’t miss the magic of a Utah ski holiday, give our team a call today

Blog by Martyn Ellis
Last Updated: December 2025