Park City is a ski destination if there ever was one. Along with a few other resort towns in the country, Park City makes a name for itself with skiing and winter activities galore and some of the best resorts, runs, and adventures in the United States. While there are plenty of other things to see and do in the area, from shopping and dining to hiking, cultural attractions, and more, skiing is what people want to know about.
So, without further ado, let’s ski Park City, Utah.
The Ski Resorts
In Park City, there are several different resorts and ski mountains available. Each one has its own runs to explore and perks to consider, but you’re just a lift ticket away from some of the best skiing in the country. Read more about each resort below.
Deer Valley Resort
This resort sees 300 inches of snowfall each year, and offers more than 2,000 acres of skiable land, with runs available for every level of skier. There are lessons and classes available, too, designed to help kids and adults alike improve their skills on the mountain and enjoy more of their time in Park City. This is rated the #1 Ski Resort in the U.S., so you’re sure to find plenty to enjoy here.
Park City Mountain Resort
This resort is home to some of the most impressive extreme winter sports runs, including half-pipes, manmade rails and jumps, fixed features, and other freestyle elements that will help anyone train for the Olympic level of extreme freestyle skiing or snowboarding. There are runs for beginners up to expert level, and those who want something more adventurous will surely find it here.
In addition, there are more than 7,300 acres of terrain that are great for plain old skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and other activities. If you’re not looking to go extreme, you can still have a good time on the powder and never hit the same run twice, unless you want to. Again, trails are available for beginners, mid-level skiers, and experts, so there’s something for everyone.
Snowbird and Canyon Mountain
These two smaller resorts also offer easy access to skiing at all levels, from beginner to expert, and provide a lot of great activities for people of all ages. Although they’re smaller, they’re still worth a visit and should be on your list if you want to make the full circuit through Park City when you visit. Snowbird and Canyon Mountain are also where you get access to Heli-Sking, which we’ll talk about next.
Heli-Skiing
For those who want a whole new adventure, Park City has introduced a new way to enjoy the slopes: helicopter skiing. For the brave and experienced, these trips are a great way to experience runs like never before. You’ll be flown to the backcountry of the mountains and dropped off to experience one of the biggest backcountry playgrounds in the country. The flights depart daily from Snowbird and Canyon Mountain Resorts and operate from December to April.
Backcountry skiing is best done with guided tours or in groups, and there may be restrictions about who can go and how long they can stay out. Be sure to follow all guidelines and safety rules to ensure that you enjoy your vacation safely.
How to Plan Your Time on the Slopes
People often wonder how much time they should allot to check out each resort or ski area in Park City if they want to visit them all. This is a matter of personal preference because you could easily spend your entire vacation at Deer Valley or Park City Mountain Resort and find plenty of things to stay busy. However, there is something to be said for trying a little bit of everything.
If you want to build the excitement, start your journey at Canyon Mountain or Snowbird, where you’ll find some fun stuff to do. These resorts are on a much smaller scale than the other two major resorts, and could easily be enjoyed in a day, or even an afternoon. Then, once you’ve got your feet wet, you can move on to the bigger resorts.
Deer Valley deserves at least a full day, if not two. Depending on what kind of activities you enjoy and your skill level, you’ll be hard-pressed to get bored even after the two days are up, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time here. If you want, look up some of the info online before you go so that you can decide where you want to focus your time.
Park City Mountain Resort could be a full vacation that lasts a week or more, with the sheer size of the ski terrain available. However, most people aren’t spending a week or two at a single resort. If you want to make the most of this resort, check in with the guides when you arrive, ask what’s most important to see based on your skill level and interest, and then get to it. You’ll probably spend two days here if you want to get the full experience, but if you’ve got just one, make sure that you tell them to show you the best of the best.
The Lodging
Park City is home to several resorts, hotels, motels, and other accommodations, in addition to the major accommodations of the ski resorts discussed above. Of course, these places are filled with other tourists and often make it difficult to get the ideal accommodation, so many people look for another option. Luxury Park City vacation villas are a great option for those who want something different.
These luxury villas are available for private rental so that you can enjoy Park City while you’re feeling right at home. These villas often include premium amenities and furnishings and come in all sizes and styles to accommodate any group or traveler. Plus, 24-hour concierge service is included for personal service that is on-call at all times. Before you book another hotel stay, consider a private holiday villa for your stay in Park City.
Learn more or book your accommodation now at Isle Blue.