Why Go
This is the biggest resort in the U.S., the result of linking Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons. It’s a uniting of the two worlds: the silver mining town and the modern-day resort complex. There are 7,300 acres to ski and even a moderate skier can make it from end to end and back in a day (you can always take the bus if it becomes too much). There’s also the feather-light snow, known as the greatest snow on earth.
What to Do
- Ski. There’s plenty of it for all levels with more than 300 trails, 41 lifts, eight terrain parks, 14 bowls, six half pipes, one super pipe and one mini-pipe. About 60 percent of the resort is either beginner or intermediate level. Park City’s main base is the perfect spot to learn with a large, almost flat area. There are lots of easy runs to progress to, with much of the expert terrain tucked away at the back. The Quicksilver gondola hops over the ridge to Canyons, where there’s more in the way of demanding terrain. This is a delight for adventurous children with a real feel of travelling rather than just going up and down. You can lead young ones anywhere without fear of getting into trouble. Should there not be enough skiing here for you, sophisticated Deer Valley is next door with other resorts (Solitude, Brighton, Sundance) a short drive away.
- Children’s Facilities. Lessons start for those at only three years old, with a full-day, small group experience combining time on the hill with fun and games. There are groups for both skiers and boarders, from beginner up. For any children other than beginners, there’s also the Ultimate Peak-to-Peak ski or board sessions in groups of no more than five, seeing the resort from end to end. There are three levels: Blue Terrain Rippers for those who can turn, Black Terrain Groomers, for those who can tackle black diamond pistes, and All Terrain Masters, for those comfortable anywhere.
Where to Stay
A resort of two halves. Park City itself is a fascinating place with a historic Main Street (it’s possible to ski right down to it) and is packed with Victorian western buildings. Hotels, however, are spread far and wide. An easy, free transport network gets you around.
Canyons Village is a car-free place four miles away with big, modern hotels and condos, including the Grand Summit Hotel and Waldorf Astoria. Then there’s Utah Olympic Park, the site of ski jumping from the 2002 Winter Olympics. Visitors can take a lesson in the basics of jumping, ride a bobsled, tube, zip line and tour the Olympic museum. Tanger Outlet Mall is nearby and on the free bus route. There’s also the usual snowmobiling, sleigh rides and snowshoeing. The town becomes star-studded each winter with Robert Redford’s Sundance Film Festival.
Getting Around
Park City is an easy 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City and its airport with nationwide connections. Park City has all you need for a vacation – a Victorian metropolis with everything from hip coffee shops to sophisticated restaurants. Free buses provide a comprehensive service, giving easy access from all the accommodation, even down to the Canyons Village base, with its own facilities.
Nick Dalton, a U.K.-based travel writer for newspapers, such as The Times, has visited nearly 90 U.S. ski resorts (and another 20 or so in Canada). When not skiing he’s also an expert on cruises, and his children, Georgia and Henry. Images courtesy of Visit Park City.