15 minute read
UTAH’S POWDER PARADISE: PARK CITY
Utah’s powder paradise
With two incredible alpine resorts, hundreds of fantastic bars, cafes and restaurants and easy access from an international airport, it’s no surprise Park City in Utah has become one of the world’s best winter playgrounds that’s set to get even better this coming winter thanks to an incredible terrain expansion.
Park City, Utah began as a silver mining town, nearly faded into history as a ghost town, and then re-invented itself as a ski town that has grown into a year-round destination, hosting global events such as the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and the renowned Sundance Film Festival.
Located less than 40 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City offers days and nights filled with action on the slopes during the day and then enlightening evenings at some fantastic restaurants and bars.
Park City is anchored by historic Main Street, home to theatres, bars, restaurants, cafes, fashion boutiques, galleries, distilleries and local businesses that both line the old mining town street and those that spur off it.
In town expect a lively atmosphere, while the mountains around it are home to two leading alpine resorts, including Deer Valley – set to get a huge expansion this coming winter – alongside and America’s largest ski resort Park City Mountain, that offer skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing in the winter, alongside mountain biking, hiking and ziplining in the summer.
Park City
Park City is home to two amazing alpine resorts, including Park City Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States, offering over 3,000 hectares (7,300 acres) of world class terrain for skiers and riders of all levels.
Here you can ski or ride directly from Park City Mountain’s epic terrain to vibrant Park City Main Street, where you’ll find some of the best après in the United States.
Park City’s two distinct base areas bustle with year-round activities, thrilling family adventures, nine hotels, and more than two dozen restaurants.
Canyons Village at Park City Mountain is a guest-centric, pedestrian village with world-class slope-side lodging and dining year-round.
Here you can level-up your skiing or riding with a lesson from Park City’s comprehensive ski and snowboard school programs.
Impressively, Park City Mountain aims to achieve zero waste to landfill, zero net emissions, and zero net impact to forests by 2030, as a part of Vail Resorts’ Epic-Promise Commitment to Zero.
During Winter 2023-2024, Park City Mountain revealed that with the Elektron Solar project coming online they were able to run 100 percent of their electric usage on renewable energy.
Park City Mountain also installed new snowmaking equipment on popular runs last winter and coming next, the new Sunrise Gondola will open for Winter 2025-2026 transporting skiers and snowboarders from Canyons Village to mid-mountain, bringing another lift servicing the Canyons Village.
If you plan on visiting during summer, expect long sunny days, cool mountain air and a variety of outdoor activities.
In the summer, thrill seekers can enjoy a ride on one of the world’s longest alpine slides or explore miles of stunning hiking and biking trails.
You can also take in the views with a scenic lift or gondola ride or spend the day on the greens with friends at Canyons Village’s 18-hole golf course.
GEAR UP
If you are travelling without your ski gear, book premium ski rental from the team at Black Tie, the best way to rent skis and snowboards in Park City and Deer Valley.
You can simply reserve your gear online and they will deliver it to your hotel, lodge or condo upon your arrival and swing by for a custom fitting.
Black Tie offers an extensive selection of the leading skis and snowboards from a variety of top brands including Blizzard, K2, Nordica, Peak Skis, and more. Custom fittings are tailored to each guest based on your rental package, ability level, and the current snow conditions.
GEAR UP
If you are travelling without your ski gear, book premium ski rental from the team at Black Tie, the best way to rent skis and snowboards in Park City and Deer Valley.
You can simply reserve your gear online and they will deliver it to your hotel, lodge or condo upon your arrival and swing by for a custom fitting.
Black Tie offers an extensive selection of the leading skis and snowboards from a variety of top brands including Blizzard, K2, Nordica, Peak Skis, and more. Custom fittings are tailored to each guest based on your rental package, ability level, and the current snow conditions.
WHERE TO STAY
The team at Park City Lodging is celebrating over 39 years of service in 2025 and the company, winner of Best of State in the vacation rental category over several years recently, offers vacation rentals right across the region.
Whether you prefer the action on Main Street, or the ambiance of Deer Valley, Park City Mountain, or Canyons Resort areas, you can choose your favourite location from over 260 unique properties.
“We have cozy studios, comfy condos, spacious townhomes, and luxurious private homes – just the right place to unwind after a day in the mountains,” said Park City Lodging President and Founder, Rhonda Sideris.
“We cater to any size group or budget, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family reunion or a group outing.
“Our accommodations are conveniently located just minutes from the best skiing, shopping, dining, and nightlife, and many are located near the free town shuttle stops.”
To be part of the action, choose a location near Main Street and enjoy the après of this fantastic year-round town, like the Blue Church Lodge, which offers stylish, spacious loft apartments.
Over near the base of Park City Mountain, the 127-room Park City Peaks Hotel has been one of the area’s favourite boutique properties for skiers and boarders for years, thanks to its mountain mid-century design, top restaurant and unique indoor-outdoor pool.
Now the property is undergoing a US$21 million renovation to convert it into Hotel Thaynes, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, which the name change and makeover expected in October 2025 in time for the 2025-2026 ski season.
Lodging Dynamics will manage the property and the company’s President and CEO, Jamie Caraher, said the comprehensive renovation will transform the property, “seamlessly blending common areas, guest rooms and other spaces with the Tribute Portfolio’s signature warm and eclectic design, highlighted by bold colours and striking art installations”.
He said select rooms and suites will feature balconies, while expansive, spa-inspired bathrooms will include walk-in showers with high-end finishes and ample vanity space, creating a sophisticated yet relaxing space for guests to unwind after a day on the slopes or trails.
The hotel’s redesign takes inspiration from Park City’s pioneering spirit, paying homage to the legendary Thaynes Canyon mining district through thoughtfully curated artwork, design and immersive guest experiences.
A highlight of the transformation is Versante Hearth and Bar, the hotel’s beloved on-site restaurant, which will continue to be an integral part of the property.
Known for its inviting atmosphere and flavorful menu, Versante will maintain the dining experience that guests and locals already love while being seamlessly incorporated into the hotel’s refreshed design.
EAT AND DRINK
Park City is home to nearly 200 restaurants, cafes and bars, with restaurants featuring a variety of culinary styles, influences and cuisines, and bars, clubs and historic saloons home to live music and craft cocktails.
Book a table at Loma, one of the town’s newest eateries located on Park City’s Lower Main Street. Loma is a casual, upscale restaurant influenced by Italian techniques and cuisine where you can expect house-made pastas, seasonal specialties and wood-fired pizzas.
The cuisine leans into the simplicity, freshness and quality ingredients found in both Italian and Mediterranean seasonally relevant dishes.
Loma is Adam and wife Meisha’s second restaurant venture joining Twisted Fern under the couple’s ownership and direction and both restaurants prioritize sustainability through a commitment to local purveyors and conscientious business practices.
A local's standard for 40 years, Grub Steak has built a fantastic reputation for serving prime cuts of charbroiled beef, fresh fish and seafood, chicken, lamb, pork and game entrees.
The famed 45-item salad bar, fresh home-baked desserts and breads are available as well as children's, young adults and gluten-free menus.
The atmosphere is casual with a large, rustic rock fireplace and Western memorabilia covering the walls and expect live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.
On Main Street, The Eating Establishment is a local institution known for their breakfast and comfort food that is owned by actor Ty Burrell of Modern Family fame.
Opened in 1972, The Eating Establishment has been a beloved diner to three generations of locals and visitors to Park City and under the guidance of chef Brendan Kawakami, the menu preserves the original spirit of a ‘breakfast all day’ restaurant while adding a few new comfort food elements to round out the day and night.
Nearby, Red Banjo Pizza is one of Park City’s longest running business. Their story began in 1962 before the ski resort opened and Park City was still a mining town.
It has continued across four generations and 60 years and they specialise in hand-tossed fresh-baked pizzas alongside sandwiches, pasta, salads, and a full bar.
At Chimayo, find Southwestern throw pillows in each booth and an authentic Mexican tile floor at this Mexican den.
Start with a signature Chimayo Margarita and don't miss the dipping sauce that's served with the freshly baked bread. Favourites include the Crown Roast of Barbecue Spareribs with a chipotle and caramelizsed pineapple glaze.
Pine Cone Ridge serves up elevated contemporary American cuisine with a focus on farm fresh ingredients.
Expect a thoughtfully curated menu by Chef Gudrun Thorne-Thomsen and a variety of craft cocktails and extensive wine lists from around the globe in a dining room surrounded by nuances of Americana artwork, emerald, green tufted booths and Brazilian hardwood flooring.
Since 2003, Purple Sage has been serving American Western cuisine in the Rocky Mountain Bell building in the middle of historic Main Street.
Their cuisine focuses on the bold and rustic flavours of the West with a modern and sophisticated twist, like the signature meatloaf with sugar and chili cured duck, and fresh Utah trout.
For a taste of the Far East, book a table at Shabu, which has received consistent praise for its unique freestyle Asian cuisine that blends the region’s celebrated dishes with fresh, global flavours.
At the Riverhorse on Main, savour Prime steaks, scallops and lobster tail or delight in the signature macadamia nut-crusted halibut. Dishes feature farm-totable fresh, local and organic vegetables and local lamb and wild game.
There’s no shortage of fantastic bars and classic saloons in Park City, which are certainly thriving during the Sundance Film Festival.
The Park City Social Aide and Pleasure Club is open daily from 3pm-9pm in winter and here, find craft cocktails and home-made pies in a microdistillery setting.
Most nights the pies will sell out as they prefer to keep them local, fresh and hot and have one alongside an Old Fashioned or Gin Bramble. The Alpine Pie Bar here is part of Alpine Distilling, which is a premium craft distillery specializing in flavoured cordials based in Park City.
The distillery's first two products, Preserve Liqueur and Stone Fruit Primrose Bourbon Whiskey, pay homage to classic spirits inspired by alpine settings and those who enjoy recreating in them.
At the recently opened Old Town Cellars, the philosophy is a simple blend of quality wines, authentic mountain town ambiance and a local culture of outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. The team here source from top wine growing regions to blend and bottle on site at at the Main Street establishment.
The No Name Saloon is the busiest bar in Utah and a must-swing-by watering hole on Main Street. With global and local nostalgia covering the walls and ceilings, it is as much a visual delight as it is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Here you’ll find three bars and 17 large screen TVs, which also make it ideal for catching major sporting events or just Sunday football when all games are on offer.
Over at the Spur Bar and Grill, find well-regarded bar food with alongside top wines, craft beers and signature cocktails from local distillers, alongside live music every night with local, regional and national music acts from all genres.
In historic Old Town Park City, High West Saloon is the world’s only ski-in gastro distillery that serves up fantastic cocktails and food.
The bar and restaurant is part of the High West Distillery, was founded in 2006 by David Perkins and his wife, Jane, and supplies spirits to many of the leading bars, restaurants and hotels in Park City.
David, a former biochemist, said he was inspired to open his own distillery after seeing the parallels between the fermentation and distilling process and his own work in biochemistry during a trip to the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky.
For dining between runs at Park City Mountain, stop by Red Pine Lodge at the top of Red Pine Gondola, a quick service style restaurant perfect for families with a wide array of menu options.
Also have a meal at Tombstone Grill, located at the base of the Tombstone, Over ‘n Out, Timberline Lifts, which serves brisket, pulled pork, smoked wings and more all smoked on-site daily.
In the afternoon, head to the Viking Yurt at the top of the Crescent Express chairlift for a buffalo brat, washed down with a Glogg (non-alc spiced berry cider), before making last tracks down to the base.
Over at Canyons Village, our picks are the Red Tail Grill, located within the Grand Summit Hotel and serves classic favourites and local libations, and the Umbrella Bar, which offers outdoor dining and provides cold beers and quick eats in an ideal location to watch live music on the Canyons Village stage.
SEE AND DO
Go on a snowshoe walk with All Seasons Adventures, who offer a 2.5-hour journey across the hills between Park City and Deer Valley. Go on a Treasure Hunt Snowshoe Tour, complete with a guide and all the gear (dress in ski gear and bring water). You’ll be given a map with clues to help your kids find buried treasure left behind by the miners of Park City’s past.
Olympic buffs and sports fans generally will enjoy a visit to the Utah Olympic Park and Alf Engen Ski Museum.
Built for the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Utah Olympic Park is a 400-acre venue that houses one of only four sliding tracks in North America, six Nordic ski jumps, a 2002 Winter Games museum, and a multitude of adventure activities.
The Alf Engen Ski Museum is one of two impressive anchor exhibits at the Utah Olympic Park, alongside the George Eccles 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum, and it is home to a handful of interactive exhibits and is totally free.
A popular spot on Main Street, the Park City Museum is a lively non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving, protecting and promoting Park City's rich history and culturally significant sites.
Their solid 40-year history as one of Utah's most popular and successful cultural anchors has resulted in numerous awards, accolades and regular inclusion in national and international travel guides as a top ten Park City attraction.
For a spot of shopping, the Park City Junction Commons has over 60 brand name outlet stores to choose from including Nike, Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Columbia, Michael Kors, Under Armour, Brooks Brothers, Mammut, J. Crew and more.
DAY TRIP: THE HEBER VALLEY
A 30-minute drive from Park City is the stunning Heber Valley, known for the mountain town of Midway with its heritage shops, cafes and restaurants, and adventures on the nearby peaks including mountain biking and snowmobiling. Start the experience off with a walk around Midway, then call in for lunch at the Midway Mercantile Restaurant, an elevated American gourmet eatery on Main Street that serves up fresh and locally sourced cuisine from the Heber Valley. Built around the four pillars of family, friends, food, and fire, this hearth-to-table restaurant features dishes like the Utah Lamb Shepherds Pie, Cornflour Dusted Calamari and the Campfire Idaho Trout. After a hearty lunch, head off for a snowmobiling adventure with Wasatch Excursions, the leading tourism operator in the Heber Valley. Wasatch Excursions offers exclusive guided recreational tours in the pristine 22,000 acres of the Wasatch Mountain State Park in Midway. They offer year-round adventures featuring snowmobiles and tracked UTV rentals in the winter and ATV and UTV rentals in the spring, summer and fall.
One of the most exciting experiences in winter is snowmobiling and you’ll go high up into the Wasatch Mountain State Park where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Heber Valley and nearby ski resorts, including Deer Valley, while also enjoying the adrenalin rush of taking the snowmobiles for a spin. Take advantage of Wasatch Excursions’ exclusive guide service, which we recommend, or you can rent the machines self-guided. Other fun activities in the area also include hiking, mountain biking, rafting and generally exploring the great outdoors.
