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Elevation

The traditional definition of “high altitude” is anything higher than 6,000 feet above sea level. Park City’s official elevation is 7,000 feet above sea level. Don’t let that number fool you, though.

Park City is a very vertical destination, climbing up hillsides and down into valleys. You might find yourself somewhere between 6,500 and 10,000 feet above sea level while exploring the area. Make sure to prepare yourself and exercise caution, lest you experience the effects of altitude sickness.

 

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a blanket term used to describe several distinct conditions that travelers may experience at altitudes above 6,000 feet. The root cause of all altitude sickness is oxygen. More specifically, hypoxia (a lack of oxygen) is bad for humans.

The air gets thinner (less oxygenated) the higher above the surface of the planet you rise. Above 6,000 feet, there is so little oxygen in the atmosphere that the human body has a hard time adjusting. Altitude sickness is experienced in three stages.

How To Combat Altitude Sickness

You can take steps to acclimate yourself and help your body compensate for the sudden change in atmospheric oxygen. Keep these tips in mind when you visit Park City.

Friends hiking in the Wasatch Mountains.

Will You Get Drunk Faster in Park City?

A pint of draft beer

The human body’s chemistry relies heavily on maintaining a healthy supply of oxygen in your bloodstream. Certain substances, like alcohol and caffeine, play with the balance of oxygen available to your brain.

Traditional wisdom says that you can get drunk faster at higher elevations. It makes sense. Alcohol reduces available blood oxygen while your body metabolizes a drink. So lower atmospheric oxygen should make the process even worse, right? Well, the answer is yes and no. Your blood alcohol level won’t be any higher after four drinks in Park City than after four drinks in Seattle or New York. But your mental faculties will be more impaired.

Why? Your brain is already impaired before drink number one in Park City. Any dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and headaches you may experience as a result of your intoxication are just piled on top of the symptoms you may already be experiencing as a result of our elevation.

So, you won’t actually be more intoxicated while you party it up at High West Saloon. But you should exercise caution while partaking of any substance that might affect your cognitive functions while hanging out at 7,000 feet above sea level.

High-Altitude Cooking

Cooking is functional chemistry for hungry people. As we’ve already mentioned, high-altitude environments play havoc with fundamental chemical interactions. Lower atmospheric pressure not only removes oxygen from the air, it also makes it easier for water to evaporate and decreases the temperature at which water boils. These are some of the basic building blocks of food science. Changing these factors will alter almost every recipe in your repertoire.

Here are a couple of quick notes that will help in general, though some recipes may require specific high-altitude changes:

Cooking a delicious breakfast

Mental Health

The lower atmospheric pressure here can have an adverse effect on human emotional states. Studies point to symptoms like depression, irritability, and other disruptions to emotional health at higher elevations. In fact, the elevation of Park City and other areas of the Intermountain West has been theorized to be a significant factor in elevated rates of clinical depression and suicide in the region. Always remember to safeguard your mental health, both during your visit to Park City and in your daily life. Resources are available.

High Level Lodging

You’re fully equipped to handle the challenges of life above 6,000 feet. Now that you’re prepared for the elevation of Park City, it’s time to choose your lodging for that epic ski trip or mountain hiking adventure. All Seasons Resort Lodging offers a complete selection of condos, townhomes, and vacation homes that will keep you well-rested and ready to tackle excitement at any altitude. You can always be sure that you’re getting the best deal on your Park City vacation rental when you book direct, thanks to our Lowest Rate Guarantee!

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Stay the night in one of our Park City vacation rentals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the elevation of Park City, Utah?
Park City, Utah, is located at 7,000 feet (2,134 meters) above sea level.
Can I get altitude sickness in Park City?
Yes, it’s possible to get altitude sickness in Park City. It’s caused by a lack of oxygen and dehydration.
What’s the highest elevation in Park City, Utah?
The highest point in Park City is Guardsman Peak, with an elevation of 10,026 feet (3,056 meters), and it’s located at the top of the Jupiter chair lift.
What’s the altitude of Deer Valley?
Deer Valley has a base elevation of 6,623 feet (2,019 meters), located at the Jordanelle Express Gondola. The highest point is at the top of the Empire Express chair lift, with an elevation of 9,560 feet (2,9134 meters), which means it has a vertical rise/drop of 2,937 feet (895 meters).
What’s the elevation of Canyons Village?
Canyons Village at Park City Ski Resort is situated at 6,900 feet (2,115 meters).
What’s the elevation of Jupiter Peak?
Jupiter Peak is the prominent peak in Park City, Utah, and it has an elevation of 9,980 feet (3,042 meters).
What are the four highest peaks at Park City Ski Resort?
Of the four highest peaks at Park City Ski Resort, two are located on the Park City Mountain Village side, and two are on the Canyons Village side.

Park City Mountain Village has Jupiter Peak, with an elevation of 9,980 feet (3,042 meters), and is accessed by the McConkey Express lift. The second peak on the Mountain Village side is Guardsman Peak at an elevation of 10,026 feet (3,056 meters) and is accessible via the Jupiter Lift.

On the Canyons Village side, you have Desolation Peak, with an elevation of 9,990 feet (3,045 meters) and serviced by the 9990 Express lift. And the fourth is Murdock Bowl at 9,365 feet (2,854 meters) and accessed via the Super Condor Express lift.

What’s the vertical drop of Park City?
Park City has a vertical drop of 3,126 feet (953 meters). The highest point is Jupiter Peak on the Mountain Village side, and the lowest point is at Canyons Village.
What’s the elevation of Kimball Junction, Utah?
Kimball Junction, Utah, has an elevation of 6,440 feet (1,963 meters).
What’s the elevation of Salt Lake City, Utah?
Salt Lake City, Utah, has an elevation of 4,265 feet (1,300 meters).

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