Getting to know Park City
What do miners, Mormons and mountains have in common? They
all can lay claim to having a hand in the growth and popularity of Park City,
one of the country’s premier high-end ski resort towns. Indeed, Park City
boasts several major ski resorts including Deer Valley Resort and Park City
Mountain Resort, both of which were the setting for a wealth of skiing and
other snow-sport events at the 2002 Winter Olympics. The city is also the
primary home to the Sundance Film Festival that hosts a jet-set of star-studded
glitterati, bringing in millions of dollars of revenue to the city’s coffers
each year.
Only about 30 miles from Salt Lake City but a world away in ambience, the tourist population of Park City is said to greatly exceed the number of permanent residents. For those lucky enough to call Park City home, either full- or part-time, housing options definitely trend toward the luxury end of the market. However, you can find a scattering of more affordable residences including mid-range mountain-craftsman-style single-family homes plus a few townhomes, condos and cozy studios. But more often, you’ll see stunning new-construction contemporaries, sprawling chalet-esque abodes (almost always with towering view-windows) and similar gorgeous estate properties. Some are nestled forest-side and frequently have expansive view-decks adorned with cold-weather hot tubs. For those looking to go the custom-build route, you’ll want to take a gander at the listings of lots and land for sale.
Only about 30 miles from Salt Lake City but a world away in ambience, the tourist population of Park City is said to greatly exceed the number of permanent residents. For those lucky enough to call Park City home, either full- or part-time, housing options definitely trend toward the luxury end of the market. However, you can find a scattering of more affordable residences including mid-range mountain-craftsman-style single-family homes plus a few townhomes, condos and cozy studios. But more often, you’ll see stunning new-construction contemporaries, sprawling chalet-esque abodes (almost always with towering view-windows) and similar gorgeous estate properties. Some are nestled forest-side and frequently have expansive view-decks adorned with cold-weather hot tubs. For those looking to go the custom-build route, you’ll want to take a gander at the listings of lots and land for sale.
The Feel
Although it’s less than an hour from Salt Lake City, Park City enjoys a much more sport-rich atmosphere than her comparatively sophisticated city-slicker urban sister. Awash with natural rugged beauty, this heaven-on-earth for skiers is home to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard team as well as several of the country’s largest ski resorts that show off with hundreds of miles of downhill trails — all of which means that it’s not at all uncommon to share the road with ski-racked luxury SUVs driven by adventure-seeking snow-sport aficionados. But in Park City, it’s not just the ski-elite who appreciate the area’s majestic mountains — locals who love the ski-life live here too, and it’s also a popular getaway for a bevy of buff weekend-warriors who savor the cardiac thrill of skiing some of the legendary trails and slopes of Park City.
When it’s time for more sedate endeavors, a stroll along Historic Main Street reveals restored Victorian architecture and plenty of boutiques, jewelry stores, sport-outfitters and eateries, both casual and fine-dining. In the mood for burgers or sushi? No problem. Jonesing for a juicy steak, Italian comfort food, tacos, enchiladas or pretty much anything in-between — including vegan and vegetarian options — and Park City’s Main Street probably can quench your gastronomic thirst. And when the sun goes down, the proverbial nightlife curtain goes up on Park City’s kaliedoscope of breezy bistros, bustling bars and hip-and-happening clubs.
While it’s unquestionably true that Park City winters are cold and snowy, life here is not ALL about Mother Nature’s frosty-frozen season. In fact, summers in Park City feature warm days and cool nights and are a delight for the city’s plethora of Fido-fond hikers, short- and long-distance bikers, hot air balloon enthusiasts and those who are just-nuts about fishing. Scenic drives are all the summertime rage, too, as the mountains become more friendly to those whose sporty souls are on the shy-side.
FYIs
When it’s time for more sedate endeavors, a stroll along Historic Main Street reveals restored Victorian architecture and plenty of boutiques, jewelry stores, sport-outfitters and eateries, both casual and fine-dining. In the mood for burgers or sushi? No problem. Jonesing for a juicy steak, Italian comfort food, tacos, enchiladas or pretty much anything in-between — including vegan and vegetarian options — and Park City’s Main Street probably can quench your gastronomic thirst. And when the sun goes down, the proverbial nightlife curtain goes up on Park City’s kaliedoscope of breezy bistros, bustling bars and hip-and-happening clubs.
While it’s unquestionably true that Park City winters are cold and snowy, life here is not ALL about Mother Nature’s frosty-frozen season. In fact, summers in Park City feature warm days and cool nights and are a delight for the city’s plethora of Fido-fond hikers, short- and long-distance bikers, hot air balloon enthusiasts and those who are just-nuts about fishing. Scenic drives are all the summertime rage, too, as the mountains become more friendly to those whose sporty souls are on the shy-side.
FYIs
- In the mid-1800s, Mormon settlers — led by Parley P. Pratt — named the area Parley’s Park City, a moniker later shortened to Park City.
- In the latter half of the 19th century, the town became a mining boomtown filled with prospectors, and by 1892, the Silver King Mine was one of the most famous silver mines in the world.
- Fast forward a few decades, and after a long and distinguished reputation as a prime skiing and tourist town, Park City became a global ski-sensation as a result of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.
- Many champion skiers and snow-sport competitors are either originally from Park City or call it their current hometown or their home-away-from-home training center.
An Incredible Location
Park City Properties For Sale
Things To Do
Less than an hour from Salt Lake City, Park City is one of the country’s premier ski resort towns, boasting several major ski resorts including Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort, both of which were the setting for skiing and other snow-sport events at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Indeed, this heaven-on-earth for skiers is home to hundreds of miles of downhill trails as well as being a gorgeous getaway for hikers, mountain-bikers, hot air balloon enthusiasts and fishing aficionados. Scenic drives hit the proverbial spot for many, plus Park City is the primary home to the Sundance Film Festival that hosts a jet-set of star-studded glitterati as well as a wealth of ‘regular-dude and dudette’ tourists.
Here’s a sampling of what there is to do and see in Park City and surrounding areas.
Park City Mountain Resort
The largest resort in the United States, Park City Mountain Resort struts her stuff with magnificent winter-time skiing and snow-boarding, with warmer weather making it a hot-spot for farmers markets, outdoor concerts and more.
Deer Valley Resort
Well-known as a skier’s paradise, Deer Valley Resort is a popular luxury mountain resort that offers a bevy of high-end amenities. Deer Valley Resort is also a sought-after summer destination thanks to its plethora of hiking and biking trails, scenic chairlift rides, camps for kids, outdoor concerts and horseback riding options.
Alpine Mountain Coaster
Located at Park City Mountain Village, the Alpine Mountain Coaster lets you be in control of your speed while sitting in a toboggan-style car racing down the mountain on almost 4,000 feet of twisty-turny elevated track.
Woodward Park City
Woodward Park City features a 52,000 square-foot indoor training facility with a skatepark, trampolines, foam-pits and more. Also located on the 125-acre campus are biking trails and an outdoor mountain park for sledding, snowboarding and skiing.
Utah Olympic Park
Home to several prime-time events of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Utah Olympic Park is now used as a venue for engaging Utah’s youth in a variety of sports/sports-related activities. A few of Olympic Park’s activities/amenities include:
State Parks
If you’re itching to get out of the city just a little bit, mosey on out a few miles to one of the several state parks within easy driving distance from Park City. Close-by parks include:
Mirror Lake Highway Scenic Byway
One of the most popular mountain-driving routes in Utah, the 56-mile Mirror Lake Highway Scenic Byway begins in Kamas, just outside of Park City. The route crests at 10,715 feet at Bald Mountain Pass then descends past Hayden Peak, Kletting Peak and Holiday Park Peak. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of picnic areas and campgrounds as well as waterfalls, lakes, trails and scenic overlooks.
Sundance Film Festival
Park City is the primary setting for the country’s largest independent film festival, the Sundance Film Festival. The Festival’s award-winning programs include a wide variety of films and features (including documentaries and short films), series and episodic content, and emerging media installations and performances.
Park City’s Historic Main Street
Comfy, cozy, quaint and charming, Park City’s Historic Main Street exudes an old-timey — yet very upscale — ambience. Filled with vibrant Victorian architecture, Main Street is the heart of Park City and is home to dozens of bistros, bars, fun and funky clothing boutiques, ice cream parlors and more.
Park Silly Market
From June to September, enjoy Park Silly Market on Historic Main Street when every Sunday is turned into ‘fun-day’.
Park City Museum
The mission of the Park City Museum is to preserve, protect and promote Park City’s colorful history and rich heritage. Explore a replica of a mine, learn how silver is made, ride an antique ski subway and more.
Eat, drink and be very, very merry!
Said to be home to more than 100 restaurants and bars — and who are we to question the locals — Park City boasts cuisine and libations of all persuasions. Here are a number of options; trust us, there are many, many more.
Bangkok Thai on Main
Here’s a sampling of what there is to do and see in Park City and surrounding areas.
Park City Mountain Resort
The largest resort in the United States, Park City Mountain Resort struts her stuff with magnificent winter-time skiing and snow-boarding, with warmer weather making it a hot-spot for farmers markets, outdoor concerts and more.
- 7,300+ acres
- 330+ trails
- 43 lifts
Deer Valley Resort
Well-known as a skier’s paradise, Deer Valley Resort is a popular luxury mountain resort that offers a bevy of high-end amenities. Deer Valley Resort is also a sought-after summer destination thanks to its plethora of hiking and biking trails, scenic chairlift rides, camps for kids, outdoor concerts and horseback riding options.
- 2,026 skiable acres
- 103 ski runs
- 21 chairlifts
Alpine Mountain Coaster
Located at Park City Mountain Village, the Alpine Mountain Coaster lets you be in control of your speed while sitting in a toboggan-style car racing down the mountain on almost 4,000 feet of twisty-turny elevated track.
- Reaches speeds up to 30 mph
- Motion-sickness meds optional
Woodward Park City
Woodward Park City features a 52,000 square-foot indoor training facility with a skatepark, trampolines, foam-pits and more. Also located on the 125-acre campus are biking trails and an outdoor mountain park for sledding, snowboarding and skiing.
- Activity lessons
- Kids’ summer camp programs
Utah Olympic Park
Home to several prime-time events of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Utah Olympic Park is now used as a venue for engaging Utah’s youth in a variety of sports/sports-related activities. A few of Olympic Park’s activities/amenities include:
- Extreme tubing hill
- Summer bobsled run
- Airbag jump
- Recreational camps
- Ropes course
- Ziplines
State Parks
If you’re itching to get out of the city just a little bit, mosey on out a few miles to one of the several state parks within easy driving distance from Park City. Close-by parks include:
- Jordanelle State Park
- Rockport State Park
- Wasatch Mountain State Park
Mirror Lake Highway Scenic Byway
One of the most popular mountain-driving routes in Utah, the 56-mile Mirror Lake Highway Scenic Byway begins in Kamas, just outside of Park City. The route crests at 10,715 feet at Bald Mountain Pass then descends past Hayden Peak, Kletting Peak and Holiday Park Peak. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of picnic areas and campgrounds as well as waterfalls, lakes, trails and scenic overlooks.
- In the fall, this drive is a leaf-peepers dream-come-true thanks to the spectacular forests changing color as a result of Mother Nature’s lifecycle
Sundance Film Festival
Park City is the primary setting for the country’s largest independent film festival, the Sundance Film Festival. The Festival’s award-winning programs include a wide variety of films and features (including documentaries and short films), series and episodic content, and emerging media installations and performances.
- Panel discussions, live music events and star-gazing (of the people variety…) are also part and parcel of the Festival scene
Park City’s Historic Main Street
Comfy, cozy, quaint and charming, Park City’s Historic Main Street exudes an old-timey — yet very upscale — ambience. Filled with vibrant Victorian architecture, Main Street is the heart of Park City and is home to dozens of bistros, bars, fun and funky clothing boutiques, ice cream parlors and more.
- In June, a 1,500-seat table stretches the length of Main Street for the Savor the Summit’s Grande Table event where you can enjoy an evening of fine food and live music with hundreds of your new best friends
Park Silly Market
From June to September, enjoy Park Silly Market on Historic Main Street when every Sunday is turned into ‘fun-day’.
- Crafts
- Food
- Live music
Park City Museum
The mission of the Park City Museum is to preserve, protect and promote Park City’s colorful history and rich heritage. Explore a replica of a mine, learn how silver is made, ride an antique ski subway and more.
- Numerous interactive exhibits
Eat, drink and be very, very merry!
Said to be home to more than 100 restaurants and bars — and who are we to question the locals — Park City boasts cuisine and libations of all persuasions. Here are a number of options; trust us, there are many, many more.
Bangkok Thai on Main
- Fresh authentic Thai cuisine
- Eclectic Spanish-influenced food
- Mexican, Southwestern
- American, French, Vegetarian-Friendly
- Add lobster on anything, enjoy a cuppa New England clam chowdah
- American, Bar, Vegetarian-Friendly
- Steakhouse, Seafood
- American, Vegetarian-Friendly, Vegan Options
- Glitretind: Award-winning cuisine
- Troll Hallen: Aprés-ski and light lunch selections
- Champions Club: Casual food options
- Italian, American, Pizza
- Japanese, Sushi, Asian