There is so much more to Park City than just skiing and snowboarding. Here, visitors find year-round resorts that cater to both summer and winter guests, in addition to winter-only resorts where skiers from around the world flock to the snowy slopes. Park City is conveniently located a mere 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport. For those looking to relax rather than ski, Park City offers a plethora of sophisticated activities such as hot air balloon tours and world-class spas.
01 Deer Valley Resort
Rated as the top ski resort in America, Deer Valley Resort features a five-star hotel and four mountains that can test any skier's ability. Empire Canyon, Flagstaff, Bald, and Bald Eagle Mountains include several fun runs across six snow-filled bowls. During the 2002 Winter Olympics, Deer Valley hosted the slalom, giant slalom, freestyle, and snowboard events, although the runs today draw mainly beginners to intermediate skiers. Snowboarding is no longer allowed here. The resort also hosts ski classes, lessons for kids, or one-on-one time with instructors.
02 Canyons Resort
At Canyons Resort, visitors can choose to stay at the luxury Hyatt Centric Park City, relax in the 175-room Waldorf Astoria Park City, or sleep in the Silverado Lodge just 250 yards from the ski lift. The largest single ski and snowboard resort in Utah, Canyons also holds the title of the nation's fourth-largest, catering to intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. The resort has recently modernized its equipment and carrying capacity, adding the Orange Bubble Express, a heated chairlift that takes you quickly, and warmly, up the mountain.
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03 Park City Mountain Resort
The Park City Mountain Resort is open year-round and filled with family-friendly activities including the new High Meadow Family Fun Zone. This section was specially designed to be a safe learning area for beginners, children, and families. There is even a Candy Cabin that offers guests sweet treats during their breaks from the slopes. The resort has just completed a $50-million renovation, and more are planned in the next few years. Things change in the summer months. Visitors can thrill to a downhill run on a zipline or a mountain bike, or try out rock wall climbing. There are also opportunities to explore hiking trails and take on the family in mini-golf.
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04 Utah Olympic Park
Think of flying over the same ski run as an Olympic skier. You don't have to imagine at Utah Olympic Park, which hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic Games bobsled, luge, ski jumping and Nordic events. The park is guided by the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation. Their goal is to continue the positive impacts of the 2002 Winter Games, and they are the official U.S. Olympic Training Site at the Utah Olympic Oval. In both winter and summer, the park hosts recreational camps and development programs for future Olympic stars. But if you want just plain good fun, try out the Summer Bobsled run down one of America's four sliding tracks. The park is designed to accommodate athletes in training and families participating in fun activities. In addition to six nordic ski runs, the park includes 2002 Winter Olympic Games Museum.
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05 Park City Museum
Park City was originally a silver mining town with a rich history. When you want a breather from all the outdoor sports, check out the Park City Museum and Territorial Jail, which is located is in the original Park City Hall, built in 1884. The mission of the museum is to "Preserve, Protect, and Promote Park City’s History and Heritage." Displays depict Park City history, with permanent exhibits on mining and the jail. Temporary exhibits explore everything from local art to guided walking tours. Kids love to take part in the “Park City History Detectives” activity, which provides the whole family with a way to dig deeper into Park City’s past.
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06 Kimball Art Center
The Kimball Art Center in Park City was founded by Bill Kimball in 1976. It serves as a non-profit organization dedicated to local artists. The center boasts three galleries and a slew of art-related activities ranging from educational classes to birthday parties. The center holds art classes for all ages and is home to the Park City Kimball Arts Festival. Utah's longest-running visual arts festival draws thousands of visitors each year. No need to leave the museum for breakfast, lunch, or snacks. The Museum's Ellie’s Cafe serves delicious, homemade eats.
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