Wintertime in Park City, Utah brings back memories of perfect powder conditions and cozy places to relax by the fire. This ski resort offers many attractions, beyond just the slopes. You can find many things to do in Park City with excellent restaurants, boutiques that have been carefully selected, as well as unique art galleries.
Park City, the host of the 2002 Winter Olympics is well-known as a hub for snow sports, including tobogganing and bobsledding, skiing, and snowboarding. International attention has been paid to Park City as it hosts the Sundance Film Festival, an internationally acclaimed independent film festival.
Although ski slopes and indie films are the most popular attractions in the area, they are not the only reason to visit. Park City, Utah offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of activities, from beautiful mountains to tranquil lakes.
Check out the Top Ski Resorts in the Country
Without mentioning the nationally recognized ski resorts, no discussion of Park City would be complete. Deer Valley, Park City Mountain and Canyons are the top three resorts in the region. Each of these establishments is known for their high standards. The resorts receive 350-400 inches of snow annually, which means that there is plenty of terrain available for all snow sports. The best part is that most top resorts restrict the number of tickets sold per day to prevent overcrowding.
Utah’s 2002 Olympic Park
The Olympic Park in Utah was constructed for the 2002 Winter Olympics. It is still being used today. The park is now used as a training ground for future Olympic athletes. The park has a huge bobsled track that visitors will love to explore. It now has a mountain coaster, a zip line, and a museum that displays exhibits related to the Olympic Games, including video clips and medals.
Enjoy the Park Silly Sunday Market
Park Silly Sunday Market, one of many charming activities in the area, is just one example. The open-air market/street festival is held every Sunday between June and September. It offers tourists the chance to shop, eat great food, listen to local musicians, see performers, and learn about Park City’s rich past. The market hosts hundreds of musicians and farmers each year. There are also top-quality chefs and local artists and many activities for children.
Cruise the Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway
The Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway, which is part of Utah State Route 190 and also known as the Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway, is a country road. It connects some of Utah’s most popular destinations such as Park City, Solitude and Brighton. Although it is sometimes dangerous to drive in winter, you can cruise the Guardsman Pass during the summer, spring and autumn months for some stunning views.
Watersports and Aquatic Recreation
Park City is best known for its winter sports but there are plenty of things to do in Park City all year-round. The area’s beautiful lakes and rivers make it the ideal destination for watersports lovers and adrenaline junkies in the summer months. There are many options for tours in the area, including rafting, sailing, jet skiing, stand-up paddle board, canoeing and other water sports. Fly fishing is a popular sport in rivers and lakes.
Park City’s Alpine Slide
Park City’s Alpine Coaster, located at the Park City Mountain Resort near Lowell Avenue is a gravity-driven track that mimics a bobsled track. The ride is controlled completely by the rider, and reaches speeds up to 30 mph. There is no better way to enjoy Utah’s beautiful evergreens and aspens than by riding the Alpine Slide. The Park City Mountain Resort features many 3,000-foot luge-style mountain slides.
Let’s say you are interested in skiing The Canyons at Park City Mountain. We recommend that you stay at The Waldorf Astoria Park City (2100 Frostwood Drive). Here you will find a mountain resort atmosphere with classic Waldorf Astoria luxury and family-friendly amenities.
You want to explore places that are not on the beaten track? The Lodge at Blue Sky is located in Wanship, just 15 minutes away. The newest luxury resort in Park City offers amazing excursions all year. Winter activities include heli-skiing, backcountry skiing and cat skiing. You will feel right at home in Utah’s wilderness with a world-class spa or a super-hot meal.
How to Hit the Slopes Like a Local
One quick note: Park City is a great place to learn about the mountains. Three world-class ski areas are available in the area: Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort and The Canyons at Park City Mountain. Deer Valley is a ski-only resort, but snowboarders flock the Park City Mountain and The Canyons.
Lunch at Giltretind Lodge at Stein Eriksen Lodge is a great idea for a perfect apres-activity. Troll Hallen Lounge offers a lighter option, with a great a la carte menu including wild game chilli. Don’t forget to stop by Bjorn’s stove, where you can find beautiful accessories and skiwear. The Montage’s Veuve Clicquot Champagne Yurt offers adult-style apres-ski.
Park City’s Powderbird Heli Skiing offers something for the more adventurous skier. The Powderbird experts have been heli-skiing since before it became trendy. They have outfits in Greenland, Utah and know where to find the best backcountry skiing opportunities for their clients.
A visit to Park City is not complete without a stop at Utah Olympic Park. Here you can see the museum, ride down the track on a bobsled, and watch the Nordic Ski Jumpers compete.
Expensive things to do in Park City: Shopping like a local
Main Street Park City has a charming old mining community feel and is lined with art galleries and world-class shops. Spend at least an afternoon exploring the thoroughfare. Panache (738 Main Street), is a great place to find something unique from their stunning mountain-chic collection, which includes cashmere sweaters and hats.
OC Tanner Jewelers, 416 Main Street, has beautiful jewellery, diamonds and watches. They also have a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Do you enjoy a good bookshop browsing session? Dolly’s Books & Gifts, 510 Main Street, is a favorite Park City bookstore that has been selling books since the 1970s. Mountain Town Olive Oil (613 Main Street) is the place to go for souvenirs and hostess gift ideas.
Redstone Center is located at the southeast corner of Highway 224/Newpark Boulevard. Visit Splendor Beauty Emporium (1675 West Redstone Center Drive #115) to browse their extensive beauty and makeup selection. WISH party boutique (1635 Redstone Center Drive #125) has whimsical party provisions and gifts, while J.W. the local toy shop is also available. Allen & Sons (1675 Redstone Center Drive), for their unique sledges. Enjoy a cup and a snack at Townshend’s Tea & Coffee (1241 Center Drive).