Park City, Utah, is a dream destination for skiers from all over the world. The town boasts two world-class ski resorts, Park City Mountain and The Canyons, which merged in 2015. Each side of the mountain has unique features and attractions, making Park City a perfect destination for skiers of all levels. Here's a more detailed guide to skiing at Park City, covering both sides of the mountain.
Park City Mountain
Park City Mountain is the smaller of the two side, with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. The resort is known for its varied terrain, from steep bowls and chutes to groomed runs for beginners and intermediate skiers. The resort has over 330 runs, with 41 lifts, and is open from mid-November to mid-April.
One of the highlights of Park City Mountain is the Peak 5 area, which offers some of the most challenging terrain in the resort. The area has several steep chutes and bowls perfect for advanced skiers. For intermediate skiers, the resort has a number of groomed runs, including the popular Homerun run, which is over three miles long.
The resort also has an exceptional terrain park. The park is located on the King's Crown run and features over 100 jibs and jumps, including a 22-foot superpipe and a 13-foot mini-pipe. The park is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders.
Park City Mountain has some great on-mountain dining options for visitors to enjoy. Here are a few recommendations:
1. Lookout Cabin: This fine-dining restaurant is at the top of the Orange Bubble Express lift and offers stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains. The menu includes elk tenderloin, duck confit, and wild boar ragu.
2. Summit House: At the top of the Bonanza lift, Summit House offers a variety of dining options, including pizzas, sandwiches, and soups.
3. Miner's Camp: This restaurant is located mid-mountain and offers a variety of dining options, including burgers, salads, and sandwiches.
4. Cloud Dine: Cloud Dine is a must-visit spot for skiers at the top of Dream Peak. This restaurant offers stunning views of the mountains and delicious food, including burgers, soups, and salads.
5. Red Pine Lodge: This lodge is located mid-mountain and offers a variety of dining options, including a cafeteria-style restaurant and a sit-down restaurant. The menu includes burgers, salads, sandwiches, and more.
These are just a few dining options at Park City Mountain. There are plenty of other restaurants and bars, especially in the base area and the village below!
Parking at the Park City side is reservation-only in the 2023/2024 season. These reservations will still cost you $26.65 for surface parking and $45 for garage parking. If you are skilled at skiing/riding, I recommend parking at the Canyon's side and skiing over rather than paying to park.
The Canyons
The Canyons is the larger of the two sides, with over 4,000 acres of skiable terrain. The resort is known for its long, wide runs, as well as its tree skiing. The Canyons has over 180 runs, with 21 lifts, and is open from mid-November to mid-April. The resort has some gentle beginner runs, including the popular Saddleback Express run.
One of the highlights of The Canyons is the Ninety-Nine 90 area, which offers some of the best tree skiing in the resort. The area has several glades and steep runs perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers. There are a few hike-only chutes that offer challenges for the most experienced of skiers and riders.
The resort also has many terrain parks, including the large and advanced Transitions Park and the smaller and more beginner-friendly Ante Up Park. Park City is home to the original Woodward Park. This location is only a few minutes drive down the road; however, it is not accessible from the resort.
The Canyons side of Park City offers a variety of dining options for visitors to enjoy. Here are a few mountain places to eat:
1. Cloud Dine: Located at the top of Dream Peak, Cloud Dine is a must-visit spot for skiers. This restaurant offers stunning views of the mountains and delicious food, including burgers, soups, and salads.
2. Red Pine Lodge: This lodge is located mid-mountain and offers a variety of dining options, including a cafeteria-style restaurant and a sit-down restaurant. The menu includes burgers, salads, sandwiches, and more.
3. Lookout Cabin: This fine-dining restaurant is at the top of the Orange Bubble Express lift and offers stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains. The menu includes elk tenderloin, duck confit, and wild boar ragu.
4. The Farm: Located at the base of the Canyons, The Farm offers a farm-to-table dining experience. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, including roasted beet salad, braised short ribs, and Utah trout.
5. The Umbrella Bar: This outdoor bar is located at the top of the Red Pine Gondola and offers stunning views of the mountains. The menu includes snacks such as nachos, pretzels, beer, wine, and cocktails.
Free parking at The Canyons side of Park City is a perk for visitors! It's always nice to save extra money, especially on a ski trip. They have a couple of lifts that bring guests from the free parking directly to the lifts. It is also easy for people with mobility issues to access the town.
Après-Ski Activities
Both sides of the mountain offer a variety of après-ski activities. Park City Mountain has many restaurants, bars, and shops in the base area and several events and activities throughout the season. The Canyons also has several restaurants and bars, a heated outdoor pool, and hot tubs. The town also has some options for fun out of the resort.
1. Visit a Spa: Park City has several world-renowned spas where you can relax and rejuvenate after a day of skiing. Some of the most popular spas include the Waldorf Astoria Spa, the Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge, and the Serenity Spa at Westgate Park City.
2. Go Ice Skating: The Park City Ice Arena is great for ice skating with friends and family. The arena offers public skating sessions, figure skating, and hockey lessons.
3. Shop on Main Street: Park City's historic Main Street has shops, galleries, and restaurants. After skiing, stroll down Main Street and explore the boutiques and art galleries.
4. Attend a Concert: Park City has a vibrant music scene, with several venues hosting concerts yearly. The Eccles Center for the Performing Arts and the Egyptian Theatre are popular venues.
5. Take a Sleigh Ride: A sleigh ride through the snow-covered mountains is a magical way to end a day of skiing. Many tour companies in Park City offer sleigh rides that include dinner or hot cocoa.
6. Try Dog Sledding: Another fun activity in Park City is dog sledding. Many tour companies offer dog sledding tours through the snow-covered mountains.
7. Go Tubing: If you want a fun and family-friendly activity, consider tubing at Gorgoza Park. The park has several tubing lanes and a mini-snowmobile track for kids.
Skiing at Park City is an unforgettable experience, with two connected incredible resorts. Whether you're an experienced skier looking for a challenge or a beginner looking for a gentle run, there's something for everyone at Park City Mountain and The Canyons. With varied terrain, excellent snow conditions, world-class terrain parks, and après-ski activities, Park City is a must-visit destination for any ski enthusiast.
