Your First-Time Guide to Park City, Utah

Welcome to Park City, a snowy paradise that receives over 500 inches of snow annually. Visit this iconic ski and snowboard haven during the winter months for stunning snowy vistas, a pedestrian-friendly downtown, exquisite dining, and a celebrated film festival.

Just a 50-minute drive from Salt Lake City, Park City is an accessible alpine getaway compared to other mountain destinations. Its charming Old Town lures visitors with picturesque homes and free public transport, while the two ski resorts in the Wasatch Mountains include the largest resort in the U.S. and a luxury ski area exclusively for skiers.

The other seasons are equally appealing. Simply trade your skis for mountain bikes and your slopeside champagne for a picnic amidst blooming wildflowers. Here’s everything you need to plan your first visit to Park City, Utah, from the perspective of a winter resident.

When is the best time to visit Park City?

There's a saying in Park City: you arrive for the winter but end up staying for the summer. Each season offers its own charms, from the vibrant fall foliage in October to the soft, fresh powder in February. Many visitors captivated by Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort find themselves enchanted by spring celebrations, summer concerts, and farmers markets that encourage them to stay longer.

The highest prices occur during the peak ski season from December to March, especially around Christmas and New Year’s, as well as during the Sundance Film Festival in late January. Budget-conscious travelers will discover the best deals on accommodations and dining during the shoulder seasons, when many restaurants and hotels provide attractive discounts.

How long should I plan to stay in Park City?

With its close proximity to the airport and straightforward transfers, a long weekend in Park City is definitely feasible. Aim for a Sunday evening flight rather than an afternoon one to make the most of your time, and be sure to secure any reservations well in advance.

On Friday, skiers and snowboarders should head directly to a resort upon arrival and stow their luggage to squeeze in some runs; that extra afternoon will be well worth it. If you'd prefer a more leisurely start, settle into one of the many après-ski bars to watch fellow enthusiasts carve down the slopes.

For dinner, aim for a spot in or near Old Town. If you're dining casually with friends, consider Blind Dog for its extensive menu that caters to all tastes, or High West Saloon, a beloved gastro-distillery. Cap off your night at No Name Saloon, the unofficial center of Park City's nightlife. (Tip: look for the term saloon for a guaranteed good time.) Don’t stay out too late—Utah bars close early, and you'll want to rise early to make the most of your pass.

For those seeking alternative adventures, try cross-country skiing at White Pine Touring or snow tubing at Woodward. If you're spending the weekend at PCMR, consider tackling the more distant Canyons half on Saturday, as you can always ski back to Old Town later—just be mindful of staggered lift closing times. Around midday, hop on the Orange Bubble Express and disembark at Lookout Cabin for lunch. If you remain in Canyons, end your day with a crisp pilsner at The Umbrella Bar; if you reach Town Lift, treat yourself to a boozy hot cocoa at The Bridge Cafe and Grill.

If you're at Deer Valley, ski down to (or take the funicular up to) the terrace at the St. Regis to witness the staff saber a bottle of champagne at dusk—and enjoy a complimentary glass.

Downtown Park City boasts an abundance of excellent dining options, making it easy to find an upscale meal. Riverhorse on Main is a great choice if you're craving a hearty steak paired with a nice red wine, but for a delightful twist, visit Yuki Yama Sushi. If you're situated further from the center, consider the chic Tupelo Park City on the outskirts or Cortona in Kimball Junction for comforting Italian fare.

For those opting out of skiing, a central ice skating rink or a scenic dog-sledding tour through the wilderness might be enticing. Main Street also offers great shopping, with Dolly's Bookstore being a personal favorite, especially for luxury goods enthusiasts.

While some travelers may enjoy a weekend filled with iconic sights, extending your stay will allow you to truly appreciate the town beyond just Old Town and the resorts.

Is getting around Park City easy?

There are plenty of nonstop flights available to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC). Many hotels, resorts, and shuttle services provide transportation to Park City, while rideshare costs can vary based on the time of day. You may face higher prices during surge periods, but generally, rates are reasonable.

Navigating ski towns can be challenging, often necessitating large vehicles with four-wheel drive. However, one of Park City's standout features is its excellent maneuverability. Unlike many of its peers, the town boasts a robust public bus system that's popular among locals, including a micro-transit service that can bring you right to your door. Plus, there are plenty of Ubers and Lyfts available.

As the largest ski resort by acreage in the nation, you can actually ski or snowboard from the north side at Canyons Village all the way to the Town Lift. Take full advantage of this! While the hilly terrain may make walking long distances tricky, downtown Old Town is very pedestrian-friendly, brimming with fantastic shops and restaurants.

Essential winter activities in Park City beyond skiing or snowboarding

Visit the Olympic venues

Park City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, making it easy to discover and explore various competition sites, including the Utah Olympic Park. You might catch aspiring athletes on the ski jumps or in the training pool. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try the skeleton or bobsled track yourself.

Embark on a bar crawl (wearing your toughest boots)

Old Town is brimming with breweries, distilleries, and spots worth checking out, and that warm beer blanket definitely helps ward off the chilly wind during the brief stroll from one venue to another. Partygoers love to celebrate here; just be careful that your bar hopping doesn’t turn into a slip on the icy sidewalks.

Experience a night in a yurt

Skiers and snowboarders will discover The Viking Yurt nestled on PCMR midway down a run. But for everyone else, you can also reserve a cozy dinner here and enjoy a full Nordic adventure, complete with a horse-drawn sled ride.

Top things to enjoy in Park City throughout the year

Hit the trails for hiking or biking

The resorts remain active in summer – they just take on a different vibe. The trails become a haven for mountain biking and hiking, featuring stunning views and colorful wildflowers.

Join in on the summer concert series

Deer Valley not only hosts a complimentary series of live concerts each summer, but it’s also a BYOB event (though food and drinks are available for purchase on-site). Enjoy a scenic chairlift ride to the Snow Park Lodge Amphitheatre, which features reserved seating, a low-profile area, and open grass space.

Tee off on the golf course

Utah boasts some breathtaking golf courses once the snow has melted. You may miss your favorite ski runs, but swinging clubs on these greens brings a similar thrill.

My favorite pastime in Park City

During my winter stay in Park City in 2022, my ideal routine balanced work and play: write until about 2 PM, ski until the last lift, and then unwind in a hot tub with a view of the mountains. Add a good book and a hot cocoa for the ultimate relaxation.

My schedule was made easier thanks to Park City's ability to minimize the typical challenges other ski towns face, such as stressful logistics to reach the lifts: heavy traffic, tricky drives, and resorts that can be a lengthy trek from your lodging. Friends who ski at other locations often find themselves hitting the road by 6 AM on weekends just to enjoy a decent amount of time on the slopes.

That’s not the case in Park City. I stayed in Jeremy Ranch, which is a bit farther from town, but I could reach the top of a Canyons run in under 30 minutes if luck was on my side. This quick transition was key to making the most of my time outdoors on those days filled with fresh powder and inviting lines, eager to get out there. Park City's 'do it all' attitude is something I love, whether I'm living there or just visiting. You can ski and still explore the town, or go mountain biking and make it to your dinner reservation.

How much should I budget for Park City?

As a popular skiing hub, Park City can be expensive, but you can manage it on a budget. If you’re visiting in winter, the best deals are often found if you’re flexible with your schedule and transportation—like waiting a bit longer for the bus or leaving the resort before the slopes close around 4 PM.

You can also save on meals by choosing your location wisely: the closer you are to Old Town and the resorts, the pricier it will be. To cut costs, consider heading to Snyderville, cooking your own meals, or packing lunch for the slopes. Additionally, food delivery options are limited, so plan your meals ahead if you're staying further out of town. Most places do accept major credit cards.

Here are some typical prices you can expect around Park City:

• Hotel room for two during peak season: $400/night
• Hotel room for two during off-peak season: $240/night
• Coffee in town: $2.50
• Pastry in town: $5
• Pastry at the resort: $7
• Public transportation: Free
• Dinner for two: $70-$120
• Beer at a bar: $7
• Ski rental: $28/day

Frequently Asked Questions

Both resorts cater to beginners.

Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort are welcoming for novice skiers, offering a range of private and group lessons for all ages, including childcare. Snowboarders will find PCMR particularly accommodating, while Deer Valley is exclusively for skiers.

Rent your gear the day before.

Avoid wasting precious slope time by sorting out your gear on your first morning. Instead, visit the resort a day earlier to handle tasks like picking up rentals and adjusting bindings. You can also arrange for a concierge rental service to bring equipment like boards, skis, poles, helmets, and more directly to your place; just remember to purchase your own goggles.

Store your skis for a ride.

Although the bus and micro-transit options allow for free travel between points, they can sometimes be slow. When using the High Valley app, you have two ride options: one that includes ski or snowboard storage and one that doesn't. If you choose to leave your gear at the resort for about $10 overnight, selecting the 'no storage' option can often speed up your ride significantly—potentially saving you an hour. The High Valley Transit is popular among ski instructors and locals carrying their equipment, leading to increased demand for storage in the afternoons when they finish work.

Be aware of the liquor laws.

There’s a lively nightlife scene, but Utah's strict alcohol regulations mean no alcohol sales after 2am, with last call typically around 1am. State-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays, so plan your purchases accordingly.

Bartenders must use specific measuring devices for shots, so don’t expect any sneaky heavier pours. You also can’t order pitchers or multiple drinks at once—it's one drink at a time.

Lastly, if you dine at a restaurant (as opposed to a bar), you can’t order a drink separately. You’ll need to order food along with your drink. Just grab some fries to share, and you're good to go.