Park City Mountain Resort with snow covered peaks and the cloud covered sun in the background

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah – A Complete Guide to the Ultimate Utah Ski Destination

The world renowned Park City Mountain Resort. The largest ski resort in the United States, offering over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, a lively town full of high quality shops and restaurants, fun activities all around and less than an hour drive all from Salt Lake City International Airport. What more could you want?

The Park City experience is built for families and groups with beginner friendly amenities and numerous activities off the slopes.

This guide will cover everything you need to know, from its diverse terrain and family-friendly activities to luxury lodging and après ski hotspots. Keep reading and Contact Skizi to plan your perfect winter escape at Park City Resort!

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“Park City is pure energy—world class skiing by day, live music and fine dining by night. There’s no other ski resort like it.”

Why it’s awesome

For Beginners – Start Off Strong

Park City has a few great options for beginners and plenty of terrain to progress on.

  • High Meadow Park: Located near Canyons Village, this is a safe and friendly space perfect for gaining confidence on the snow. Access it via the High Meadow Express lift after a relaxing ride on the Red Pine Gondola.
  • First-Time Run: Accessible right from the base, this green run and lift are ideal for absolute beginners. Take your time, find your groove, and enjoy a slow, scenic introduction to skiing.
  • Home Run: Covering 3.5 miles and a few thousand feet of elevation change, Home Run is not only one of the longest green runs in Utah but also a designated slow zone. Start at Summit House, coast through by the Viking Yurt down back to the base. You can stop midway and take the Bonanza Express back to the top if you want.
  • Progression Options: For skiers ready to tackle more, try winding through evolving blue runs like Chicane or loop the Bonanza Express Lift for added excitement in a safe, manageable environment.

Pro tip: Ski lessons make all the difference. Park City Resort offers both group and private lessons with experienced instructors to help you master the basics quickly and confidently.

For Families – Fun for All Ages

Park City Resort is loaded with family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained—on and off the slopes.

  • Childcare and Lessons: Got little ones? The resort provides childcare and age-appropriate lessons to ensure every family member gets the most out of their visit.
  • Mountain Coaster: You can ride solo or with your little ones on Utah’s longest guest controlled Mountain Coaster. The track is about a mile long through the trees and reaches speeds of up to 25 mph.
  • Snowmobiling: There’s a few tour operators which will take you on guided snowmobile tours through the Wasatch Range. Many provide free transportation to and from Park City Resort.
  • Zipline: This dual seater zipline takes you above the Park City Skiway. Ski gear is allowed so stop in before or after some runs.
  • Magical Sleigh Rides: Operated by Snowed Inn Sleigh rides, ride the cowboy driven sleigh up to the Snow Inn Lodge and enjoy western style dining and music.
Downward facing view of a gondola at Park City Resort Utah

Best Advanced Runs and Terrain

The resort offers an expansive layout with a wide variety of advanced terrain to explore. To make the most of your time, focus on a specific area and stick to looping the lifts there. Navigating across the resort can be time-consuming, so prioritizing one section ensures you spend more time doing what matters most—skiing!

  • Saddleback Express: Great mix of advanced and intermediate terrain. At the beginning of the day you can find powder stashes here especially in the glades. The Aspens and Flying Salmon are super fun runs through the trees and the lift takes you right back up to do it all over again!
  • McConkey’s Express Lift: One of the best sides of the mountain. There is expert, advanced all way down to beginner terrain however you usually won’t see many beginners over here. The bowls and the glades here are top notch and you can ride loop the next door Pioneer Lift for some blues or glades as well.
  • Jupiter Chairlift: If you want expert terrain and low crowds this is the lift to be on. It takes some navigating to get to Jupiter however you’ll find expert runs and boot pack trails full of powder stashes. You can either hike to from McConkey’s and ride across Pioneer ridge or ride up Pioneer and take the Jupiter access trail.
  • Super Condor Express: From the top of Super Condor pick your poison. Steep chutes, glades, or hike up to Murdock Peak to find fresh powder after a good snow day. Make sure to end up on Upper Boa which is the run through the canyon to ride the lift back up. This side of the mountain is usually not very crowded.
  • Peak 5 and Ninety Nine 90 Express: If you want steep then come here. The Abyss will show you what Park City has to offer. Bos of these lifts service the most expert terrain Park City has to offer.

Check out Park City’s Trail Map and plan your routes!

Park City’s Terrain Parks

Park City is also home to six terrain parks suited to all skill levels

  • Small Features: The Little Kings Park off Bonanza Express has a wide selection of small jumps, boxes, rollers, rails, and other features. Perfect for practicing new tricks.
  • Medium Features: Pick axe Park down from the King Con lift or Transitions Park off Sun Peak Express on the Canyons side will have medium jumps and features.
  • Large Features: 3 Kings Park, serviced by the 3 Kings lift is the park zone Park City is famous for. The Pick n Shovel zone will have the biggest features at the resort and the 3 Kings Lift takes you right to the top of park to do it all over again!
  • Halfpipe: Off 3 Kings lift you’ll find both a 13 foot mini-pipe and a 22 foot super pipe which runs over 550 feet in length. Try it out and see where you’ll stack up in the next Olympics!
Aerial View of Park City Resort's Mountain Base area with slopes, parking, lifts, halfpipe, and terrain parks visible.
Aerial View of Park City Resort’s Mountain Base area. Halfpipe, and terrain parks visible on the right

The Greatest Snow on Earth®

Utah’s trademarked “Greatest Snow on Earth®” slogan isn’t just marketing—it’s science. The powder has a perfect light and dry composition that feels divine to ski through. The state’s unique geography is to thank for its legendary powder. As Pacific storms cross the Sierra Nevada, they lose much of their moisture, leaving lighter, drier snow by the time they reach Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. This low moisture snow is soft, fluffy, and perfect for skiing. The Wasatch Range’s high elevation, cold temperatures, and ideal orientation ensure heavy snowfall and preserve its quality. With consistent storms, dry air, and perfect terrain, Utah’s snow has earned its reputation among skiers and snowboarders worldwide.

Après Ski & Surrounding Area

Park City

Park City’s entertainment scene is as vibrant as its slopes. There’s many great restaurants, bars, live music, galleries, museums, and shops to choose from.

Live Music and Entertainment
  • The Egyptian Theater: Enjoy the performing arts; find plays, comedy, or live music here.
  • The Cabin: Cocktails, beer live music and everything from pizza to steak to tacos.
  • The Spur Bar & Grill: Amazing food, burgers, wings, and extensive selection of beer on tap. They also have their signature “Spur Whiskey” and live music almost every night.
  • The Marquis Park City: This is a state of the art live music venues and bar. Check their calendar and book tickets ahead of time.
Upscale Dining
  • Firewood on Main street for u wood-fired steaks and a seasonal heirloom menu.
  • Chimayo on Main street for for gourmet southwestern and Utah culinary delights like Dukc enchiladas and Elk London broil and drinks.
  • Kaneo on Main street for Mediterranean seafood, lamb, mouth watering tomahawk steaks.
  • Riverhorse on Main street features a seasonal fine American dining menu and extensive selection wines. to pair your meal with.
  • Nelson’s Cottage by High West Distillery has absolutely amazing food. They offer a curated prix-fixe menu with additional whiskey pairings available to elevate your experience. The fixed menu changes weekly along with the recommended whiskey pairings, if you love whiskey and gourmet cuisine this is the experience for you.

The Viking Yurt: Gourmet Dining

A dinner at the Viking Yurt is a one of a kind, six course dining experience at Park City. This begins with a 25 minute snow cat pulled sleigh ride up the mountain where you can see nighttime views of the mountain and village below. The Yurt is cozy with a fire rolling and western, mountain decorated interior.

The first course is a hot drink accompanied by a hot soup, usually a Lobster bisque. Then a salad and a palate cleanser before the main entree. After your entree enjoy a cheese course before your selection of desert. The Yurt itself is cozy but the ride up will likely be cold so dress warm! Dinner starts around $225 per person.

View of the Viking Yurt at night on snow covered slope
Photo courtesy of Viking Yurt

Park City Hotels and Lodging

Park City is a vibrant town full of activities and places to stay. There are so many really great and unique places in the area. Below are some of my top recommendations.

Reach out directly and let me know questions you have about the area and different places to stay.

Luxury Accommodation

Waldorf Astoria Park City

Located in Canyons Village this five star resort is known for top notch service. The Waldorf is walking distance to the Frostwood Gondola which takes you to the base of the Orange Bubble Express lift.

Amenities include a pool with a wonderful bar, two hot tubs, fitness center, ski storage and a full service spa with 15 spa treatment rooms. There are plenty of rooms with kitchens for large groups or families which sleep 6, 8 or up to 12 with the four bedroom two level suite complete with cribs and a bed for your infant.

Book with Skizi

Book with Expedia

Washington School House

You will have the most personal and unique experience ever at this boutique hotel. The staff will go above and beyond to make your stay wonderful and unique. Breakfast is included and the food is amazing.

A short walk to the Town Lift and Main Street Park City as well as a free ski shuttle if you want to ride to the village. There is an outdoor pool as well as a bar and restaurant. This is the perfect stay for couples or small groups. Most rooms have king beds and some with a loft and a pullout.

Book with Expedia

Main & SKY

This is a luxury hotel located on Main Street in Park City. Easy access to the Old Town restaurants, shops, and other après activities as well as a short walk to the Town Ski Lift. There’s not many places you can walk to the lifts AND be in the middle of the most vibrant ski town in the United States.

The rooms have private hot tubs and fireplaces to relax after a day on the mountain. There are suites, multi bedroom suites up to the 3 bedroom Penthouses which sleep up to 7 and come equipped with full kitchens.

Book with Skizi

Mid Range Accommodation

Marriott’s MountainSide at Park City

Right at the base of the slopes and in the bustling Mountain village get the lifts right outside your door and the consistent service and quality that Marriott provides.

The hotel has a heated pool, hot tubs, a game room, sauna, and ski storage. The rooms have kitchens or kitchenettes and the two bedroom Villa sleeps up to 8.

Book with Skizi

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Park City – The Yarrow

Less than a mile from the lifts and on the direct shuttle route to the Mountain Village. The hotel is in the same shopping center at the Ray Movie Theater, Fresh Market for groceries, and some restaurants.

There are rooms with kitchenettes that sleep up to 4 as well as a pool, bar, and gym.

Book with Skizi


Cost Breakdown: 4-5 Days

CategoryEstimated Cost
Lift Tickets~$1050/4 days (multi-day pass discounts available, EPIC Pass).
Accommodations~$2400/ 5 nights depending on choice of lodging.
Gear Rentals~$250/4 days if needed (or BYO gear).
Food & Drinks~$60–$120/day (options range from casual eats to fine dining).
Transportation~$60 roundtrip from SLC
Rates as of December 2024

Total for 5 days: ~$3500-4500, depending on your lodging and dining preferences.

5 Days BYOG w/ Pass in Budget accommodation can surely cost less than $1000 per person. Contact Skizi to find you the best deals at no cost to you.

Getting There

Fastest Route

  • Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport
    (SLC), then drive 50 minutes
  • Transfer from the Airport
    • The SLC area has excellent transportation options to the resorts in the area. Most options are under $100 for a roundtrip or the UTA Ski Bus for as low as $5.
    • Transfer Companies

Other Options

  • Fly into Provo Airport (PVU), then drive 80 minutes.
    • If you are trying to beat the crowds, rent your own vehicle, and can get a good flights into Provo Airport then this option could work for you.
    • The Provo Airport is smaller, a bit further from Park City, and transportation is not as easily accessible.
    • If you are driving I definitely recommend snow tires and 4 wheel drive.

Contact Skizi

Get your custom itinerary and reservations secured. If you want awesome snow, solid terrain, or an excellent family ski trip without spending huge amounts of money then now is the time to secure your trip to Park City Mountain Resort.

Let us create the ultimate trip for you! From lodging and flights to lift tickets, transportation, and activities, we handle all the details—at no extra cost to you.

Send in a Trip Intake Form or Book online to start planning your perfect getaway today!

After submitting the contact form I will reach out to you via email with either some itineraries or to set up a quick call to discuss your specific needs. Before your trip you will receive confirmations and a detailed itinerary, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.

If you would like to talk to me directly book a time at the link below.

For a quick question send me the form below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

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