Deer Valley Ski Resort, Park City, Utah: An Overview
Deer Valley is an exclusive ski resort located in Park City, Utah, and is a mere 38 miles from Salt Lake City. Combining stunning and picturesque slopes with industry-best amenities, impeccable lodging, and instructive ski classes, there’s something for everyone at this stunning resort.
What Is Skiing Like At Deer Valley Ski Resort?
The resort offers an experience unrivaled by any other in the country. Easily accessible from nearby Salt Lake City, the resort is located on the beautiful Wasatch Range of the western Rockies, and its slopes are immaculately maintained for the best possible skiing experience possible.
Named the US’s best ski resort by Condé Nast Traveler, Deer Valley offers the ultimate family skiing experience paired with unimpeachable customer service. Those eager to hit the slopes will find getting there a trivial matter; the resort’s speedy ski lifts will have you cruising down the mountainside in a matter of minutes, and many of the lodges are ski-in/ski-out, meaning you can strap your skis on and just go!
Is Deer Valley Only For Skiers?
Yes – it is indeed a ski-only resort, and as such, snowboards are not allowed. That said, alpine, telemark, and monoski equipment are all permitted, provided feet are forward-facing and planted side by side. Deer Valley takes its commitment to skiing seriously – it’s one of only three resorts in the United States that are ski-only.
Can You Rent Skis At Deer Valley?
You certainly can. The resort offers top-of-the-line Rossignol ski equipment, all expertly maintained by trained technicians. The resort has two rental shops, both of which have extended opening hours and are conveniently located in the event of your needing to switch out your equipment. It’s also possible to book equipment online and have it ready for you at dispatch stations, obviating the need to waste time picking up your equipment before hitting the slopes.
Got your own equipment? You can make use of the rental shops to have your equipment maintained or waxed for a nominal fee. Whether renting or using your own, the resort ensures that you spend less time worrying about equipment and more time on the slopes.
Is Deer Valley Good For Beginner Skiers?
Yes – the resort is perfect for novice skiers. 27% of the resort’s slopes are rated ‘green’ (extremely easy, flat slopes) and there are multiple areas designed ‘slow ski’ areas, ensuring that novices of any age can get to grips with the slopes without feeling nervous or uncomfortable. Such slopes ensure that there aren’t more advanced skiers zooming past at high speeds, and beginners can feel free to take their time and get their bearings.
The best slopes for beginners are detailed below.
Silver Strike Express
Yes – the resort is perfect for novice skiers. 27% of the resort’s slopes are rated ‘green’ (extremely easy, flat slopes) and there are multiple areas designed ‘slow ski’ areas, ensuring that novices of any age can get to grips with the slopes without feeling nervous or uncomfortable. Such slopes ensure that there aren’t more advanced skiers zooming past at high speeds, and beginners can feel free to take their time and get their bearings.
The best slopes for beginners are detailed below.
Northside Express
The express chairlift of the Northside Express is located just outside the entrance of Deer Valley’s Grand Lodge, making access to the slope child’s play. Another great introduction to skiing in Deer Valley for adults and children alike.
Ruby Express
With a ski lift that will have you at the top of the slope in less than three minutes, the Ruby Express originates at the Empire Lodge and features a gentle, well-maintained slope that’s great for skiing neophytes to sink their teeth into.
What’s The Hardest Run At Deer Valley?
The most talked-about run at the resort is undoubtedly Chute #4. This challenging double-black-diamond (the highest possible slope grade) slope has excellent snow quality, but requires the skier to traverse a wooded area from the ski lift, and sometimes develops cornices that can make navigating the slope treacherous. Definitely one for expert skiers only.
Deer Valley Vs. Park City
A lot of visitors to the Park City area will find themselves wondering if it’s not worth simply staying in the city itself, as opposed to making use of the Deer Valley lodging. While this is certainly something worth considering, staying onsite is a perfectly valid option. The resort not only offers unparalleled customer service that ensures your every desire is sated, it also offers the best variety of ski terrain – with the sort of immaculately groomed slopes that keep beginners and experts alike coming back.
That said, there are a number of options that are close to Deer Valley that are just as good as staying in the resort itself. There are even a few hotels and resorts within Park City itself that, despite their easy access to the city amenities, still offer ski-in/ski-out access! Let’s take a look at two of the better options available within Park City itself.
What’s The Hardest Run At Deer Valley?
The deluxe condos offered at The Caledonian, located in downtown Park City and just over a mile from Deer Valley, are enough to make you want to skip the skiing altogether and just while the day away in front of the fireplace! With fully equipped kitchens for home-cooked meals and hot tubs located on private balconies, staying at The Caledonian is truly living in the lap of luxury.
Of course, The Caledonian still offers quick and easy access to the slopes at Park City Mountain, with ski-in/ski-out access and ski lifts located conveniently close to each condo entrance.
Portico
Looking for something a little more secluded and rustic? Portico‘s chalet-style cabins bring all the old-world charm of the Swiss Alps to Utah, with private decks and garages, cozy kitchens, and crackling fireplaces to warm you after a hard day on the piste. The best part? Portico is just under a mile from Deer Valley!
Town Lift Condominiums
Combining the best of both worlds, Town Lift offers fast access to the slopes of Park City Mountain while making sure you have all the creature comforts of the city. Located on Main Street in downtown Park City and just over a mile from Deer Valley, Town Lift puts you right at the heart of the action while still ensuring that you can be skiing in a matter of minutes with the Town Lift ski lift.
What’s more, each condo is as fully equipped as any other you’d find in the area, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice even a modicum of comfort for being right in the middle of town. There are even private garages, ensuring that you never have to fight for a parking spot in the streets below.
Deer Valley Ski School
Deer Valley’s award-winning ski school makes learning the sport easy and fun. With classes available for both kids and adults, the resort’s experienced instructors offer lessons that are both instructive and entertaining. All lessons are tailored to each student’s ability level and desired goals, and are designed to ensure students hit the slopes as quickly as possible in order to make the most out of their vacation.
Even if you’ve got a few hours on the piste under your belt, it may be worth taking a few classes nonetheless. If you’re at all rusty, brushing up on your technique can ensure that you have a more enjoyable time out on the slopes – and it may break you out of some bad habits that you didn’t even realize you had.
Whatever your decision, it’s worth chatting with one of the resort’s instructors before making any final decisions. A prudent skier is a skier that has a good time!
Deer Valley, Utah Lodging
The resort itself features no shortage of amazing lodges nearby and within the resort grounds itself – so much so, that it can be tough to make a decision about where to stay. When making a decision on Deer Valley, Utah, lodging, it pays to go with All Seasons Resort Lodging – the leading industry experts on Deer Valley Ski Resort lodgings, as well as other nearby hotels and lodges within Park City itself.
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Spring Break in Park City
Spring break isn’t all bikinis and beaches. A Park City spring break adventure puts world-class fun at your fingertips-from our three ski areas to our bustling Historic Main Street. You don’t have to head south of the border for fun and sun when there’s so much to enjoy right here in Utah’s favorite mountain playground.
Park City Spring Skiing
Park City may be the place to be in the winter, but it is also a fantastic spring ski destination. By the time March rolls around, the base is buried under the collective product of dozens of winter storms, with frequent dumps of fresh powder throughout the month. You’ll find more than enough snow to keep you skiing throughout the spring ski period.
Since you’re here for the spring, you’ll find less of the bitter mountain chill and more alpine sunshine to go with your time on the runs. Shed a couple of layers as the days heat up for a refreshing ride bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun. And, since you are here for spring break, enjoy some time on the beach-the ski beach at Canyons Village! Grab a mug of cocoa and pull up a lounger for some post-ski relaxation. Watch the crowds ski by, stop by Umbrella Bar, or just stretch out and chill. You could even work on your tan if you’re brave enough.
Park City Pond Skim
The annual pond-skimming event is definitely a crowd favorite. On April 8, 2023 at 9 AM, contestants in zany costumes rocket down a jump and attempt to skim all the way across a long splash pool filled with frigid water. While the odd daredevil actually makes it to the other side, most splash down in spectacular fashion to cheering and applause. It is an absolute blast, whether you are an onlooker or a competitor. With prizes for the biggest splash, best costume, and best overall skim, the pond skim always ends up being an epic party with tons of raffles and giveaways! To stay updated on this event, read more here.
Top Non-Skiing Outdoor Activities in Park City this Spring
Spring Fly Fishing in Park City
The annual pond-skimming event is definitely a crowd favorite. On April 8, 2023 at 9 AM, contestants in zany costumes rocket down a jump and attempt to skim all the way across a long splash pool filled with frigid water. While the odd daredevil actually makes it to the other side, most splash down in spectacular fashion to cheering and applause. It is an absolute blast, whether you are an onlooker or a competitor. With prizes for the biggest splash, best costume, and best overall skim, the pond skim always ends up being an epic party with tons of raffles and giveaways! To stay updated on this event, read more here.
Related: Non-Skier’s Guide to Park City
Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling and Fat-Tire Biking in Park City
Spring break is the perfect time to experiment with some of Park City’s other snow-based activities. Whether you’re a lifelong skier or a total newbie, there’s always a new way to enjoy the powder. Break out of your routine and try something fresh. Strike out into the backcountry on a snowmobile. The warmer weather makes a day on snowshoes seem more like a breezy spring hike than a grueling winter march. And you can enjoy the sunny valleys on a fat-tire snow bike on the way to a downtown shopping spree.
Those aren’t even the only ways to enjoy your bluebird day off piste. You can try all kinds of winter transportation throughout the spring, including sleigh rides, dog sledding, and cross-country skiing. Get out there and explore your options-you’re sure to find a novel experience that is just right for you!
Park City Thrill Rides
If you want something with a little more pizazz, Park City also offers some more thrilling spring experiences. For instance, have you ever gone rocketing down the mountain on a bobsled? If not, you can rectify that at Utah Olympic Park. Ride the same course used by athletes during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games on a real bobsled.
That isn’t the only pulse-pounding option in town, either. Over at Park City Mountain, you can hop on the alpine coaster, zipping back and forth across the slopes on your way to the resort base. It’s just like any other roller coaster, except it is powered entirely by gravity instead of a chain lift. A ride on a hot-air balloon might be a little slower, but soaring above the horizon in a little basket is no less breathtaking. Park City Mountain is located just across from Silver King, so guests staying there can easily enjoy these thrilling experiences. If you’re not up for anything quite so exhilarating, an afternoon of tubing up at Woodward Park City is always a blast.
Tubing at Woodward Park City
Tubing is a great way to spend a day in the snow with your friends and family!
Woodward Park City has seven tubing lanes and 1,200 feet of track, making it the longest tubing lanes in Utah. Also enjoy 2 conveyor lifts to get you to the top of the mountain quickly and easily.
You can tube day or night at Woodward! Park City is known as one of the best places to ski and snowboard in the world, so why not add some snow tubing into the mix? It’s perfect for families looking for something fun to do together during their spring break vacation, because it’s suitable for most age groups, and there’s no doubt that it’ll be one of the most entertaining ways you’ll ever slide down a hill.
Dining and Nightlife in Park City
When you think about spring break, you think about good times with good food and good drink. Fortunately, Park City has an abundance of all three. Historic Main Street is packed with galleries, theaters, shops, restaurants, and bars, and that is just one of Park City’s major hotspots. You can also head north to Redstone Village or Outlets Park City for more of, well… just about everything!
You could spend a month in Park City, eating at a different restaurant for every meal, and still not come close to exhausting the delicious eateries in town. From pizza to sushi, quick eats to gourmet gustatory experiences, if you crave it, Park City has it.
Related: Park City Nightlife Guide
Despite Utah’s stodgy reputation, Park City is home to a great nightlife scene. High West Distillery, located near the bottom of Main Street, is one of Park City’s premier drinking establishments. Not only were they the first distillery in town after prohibition, they’ve got a top-notch saloon that’s been a local favorite for decades. If rugged frontier whisky isn’t to your taste, you can enjoy everything from sports bars to classy wine and paint nights as you drink your way across town. If you want to stay out all night worry-free, we recommend booking a stay at The Caledonian, which is conveniently located downtown!
Live Entertainment in Park City
Concerts and other live entertainment are a crucial part of any spring break experience. Park City loves to put on a good show. The Egyptian Theater is one of Park City’s most venerable institutions, and they’re always cooking up concerts, musicals, plays, and other experiences. Check their schedule to see what is coming up during your vacation.
During the spring ski season and especially during the Spring Gruv, Park City Mountain is home to frequent free, open-air concerts. The amphitheater at Canyons Village, in particular, is always blasting tunes, including local and national talent. And, since we were just talking about Park City’s bar scene, many of those watering holes also sport live music. The Spur is the perfect place to catch a show to go with your drink.
Book Your Spring Trip to Park City
Your spring break can’t be 100-percent excitement. You need to take a break and relax every now and again. All Seasons Resort Lodging has the perfect place for you to call home during your big spring fling. With an assortment of condos, townhomes, and vacation residences to match any adventure and any budget, we’re your source for Park City lodging. Whether you want to ski in and ski out from the resorts or party all night on Main Street, we’ve got just the thing to make sure your spring break is an unforgettable experience.
Spring Break Lodging
Your perfect Park City spring break awaits. Book your stay now and start getting ready today!
Book Spring Break Park City Lodging Now
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The Top 10 Annual Winter Events in Park City
- Opening day at Park City Mountain Resort
- Silver Sky Nights
- Sundance Film Festival
- Ice Castles
- FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup
- Annual Spring Gruv
- Pond Skimming (info coming soon)
- Annual Torchlight Parade
- Snowfest
- Annual Santa Comes Down Town Lift
On The Mountain
Opening Day at Park City Mountain Resort
Opening Day, November 16, 2022
Opening day at the resorts is far and away the most anticipated date on the calendar. Park City locals and travelers from around the world line up to get onto the slopes as soon as the lifts start running. Ski season usually kicks off around Thanksgiving and winds down by mid-April.
FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup
February 2 – 4, 2023
Olympic hopefuls descend on Deer Valley each year to compete in the Freestyle Ski World Cup. Witness elite athletes tackle moguls and aerials on the same runs used during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Read More »
Pond Skimming
April 8, 2023
The hillsides aren’t green yet! This cherished annual oddity encourages the most daring and garishly dressed to skim across the freezing-cold waters of a pond dug into the base of a ski run. Hint: most of these costumed daredevils do not walk away dry. Cheer them on, laugh at their wipeouts, and stick around for the donut s’mores.
Off The Mountain
Sundance Film Festival
January 19 – 29, 2023
A world-renowned film festival that draws tens of thousands of cinephiles, Hollywood A-listers, and all manner of media hangers-on, the Sundance Film Festival is arguably Park City’s signature event. Take in hundreds of screenings, panels, and events throughout the festival. Make sure to bring your selfie A-game for surprise encounters with celebrities as you explore. Read More »
Ice Castles
Opening Day, December 21, 2022
Get in touch with your inner Elsa and live a frozen fantasy when you visit this acclaimed interactive attraction. Created afresh each year by professional ice sculptors, this whimsical frozen castle is a fantastical luminescent escape from the mundane. Located just a few minutes from Main Street, this is an ideal destination for family fun. Read More »
Santa Comes Down Town Lift
December 17, 2023
Each December, Saint Nick descends Town Lift to bring good tidings and cheer to Park City. Spectators small and large are encouraged to bring their Christmas wish lists while enjoying hot cocoa, cookies, and carols.
Base Area
Silver Sky Nights
December 16, 2022 – February 18, 2023
The excitement continues hours after the mountain shuts down for the evening! Live music, family events, and fireworks keep Canyons Village lively through the winter nights. Attendance is free and guests of all ages are invited! Read More »
Snowfest
Late December
Your favorite holiday memories are made here in Park City. Snowfest invites one and all to celebrate the magic of the holiday season with Park City Mountain Resort. You can watch a holiday movie, listen to the carolers, pet the avalanche dogs, watch the fireworks, watch ice sculptors at work, and more!
Spring Gruv
Early March
Get in the groove with the locals and get down to live music and events at Canyons Village Base area. From wacky costumes to ski challenges for charity, the spring season has so much to offer. There’s no other event quite like the Gruv!
Torchlight Parade
December 30, 2022
On Christmas Eve, Park City’s ski and snowboard instructors-led by Santa Claus-carve down the mountain carrying brilliant torches, creating a warm, red glow that can be seen for miles. Complimentary hot chocolate is provided to warm your belly while the festive parade warms your heart. Read More »
Park City Mountain Lodging
Drawing visitors from all over the world, skiing at Park City Mountain is the crown jewel of the Park City experience.
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2022-23 Deer Valley Resort Opening and Closing Dates
Scheduled Operating Dates (subject to snow and weather conditions)
- Opening Day: Friday, November 18, 2022
- Closing Day: Monday, April 17, 2023
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Park City Mountain Resort (PCMR) 2022-23 Operating Dates
- Opening Day: Friday, November 18, 2022
- Closing Day: Sunday, April 23, 2023
As always, these dates are subject to change based on conditions.
EpicMix
Vail’s all-in-one resort app is your resource for on-mountain information and support. From dining reservations and snow reports to safety alerts and ski-patrol access, EpicMix is just what you need to take charge of your Park City Mountain experience. You can download it before your arrival.
For Android users, visit Google Play »
For Apple users, visit the App Store »
Exclusive Park City Lodging
We have several lodging options in the downtown area at or near Park City Mountain Resort’s original base area as well as at the Canyons Village base area.
Book directly with us and get the lowest rate guaranteed. You won’t find this offer anywhere else online. We guarantee it. No blackout dates. No kidding!
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Park City is Utah’s favorite playground. There is an endless variety of incredible activities to choose from, even if you find yourself in town without skis on a winter day. Try our non-skier’s primer on Deer Valley for the best things to try while your friends and family stand in line for the lifts.
Relax
Deer Valley is a relaxing, secluded retreat in the mountains. The easiest way to enjoy its unique character and tranquil charms is by just kicking back and relaxing. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to achieve peace and quiet-far from the excitement of the ski runs.
Treat Your Taste Buds
Home to some of Park City’s premier fine-dining experiences, Deer Valley is an ideal destination for foodies. While others are headed up and down the hill, you can peruse the menus at delicious restaurants all around the resort area.
Get Into Nature
All of that gorgeous terrain is good for more than just looking pretty. Even if you don’t ski, you can get back into the backcountry on snowshoes, fat tire bikes, cross-country skis, snow mobiles, or even horse-drawn sleighs.
Getting in touch with nature offers unique physical challenges as well as some of the most staggering vistas in the area. There is a nature experience for all budgets and levels of physical ambition. If all you want to do is have a seat and enjoy the ride, the Jordanelle Express Gondola offers a chance to glide down to the Jordanelle Reservoir while getting an incredible view of the Uintas.
The more dedicated outdoorsman/outdoorswoman can find daily trail grooming reports from the Mountain Trails Foundation to help choose the perfect route for a scenic hike into the mountains atop a sturdy pair of snowshoes.
Getting Around
Relatively secluded, Deer Valley is set apart from the bulk of town, up winding roads and hilly terrain. If you want to leave the Deer Valley area, you are going to want access to reliable transportation.
Image / Canyons Village Connect
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Park City is Utah’s favorite playground. There is an endless variety of incredible activities to choose from, even if you find yourself in town without skis on a winter day. Try our non-skier’s primer on Park City Canyons Village activities for the best things to try while your friends and family stand in line for the lifts.
Endless Activities
Canyons Village is a dynamic and rapidly growing destination. Featuring an assortment of high-end and budget properties, natural beauty, and excellent amenities, Canyons Village has a bit of something for everyone right in the middle of everything. This area was recently connected to Park City Mountain to create the largest ski resort in North America.
Image / VisitSaltLake
Explore Canyons Area Lodging
Dynamic, family-friendly, and with a focus on the guest experience, Canyons Village is the perfect place to book an exciting ski trip. Park City Canyons lodging puts world-class snow and year-round entertainment at your fingertips.
Explore the Resort Village
You don’t even have to leave the Village to have a good time. There are more than enough Canyons Village activities on site to fill your afternoons with fun and relaxation.
Getting Around
Canyons Village is located between downtown and Kimball Junction, within easy driving distance of both but not really attached to either. The Village has enough to keep you busy and stocked, but if you want to visit Main Street, Outlets Park City, or any of Park City’s other major attractions, you are going to need some kind of motorized transportation.
Image / Canyons Village Connect
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Explore Main Street
With its abundance of attractions and famous sights, Main Street can hold its own against the slopes any day of the week. Some of the best restaurants in town line the street, along with a collection of quaint shops and gorgeous galleries.
Dining
If you are a foodie, Park City Mountain is definitely the ski area for you. Everything from farm-to-table fare at Robert Redford’s restaurant, Zoom, or a fresh Utah steak to surprisingly fresh gourmet sushi and artisan wood-fire pizzas can be found within a block or two of the historic thoroughfare.
Related: Best Outdoor Dining in Park City
Entertainment
Catch a bit of culture at a local live performance or the Egyptian Theatre, one of Park City’s most notable downtown landmarks. The Egyptian has stood since 1922 under various names, but has long been an important part of the community, and even holds a secret treasure in the form of an original Banksy tucked away on a stage door. Today, it not only hosts popular live performances like the annual production of Thriller, but continues to screen films and participate in the Sundance Film Festival, which used the theater as its home venue when it moved to Park City in 1981.
Drinks on the Town
Let it never be said that Utah is a dry state. Despite the area’s buttoned-up reputation, there are some choice watering holes located near Park City Mountain. The oldest bar in all of Park City, the No Name Saloon, or “The Alamo” as it is sometimes called locally, is a perennial favorite for the young, energetic traveller looking for a good time.
High West Distillery makes some damn fine local whisky, and even offers tours of the distillery, perfect for the true brew enthusiast. High West is also the world’s only ski-in/ski-out gastro distillery, an unusual and exciting distinction worth sampling at least once.
There are plenty of other places to wet your whistle in the vicinity, so feel free to get out there and explore.
Park City Mountain Lodging
Drawing visitors from all over the world, skiing at Park City Mountain is the crown jewel of the Park City experience.
Explore Park City Mountain Lodging
Enjoy the Village
If you don’t want to leave the resort area, there is still plenty to enjoy on site. Strap on some skates and spend the evening at Park City’s only outdoor skating rink. The price of admission gets you all the skating you could ever want with no time limits. Or get up on the mountain for a trip down the Alpine Coaster-a winding single-car thrill ride that rips down the side of the mountain just like a roller coaster, but without the lift hill. You can enjoy all the thrills of an afternoon on skis without all the hassle, expense, or potential for injury and humiliation.
You can always take the Town Lift just to enjoy the scenery, even if you don’t intend to spend the day on Main Street. Don’t forget that there are quite a few shops and restaurants located close at hand, for those times when you really want to stay in.
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Dive into the top events, activities, festivals that keep people coming back to Winter’s Favorite Town year-round!
In a town notorious for its easy accessibility to world-class skiing, winter can seem like the only viable season to visit. With the 2002 Olympics catapulting Utah and Park City into the world’s view, this once sleepy mountain town has grown to become a year-round destination. Along with the pristine powder, visitors come back year after year and find perfect weather and friendly people. Come explore what year-round fun looks like in Winter’s Favorite Town.
Winter
Its no secret, Salt Lake City International Airport is the gateway to the world’s best powder. In all of 60 minutes from touching down on the tarmac, you can find yourself gearing up for an epic snow day at one of 3 renowned resorts. Aside from skiing, Park City is synonymous with hosting elite events and festivals.
Torchlight Parade at Deer Valley (Late December)
- Ring in the New Year with Deer Valley’s annual tradition! Instructors clad in Christmas lights, take to the slopes in synchronized motions to the delight of spectators below. Grab a warm drink and huddle at the base of Snow Park Lodge to observe this spectacular light show!
Sundance Film Festival (January 20- January 30)
- Utah’s heaviest powder months also play host to the internationally acclaimed Sundance Film Festival. Celebrities and cinephiles alike descend on Main Street for 10 days of premiers and partying. Lodging can be scarce, so plan ahead and take advantage of early-bird deals before the flurries and film buffs arrive.
FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup (Early February)
- For 20 years, the world’s best freestyle skiers have launched into the air and raced to the finish at Deer Valley for the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup. This year is no exception! Join one of Park City’s most beloved winter tradition and experience the thrill of witnessing Olympic hopefuls reach new heights.
Spring
Only nay-sayers would look at the spring months and consider them fruitless. The more experienced traveler knows that Spring in a Mountain town is a non-stop party. Live like a local and catch the last bit of snow on the mountain (preferably in costume). Or get in the gruv to live music weekly. Park City is yours to explore in Spring!
Spring Gruv & Pond Skimming (March-April)
- Shed the layers and bask under bluebird skies! The resorts continue the winter fun by organizing Spring Gruv, a weekly live outdoor concert series. Bear witness to the most thrilling event of the season, Pond Skimming. Where the adventuresome don kooky costumes and attempt to skim over a pond.
Wasatch Film Festival (April)
- A film festival not for the faint of heart. The week-long Wasatch Mountain Film Festival features over 50 films between Park City and Salt Lake, showcasing stories of extreme outdoor adventure.
Spring
There’s a local saying here in Park City. “Come for the winter, stay for the summer.” Don’t believe it? Fewer crowds and affordable prices might just have you reconsider Park City as a winter-only destination. Not to mention extended daylight hours for more time to pack in the fun! Check out these world-class outdoor events, activities, and festivals that keep our mountain town bustling in the “off” season.
Savor the Summit (Late June)
- A different take on “street food” This one-of-a-kind event elevates the already impeccable dining experience in Park City to new heights by shutting down Main Street and turning it into the largest outdoor dinner party! Take a seat with 2,500 others and enjoy the culinary talents of Park City’s best restaurants in the fresh open air.
Kimball Arts Festival (Early August)
- Considered one of the premier art festivals in the nation, this 3-day festival hosts 200+ of the best fine artists from across the country to sell their masterpieces on Main Street. Get in touch with your inner artist and explore the vibrant offerings, live music, craft stations, and food trucks.
Independence Day Celebrations (Early July)
- Celebrating America’s birthday at 7,000 feet is no small feat. Parades, activities, races, and more await you in and around Park City. After a full day of fun in the sun, head to the base of Park City Mountain Resort, and be treated to impressive firework displays that color the Wasatch range in light.
Fall
Park City is beautiful 365 days a year. However, our town is most magnificent when the landscape is transformed by yellows, reds, and oranges! These prime outdoor activities, festivals, and celebrations will have you in awe with Autumn in Park City.
Autumn Aloft (Mid-September)
- Park City’s loftiest event might not be what you have in mind. To signal the start of the Autumn season, 20+ hot air balloons take to the skies to the delight of spectators on the ground!
Scenic Trail and Drives (Late September-Mid October)
- Leaf peepers unite! Park City is home to over 400 miles of continuous non-motorized trails, so there is no shortage of options for visiting hikers, bikers, and photographers. For those looking to cover more ground, simply going for a drive can leave you breathless!
Oktoberfest (October)
- Leave the passports at home and celebrate this world-wide phenomenon at 7,000 feet at Park City Mountain Resort! The resort puts on a 3-day annual hommage to Bavarian culture featuring polka dancing, brat eating, keg bowling, alpenhorn blowing, and of course, beer drinking! Don’t forget the lederhosen.
Explore our Park City Vacation rentals for your next Park City adventure!
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There is more to a Park City winter than skiing. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are a lot of fun, but variety is the spice of life. We like to keep our winters spicy by exploring the many outdoor winter activities in Park City. Try some of these non-skiing outdoor Park City activities when you want a change of pace.
Tubing
Instead of gliding down the mountainside on skis or a snowboard, try rocketing down the slope in a huge, inflatable tube instead. This simple shift in equipment makes for an entirely new experience, especially if you start spinning around as you fly over the snow. This is a great one for the kids, especially. They will beg you for just one more ride, and another, and another.
For the longest tubing lanes in Utah, make your way over to Woodward Park City. The very smallest (age 1-3) can’t ride, but Woodward does have a toddler-friendly snow park right next to the tubing lanes.
Cross-Country Skiing
Rather than changing the tools, let’s change the venue. Take the skis off the slopes and find your way into the beauty of nature for some cross-country skiing. Explore some of the beautiful parks and trails in the Park City area. For starters, we suggest the Willow Creek Open Area, which features a lovely directional loop, alternating daily. But there are plenty of other options for both beginners and veterans. The Mountain Trails Foundation helps, complete with a daily grooming report. Find some terrain you want to explore, check the condition, and strap in.
A variation of cross-country skiing exists, called skate skiing. This faster, more athletic form of cross-country is growing in popularity, and is fairly self-descriptive. Imagine you are skiing, but on skates. The skis are shorter, the gait is more like that of a skater, and it can only be done on smooth, manicured tracks or thick ice crusts. It will probably take a fair bit more out of you than a bout of traditional cross-country, but is sleek and exciting in a way that the traditional technique is not.
Alpine Coaster
This favorite amusement, located at Park City Mountain, continues to please, year round. Twist, turn, and loop through nearly a mile of track as your little car shoots down the track. Make sure you are bundled up for a winter ride, as the chilly temperature and the high speed will leave exposed extremities tingly and red. The view is just as spectacular in the winter as it is in the summer, even if the palette around you is a little more monochrome. This is another popular attraction for younger visitors, though very small children will have to wait until they gain some inches before embarking on a wild downhill voyage, as the minimum height to ride, even with adult, is 42 inches.
Ice Skating
Skate until your feet fall off at Park City’s only outdoor skating rink. A charge for admission-and another for skate rentals, if you didn’t bring your own-gets you endless skating time. No limits-just you, your blades, and the ice. There are even skate walkers available for little skaters. The rink itself is located at the Mountain Village, right off the slopes at Park City Mountain. Weather permitting, the rink is open all afternoon and evening. Guests at The Lodge at the Mountain Village can just walk outside to reach the rink.
Sleigh Rides
Image credit: Park City Nursery
Maybe you’d like to just relax in the great outdoors for a while. A sleigh ride might be just the thing. You’ll be pulled across hills and through woods as you meander across the countryside behind a pair of beautiful draft horses. You’ll have plenty of time to just take in your surroundings and snuggle under a warm blanket. There are a few choices for your authentic horse-powered cruise, including options that depart right from Park City Mountain and include a hot, filling dinner.
Snow Shoeing
Image credit: Park City Nursery
If you enjoy hiking during the warmer months, then snow shoeing might be just your speed. Snow shoes are the perfect tool to get yourself out on those beautiful mountain trails without ending up stuck in a hole. The scenery around Park City is gorgeous at any time of the year, but there is a special majesty to the snow. Explore the trails and find the perfect hike, whether that is a sedate stroll along level terrain or a challenging climb into the hills. Once again, the Mountain Trails Foundation website and grooming reports will be your best friends here.
Relaxing by the Fire
Most of the activities discussed so far are pretty chilly. Having fun in the snow has a tendency to leave one cold. After you’re done with all your tromping around and sliding about, top off your day with a relaxing fire. Sure, a lot of our accommodations have fireplaces of their own, whether gas or wood-burning, but there is something special about the campfire appeal of an outdoor blaze. You can spend hours around the fire, warm and cozy under a blanket. Bring some marshmallows to roast, tell your best stories, play a game of werewolf/mafia, or just spend some time watching the flames dance and the shadows flicker. Sundial Lodge and Bear Hollow Village have fire pits of their own, while The Caledonian is right across the street from a Main Street ring.
Looking for a place to stay during your visit? Explore our collection of Park City vacation rentals.
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