Park City Mountain Resort

This Resort Entertains Year-Round

Park City Mountain Resort isn’t just a ski resort but that’s what it’s famous for. It’s one of the most popular skiing destinations in Utah. And the world. 

Only 34 miles east of Salt Lake City … with a wide variety of activities for both summer and winter conditions … this resort entertains year-round. You want Utah powder? The average winter snowfall is 355 inches.

Think about a base elevation of 6,900 feet. With the summit of the highest peak reaching 10,000 feet and, with the addition of the Canyons, 7,300 acres of skiable terrain.

It’s located right in the middle of a real mountain town with an honest-to-goodness Main Street. It’s a gigantic, modern ski resort spread across two base areas.

You can ride a lift from downtown in your street shoes if you want. Or park at a village and never leave.

Brief History

Treasure Mountain Resort entertained its first skiers on December 21, 1963. Like so many towns throughout the west, it was a mining town turned ski resort.

It was an attempt by a mining company to boost revenue for a town suffering financially since the mines … what the town was originally built on … had ceased operation. It was an immediate success.

In the beginning, that same company used the mine to get skiers to the top of the mountain. Yes, that’s right. A subway system was created taking skiers to the heart of the mountain they wanted to ski by means of the old mining shafts.

Once near the center, an elevator system lifted skiers to the summit. Way back when I was attending the University of Utah and playing football there … forget about the year … I experienced this feeling. And I didn’t like it.

Along with several of my teammates, we were cast as extras in a terrible TV remake of “The Time Machine”. We took a little train right into the heart of the mountain … into the old abandoned mine … where we spent an entire day filming. I spent most of the day just hoping I would get out alive.

In 1966, the resort’s name was changed to the Park City Ski Area. And in 1996, the name was changed to its present name of Park City Mountain Resort.

Since then, the resort has become a popular year-round attraction. It’s been featured in the video game Shaun White Snowboarding and … in 2002 … it hosted several venues for the Utah Winter Olympic Games.

The resort's now immense size is the result of Vail Resorts combining the original Park City Mountain Resort with the neighboring Canyons Resort in 2015 with the two sides connected by a gondola.

Getting To Park City Mountain Resort

Park City Mountain Resort is easy to reach. Salt Lake City International Airport is roughly 35–45 minutes away in normal traffic. Just 21 miles up the canyon from Salt Lake City.

Pick up your bag, grab a shuttle or a rental, and you’re heading up Parleys Canyon. It’s close enough for a long weekend and big enough for a full week.

How Big Is It?

As mentioned above, this resort is big! We’re talking 7,300 acres, 330+ trails, and 41 lifts with a top elevation just over 10,000 feet. It’s on the Epic Pass, which matters to a lot of visitors these days.

About “The Canyons”

A quick note on names because this confuses people. You’ll still hear locals say “The Canyons.” It sits about four miles away by road but it’s no longer a separate resort.

The Canyons merged with Park City in 2015 and is officially the Canyons Village side of Park City Mountain - same lift ticket, same mountain, connected by gondola.

Who It’s For

Park City works for almost anyone who skies. Great for first-timers and families. There are long, forgiving groomers and plenty of places to take a breather.

Lessons and mountain hosts help you figure out the sprawl. If you’re advanced, you’ll find steeper shots and longer laps when storms roll through.

Town Matters

Town definitely matters here. Historic Main Street sits below the mountain with restaurants, galleries, and that old mining-town character. The Town Lift lets you float right up from downtown when it’s running. Do your laps, and then roll back down for dinner.

Canyons Village Vibe

On the other side, Canyons Village has its own rhythm. Condos, hotels, the big plaza, and a straightforward “park-and-ride” setup. It feels like a modern base area because it is.

You can spend an entire trip on this side and never cross the mountain if you don’t want to. We personally much prefer the Park City side.

Snow & Conditions

How about snow quality? Utah has a reputation for a reason. Storms hit the Sierra and Cascades, drop moisture there, and arrive drier in the Wasatch.

The result is lighter snow than many places. Park City averages around 355 inches a winter - less than the Cottonwood Canyon resorts but plenty for an awesome trip.

Tickets & Logistics

Winter pricing changes every year. If you’re a skier, you already know that day tickets can sting if you buy late.

Your best bet is advance purchase or the Epic Pass if you’re stacking multiple days or trips. There are deals out there. You just have to plan.

Parking and logistics evolve. Expect pay or reservation systems at busy times, and check the resort site for current rules before you roll out in the morning. It saves a headache.

Lodging

Park City Mountain Resort has many places to stay both on and off the mountain. There are numerous hotels at the resort with whatever amenities you’re looking for.

Cabins, townhomes, condos, and vacation homes are available for rent in Park City if you’re bringing a group. Or if you like privacy, a kitchen, and comfort like we do, Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo all work well.

Why It Works

What visitors to Park City Mountain Resort like most is how it all fits together. You can do laps, meet friends in town for lunch, and get back on the hill without turning the day into a commute.

If the weather turns, there are easy bailouts for coffee and world-class dining in Park City. When storms arrive, it feels like a small town that got lucky with big snow. When it’s bluebird, you can see forever and just cruise.

Not Just Winter

It’s not just about winter at Park City Mountain Resort. Summer brings the Alpine Slide and Alpine Coaster, scenic lift rides, hiking, biking, and family activities around the villages. It turns into a mountain playground with shorts and sunglasses instead of parkas and goggles.

Nearby & Add-Ons

The surrounding area is an easy add-on. Utah Olympic Park is a quick drive for kids and grown-ups who want to see where the athletes train. Guardsman Pass opens in summer for a scenic loop.

Deer Valley sits next door (skiers-only in winter), and the Heber Valley is just over the hill if you want a low-key day. Jordanelle Reservoir is just over the same mountain but closer to town. The Uintas are 20 minutes away accessible via the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway.

Mixed Groups Welcome

If you’re coming with a mixed group in winter, Park City keeps the peace. Skiers, snowboarders, and non-skiers can all find their lane.

Those who want to can ride hard bell-to-bell. Others wander Main Street … an adventure in itself … schedule a spa visit, or sip hot chocolate by a fire pit.

Quick Facts

• Mountain size: 7,300 acres, 330+ trails, 41 lifts; summit 10,026 feet; base 6,800 feet; vertical of 3,200 ft.
• Two base areas: Mountain Village (by town) and Canyons Village (about 4 miles by road). Same resort, linked by the Quicksilver gondola.
• Access: 35–45 minutes from SLC International under normal conditions. Shuttles run all day.
• Pass: Epic Pass and advance online tickets are your price-saver tools.
• Summer: Alpine Slide, Alpine Coaster, scenic rides, hiking, and biking keep the lifts spinning.
• Snowboarding: Absolutely welcome here. If you’re looking for skiers-only, that’s Deer Valley next door.

One Last Thing About the Name

People still say “PCMR,” “Park City,” and “Canyons” like they’re three different places. They’re not.

It’s one resort with two personalities - town and village … wrapped around a lot of terrain. Once you’re on the hill, it clicks.

Bottom Line

If you want a simple, Utah-style winter or summer vacation, this place works extremely well. It’s big enough to explore, close enough to reach, and lively enough after dark that you don’t have to make your own fun.

In fact, my wife and I now say too lively. The crowds and traffic are becoming almost overpowering at times due to the area’s beauty and popularity.

But if you plan ahead, know where you’re staying, and have an itinerary that makes sense, it’s the year-round version of that old phrase “come for the mountain, stay for the town.”

Park City Mountain Resort
1345 Lowell Ave
Park City, UT 84060
Website: https://www.parkcitymountain.com/

Bryce Canyon National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Wasatch Mountains

Lake Powell

Zion National Park

Arches National Park

Great Salt Lake

Monument Valley