Park City is one of the most popular ski destinations in the country. Known for its skiing, snowboarding and the location of the Sundance Film festival. And don’t forget the historic main street.
I personally am glad we decided to stay in Park City versus Salt Lake City during our weeklong stay, even if places like Solitude, Snowbird and Brighton were a 45-minute drive. The vibe of this historical mountain town with its incredible number of things to do simply outweigh that of Salt Lake City.
So, what makes Park City special? Aside from what I just mentioned above. What is Park City known for and what should you check out during your visit?
Getting to Park City
The closest airport is the Salt Lake City international airport, which is only a half hour drive from downtown Park City making it a convenient location and gives easy access to a lot of outdoor adventure, like I mentioned about (Solitude, Snowbird, Brighton).
The best time to visit Park City
Anytime of the year is a great time to visit Park City. In the summer months there are great mountain biking trails to explore and the perfect place to hear live music as part of the Park City concert series.
In winter of course there is some great powder to ride. To me the perfect time to visit is late February and March. At this time the winter season is still in full swing but you can get some warm days that allow you to explore the best places in Park City without needing to bundle up too much.
Top Things to do in Park City in Winter
Ski or ride Park City Mountain
Of course, the main reason people come to Park City is to ski or ride the mountain. Park City Mountain Resort is huge and has a ton of terrain to offer for any skill level. in the summer you can take a ride on Utah’s largest alpine coaster with speeds up to 25mph or head down one of the world’s longest alpine slide with a 3.000-foot luge-like track.
If you only have one day, this mountain is the largest ski resort in the United States so you really need to pick an area you want to check out and stick to you. Canyons, which is part of Park City Mountain, is a cool place to check out if you want a unique experience. It feels like you are touring expensive houses as you ride trail over and under roads with million-dollar homes all around you.
With over 330 trails, no matter how experienced you are, whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find trails suited to you. I personally did not find this mountain that challenging, however, in March it can sometimes be unseasonably warm, and more like spring skiing, with several areas closed due to exposed ground and rocks.
Deer valley resort is also nearby, however, this is a skier only mountain so I won’t be talking about this one.
Hike or snowshoe one of the many hiking trails around Park City
What I love about Utah is the diversity of outdoor activities. Park City is no different. Surrounding and within the city area are numerous hiking trails that can be accessed all year round. Though in winter, I would recommend snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Another bonus is that most of these trails are also dog friendly, so if you travel with your pooch you won’t have to worry about which trails are suited. Just please remember to pick up after your dogs, no one wants to be hiking a trail and need to dance around piles of dog waste.
If you are staying in the surrounding area, outside of the historic main street, there are paved walking paths that take you right into main street and have incredible metal and street art along the way. In the nonwinter months, these trails are great for running.
Cross country skiing
Park City has incredible cross-country skiing and it’s a great way to spend a day off from riding the slopes. There are over 70 kilometers of groomed trails in Park City and the surrounding mountains.
You can choose between Basin Recreation with 25 kilometers of free multi-use trails, Round Valley, also 25 kilometers of free multi-use trails that is also dog friendly, or White Pine touring Nordic center, with 25 kilometers of groomed trails for a fee.
If you just want to explore some of the surrounding hiking trails, you can rent some skis and check them out for free. With the understanding that they are not groomed of course. For more information and trail maps check out the Visit Park City website.
Check out historic main street
One of the best things about Park City is the historic main street. Also known as the Park City Main Street District, there are over 200 businesses, including 40 restaurants and a mixture of shopping, spas, and hotels.
There is also several trails that lead into the Main Street as well as the Park City Mountain’s Town lift chairlift, which takes you in and out of Park City Mountain.
I personally loved checking out the various art galleries, especially the wildlife photographer and conservationist Thomas Mangelson. His photos are spectacular, with many of his works being of the animals of Yellowstone.
Visit the Park City Museum
One of the other top places to check out is the Park City Museum. I know it might not be at the top of peoples lists, but on a cold winter day a visit to a historical museum is the perfect escape and you might learn something too.
The museum boasts some of the original pieces from when this was a mining town to when the first lifts opened on the mountain.
Visit the Utah Olympic Park
In 2002, the winter Olympics was held in Utah and all the infrastructure still remains and on certain days you can head over there and still watch some incredible talent compete. It’s pretty impressive to see the shear size of the jumps created and used by these athletes.
Go Horseback riding
Just outside of Park City is a ton of nature worth exploring and one way to do that is to go on a horseback riding adventure. Rocky Mountain outfitters is one of the top recommended companies in the area and winter rides last about an hour, though they are open year round. You could also go on a sleigh ride if you are not comfortable horseback riding. Park City Sleigh Rides offer a private 1/2 hour tour for $150 or you can head out as a group.
Visit the Kimball art center
1251 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
A non-profit organization, Kimball art center is a great way to spend a day when the weather outside is chilly. There are rotating exhibits and artist in residence so make sure to check their website to see what artist is on display and what events are coming up.
Go snow tubing
Head over to Woodward Park City where you can go snow tubing during the day or at night. Depending on the time of year and day of the week, prices range from $40-85.
Go dog sledding
Dog sledding is one of those adventures that a lot of areas located near a ski mountain offer. Just a 25-minute drive from Park City is Bear Ridge Adventures. They offer 1 hour, 2 hour and half day tours with their 1 hour/1 sled tour starting at $400. I talk about these tours a lot, and they are always pricey but one of those things that everyone should experience once.
Ghost tours
If you are looking for something a little different going on a ghost tour is it. Park City Ghost tours leave at 7pm every day and owners (retired history teachers and a film maker who studied metaphysics and paranormal activity) did a ton of research about the area and found 15 particularly terrifying and interesting stories to include on the tour. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for kids 16 and under.
Visit the ice castles
Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, 2002 Olympic Drive, Midway, Utah 84049
There is something magical and child-like about exploring ice castles, tunnels and slides. Built every year their unique designs bring thousands around the country, including Park City Ice Castles. General admission is $25 for ages 12+ and $17 for ages 4-11. Open Friday and Saturday, weather dependent.
Best après ski things to do in Park City
Of course, you can’t talk about main street without mentioning the restaurants. With over 40 to choose from it can feel a bit overwhelming. I personally enjoyed 501 on Main with its bowtie pasta. It’s a great lunch spot.
Though with Park City being what it is, keep in mind that nothing is cheap here and you tend to pay a premium for everything.
Drink craft beer
Utah is not really known for its beer scene. Actually, they have pretty strict rules on their beer. You cannot order a beer on tap that is over 5%. If they have a beer on tap that’s over 5%, you often need to order some form of protein to go with it. Yup, Utah is weird like that.
So, I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered not one, but two craft breweries in Park City! To me there is nothing like having a couple of beers after a day on the mountain.
Wasatch Brewing Company
250 Main Street, Park City, UT 84060
The beer here is excellent. Opened by Greg Schirf, originally from Milwaukee, he moved to Utah and his first thought was “where is the beer?” Having found no breweries, he decided to open one.
One of their most famous beers is the Polygamy Porter. But if dark beers are not really for you, I highly recommend their hefeweizens, they are out of this world.
Offset Bier
1755 Bonanza Dr Unit C, Park City, UT 84060
This small brewery doesn’t have a lot of seating, but people are happy to crowd in to grab a pint after a day on the mountain. More about the hops and therefore the IPAs, their DOPO and Riwaka are two must haves.
They also have cans to go and growlers, where you can buy some of the higher percentage beers, not just the under 5%ers.
No Name Saloon Bar and Grill
447 Main St, Park City, UT 84060
Not a brewery, but one of the coolest and most popular bars in the Historic Main Street. After a day on the mountain, this is the place to be.
Open from 11AM-2AM every day this place knows how to party. The interior is a mixture of old skis and snowboards, the fans overhead are on a pully system just like the chairlifts and the atmosphere is loud with 80s music blaring from the speakers.
Sit inside or head upstairs to their rooftop deck, either way the place is an experience. Eat or drink, but definitely stop by to check this place out.
Concluding Thoughts
Park City is a pretty town with a distinct mountain vibe, though of the high-end sort. It doesn’t feel as rich as Vail but being a Vail Mountain itself, it still has that rich feel with the ski bum undertone.
Even if you aren’t into skiing or snowboarding, there is plenty to do in Park City in March. And if you decide to make Park City your home base for a week of visiting the mountains, check out the top mountains to visit while in Utah.
