The Ski Resort
In 2015, the two resorts Park City Mountain and The Canyons were combined and now form the largest ski resort in North America. The Park City Mountain Resort actually belongs to the eponymous Park City in Utah, which is also home to the celebrity resort Deer Valley. Due to its proximity to the airport in Salt Lake City, getting there is easy for winter vacationers from all over the world.
Its vast terrain seems to be endless seeing as it stretches over no less than 1,335 ha and is separated in seven so-called Mountain-Zones. These are colour-coded on the ski map to help new visitors with orientation. Thanks to the size of Park City it is easy to find every level of difficulty in each of the zones and suited pistes all over the resort. The Canyons is connected to Park City through the new Quicksilver Gondola.
Park City Mountain
Heart of the PayDayZone is Town lift. It is located on Park City’s historic shopping street, the Main Street, and connects the ski resort to the village. Although you will find trails for all skill levels, it is mostly designated for beginners. One outstanding slope leading from the summit all the way down to the valley is the Home Run. With its 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) isis suitable for all types of skiers and is one of the highlights here in Park City. Beginners, newcomers, and occasional skiers will enjoy this slope the most. Intermediate skiers looking for challenges can switch between the Home Run and parallel trails suited better to their skill level.
The area around the Crescent lift treasures the main beginner area, but also some of Park City's Signature and Diamond Runs. Those can be described as extremely challenging, yet well-groomed, so that even intermediate skiers and snowboarders can hit the trails and practice carving. Guests with some experience under their belt will love the King Con Mountain Zone (it got its name from a former mine that was located here). By featuring mostly blues (medium difficulty) it is particularly well suited for intermediates, and the huge variety leaves no room for boredom. Here, you get to choose between well-groomed and ungroomed runs and even a mogul piste is ready for your visit.
Thaynes/Motherlode Zone takes intermediate skiing to the next level. Tree-skiing is always a blast here since it is not restricted like it is in Europe. In the US you can twist and turn through the woods as much as you like. Jupiter Mountainzone is the seventh zone. This area is suitable for expert skiers only. It is an all-round off-piste experience with backcountry skiing, wide-open incredible steeps and big powder stashes. Quite a few times you have to walk up the mountain to reach the perfect area. If you are willing to make that kind of effort, you're in for a treat!
Park City Mountain is a paradise for freeskiers. It says something that the resort is the training location of the Freeski legend Tom Wallisch. Adrenaline junkies can experience the rush in one of the three terrain parks. Around the Crescent lift you will find Three Kings Terrain Park, the Superpipe and the Merrill Mini Halfpipe - all of which will make a Freestyler's heart beat faster.
More highlights wait at the huge jumps in King's Crown Park. Neff Land and the Little Kings Terrain Park will encourage newcomers and beginners to practice their skills and learn new stunts. More terrain parks are located in The Canyons.
The Canyons
This resort has a very special lift: the Orange Bubble. The chairlift was created by the Austrian manufacturer Doppelmayr and is the only lift in North America which has a weather protection hood. By taking either the lift or the Red Pine Gondola you can start your skiing vacation directly from Canyons village. Beginners and newcomers should start at Red Pine Lodge, because there is a large practice area close by. From there you will have easy access to the Meadow Lift, which takes you to many easier, green marked slopes.
There are tons of slopes available for advanced skiers all around the lifts Tombstone Express, Day Break, and Dreamscape. The predominantly blue marked terrain (intermediate difficulty) is branched out widely over the resort. Many times when skiing this area you have the opportunity to lose yourself in backcountry skiing. This means lots of different trail combinations, lots of diversity and no monotony. Since all the slopes merge back together in the end, you will not have to worry about losing friends and family in between sections or behind trees. Definitely don't miss the slopes Showcase, Middle & Lower Crowning Glory or Serenity.
If you have some experience standing on one or two boards, you might want to check out the famous Black Diamond slopes. The really exciting ones are all around the lift Super Condor Express. A-Chute, Yard Sale and Rendezvous Ridge are slopes that'll keep you on your toes.
If the snow is just right, backcountry skiing and glade skiing is available almost everywhere in the resort. Skiing in deep snow and off-piste is what The Canyons is famous for. For even more deep snow action, check out the five infamous bowls. Red Pine Bowl, Fantasy Ridge, The Abyss, Silverado Bowl and many many more invite you to draw lines into fresh new snow, far away from beginners or traditional skiers. However, those of you looking for a real adrenaline kick should sign up for heli-skiing.
The Canyons has it all – even for freestyle fans! You have three terrain parks in total: the first one is the Painted Horse Progression Park. The features there are of easy to intermediate difficulty and are perfect to practice and learn new tricks. The Transitions Park is split up into two zones: the upper part plays host to the Jibs while the lower part provides a colorful mixture of various features. Elwoods Natural Zone on the other hand is creatively using features supplied by no other than Mother Nature herself. This park is hidden in the woods for the most part, but can be reached via the piste Echo.
Interesting facts
- Offering 7300 acres of slopes and terrain, Park City is among the 3 largest Ski Resorts in the USA.
- Park City is the the best rated ski resort in the USA.
- It is among the 10 most family-friendly ski Resorts in the USA.
- The vertical drop from summit to base is 3199 ft. The average difference in altitude between base and summit of Ski Resorts in the USA is 1230 ft. Most runs are therefore relatively long. The high point of the ski resort is located at an elevation of 10000 ft.
- During the season the average snow depth at Park City is 67 ". Snow coverage is usually best during March, offering an average base depth of 80 ". Therefore Park City is among the 3 ski Resorts with best snow conditions in Utah.
- Park City features 67 sunny days on average per season. The average for all ski Resorts in the USA is 61 sunny days. December is the sunniest month with an average of 18 sunny days. This makes the ski resort one of the 3 sunniest in Utah.
Snow Safety & Snowmaking
On Mountain Dining
Park City has 16 mountain restaurants where you can enjoy All-American classics: Burgers, soups, and sandwiches. We would definitely recommend the Mid Mountain Lodge near Pioneer lift. For more yummy foods we suggest the Snow Hut near Silverlode lift. Gourmet burgers and timeless cuisine can be found at Lookout Cabin at the intermediate station of the Orange Bubble Express. Same goes for Red Pine Lodge.
For stunning views, check out Cloud Dine at Dreampeak summit. Furthermore, the area around the valley offers a large number of restaurants to choose from as well. Restaurants on the famous historic Main Street are also worth a visit. Via the Town Lift you can get back on the slopes in no time.
Must-Ski Runs
The 6 kilometer (3.7 miles) Home Run starts at the highest point of the resort and descends right into the valley. It's a must for beginners as well as intermediate skiers! Advanced skiers should also try the slopes near King Con lift and the piste leading to Tombstone lift.
Most Difficult Runs
Longest Runs
Nightskiing
Videos
Activities
If you find yourself off-slope, Park City and The Canyons offer fun leisure activities besides skiing. The Alpine Coaster promises fun for the whole family. A steel rope drags your cart up the mountain automatically and meanwhile you get to enjoy a breathtaking panorama. And off you go on the fastest toboggan ride of your life! But no need to worry about dropping out of the run - the track system will guarantee your safety.
If you are not afraid of heights you can go on the two-person ride Flying Eagle Zip Line. It will feel like you are flying over the trails and mountains seeing as the only thing holding you above ground is a slim rope (also completely safe).
Guided mountain and dog sled tours are also available. Here you won't only learn about the ski resort today but also about Park City's past as a mining town.
Après-Ski and Nightlife
The Legend's Bar & Grill and PayDay Pizza are great locations for a drink after a long ski day. Still not done? Continue partying on Main Street, where tons of bars and pubs are waiting for your visit. For your convenience, Park City’s Whiskey brewery is pretty much right next to the lift.
In Canyons Village the best place to meet up is Umbrella Bar. Here you can either celebrate the end of your ski-day under the large party-umbrella or hang outside and relax by the fire. After getting the party started you can keep it going at Drafts. This pub has 50 different kinds of beer from all over the world.
Dining and Restaurants
Park City features some of the best restaurants in Utah. The neighboring ski resort Deer Valley scores with the restaurant Mariposa. It's more of a fine dining experience and you get to choose between an infinite number of fish, meat, or vegetarian dishes, and you have a huge dessert selection. The restaurant was awarded Best Restaurant in Utah.
The Stein Eriksen Lodge and the restaurant Apex of the Hotel Montage are also fantastic options for food lovers. From starters and soups, salads and sandwiches to delicious beef, chicken, or pasta dishes - you will find whatever you fancy.
Getting here
It's fairly easy for international guests to get to the resort, since Salt Lake City airport is really close. By car it should take you about 35 minutes to reach your destination. You can either book the shuttle service or you can take a rental car. From the airport, just follow I-80 to get to Park City.