A first-time guide to Park City, Utah

05.08.2024 - 15:57 / lonelyplanet.com

Aug 3, 2024 • 10 min read

Welcome to Park City, a winter wonderland that gets over 500 inches of snow per year. Head to this legendary ski and snowboard (and aprés) town when things get chilly for snowy landscapes, a walkable downtown, elegant culinary experiences and a star-studded film festival.

Located only 50 minutes away from Salt Lake City, Park City is comparatively easy to fly into versus other alpine destinations. Its charming Old Town attracts visitors with its quaint houses and free public transportation, while its two Wasatch Mountains ski resorts include the largest resort in the US, plus a skiers-only destination popular amongst the luxury crowd.

Other seasons are nothing to scoff at either. Just swap your skis for mountain bikes and your slopeside champagne for a picnic in the wildflowers. Here's all you need to know to plan your first trip to Park City, Utah, as told by a wintertime resident.

There's a saying in Park City: you come for the winter but stay for the summers. Each season has its perks, from vivid autumn leaves in October to soft, fresh powder in February. Many drawn to the allure of Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort discover springtime end-of-season festivities, summer concerts and farmers markets that tempt them to linger.

You'll encounter the highest prices in the peak ski season between December and March, with hikes around Christmas and New Year's, as well as the Sundance Film Festival in late January. Budget travelers will find the cheapest accommodations and prices during shoulder seasons, with some restaurants and hotels offering enticing deals.

Thanks to its proximity to the airport and ease of transfer, a long weekend in town is absolutely doable. Just try to get a flight for Sunday evening instead of the afternoon. You'll need to be efficient with your time and secure any reservations long before.

On Friday, skiers and snowboarders should head straight to a resort from the airport and store your luggage to get in some laps; the extra afternoon is undoubtedly worth it. If you prefer a slower introduction to Park City, settle into one of the many aprés-ski cocktail spots to watch participants carve their way down the mountain.

For dinner, land in or near Old Town. Here casually with friends? Go for Blind Dog, whose sheer variety makes it a people-pleaser befitting any palate, or High West Saloon, an absolute staple of a gastro-distillery. End the evening at No Name Saloon, the unofficial hub of Park City nightlife. (Hint: look for the word saloon for an A-plus experience in town every time.) Don't stay out too late – Utah bars close early, and you'll also want to get up early to maximize your pass.

Alt-downhill adventurers may enjoy cross-country skiing at