Your Ultimate Weekend Getaway in Park City, Utah
As Utah’s best-known ski town, Park City boasts a small-community feel and serves as the perfect base for big-time adventure. Whether you visit in summer or winter, this historic mining town offers attractions for everyone, from top-notch dining options to exhilarating bobsledding. Consequently, you don’t have to be a skier or boarder to enjoy a vacation in Park City. Notably, if you’ve been itching for a weekend full of bobsledding, après ski bars, and mountain biking, you’re in the right place.
Day One
Compared to other mountain destinations, Park City excels when it comes to accessibility. Fly into Salt Lake International Airport and take a shuttle or rent a car for a short 45-minute drive up the hill. Upon arrival, check into the boutique Washington School House Hotel in downtown Park City, and make sure to step outside to inhale all that fresh mountain air. A leisurely stroll down Main Street provides a good orientation to the town’s rich history and unique architecture, with plenty of opportunities to explore shops and art galleries.
For dinner, head to Riverhorse on Main for delightful salads, expertly prepared steaks, and consistently great service. If staying out late is on your agenda, visit the 100-year-old No Name Saloon, a local dive bar with antler chandeliers, a cozy fireplace, and excellent people-watching.
How to Pack for a Weekend Trip
Day Two
Wake up early to hit the slopes. Park City is now home to America’s largest ski area, Park City Mountain Resort, which features 7,300 skiable acres and 41 chair lifts. Powder hounds will particularly enjoy Jupiter Bowl, while intermediates should navigate to the King Con Express to experience thrilling blue runs. For lunch, try Cloud Dine for an on-mountain meal or opt for salads and wraps at the Silver Star Café at the base of the mountain.
Only a short 5-minute drive from town, the skiers-only Deer Valley offers an array of meticulously groomed ski trails. If you find yourself in Park City between December and March, don’t miss the scenic sleigh ride to the Viking Yurt on Park City Mountain, where you’ll indulge in a six-course meal at an elevation of 8,700 feet.
During the summer months, Deer Valley features 70 miles of mountain bike trails, accessible via three different chair lifts. Regardless of the season, cap off your adventurous day at High West Distillery & Saloon—the country’s only ski-in, ski-out distillery—where you can enjoy a tour, savor hearty dishes like pretzels with whipped beer cheese, and sample award-winning whiskies like the Campfire: a smoky blend of Scotch, bourbon, and rye.
Day Three
Start your day with a comforting tea, Salt Lake City coffee from Millcreek, and baked goods at the indie bookstore Atticus Tea. If you’re ready for a break from skiing or biking, consider exploring the Utah Olympic Park. This venue is a remnant of the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games, featuring a museum that’s engaging for all ages, yet the real highlight is the Comet Bobsled: an exhilarating ride that takes thrill-seekers on 18 hairpin turns on the official Olympic sliding track. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s an adrenaline-pumping experience available in both summer and winter.
After a day of excitement, return to Park City and treat yourself to a delightfulMexican lunch at El Chubasco, a casual, order-at-the-counter cantina. Later, see what’s happening in town or venture to the Homestead Crater, a geothermal spring hidden within a towering limestone rock just 30 minutes from Park City. Here, guests can swim in the naturally warm 95-degree water, snorkel, or participate in paddle-board yoga classes. If you’re in the mood for luxury, visit the celebrity-favored St. Regis Deer Valley Remède Spa for an afternoon of pampering—the hot poultice massage is heavenly.
For dinner, check out one of Park City’s newer culinary gems, Handle. Located at the bottom of Main Street, this restaurant serves unforgettable trout sausage, fried chicken, and an exquisite caramel pudding for dessert. Lastly, check the calendar for events and finish your evening with a performance at Park City’s iconic Egyptian Theatre, one of the Sundance Film Festival’s most recognizable venues.
