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Utah trademarked the phrase “The Greatest Snow on Earth,” so it’s no surprise that Park City is best known for winter sports, specifically skiing. And yes, the winter months offer limitless adventures, from downhill skiing at two of the country’s top ski-only resorts to snowmobiling, dogsledding and snowshoeing. But there are three more seasons when the destination shines with other activities, such as mountain biking the trails of one of the few International Mountain Bike Association Gold-Level Ride Centers in North America, fly fishing blue-ribbon rivers within 30 minutes of town and hiking picturesque trails. And this is the rare mountain town where culture abounds. The historic Main Street district has 47 buildings that date to the town’s founding in 1884 and are now filled with independent boutiques, bars, art galleries and restaurants.
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How to Prepare for Your Trip to Park City
When to go
December through February are peak ski months. Spring is shoulder season but can still deliver great snow with lower rates on hotels. Tourists return for summer. Fall is unicorn season: a golden backdrop plus idyllic weather for nearly every imaginable activity and few crowds.
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Before you go
Park City sits at around 7,000 feet above sea level, so plan to acclimate to the altitude by drinking lots of water and easing into activities. Layers are always advised in the mountains, no matter the season. Advance reservations for lift tickets can save you money, and restaurant reservations are recommended during busier months. If you’re staying downtown, you might not need a rental car since public transportation is easy, efficient and free. (All Park City Transit buses are ADA accessible.)
Getting there
The newly expanded Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) makes it easier than ever to get to Park City, and an additional 22 gates are on schedule to open this year. It’s a 35-minute straight shot from the airport to town via Uber, Lyft or shared shuttle services such as Canyon Transportation. If you plan to stick to the slopes and downtown area, there’s no reason to rent a car, thanks to the city’s fantastic public transit system.
Where to Stay
Treasure Mountain Inn
Downtown Park City puts visitors in the heart of the action and provides easy access to the ski mountain. Set at the top of historic Main Street, the moderate to expensive Treasure Mountain Inn is a short walk or complimentary shuttle ride to the slopes (shuttle offered through April 7, 2023). All 56 suites and condos have full kitchens, and cafés and restaurants are just steps away. Note: Junior suites do not offer elevator access. The two-bed condos are great for families and can accommodate four adults and two kids. The property is carbon neutral and charges a 1 percent fee to help preserve Utah’s wilderness.
Washington School House Hotel
Splurge at this renovated 19th-century schoolhouse overlooking the middle of town. The hotel has the feel of a high-end B&B — 12 luxurious rooms are furnished with European antiques and feature marble baths. An antler chandelier decorated with crystals hangs in the lounge area, where après-ski snacks are served fireside in winter. Breakfast is a serious affair with French press coffee and made-from-scratch specialties sourced by local purveyors. After a day on the trails or slopes, enjoy a soak in the hillside hot tub.
Stein Eriksen Lodge
Utah’s finest five-star hotel and spa, Stein Eriksen Lodge transports guests to Europe with its refined, chalet-style accommodations. Located mid-mountain at skiers-only Deer Valley Resort, this iconic property can curate exclusive experiences for guests, such as the opportunity to ski with an Olympic athlete for the day. Relax and unwind in the two heated pools or the hot tubs or at the award-winning spa. Try the Fireside Toast, an exfoliating whiskey scrub, and arrive early to use the sauna, steam rooms, and hot and cold plunge baths. Movie lovers will enjoy the new accessible 42-seat cinema, which screens recent hits and classics.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Park City – The Yarrow
Less than a mile from the ski resort and five minutes from Main Street, The Yarrow is a more affordable option downtown. Some of the rooms have fireplaces and kitchenettes. The restaurant, 1800 Park, and outdoor heated pool both offer views of the Wasatch Mountain Range. Vertical Lounge, a sports bar with craft beer on tap and a menu of mountain-style pub food, is popular with both visitors and locals. The free Park City Transit System stops right outside the hotel and makes it easy to get around.
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Collections Resort
This property caters to a well-heeled crowd that values privacy and nature above the buzz and convenience of downtown. Located less than 30 minutes from the slopes and historic Main Street, the 3,500-acre property feels like a destination within a destination, boasting its own stables, a whiskey distillery and a fantastic spa. The 46 rooms and suites are within three minutes of the heart of the resort, which is home to a yoga studio, an infinity pool and a stellar restaurant, Yuta. Hike, snowshoe, fat bike and Nordic ski on property. Access to the slopes is easy, thanks to a private shuttle and exclusive Blue Sky Ski Lounge at the base of Park City Mountain Resort.