For an exciting and memorable winter vacation, look no further than Ski Park City UT. With its incredible slopes, stunning views, and historic Main Street, a ski holiday in Park City is sure to be a hit for anyone looking for an adventure-filled getaway. Here are five top reasons to plan your trip today!
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Top Reasons To Ski Park City Utah
Undecided about skiing in Park City or somewhere else? There’s a reason, 5 actually, why skiing in Park City Utah is the best of the best in North America.
1 – Largest Ski Area In the USA and the Views Aren’t Too Shabby Either
Ski Park City UT is home to the largest ski area in the United States! Park City Mountain and the Canyons combined offer more than 7300 acres of rideable terrain, 330 trails, and 43 lifts. Plus, with incredible views of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains and hundreds of feet below Jupiter Lift, there are plenty of epic photo opportunities to share with your friends back home. With a ski area this big, you’re guaranteed to find a slice of the mountain all to yourself even during peak times.
PayDay Run all to ourselves – even during President’s Day weekend
2 – You Can Be On The Slopes Within 1 Hour From SLC
Ski Park City UT is 37 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport. You don’t have to spend hours time traveling by car once you’ve landed to find your winter getaway. In fact, you can be on the slopes within an hour of landing in SLC.
Plus, Park City offers FREE shuttle buses throughout the city so you won’t have to worry about renting a car or dealing with traffic while trying to get around downtown. Use bus number 101 to travel between Park City Mountain and The Canyons – or check Google Maps for the most convenient bus near you. Cabriolet Lift (standing room only) conveniently takes you from The Canyons parking lot to the base of The Canyons Village.
3 – Historic Main Street for Shopping and 5-Star Restaurants
One of the great perks of Ski Park City is that you can access historic Main Street without ever needing a car. Park City’s historic downtown boasts an incredible 5-star restaurant scene and famous shopping destinations like Dolly’s. Enjoy unique jewelry, home accessories, fashion boutiques, art galleries, and more on Park City’s famous Main Street.
Experience dining at Park City’s upscale 5-star restaurants on Main Street, such as these:
Colorful view from historic Main Street
4 – Plenty of Activities for the Non-Skiers in Your Group
Ski Park City has something for everyone, no matter what your age or interests. If you’re not a skier or snowboarder, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy during your stay. You can enjoy tubing at Woodward, dog sled tours at North Forty Escapes, go on a snowmobile adventure with Red Pine, try snowshoeing—or go for a relaxing spa day at Align Spa in historic Main Street. That’s just to name a few!
5 – Altitude Sickness Doesn’t Happen Here
The medical term for high altitude sickness is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which happens when your body struggles to adjust to the change in air pressure that occurs at high altitudes. Fortunately, Ski Park City UT enjoys an average base altitude of 6500 feet which is lower than other ski resorts in the area, allowing you to be more comfortable—and preventing those terrible altitude headaches common at Breckenridge.
Altitude sickness free in Park City = more skiing
Cons About Ski Park City Utah
If your only focus is to ski Park City Utah, then there isn’t much to complain about. However, if you’re looking to experience more than just the outdoor terrain, there are a few downsides to know before you book your ski trip.
1 – Apres-ski Options Are Limited
If your idea of apres-ski is to find a spot conveniently located at the base of the mountain of your final run, Park City is a bit disappointing. Although there are a few apres-ski spots at the base of Park City Mountain Resort and The Canyons, several close at 4pm! YES, some patios actually close at the same time as the lifts.
If you don’t plan to ski Park City all day you can enjoy apres-ski from these Park City Mountain patios:
- The Pig Pen Saloon – Located in The Lodge at the Park City Mountain Village. Must be 21 to enter.
- Red Tail Grill – Located at the base of the Orange Bubble Express Lift, 4000 Grand Summit Dr, Park City, UT 84098
Whereas if your plan is to ski Park City to the max until 4pm, you can find convenient apres-ski tables at:
- The Corner Store Pub & Grill – Located at The Lodge at the Park City Mountain Village. Kids are welcome and they have the best hot chocolate.
- Umbrella Bar – Located outside The Canyons Resort. Beer and hard seltzers are served, along with light snacks. There’s a massive circular firepit if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, and kids are welcome.
If you don’t mind traveling for apres-ski and your wallet can handle it, The Vintage Room at the St Regis Deer Valley is THE place to go. Since it’s located at Deer Valley Resort, it’s private – where being seen within this glass building is quite possibly the most sought after apres-ski in North America.
The St Regis is Lindsey Vonn’s favorite apres-ski in Park City. You might even see her there since it’s her favorite lunch spot.
Go the Umbrella Bar at The Canyons for apres-ski by the fire
2 – Park City Restaurant Reservations Are a Sport
Restaurant reservations are required everywhere in Park City during peak travel times (essentially any long holiday weekend, winter break, spring break etc). Not only are reservations required, but you need to book at least 2 months in advance if you’re seeking to eat at the most popular restaurants. These restaurants also require a credit card to book the reservation. There is a $50-$75 per person cancellation fee if you don’t show up or cancel too late.
Without restaurant reservations, you can try walk-ins, but be prepared to join a long wait list or get immediately turned away. This can be a huge vibe-kill after an epic day on the mountain, especially with kids.
Otherwise, many restaurants deliver locally via Uber Eats and Doordash. Two popular Park City takeaway restaurants that also offer a kid’s menu:
Dining at super cute Cafe Terigo – made possible without reservations
3 – Some Restaurants Are 21+
If High West Saloon is on your Park City restaurant bucket list, you have to be 21 years old to enter. In fact, many places we were hoping to get into reservation-less to eat at a high top in the bar have a 21 and up rule, including Butcher’s Chop House and Bar.
Since Utah’s liquor laws are 1 of the 8 most strict in the country, be familiar with not only restaurant rules (you have to purchase food if you want an alcoholic drink) but where and when you can buy. This is important to know for stocking up on drinks you may want for your hotel room.
Final Tips On Ski Park City Utah
For an epic ski trip in Park City Utah, be sure to book equipment rentals days, if not weeks, before your arrival. Some rental locations don’t allow same-day reservations or modifications to an existing reservation, which can quickly ruin a ski trip.
I needed to add a helmet to my ski reservation but the rental shop wouldn’t let me despite picking up my equipment the night before hitting the slopes. Thankfully I found Jackson’s at the base of Park City Mountain who was able to hook me up with one without a problem. Otherwise, it would have delayed my time on the mountain.
Stop at McPolin Farm on the drive into Park City or on the way out. This iconic farm is truly symbolic of Park City. Be sure to check the McPolin Farm events calendar to see if you’re lucky enough to attend one of their scheduled outdoor adventures.
If you’re undecided about skiing Park City Utah, check out Breckenridge Colorado, or more amazing destinations in the Alps: Dolomites (Italy), La Clusaz (France), and Tyrol (Austria).
And if you’ve already been, what’s your main reason to ski Park City Utah over anywhere else?