Weekender Ski Park City
So you've made the decision to ski Park City for a weekend. That decision alone will be rewarded with three resorts that eclipse over 9,000 acres of Utah's renowned skiing and riding. But the mountains are only the beginning. See it all here.
Explore the itinerary, then start planning your Utah ski vacation.
Ready for a weekend in Park City? If it's your first, welcome! We expect you'll find ample reason to wish you had more time, and we'll look forward to seeing you again soon. For old friends, welcome back. Here's a quick synopsis of what a weekend in Utah's renowned mountain town might look like. Once you're ready to dig in further, read our guide "One Destination, Three Resorts."
Most paths to Park City's three incredible ski resorts pass through Salt Lake City. Via rental car or shuttle, you can connect the airport to the slopes in 40 minutes or less. But why rush? Utah's capital city is teeming with arts, nightlife and attitude, cheekily branding itself, West of Conventional, because it’s so much more than what anyone expects. It’s a city that has, for 150 years, attracted pioneers to come for faith and fortune but who have fortuitously discovered freedom and fulfillment in its alpine surrounds. It's a city worth spending time in, not just flying into, especially for skiers and riders hitting one of its four Cottonwood Canyons resorts. (There's a reason why it's called Ski City. But that's another itinerary.)
After roaming the grid of Salt Lake, make your way to Park City. You can spend the night in Salt Lake or drive up in the morning. It's a quick run up Parley's Canyon either way, but check the weather for the most optimal driving experience. Once in Park City, it's about soaking up all that the mountain town has to offer. There's lodging on and off the mountain and free shuttles connecting it all.
Pro Tip: Park City’s free electric bus system takes locals and visitors all over town and to their favorite resorts and other haunts. Help ease traffic and keep Utah skies blue by taking the bus when possible. You might just discover some tips and tricks from fellow riders.
When it comes to skiing and riding, the numbers speak for themselves: three resorts combine for nearly two dozen peaks across more than 9,300 acres of terrain ranging from the best groomers anywhere to deep powder bowls and scenic glade skiing. There are more than a hundred restaurants and bars, great local art experiences, historic tours and shops spread throughout the town of Park City. Yet the resorts themselves also serve up some of the state's most celebrated culinary experiences alongside luxurious spas, friendly ski beaches and cool mountain-town vibes that are sure to stick with you long after you leave.
Salt Lake City to Park City
40 Miles
Utah's capital city is teeming with arts, nightlife and attitude. Local blues musician and former public radio DJ "Bad" Brad Wheeler put it this way: "There’s no place else you can be this close to this much culture, music, art and, just, environmental goodness." Salt Lake City has all the amenities you'd expect of a major metropolitan area — craft coffee, distilleries, breweries, performing arts — yet also offers virtually unparalleled proximity to a mountainous backyard and a rather unique and authentic vibe. Again, Wheeler: "Authenticity is everything. And it’s not L.A. It’s not Nashville. It’s Salt Lake City. It is it’s own thing. It is not a copy of something else." Overnight in Salt Lake City or make the short drive to lodging in Park City.
Park City Mountain
1 Miles
Today is about soaking up all that the mountain town of Park City has to offer. When it comes to skiing and riding, the numbers speak for themselves: 17 peaks, 14 bowls and seven terrain parks on 7,300 acres — if we've done our math right (and if we are reasonably current with this ever-changing resort). The whole thing is connected by an 8-passenger gondola so you can access the best of Canyons Village or Historic Main Street in Park City without turning on your car. That's more than 100 restaurants and bars and great local art, cultural events and shopping. Walk, take the free shuttle or drive to Ritual Chocolate and ski into the High West Saloon. (High West also has a distillery with tours and brunch or lunch in the nearby town of Wanship.)
Deer Valley Resort
40 Miles
Readers of SKI magazine consistently rate Deer Valley's guest services number one, as well as ranking it "best-groomed resort." Once you travel to this luxury skiers-only resort, you don't have to lift a finger or worry about the details because its thought of everything. You just have to ski. Deer Valley boasts some of the world's best slope-side hotel lodging anywhere, including the modern and luxurious St. Regis and Montage hotels, in addition to hundreds of condo properties right on the mountain. The après-ski scene is so abundant and satisfying that you may find yourself hastening your last run of the afternoon. Alternatively, consider a stop at Utah Olympic Park. And since the airport is so close, you might as well stay in Park City for dinner.
Woodward Park City
27 Miles
This state-of-the-art, innovative resort is the nation’s first all-in-one action sports and ski resort. Just 27 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport, Woodward boasts a 125-acre campus complete with snowboarding, skiing, tubing and mountain biking as well as indoor and outdoor facilities for skateboarding, BMX, scooter, parkour and cheer. The resort offers endless opportunities for passionate action sports athletes of all ages and abilities (beginner to expert).
After a full day of world-class adventure at Woodward, mosey on over to Park City's Historic Main Street to eat, drink, browse and shop the rest of the evening away. Wear comfortable shoes and have your camera ready for this uphill people-watching paseo.