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Park City Ski Resort
Nestled in Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range near Salt Lake City, Park City has blessed millions of budding athletes with awesome skiing for over 50 years and has consistently been acclaimed for almost every aspect of ski holidays. SKI Magazine awarded it #5 best resort in the west, #3 for après in the west and #2 family resort in the west, whilst Freeskier gave it 2nd place for its parks and TransWorld Snowboard gave it 4th for pipes – and all this is only for 2014.
Starting life as an old silver mining settlement, Park City was founded in 1872. People began skiing here as early as the 20s, laying the foundations of the resort that we know and love today. Between this time and its official opening, the old miners’ train was used as a lift system, transporting athletes to the top of the mountain, rather like an archaic, early version of the funiculars seen in Val D’Isere and Les Deux Alpes. Since its birth as we know it in 1963, the resort has exploded into a 3,300 acres monolith spanning 8 peaks, containing 9 bowls and hosting four events from the 2002 Winter Olympics. That’s not to say that the history has been forgotten – the “old town” sector contains more than 300 historic buildings, as well as countless museums and galleries and the cultural scene is booming, with events such as the Sundance Film Festival gracing its streets each year.
Another fantastic aspect of this resort is its neighbours; the Canyons Resort and Deer Valley are both serviced by the town and allow holidaymakers a little variety if they want a change of scenery during their stay. However, the combination of the three really comes together during special events like Christmas and New Year’s, as all offer something different at their bases, allowing people the choice of event best suited to them.
Stats & FAQ
Location: USA, Utah
Established: 1963
Open: November - April
Downhill: 116 trails
View our detailed Park City snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Park City snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Salt Lake City International Airport | 60km, 42 mins |
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| Top Altitude: | 3048m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 2103m |
| Resort Altitude: | 2000m |
| Longest run: | 5.6km (Homerun) |
| Slope Orientation: | N NE NW |
| Vertical Drop: | 945m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 945m |
| Night Skiing: | Yes |
| Glacier: | No |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 116 trails |
| Beginner slopes: | 17% |
| Intermediate: | 52% |
| Advanced slopes: | 31% |
| Lift Pass Price: | $570 (adult 6 day pass) |
| Nearby resorts: Deer Valley, Canyons Resort | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Park City
The area is divided into 7 different zones. Comprising of 8 peak and 9 bowls, the variation is astounding. Beginners will revel in a number of areas - the ski school is a fantastic place to learn, with their signature classes maintaining numbers of 5 or less students, giving everyone quality time with the instructor. Homerun is one of the best beginner runs on the mountain: it descends right down from the top of the Pioneer Lift to the bottom of the mountain, a great test for any novice.
This resort has often been dubbed the intermediate’s mountain. Whilst this is not strictly true as beginners and experts are more than catered for, intermediates do have access to some of the best terrain around. The King Con lift gives access to abundant transitional slopes which drop off from King Con Ridge. If you’re looking for something a little more difficult, try out Jupiter Access for a super long, rolling piste.
Experts have a variety of options; whilst the ski area looks deceptively easy from the base, the truly tough runs are hidden away at the back. Accessible from McConky’s lift (named after the famed founder of extreme skiing and father of Shane, Jim McConkey) there are a number of bowls, faces and trees to test even the most hardened veterans. The Jupiter Lift also provides access to a number of bowls and trees. Both of these include hiking options, necessary if you want to reach the best snow whilst making you feel as though you’re in the backcountry.
Snowboarders and freestylers will also be in heaven – as well as the bowls and powder fields there are 4 parks and two pipes. With pros like Tom Wallisch confirming their allegiance with the resort, you could catch a glimpse of your favourite athlete in action.
Park City Apres Ski
Being the central location for Mormonism, up until 2009 saw Utah enforce a law that you had to buy membership to an establishment in order to drink in it. Luckily, this has since been relaxed, although you’re not allowed to have 2 alcoholic drinks in front of you. Despite these restrictions, Park City has a very healthy and vibrant après scene, allowing you to party the night away after a long day on the slopes.
With over 100 restaurants in the city, you have options that cover almost every type of food you can think of. A great balance between fine dining and fast food allows every budget to be catered for. Check out the beautiful Ghidotti’s for exquisite Italian dishes or 350 Main for a mouth-watering selection of seafood. For a cheaper meal and huge selection of sandwiches, head to the locals’ favourite Back Door Deli.
If you want to prolong the night after a meal, or just fancy an après ski tipple after a long day on the slopes, Legends is perfectly situated just off the mountain for a bite to eat or a drink. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little different, try out the Sky Blue Lounge; located on the 4th floor, this inside and outside bar affords great people-watching from the hot tub, as well as an extensive drinks menu. Open a little later, Sidecar is great for dancing and drinking in a student-y sort of way. For a little more sophistication, Silver is a super option – with 3 floors of dining and relaxing, the beauty of its views match the beauty of its cocktails.
If this isn’t your thing or you’re looking for a change from skiing, try some tubing at Gorgoza Park, terrific not only for kids but for adults as well. Check out the legacy left behind by the 2002 Olympics in one of the numerous museums around town or for a more indulgent option, book a session in The Spa at Hotel Park City for a complete pampering session.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Park City
Best time to visit & ski Park City
Ski Utah claims that the resorts in the state receive the “Greatest Snow on Earth”. Clouds roll over the vast dry areas of the deserts neighbouring the ski areas, taking the moisture out of the snow before it falls on the resorts, resulting in some of the lightest and most skiable snow on the planet.
With pretty consistent snowfall all season long, there isn’t really a best time to visit to ensure you get that knee deep powder every skier dreams of. Add to this the fact that winds rolling in off the dry, warm desert are usually much milder than the freezing winds associated with other resorts in Colorado, and you have generally good conditions all season long.
Obviously, during peak times this resort can get pretty busy, especially with its proximity to Salt Lake City. However, outside of peak times it’s usually reasonably quiet. One of the best times to go is during the Sundance Film Festival (usually mid/end of January). Most people will be here for the festival and not for the skiing, meaning you can take advantage of the quieter slopes.
Peak Dates
Bigger and better is how this resort does Christmas. With superb dining options, a number of festive events to ensure you’re in the seasonal mood and some typically great snowfall, you’ll have a trip to remember if you spend Christmas in Park City. Park City Christmas ski holidays ‣
Celebrate New Year in Park City with a bang. Fireworks, dining and parties will make sure you see out the old year with flair, and bring the new in as you mean to go on. And if this isn’t your style, get up the mountain early on New Year’s Day for some of the emptiest slopes around. Park City New Year ski holidays ‣
Winning numerous awards for making family holidays an experience to remember, Half term in Park City is almost certain to be a great bet. With skiing for every level and activities in town making sure there’s never a dull moment, you’ll never want to leave. Park City Half Term ski holidays ‣
Perfect for fair weather skiers, the warm spring temperatures make Easter in Park City an absolute dream. The warmth combined with typically excellent snow ensures the very best conditions for skiing. Park City Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Park City
Coming in second in the SKI Magazine 2014 rankings for family friendly resorts, first in its 2012 rankings and awarded first place for family destination by OnTheSnow.com in 2010, Park City’s award haul shows how suitable this resort is for families. Whilst it does have a huge range of intermediate runs (we reckon those serviced by the King Con lift are the best in resort), the possibilities for beginners and experts are vast, meaning the whole family can find something they enjoy. The ski school is fantastic and offers a range of lessons to make sure that people of any ability can learn, useful if you don’t want to be overtaken by your kids. If you want to ski as a family all day, the 1st Time Lift is a great place to start, and Homerun for when the kids are a little more confident. If your brood is more self-assured, why not check out the terrain parks – the Ridge Park includes features that are aimed at novices, perfect for the little ones who want to spend more time with their skis off the snow than on it. In addition, the 5 Adventure Alleys dotted around the ski area provide a fun, alternative style of runs snaking through the trees for any age.
Kid friendly activities almost feature more off the mountain than they do on it. Whether your kids want to go ice skating in the Ice Arena, hit up the tubing hill at Gorgoza Park, or run riot in Monkey Mountain indoor play land, they’re sure to find something to their liking, and tire themselves out enough to give you a quiet evening. If you do fancy a bit of all-important alone time, Guardian Angels provide a babysitting service to ensure you can get away and explore the town, do a spot of more adult paced skiing or just have a meal and a few drinks out.
GroupsGroup Holidays Park City
On the whole, Park City has to be one of the best locations for groups, with its extensive ski areas, neighbouring resorts and huge, varied town. The skiing alone is a great reason to visit. With such a range on offer, it’s more than likely that all kinds of snow lovers will be accommodated. Beginners will be safe in the hands of the prestigious ski school, with its fantastic instructors and range of lesson types. Make sure you check out Homerun for a 5.6km meander right back into resort, a brilliant test for those new to the sport. Being labelled the intermediate’s mountain, the best place to head if you’re in this skill range would be around the King Con Lift, with at least 13 blue runs available branching off from King Con Ridge. Experts will revel in the terrain at the back of the ski area, with the Jupiter and McConkey zones housing a selection of double diamonds to send a shiver down most spines.
Add to this the town and you have another great excuse to visit. With a population of about 8,000 permanent residents, the number of facilities available tends to be much higher than in purpose built resorts, as well as driving their cost down. The range of places to eat, from fine dining to reasonably-priced fast food, allows groups to pick and choose where to get sustenance. Ghidotti’s do some exquisite Italian food and Wasatch Brew is a mid-priced eatery with an extensive menu offering some great pub grub. If you want somewhere cheap for some hearty food, go to El Chubasco for filling Mexican favourites.
For an après beer, check out Legends Bar – a super after skiing saloon. To carry on the party, the Sidecar is where it’s at, providing patrons with a crazy, college like party. If you fancy a classier night, go to Silver, where the top floor bar affords guests one of the most up market experiences in town. The sheer choice of non-skiing activities on offer here is fantastic. For those with a more cultural disposition, try and book your trip during the Sundance Film Festival, or alternatively check out the numerous museums around town. If you want to take in where you’re staying form a different perspective, jump in one of the baskets of Park City Balloon Adventures for an unforgettable experience.
Which are the best ski holidays in Park City?
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