Park City
Park City Overview
Park City was historically a silver mining town but is now home to the largest skiable area in the US, Park City Mountain Resort. Park City’s main drag, Main Street, will tug at your heart strings. The historic buildings from the Silver Mining boom in the 1870’s are awarded rosettes for their upkeep and honouring accuracy to the era, and you can still catch the original trolley which operates free of charge. Nowadays the streets are lit with fairy lights, and buzzing with activity as people enjoying the shops, restaurants, and bars – or saloons!
Park City has something for everyone, skiing and snowboarding for all abilities and ages, and adventure activities not to be missed such as bobsledding on the 2002 Olympic course, snowmobiling, dog sledding and more.
Park City is home to Robert Redford’s famous Sundance Film Festival, hosted around late January or early February each year and crossing over two weekends. The first weekend is usually the best time for celebrity spotting, however, beware that accommodation can be hard to find and particularly expensive over festival dates. If that does not bother you, look forward to enjoying skiing and snowboarding without crowds, as most of the visitors will be in the cinemas!
Where to stay Park City
Park City including the historic Main Street area offers a variety of accommodation styles, from hotels to condos and private homes ideal for groups and families. The benefit of staying right in Park City is the proximity to the après scene and you are only a few blocks away from the ski lifts. The Town Lift, which uniquely operates from right in the heart of town, is accessible only by minimum intermediate level runs, so this area is recommended for intermediate level skiers and snowboarders and above. Beginner runs and ski school facilities are available from the Pay Day base area, a short walk or free shuttle away from the Main Street.
Canyons Village was originally designed as a purpose-built slope side ski resort, built when Canyons was a separate ski resort to Park City. Now that the two resorts have been joined by the Quicksilver Gondola, it provides an on-snow base village which is excellent for families and offers plenty of condo style accommodation to suit all budgets. Canyon’s also boasts its own retail shopping, ski rental stores, restaurants, bars and a ski school starting at the top of Red Pine Gondola.
Where to ski Park City
Park City Mountain Resort is America’s largest ski resort, with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain and more than 330 trails spread across 17 peaks - you’ll need plenty of time to explore it all! Utah is known for is dry powder snow conditions or as the locals call it the “Greatest Snow On Earth”. Start at one of three entry points to the mountain – Canyons Village, Park City Mountain Village, or for intermediate riders and above the Town Lift.
Beginners staying in Historic Park City will thrive at ski school starting at the Park City Mountain Village, progressing along the First Time and Three Kings areas. The Homerun trail from the top of Bonanza chair offers a long beginner trail, a rewarding achievement for beginners! Alternatively, especially for families staying in Canyons Village, start your lessons at the High Meadow area at the top of the Red Pine Gondola, perfectly tucked away between the trees, out of the weather and with a gentle slope and carefully groomed snow, this is a unique experience to learn mid mountain and take in the views of Park City.
For advanced skiers and snowboarders, the choices are endless. Play among the mid mountain mansions hidden in The Colony, or hit any of the famous peaks and bowls – Ninety-Nine 90, Jupiter or McConkeys are local favourites. Parks and features from beginner to Olympic level are scattered across the mountain, find your favourite and map some laps!
A unique chair to tick off the list is the Orange Bubble chair from Canyons Village, with heated seats and an orange hood to pull down, you’ll be toasty warm inside for your ride up. While you ride Park City, keep an eye out for historical features such as mining huts and infrastructure, all the way down the 3,00feet of vertical to Historical Park City.
Getting around Park City
Located an easy 45-minute drive from Utah’s capital of Salt Lake City and SLC International Airport, Park City is easily accessible using shuttle transfers. Most flights from Australia will stop in either LA or San Francisco as the most direct option.
How to get to Park City
All public transport in Park City is free – even for locals – so getting around is easy. There are frequent buses between Park City downtown, Main Street, Canyons Village and Kimball Junction. Your property may also offer a shuttle service between your accommodation and downtown, just check the frequency and timing with the concierge. For those late nighters, taxis and ride share options are available.
Top things to do in Park City in Winter
Aside from exploring the largest skiable area in the USA, there is tonnes to do in Park City. Wander the length of Main Street and explore the shops, restaurants, and bars. You can also experience Take in any of the many art galleries or take a quirky local experience such as the Wines and Mines Tour which pairs local historical sites a wine tasting! If you are seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, there are over 20 different day spa’s in Park City to choose from.
Outdoors, Park City has all the normal winter activities you would expect to find at a large North American ski resort, tubing, snowmobiles, snowshoeing and snow biking, they even offer dog sledding. Thrill seekers will not want to miss the incredible Olympic experience – head to the Utah Olympic Park and slide down the track which hosted the bobsled, skeleton and luge races for the 2002 Olympics!
Best Restaurants & Apres in Park City
Best Après in Park City:
Park City knows how to après, the hardest part is deciding where to start!? High West Saloon for the world’s only ski in Whiskey distillery, however it is not recommended to ski out after a delicious Whiskey tasting!! No Name Saloon is an essential Park City experience – built in 1905 and decked out to the ceilings with antiques, enjoy the front bar, or the outdoor heated rooftop and take in the lights of Main Street. During your visit, make sure to try the famous Buffalo Burger.
For your craft beer fix, head to Wasatch Brewery on Main Street and work your way through their menu. Try any of the bars and restaurants in town and enjoy the atmosphere of Park City, lots of restaurants have bar areas for walk ins. Try the O.P. Rockwell, Butcher’s Chop Block or The Cabin. If you’re staying in Canyons, head to the Umbrella Bar for an après drink and snack on the deck, which doubles as the perfect spot for people watching in the Village!
Best Restaurants in Park City:
You’ll be able to find something to tickle your tastebuds in Park City! Cheap and cheerful to Forbes Four Diamond rated restaurants and everything in between is on offer, all are suitable to couples, families and groups taking in the culinary delights of Park City. For the best coffee - Australian style of course – head to Campos (Yes! The Campos!) or Harvest café, where you can get a proper coffee, and a smashed avo on toast!
Dine around with world from classic American fare, French, Italian, Mexican, Japanese and more. Davanza’s pizzeria is a favourite of skiers and boarders at lunch time, located right by the base of the Town Lift, it’s easy to grab a quick slice and head back to the slopes! Also open in the evenings for dine in or takeaway. Riverhorse on Main continues to be recognised year after year as one of America’s top dining experiences. The perfect choice for your special occasion or just because you’re in Park City, enjoy the uncomplicated, seasonal American cuisine, live music and atmosphere of the Riverhorse. Handle is a team favourite in Park City, be sure to book ahead to avoid missing out, you’ll probably want to go back multiple times while you’re in town! The Farm to table, regional produce shines in this thoughtful menu, and gorgeous restaurant fit out. Order share plates for the table, and make sure you leave room for the sweet’s menu! Nelson Cottage by High West, just two doors down from the Saloon, offers a fixed menu, changing weekly, with the option of paired Whiskey, or select from the wine list.
