With 3 mountain resorts, plenty of peaks, and a roster of annual festivities, the alpine town of Park City is considered one of the best in the world. While the destination is famous for its snow-based sports—the city hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and continues to be home to the United States Ski Team—its hiking trails, high-end hotels, world-class restaurants, and art scene make the spot a favorite getaway at any time of year. There’s never a bad time to pay a visit to Park City, as there’s always adventure, culture, and luxury just waiting to be discovered.
Areas & Neighborhoods in Park City
While Park City draws hundreds of thousands of powder hounds in the winter, the town offers plenty in the way of snow-free activities. Whether you’re coming to hit the slopes, attend the Sundance Film Festival, or shop and dine along rustic Main Street, these are the places you need to know.
Old Town — Made of structures built during the 19th-century silver mining boom, the downtown area known as Old Town maintains a rugged western charm. While historic, the neighborhood caters to the contemporary needs of its many visitors—roughly 75 times the permanent population per year. The heart of Old Town is Main Street, a strip lined with diverse dining options, quaint boutiques, and chic art galleries. Every January, the area is taken over with celebrities during the famous Sundance Film Festival, while the summertime Kimball Arts Festival brings live music, visual art, and experimental film.
Park City Mountain — As the largest ski resort in the United States, Park City Mountain is home to 7,300 acres (2,954 ha), 300+ trails, 41 chairlifts, 8 terrain parks, 14 bowls, 6 natural half pipes, and 1 super pipe, plus plenty of ski-in/ski-out lodging and dining locations. Near the base of the mountain, you can find ziplining and a toboggan-style rollercoaster throughout the year, as well as rock climbing, mini golf, and other snow-free activities in the summer months.
Deer Valley — To the southeast of Park City Mountain, Deer Valley is another of North America’s top outdoor destinations, with 101 ski runs spread out across 2,026 acres (820 ha). With 5-star hotels, luxury shopping, gourmet dining, full-service spas, and an array of other first-class amenities, the area caters to a swankier audience than its neighboring resorts. In the summer, immaculate trails offer the perfect place for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, lakes provide spots for paddleboarding and fishing, and the Snow Park Amphitheater fills the air with music numerous times per week.
Canyons Village — To the northwest of Old Town, Canyons is another destination granting access to Park City Mountain, with a gondola connecting the 2 resorts. Here, hotels, restaurants, shopping, and lots of entertainment options can be found in a family-friendly, all-in-one environment. In the warm weather months, the village boasts an expertly designed golf course with spectacular views over the rolling region.
Utah Olympic Park — Utah Olympic Park, to the north of Canyons Village, is a sprawling venue that was built for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Today, the site offers a range of year-round activities for all ages, including ziplining, inner tubing, bobsledding, and a selection of courses for various skill levels.
Kimball Junction — North of Olympic Park at the intersection of I-80 and Highway 224, Kimball Junction is a mixed-use area with a thriving commercial center. The neighborhood is home to restaurants, shops, grocery stores, cafes, and a bowling alley. Just down the road is the Tanger Outlet Mall, featuring more than 60 brand-name and designer discount stores.
What to See in Park City
The higher you go in Park City, the better the view—and thankfully, it’s not hard to go higher. At any of the city’s 3 ski resorts, you can hop on a chairlift and before you know it, be up to an elevation of 10,000 feet (3,048 m). Here, gaze out upon panoramic views of the majestic Wasatch Mountains to the west and the craggy Uinta Range to the east.
In the summer and fall, Highway 224 offers breathtaking mountain scenery from downtown Park City up to Empire Pass. In the summer, a drive will bring you by fields of wildflowers and evergreen trees, but the ride is best in the fall when the oak and aspen trees turn dazzling shades of red and orange. Upon reaching the top, the country opens up to reveal dramatic views in all directions.
Sightseeing in Park City
For Outdoor AdventurersIf visiting Park City in the winter, you’d be remiss not to take advantage of the sensational mountains at your disposal. With a ski or snowboard rental package, you can blast down the wintry slopes with a variety of models to suit your style and skill level, from freeride to high-performance and versions designed for kids and teens. After a hard day of play, immerse yourself in Park City’s storied après-ski scene. Sip a drink at a chic cocktail lounge or grab a beer at a ski-in pub as you watch the snow fall all around you.
In the summer, there’s just as much to do in this mountain retreat. All 3 resorts offer unparalleled hiking and biking trails, opportunities for rock climbing and horseback riding, and laid-back games such as mini golf. For even more adventure, head out of a town for an adrenaline-fueled whitewater rafting excursion on the mighty Weber River, or visit Utah Olympic Park for ziplining, tubing, and bobsledding.
For FoodiesPark City boasts plenty of ways and places to please your palate, from the Main Street of Old Town to the tops of the mountains. With more than 100 restaurants to choose from, you can sate any craving with options that range from fine French dining and top-grade sushi to juicy barbecue and authentic Mexican cuisine. For the ultimate dining experience, visit Park City during the annual Food & Wine Classic, when master chefs and wine experts from across the country gather for a weekend of nonstop indulgence.
For Art and Music AficionadosPark City has much more to offer than its world-famous slopes. After a day in the outdoors, take in a powerful stage show at the Egyptian Theatre or catch an independent flick at the Park City Film Series. The mountain town is especially known for its live music. Throughout the summer, you can treat your ears to a concert by Grammy-winning artists at the Snow Park Amphitheater, or enjoy a special performance of pop, rock, jazz, and classical when the Utah Opera and Symphony take over the city. With free transportation on the city’s buses and trolleys, you’ll find it easy to get between all your destinations.
