Park City Utah Vacation Guide 
Things To Know and Do

What a Dramatic Transformation

Park City, Utah is one of those places that has changed dramatically over the years. Not always for the better.

But somehow, despite the bumper-to-bumper traffic (most of the time now), congestion, and high prices, it still feels like Park City. That’s not an easy thing to accomplish as those of us who’ve been coming up here for decades know that Park City stopped being a secret many years ago.

Park City, Utah started as a rough-and-tumble mining town. Then it almost became a ghost town. Then it became a ski town.

Then it became an Olympic town. Then it became one of the most famous mountain resort destinations in the United States.

And now? Park City is all of those things at once. It’s historic. It’s upscale. It’s outdoorsy. It’s certainly very expensive.

But it’s still beautiful. It’s certainly more crowded than ever before. It’s still fun and it remains one of the easiest mountain towns in America to get to.

That’s certainly a huge part of its appeal.

You can fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, get in a car or shuttle, and be in Park City in about 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and weather. That’s hard to beat.

Ever been to Telluride? We drove to the top of a mountain for hours just to get there. Or try doing that in Aspen or Vail. Road trip.

Park City, when considering the whole experience, is Utah’s best year-round vacation area. Winter brings skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, fine dining, fireplaces, and the whole alpine resort scene.

Summer brings mountain biking, hiking, golf, live music, patio dining, the Arts Festival, scenic chairlift rides, horseback riding, and cooler mountain air.

But, sad to say for my wife and me, it’s not the quiet little secret it used to be as I said above. We so much wanted to close the door behind us but that wasn’t happening.

We’ve been coming up here for 40+ years. Since it was just a cool, sleepy little ski town.

Long before the black leather-clad phony people (ever been to Sundance?) arrived. Thankfully, that’s gone. Regardless of all that, it’s still one of the great Utah vacation spots.

So Why Visit Park City, Utah
If It’s Now So Crowded?

Visit Park City if you want a mountain destination that’s easy to get to, scenic, active, and full of choices. And, despite a common misconception, you don’t have to be a skier to enjoy it.

That’s one of the things potential visitors sometimes miss.

Yes, Park City is famous for winter sports. And yes, it has some of the best ski resorts in the country. But Park City is much more than a winter destination.

• You can come for a ski trip.
• You can come for a summer weekend.
• You can come for mountain biking.
• You can come for historic Main Street.
• You can come for restaurants, galleries, live performances, or just a cool mountain-town escape.

Families like it because there’s a wide array of things to do. Couples like it because it has great restaurants, luxury hotels, spas, scenery, and walkable areas.

Outdoor people like it because the trails are right here. Utah residents like it because it feels like a getaway without needing a plane ticket.

That’s the Park City draw. It’s close to a large metro area … less than half an hour … but it still feels like an escape. That is, of course, despite that traffic and congestion I’ve already mentioned.

My wife and I have … finally … given in to the realization that it’s going to be busy. Congested. And the traffic is going to be nuts.

The only exceptions are in the two off-season periods … spring and autumn … when it just seems to quiet down. In fact, even some of the restaurants and shops close due to lack of customers.

That’s when we like going. But that’s probably not what you’re looking for.

A Little Park City History

To really understand Park City, you need to know where it came from.

Like most resort towns in the western USA, this wasn’t originally a ski town. Park City started as a silver mining town in the 1800s.

It had mines, saloons, boarding houses, workers, money, fires, booms, busts, and all the drama that came with an old western mining community. But then the mining economy faded and eventually imploded.

For awhile, Park City looked like it might become another forgotten Utah ghost town. The population plummeted. The mines closed.

Historic buildings aged. The old mining streets became more memory than anything.

Then skiing changed everything.

In 1963, Treasure Mountain opened. That ski area later became Park City Mountain Resort. Over time, Park City reinvented itself from a struggling old mining town into one of the premier ski and vacation destinations in the world.

The 2002 Winter Olympics pushed it even farther into the world spotlight. If you were in Utah during those Olympics, you know how big that moment felt.

Park City became one of the centers of the celebration. The town had energy, people, athletes, visitors, concerts, parties, exuberance, and a worldwide audience.

Remnants of that Olympic legacy are still here today especially at Utah Olympic Park.

Historic Main Street

Historic Main Street is the heart of Park City. It’s also the place most first-time visitors should put at the top of their list.

It’s simply cool. Park City’s Main Street is lined with shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, old beautifully restored buildings, hotels, and mountain-town character.

It angles just a little more than gradually straight uphill in a way that reminds you this was never a planned modern resort village. It was a real town first. This was really a classic Main Street.

That’s part of the charm. You can walk Main Street in less than an hour. Or you can spend the better part of a day there eating, shopping, exploring, relaxing, and taking your time.

Be prepared, though, to spend some money. But, then again, been to a theme park lately? Talk about spending money.

Stop at the Park City Museum if you want to understand the mining history, the old town, and the changes that shaped modern Park City. It’s one of the best stops on Main Street especially if you like knowing the story behind a place.

And it boasts something you won’t find much of in Park City. A reasonable price. Last I checked, it was $15 for adults, $11 for seniors, students and military while children and members get in free.

You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, family-friendly cafés, art galleries, souvenir shops, ski shops, clothing stores, and places to sit and watch the town go by.

In summer, Park City bustles with markets, patios, live music, and visitors escaping the valley heat.

In winter, it feels like a classic ski town, with snowbanks, ski jackets, crowded sidewalks, and people moving back and forth between the slopes.

Once again, Main Street isn’t cheap. But that shouldn’t surprise anyone. It’s still a must-see.

Park City Mountain Resort

Park City Mountain Resort is the big one.

It’s the largest resort in the United States with terrain spread across Park City Mountain Village and Canyons Village. Together, the resort offers an expansive amount of skiing and snowboarding terrain from beginner groomers to bowls, trees, terrain parks, and long cruising runs.

This is the place many people think of first when they picture a Park City ski trip. It’s also part of the Epic Pass system which matters if you ski multiple Vail Resorts areas or plan more than a couple of ski days.

Lift tickets are expensive especially if you buy late or during peak periods. So check prices early and compare day tickets with pass options before your trip.

Also check the lift status before heading out. Weather, wind, snow conditions, crowds, and operations can all affect your day.

Park City Mountain Resort is excellent for skiers and snowboarders who want variety. It has a lot of terrain, several base areas, and a full resort scene.

Canyons Village has its own feel, with lodging, restaurants, shops, concerts, and quick mountain access. With both of these resorts now combined under the same umbrella, Park City Mountain is your place if you like a big resort with lots going on.

Just know this. Big also means busy.

During the winter season, especially around holidays, weekends, and big snow cycles, crowds and searching for a parking spot can become a major part of the experience.

Plan ahead. Use the free bus system when you can. It works very well.

Start early. And don’t assume you can roll in late on a powder morning and glide into a perfect parking spot.

That’s not how Park City works anymore. Not for a long time.

Deer Valley Resort

Deer Valley is the polished side of Park City skiing.

It’s known for grooming, food, service, and a more refined … may I say, upscale … ski experience. Snowboarding isn’t allowed at Deer Valley which differentiates it from Park City Mountain Resort.

People who love Deer Valley often really love Deer Valley.

The resort has long had a reputation for exceptional service, upscale lodges, carefully groomed runs, and excellent on-mountain dining. It’s also home to some of the most iconic mountains and ski areas in Park City including terrain around Empire Canyon.

Montage Deer Valley sits in the Empire Pass area and is one of the major luxury hotels in the Park City area. If your idea of a ski vacation includes ski-in/ski-out convenience, fireplaces, spas, great food, and a high-end setting, this is the kind of lodging Park City is famous for.

Deer Valley is also expanding in a major way with its East Village area and new terrain coming online over time. The sheer size of this project will dramatically change the Park City ski experience in the years ahead.

For visitors, the simple version is this:

• Park City Mountain Resort is bigger and more varied.
• Deer Valley is more polished, upscale, and skier-focused. But soon to be so much more.
• Both are excellent.
• Which one is better depends on what you want. Or can afford.

Utah Olympic Park

Utah Olympic Park is one of the must-see attractions in Park City, Utah.

It was built for the 2002 Winter Olympics and still serves as a training and competition venue. You can see ski jumps, bobsled facilities, museums, and adventure activities depending on the season.

This is a great stop even if you’re not a skier.

The museums and galleries are worth visiting. The setting is impressive. And the whole place gives you a better feel for how important the Olympics were to Park City and Utah.

In the warmer months, Utah Olympic Park also offers adventure activities such as zip lines, ropes courses, tubing-style activities, and other family-friendly options depending on current operations.

In winter, it has a different feel. More serious. More Olympic. More connected to the athletes who still train and compete there and the world-class events that are held there.

Either way, put it on your list.

Summer in Park City

Summer may be my favorite surprise for first-time visitors.

A lot of people think Park City is mainly a ski town. Then they visit in July or August and understand why locals love the warmer months.

The air is cooler than Salt Lake City. The mountains are green. The patios are open.

The trails are busy. And there’s a more relaxed energy that feels completely different from ski season.

Mountain biking is one of the biggest summer draws. Park City has an enormous trail network with everything from easy paths to serious downhill riding.

If you’re new to the area, don’t just guess. Stop by a local bike shop, ask about trail conditions, and pick a route that fits your ability.

Hiking is excellent too. You can find short walks, ridge trails, shaded routes, and higher-elevation options.

Some trails connect directly from town. Others start near the resort areas.

Other summer activities include:

• Golf
• Horseback riding
• Scenic chairlift rides
• Fly fishing nearby
• Paddleboarding at nearby reservoirs
• Outdoor concerts
• Live music
• Main Street strolling
• Patio dining
• Sunday markets
• Family activities at resort villages

Park City in summer feels busy but not in the same way as ski season. It’s more spread out. More relaxed. More flexible.

It’s also a great escape from the heat in the Salt Lake Valley.

Food, Restaurants, and Nightlife

Park City has far more dining than you might expect for a mountain town.

You can find fine dining, steakhouses, sushi, pizza, coffee shops, bakeries, burgers, Mexican food, breakfast spots, and casual family-friendly cafés.

Some places are expensive. Some are very expensive. But there are also more relaxed options if you look around.

High West Distillery is one of the most famous stops in town. It sits just a short block off Main Street and has become one of those classic Park City places people talk about before they even arrive.

Main Street is the main dining zone but it isn’t the only one. You’ll also find good places near Park City Mountain Village, Canyons Village, Kimball Junction, Deer Valley, and the Prospector area.

During peak periods, make reservations. That’s not a casual suggestion.

If you’re visiting during Christmas and New Year’s weeks, Thanksgiving weekend, major holidays, spring break, or a major event, don’t assume you can just walk into the restaurant you want at 7:00 p.m.

You may get lucky. But you may also end up nibbling on chips in your hotel room.

Park City also has a good nightlife for … I know, here we go again … a Utah mountain town. Yes, you’ll find bars. A lot of them. And live music, live performances, and special events throughout the year.

In fact, here’s a little secret. It’s been said that no other city has more restaurants per capita than Park City, Utah. With more than 100 restaurants in a city of less than 10,000 permanent residents, you have seemingly unlimited choices.

And most of those serve some kind of alcohol for those who need to imbibe to enjoy themselves. So, after a ski day, summer concert, or Main Street dinner, there’s plenty going on.

Where to Stay in Park City

Where you stay depends on the kind of trip you want.

If you want walkability, stay near historic Main Street. You can walk to restaurants, shops, galleries, and nightlife. You may still use transportation to reach ski bases but you’ll be in the most interesting part of town.

If you want direct ski access to Park City Mountain Resort, look at Park City Mountain Village or Canyons Village. Canyons Village is especially convenient if you want resort lodging, restaurants, ski access, summer concerts, and easier arrival from the Salt Lake side.

If you want a higher-end, more luxurious ski setting, look at Deer Valley. This includes areas near Snow Park, Silver Lake, Empire Canyon, and properties such as Montage Deer Valley.

If you want better value, consider Kimball Junction or areas outside the core resort zones. We’ve always been able to find nice affordable Airbnb accommodations in and around Park City depending on the season.

You may give up some charm but you can save money and gain easier access to stores, casual food, and I-80 out there. Park City has luxury hotels, condos, vacation rentals, lodges, inns, and large homes in a wide variety of price ranges.

Remember that prices can swing dramatically by season. Winter is expensive. Holidays are more expensive. Sundance Film Festival … now gone thankfully … was in its own category as price gouging was a given.

Book early if your dates are fixed.

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Getting Around Park City

One of the best things about Park City is the free bus system. Use it. Seriously.

Parking will be difficult especially in winter or during big events. Traffic will back up around resort bases, Main Street, and key intersections.

The free buses connect many of the main areas visitors care about including lodging zones, resorts, Main Street, shopping areas, and transit centers.

If you’re staying in town, you may not even need to drive much once you arrive. That’s a major advantage.

For winter visitors, this is especially important. Snowstorms, icy roads, parking reservations, full lots, and crowded resort days can make driving more annoying than it’s worth.

My recommendation is that if you’re staying in town, plan around transit. It will save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.

Best Time to Visit Park City

The best time to visit Park City depends on what you want.

For skiing and snowboarding, the winter season is the obvious choice. January and February often provide the best combination of snow coverage and winter atmosphere.

December can be magical, but early-season conditions vary. February seems to bring the biggest snowstorms of the winter to the Utah mountains.

March can be excellent, too, with longer days and warmer afternoons.

For summer activities, July through September is excellent. Trails are open. The weather is toasty but cooler than the valley. Outdoor dining, concerts, mountain biking, golf, and hiking are all in full swing.

Fall is very underrated. Late September and early October are absolutely beautiful especially when the aspens turn gold. Crowds are lighter than peak ski season or midsummer weekends.

Spring is quieter, but it can be muddy, transitional, grey and weather-dependent. Even kind of ugly. That doesn’t mean you should avoid it. Just know what kind of trip you’re planning.

A Few Things to Know Before You Visit

Park City is easy to love. But it’s not perfect.

It is expensive. It can be crowded. Traffic has definitely become even more than annoying. Parking can be a pain although is manageable if you want to use transit.

They’ve actually added several parking garages just a short block off Main Street which has definitely helped cut down on the parking frustration.

Nonetheless, the old quiet version of Park City is long gone. But that doesn’t mean all of the magic is gone. You just need to plan smarter.

• Check resort conditions before ski days.
• Look at lift status.
• Buy lift tickets early if you can.
• Make restaurant reservations during busy periods.
• Use the free bus system.
• Give yourself extra time after a long day on the mountain.
• Remember that mountain weather can change quickly.

Also, don’t try to do everything. Park City rewards a slower pace. “A more harmonious outcome.”

Walk Main Street. Pick one good meal. Take a scenic lift. Visit Utah Olympic Park.

Ski one resort well instead of trying to conquer everything in a day. Sit on a patio sipping a beverage.

Listen to some live music. Take the kids for ice cream.Gaze at the amazing color displays in the fall. Ride the Alpine Slide.

That’s Park City at its best.

Suggested First-Time Park City Plan

If this is your first visit to Park City, Utah, keep it simple.

Start with historic Main Street. Walk, shop, eat, visit the Park City Museum, and get a feel for the town. Then pick your mountain experience.

In winter, ski Park City Mountain Resort if you want the largest resort experience, lots of terrain, and access through the Epic Pass.

Choose Deer Valley if you want a more polished, more high-end skier-only experience with excellent service.

In summer, ride a chairlift, hike, mountain bike, golf, or spend time at Canyons Village.

Add Utah Olympic Park if you have kids, love Olympic history, or want something different from the usual mountain-town routine.

In the evening, head back to Main Street for dinner. That one move alone makes a great Park City day.

Another one of our favorites is the Park City Kimball Arts Festival which is usually held the first or second weekend of August. Being one of the top-ranked art festivals in the country, this three-day event transforms historic Main Street into a vibrant marketplace.

Just remember to park at the Park City Mountain Resort parking lot and take a free shuttle bus to within a tiny block of Main Street. No hassle. Leave the driving to someone else.

Final Thoughts on Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah isn’t the hidden mountain town it once was. Those days are gone.

But that doesn’t mean Park City has lost its appeal. It’s simply become something bigger.

• It’s still a historic mining town.
• It’s still a ski town.
• It’s still an Olympic town.
• It’s still a summer recreation town.
• It’s still one of the easiest mountain escapes in the United States.

And yes, it’s still one of the most enjoyable places in Utah to visit. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’ve never been here.

Just do your due diligence and plan ahead. Plan a large part of your itinerary ahead of time and then (as I always recommend) allow for some backup plans just in case. 

You will run into crowds. You will pay more than you expected. You will sit in traffic on a busy weekend and wonder what happened to the old Park City.

I get it. It now happens to me almost every time we go up there now.

But then you walk up Main Street on a comfortable evening. Or ride a lift over the aspens and then race the Alpine Slide down the mountain laughing your butt off the whole time.

Or ski fresh powder after a storm. Or sit outside with the mountains around you sipping the cocktail (even a mock one) of your choice.

Or watch your kids discover Utah Olympic Park. Hear live music drifting through Canyons Village on a summer night.

Then you realize why people keep coming to Park City and returning to Park City.

Park City is still special.

Just plan ahead, keep your expectations realistic, and give yourself time to enjoy it. That’s the best way to visit Park City.

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