If you want a bit of everything on your next mountain vacation, look no further than Park City. It’s the biggest resort in the United States so this place truly has something for everyone. From epic skiing/snowboarding to fantastic shopping and dining, Park City is guaranteed to satisfy your every need.
Park City Highlights
Back in 2015, Park City merged with its neighboring resort Canyons. So, technically you get two resorts in one here! And it means that no two days are the same when you’re at Park City. Here are some more key stats:
- Trails: 300+
- Skiable Terrain: 7,300 acres
- Terrain: 8% Beginner. 42% Intermediate. 50% Expert.
- Base Elevation: 6,800 feet
- Summit Elevation: 10,026 feet
- Vertical Rise: 3,226
- Average Snowfall: 355 inches
- Snowmaking: 500 acres
Sounds awesome, right? Read on to learn more about just how rad this place really is.
How to Get to Park City Mountain
Park City is located in the Wasatch Mountains. And it is easy to get to from just about anywhere because there are over 70 nonstop flights to Salt Lake City international airport. From there, it’s only a 35-minute scenic drive to the mountain. And you don’t even have to rent a car! That’s right. You can take the shuttle, the bus or even a taxi right to the center of town. Even better, once there, you can take full advantage of the free bio-diesel shuttle to get from point A to point B.
If flying in isn’t necessary for you. Here’s an idea of how far Park City is from some nearby cities:
- Moab, UT – 4 hours, 235 miles
- Boise, ID – 5.5 hours, 370 miles
- Las Vegas, NV – 6.5 hours, 425 miles
- Denver, CO – 8 hours, 460 miles
Lodging Near Park City Mountain
When it comes to lodging, there are plenty of diverse options. Not only can you stay on the Park City side or the Canyons side, but there are also accommodations to match every budget.
Some popular options by mountain are:
Park City
- Luxury: Waldorf Astoria Park City
- Mid-range: Park City Peaks
- Budget: Silver King Hotel
Canyons
- Luxury: Wyndham
- Mid-range: Silverado Lodge
- Budget: Sundial Lodge
If you’d prefer to rent a place in the Park City area, then be sure to check out websites like VRBO and Airbnb. They have loads of options year-round. And don’t forget, there’s always the free shuttle to transport you right to the mountain.
Hours of Operation & When to Visit
Park City operates their lifts from 9:00am to 4:00pm. And on average, they open the mountain in late November until mid-April or later depending on snowfall. If you check out the Park City Mountain cam, you’ll know that the views on the mountain are top notch, and you can see how much snow they have at any given time, too.
Park City Mountain night skiing is not offered but don’t worry, there is plenty to do at night. Check out the “Apres Ski” section below to learn more.
And if you’re not a skier or snowboarder, then be sure to plan a visit in the summer or fall months to take advantage of Park City’s lively off season. There’s plenty of hiking, biking and exploring to be done. There is even a zip line course and don’t forget about the Park City Mountain coaster. It reaches speeds of up to 25mph!
Peak Seeker Pro Tip: Park City hosts many events throughout the year so be aware of what’s going on before you book your trip. If you visit at the end of January, chances are there’ll be big crowds with the Sundance Film Festival in town.
Park City Mountain Ski Rentals: Where to Find
Park City Mountain ski rentals are easy to come by. You can rent online or stop by one of the many locations around town. There are friendly experts who can help you choose which ski or snowboard set up is right for you. And, even better, they can deliver your rentals right to your door!
Peak Seeker Pro Tip: If you visit Park City during a busy time of year (holidays, long weekends, etc), it’s best to reserve your rentals ahead of time to ensure that they have everything you need during your stay.
Park City Ski & Snowboard Lessons
If you’d like to take a lesson at Park City Mountain, that’s easy too. They offer private lessons, adult group lessons and children’s group lessons. And they’re not just for beginners. If you want to freshen up your skills, advanced skiers can take lessons, too.
Park City Mountain private lessons are one of the easiest ways to improve your skiing or snowboarding in the shortest amount of time. You won’t be answering all the group’s questions but rather focusing on what you need with one on one attention.
Terrain Parks
Park City Mountain terrain parks are next level. Some would argue that’s what Park City is known for. Especially since they hosted the 2002 Olympic Winter Games among many other competitions.
There are 6 terrain parks, 1 half pipe, and 1 mini pipe. Here’s a breakdown of the parks based on ability.
If you’re a beginner, check out:
- Little Kings Park at the Park City Base
- Pinedraw Park at the Canyons Village Base
If you’re an intermediate:
- Pick Axe Park
- Merill Minipipe
If you’re an expert skier or snowboarder:
- 3 Kings Park
- Pick n Shovel
- Eagle Superpipe
Snow Conditions at Park City
When storm systems roll in, the Great Salt Lake forces them to become drier and colder, which means fluffier and lighter snow. So, the conditions do not get any better than at Park City Mountain. A powder day here is unlike any other which is why you’ll see Utah’s slogan: “The Greatest Snow on Earth” just about everywhere.
Besides natural snow, Park City Mountain has an expert team of snowmakers who can ensure that 500 acres is covered in man-made snow. So no need to worry if the weather doesn’t cooperate before your visit.
And if powder isn’t your thing, no worries. Every night there are 40 snowcats that spread out across Park City Mountain to groom over 115 trails to perfect corduroy-like conditions.
Park City Trails: What to Know
There are over 330 trails at Park City Mountain, which can be overwhelming. But luckily, there are plenty of trail maps scattered around to help guide you and if you have an Epic Pass then Park City is included so you can spend multiple days. Additionally there are free guided mountain tours for skiers/snowboarders with intermediate abilities.
On the Park City side, they offer a historic tour of the old mining buildings and on the Canyons side, they offer a guided tour of the whole mountain to familiarize you with the terrain.
Here are some of the best runs by skill level.
For beginners, be sure to check out:
- Home Run
- Flat Iron
- Claim Jumper
- Raptor Way
For slightly more advanced skiers/snowboarders:
- Silver Skies
- Upper Boa
- Muckers
- Thayes Canyon
And lastly, for all the experts out there:
- Silver Horse
- Dutch Hallow
- The Main Bowl
- Pioneer Ridge
But by far the best run at Park City Mountain is Quit’n Time. It’s a blue trail that brings your right to Park City’s Historic Main Street!
Aprés Ski: Where to Eat at Park City
Park City’s Historic Main Street is the place to be after a long day on the mountain. There are tons of options for food, shopping and entertainment. Here are some spots you shouldn’t miss:
- No Name Saloon
- The Spur Bar & Grill
- High West Distillery & Saloon
From the Park City Mountain bars and the Park City Mountain village restaurants, you’ll never be going hungry or thirsty.
Conclusion
You’ll never be bored when visiting Park City. There’s just so much to do and explore. So, whether you visit in the summer, fall or winter months, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. It’s why so many people choose Park City over other nearby resorts and why visitors come back time and time again.
