13 activities that will make you re-evaluate your favourite ski destination
Not everyone’s ideal vacation includes loud waves, coarse sand, and scorching sun — nor should it, especially seeing as there are so many gorgeous places to visit offering an entirely different (though no less relaxing/exciting/amazing) experience.
Namely: Park City, Utah.
Sitting just 40 minutes away from the Salt Lake City airport and 7,000 feet above sea level, Park City is the ski resort you’ve been missing out on all this time.
Featuring a ski-town vibe to rival Whistler’s, slopes that would have Coloradoans jealous, and light, powdery snow that is unique to Utah’s own corner of the globe, Park City makes for an unforgettable stay.
Don’t believe us? Just take a look at these 13 must-do activities to get a taste of what it’s like to have your life elevated at Park City.
Have brunch at Five5eeds
Featuring some of the city’s most delicious (and best-presented) brunch options, Five5eeds recently underwent an expansion so that they could fit more customers and fill more bellies with their unique dishes.
With more than a hint of the Australian foodie culture — and seriously good coffee — thanks to Five5eeds’ owners, its no wonder that the colourful plates and perpetually on point aesthetic cause a line going out the door. We’d suggest getting there early to secure yourself a seat, because it’s just. That. Good.
Address: 1600 Snow Creek Drive, Park City
Phone: +1-435-901 8242
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Go snowboarding or skiing
While this one is a no-brainer for the resort city, we had to add it to the list for obvious reasons.
With two resorts to choose from — though only one if you’re a snowboarder — Park City’s slopes are bucket-list worthy for their jaw-dropping views, an assortment of runs, and powder straight out of a skier’s dream.
Thanks to the high elevation and the extremely low humidity, Utah has been known to have the best snow on earth, as it stays light and fluffy throughout the entire ski season.
Park City Mountain Resort, which merged with Canyons Resort in 2015 to create the 7,300-acre playground that it is today, is one of the largest ski resorts in the US, featuring 17 peaks, over 330 runs, and 41 different lifts.
Phone: +1-435-649-8111
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Deer Valley is the other option for skiers (snowboarders are not allowed on the privately-owned slopes) and features premium, well-groomed runs, multiple apres-ski dining options, and some of the finest snow you’ll ever find.
Phone: +1-435-649 8000
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Stay at the Park City Peaks Hotel (or at least eat at their restaurant)
The recently-renovated Park City Peaks Hotel makes for the perfect jumping off point for any of the city’s awesome outdoor activities — that is if you can even tear yourself away from the firelit lobby, indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, under-the-stars fireplace, and fully outfitted gym.
If you’re planning on staying in for the night, you can pop over to Versante Hearth and Bar (it’s connected to the hotel) for a nightcap or one of the city’s best wood-fired pizzas, among other delicious delights.
Address: 2346 Park Avenue, Park City
Phone: +1-435-649 5000
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Use Ski Butlers to get the gear you need
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Don’t feel like hauling your snowboard or skis into the taxi/baggage check/shuttle bus? Not a problem. Park City’s own Ski Butlers can hook you up with all your skiing needs right at your hotel so that you’re all ready to hit the slopes the next morning.
Need an adjustment or your board isn’t feeling just right? They’ll meet you on the mountain with a replacement to get you back to the top of the lift ASAP.
Phone: +1-877-754-7754
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Check out the Park Silly Sunday Market
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Operating during the summer months, the Park Silly Sunday Market is an open-air market that brings together the community and local vendors. The market runs from 10 am to 5 pm on Sundays from June 2 to September 22 (with a few exceptions in August) and makes for a great way to start your Sunday in the sun!
Address: Park City’s Historic Main Street
Phone: +1-435-714-4036
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Take a winery mining tour
Before Park City was a world-renowned ski destination, it was a mining town, with prospectors finding silver underneath the snow-covered hills.
A few wineries around the area even offer a historical tour of the mining buildings, mixing in a few glasses of the good stuff to keep attendees in tip-top shape.
Fox School of Wine offers a three-hour, six location jaunt around some of the city’s oldest buildings (don’t worry, you won’t have to crawl into any cold, wet tunnels). You’ll learn about both the vintages and the history of Park City on the infinitely informative tour.
Address: Begins at Silver Baron Lodge
Phone: +1-435-655-9463
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Grab a bite to eat at Riverhorse Provisions
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This little spot on Main Street is perfect whether you’re hoping for a quick cuppa joe or a sit-down meal. With a well-stocked market upstairs, a cozy cafe/brunch hotspot downstairs, and apres-ski packs to go, you’ll be able to get some delicious fuel for whatever the day may bring.
Address: 221 Main Street, Park City
Phone: +1-435-649-0799
Go on a yoga adventure
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A few days on the slopes can leave you stiff and sore, and sometimes the jets in that outdoor hot tub just aren’t quite strong enough.
Mix in a stretch (and an unforgettable experience) by signing up for a Park City Yoga Adventures tour, taking you out into the snowy expanse of the mountains for some yurt yoga, or onto the calm waters of a natural hot spring for some paddleboard yoga.
Either way, you’ll find your own sense of zen in both body and mind!
Phone: +1-415-695-4502
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Fuel up at Vessel Kitchen
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Don’t let the fact that this walk-up-to-order restaurant is quick and affordable fool you — the lunch and dinner on offer here rivals some of the best sit-downs around. With filling, hearty food laid out right in front of you and a wide selection of beers, you’ll be leaving here happy, healthy, and absolutely full.
Address: 1784 Uinta Way, #E1 Park City
Phone: +1-435-200-8864
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Drink up at High West Distillery and Saloon
If you ever wanted to know what it was like to walk through the doors of an old saloon, High West is your best bet. While they may not have the classic swinging doors that you’ve seen on the old cowboy movies (Park City is far too cold for that), the saloon more than makes up for it with its astounding aesthetic, delicious drink, and one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
So, what’ll it be, partner?
Address: 703 Park Avenue, Park City
Phone: +1-435-649-8300
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Rest your legs at Mid Mountain Lodge
This miners’ boarding house-turned-refurbished hotspot has become the go-to place for a break from the slopes. You’ll need to purchase a pass to Park City Mountain to make it there via ski or snowboard, but the destination is definitely worth the trip.
Located halfway up the mountain, the lodge is the picture of a bumping ski resort: patio chairs circle roaring fires, faux fur lines the cozy chairs, and the lunch menu is filled with warm, hearty meals that will see you through countless runs on the slopes.
If all that isn’t enough, it’s also one of just two spots on the mountain where you can grab yourself a drink from a full bar to enjoy in that midday sun — though if you’re just looking for a cold beer, you’ll be able to get that at any one of the mountain’s lodges.
Address: Halfway up Park City Mountain Resort
Phone: +1-435-649-8111
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Catch a flick at the Sundance Film Festival
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For ten days every year, the Sundance Film Festival lands in Park City, Utah with the most thought-provoking and visually-stunning films of the year. It’s the largest independent film festival in the United States, and if you can manage to time your trip just right, you’ll be able to enjoy the festival to its fullest potential. You may even spot a celebrity or two.
Address: Various locations around the city
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Have Dinner at Hearth + Hill
This recently-opened restaurant may be new to the city, but it’s already becoming a local favourite. The perfect spot for a hot date or a dinner with the whole family, Hearth + Hill’s warm atmosphere, wide (and affordable) menu selection, and friendly staff make it an ideal go-to for any night of the week.
Oh, and the build your own Old Fashioned is something straight out of a daydream — you have to try it to believe it!
Address: 1153 Center Drive, Park City
Phone: +1-435-200-8840
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