Park City is a premier ski destination, renowned for its skiing, snowboarding, and the annual Sundance Film Festival, alongside its historic main street. During our weeklong stay, I appreciated our decision to choose Park City over Salt Lake City, despite the latter granting access to other ski venues such as Solitude, Snowbird, and Brighton, which are merely a 45-minute drive away. The charm and vibrancy of this historical mountain town, with its plethora of activities, far surpasses the offerings of Salt Lake City.

Getting to Park City

The nearest airport is Salt Lake City International Airport, conveniently located just a half-hour drive from downtown Park City. This proximity makes it an ideal gateway to a variety of outdoor adventures, including those found at Solitude, Snowbird, and Brighton.

Best Times to Visit Park City

Park City is a year-round attraction. During the summer, visitors can explore excellent mountain biking trails and enjoy live music events as part of the Park City concert series. In winter, the region offers remarkable powder skiing. I recommend visiting in late February or March—this period allows you to enjoy the active winter season while also savoring pleasantly warm days, making it easier to experience the best of Park City without excessive layers.

Top Winter Activities in Park City

Ski or Ride at Park City Mountain

Central to Park City’s allure is the Park City Mountain Resort, which presents an extensive range of terrain catering to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. In summer, visitors can experience Utah’s largest alpine coaster, reaching speeds of up to 25 mph, or navigate one of the world’s longest alpine slides, featuring a 3,000-foot luge-like track. If you have only one day, focus on an area of this vast resort, which is the largest ski area in the United States. For a unique encounter, explore Canyons, an area of Park City Mountain that provides a distinctive experience, meandering through luxurious homes. With over 330 trails, both beginners and experienced skiers can find suitable options. However, it’s noted that in March, unseasonably warm conditions can lead to spring-like skiing, with some areas temporarily closing due to exposed ground.

Hiking and Snowshoeing Trails

Utah offers diverse outdoor activities, and Park City is no exception. It is surrounded by numerous hiking trails accessible throughout the year. In winter, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing is recommended. Many of these trails are dog-friendly, allowing visitors traveling with pets to enjoy the scenery without concern. Please ensure to clean up after your dogs, preserving the trails for everyone’s enjoyment. If you opt to stay near the historic main street, paved walking paths connect you directly to the area and feature remarkable metal and street art along the way. In warmer months, these paths are excellent for running.

Cross-Country Skiing

Park City offers excellent cross-country skiing options, providing a refreshing alternative to downhill skiing. There are over 70 kilometers of groomed trails in the region. Explore Basin Recreation, which features 25 kilometers of free multi-use trails, or Round Valley, also boasting 25 kilometers of trails that welcome dogs. Alternatively, consider the White Pine Touring Nordic Center, which offers 25 kilometers of groomed trails for a fee. If you wish to explore surrounding trails, skis are available for rent at no charge, but these paths are not groomed. For additional information and trail maps, visit the Visit Park City website.

Historic Main Street

A highlight of Park City is its historic main street, referred to as the Park City Main Street District, which houses over 200 businesses, including 40 restaurants, shops, spas, and hotels. Several trails connect to Main Street, including the Park City Mountain’s Town lift chairlift, facilitating easy access to and from the mountain. Among my favorite pastimes was visiting the various art galleries, particularly those featuring wildlife photography by Thomas Mangelson, a noted conservationist. His captivating images, many sourced from Yellowstone, are truly remarkable.

Park City Museum

The Park City Museum is another highlighted attraction worth visiting. Although it may not be a priority for some, it serves as a perfect retreat on chilly winter days, providing educational insights into the town’s mining past and its development following the establishment of ski lifts.

Utah Olympic Park

Hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Utah Olympic Park still features extensive infrastructure. On specific days, visitors can witness incredible athletic performances at the venue, enhancing the experience with the breathtaking scale of the jumps utilized by elite athletes.

Horseback Riding

Adjacent to Park City lies a wealth of natural beauty waiting to be discovered. Horseback riding provides a fantastic opportunity to engage with this landscape. The Rocky Mountain Outfitters offer highly recommended excursions, lasting about an hour in winter, but they provide services year-round. Alternatively, sleigh rides are available for those less comfortable with horseback riding. Park City Sleigh Rides offers private 30-minute tours for $150 or group outings.

Kimball Art Center

Located at 1251 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060, the Kimball Art Center is a nonprofit hub featuring rotating exhibits and artist-in-residence programs. Check their website to stay updated on current displays and upcoming events.

Snow Tubing

For an exhilarating experience, visit Woodward Park City for snow tubing during the day or at night. Pricing ranges from $40 to $85, depending on the day and time of year.

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding experiences are prevalent in many ski areas. A mere 25-minute drive from Park City will lead you to Bear Ridge Adventures, which offers one-hour, two-hour, and half-day tours, starting at $400 for the one-hour/one-sled experience. Despite the premium pricing, it’s an adventure everyone should experience at least once.

Ghost Tours

For a unique exploration, consider a ghost tour. Park City Ghost Tours runs daily at 7 PM lead by knowledgeable guides who have meticulously researched 15 chilling and intriguing stories from the area. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $15 for children aged 16 and under.

Ice Castles

Located at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, 2002 Olympic Drive, Midway, Utah 84049, the Ice Castles offer a magical experience with tunnels and slides crafted from ice. These unique structures attract thousands of visitors annually, including those visiting the Park City Ice Castles. General admission is $25 for those aged 12 and above, and $17 for younger visitors. The venue is open on Fridays and Saturdays, weather permitting.

Best Après Ski Activities in Park City

No discussion of main street is complete without mentioning its restaurants. With over 40 dining options, you will find plenty to explore. One of my personal favorites is 501 on Main, known for its exceptional bowtie pasta—ideal for lunch. As Park City boasts a premium experience, it’s important to remember that everything here often comes at a higher price point.

Craft Beer Scene

While Utah is not well-known for its beer, the state does have strict regulations, limiting on-tap beer to under 5% alcohol by volume. Ordering a higher-ABV beer often requires some form of food to accompany it, an unusual quirk of Utah’s beer culture. Nevertheless, I was pleasantly surprised to discover two craft breweries in Park City, making post-slope relaxation a treat after a day in the mountains.

Wasatch Brewing Company

Located at 250 Main Street, Park City, UT 84060, Wasatch Brewing Company was established by Greg Schirf, who sought to fill the void for quality beer in the area after relocating from Milwaukee. His renowned Polygamy Porter is a must-try, and I highly recommend sampling their exceptional hefeweizens.

Offset Bier

Located at 1755 Bonanza Dr Unit C, Park City, UT 84060, this small brewery has limited seating but attracts crowds eager for pints post-ski. Emphasizing hop-forward brews, their DOPO and Riwaka varieties are highly recommended.

No Name Saloon Bar and Grill

Situated at 447 Main St, Park City, UT 84060, this popular bar is an excellent spot to unwind post-skiing. Open from 11 AM to 2 AM daily, its lively atmosphere, featuring vintage skis and snowboards, provides a distinctive experience. The venue buzzes with energy, amplified by a soundscape of 80s music. Whether basking in the ambiance indoors or enjoying the rooftop deck, the No Name Saloon offers an authentic Park City experience.

Concluding Thoughts

Park City combines picturesque scenery with a distinct mountain ambiance, though leaning toward a high-end appeal. While it may not exude the opulence of Vail, it maintains a refined essence amidst its outdoor culture. Even for those who may not ski or snowboard, Park City offers a wealth of activities throughout March. Should you choose Park City as a base for your mountain adventures, consider exploring the top mountains to visit while in Utah.