There’s a reason Park City is one of the most beloved winter destinations in North America. From world-class skiing and snowboarding to cozy mountain dining, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and countless adventures on and off the slopes, Park City offers something for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re visiting for your first ski trip, planning a family vacation, or looking for winter adventures beyond the chairlift, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Park City.
On the Slopes
No winter trip to Park City is complete without experiencing the area’s legendary skiing and snowboarding. Park City is home to two world-class resorts, each offering a unique mountain experience.
The Mountains or The Ski Resorts
Known for its exceptional service and meticulously groomed runs, Deer Valley Resort consistently ranks among the top ski resorts in North America. As a skier-only mountain, Deer Valley provides a refined experience with limited lift ticket sales, uncrowded slopes, and attentive staff.
Beginners will appreciate the wide, confidence-building terrain while advanced skiers can explore steep groomers, glades, and expansive mountain views. Deer Valley is also known for its excellent on-mountain dining, making it easy to turn a day on the slopes into a full mountain experience.
As one of the largest ski resorts in the United States, Park City Mountain offers nearly endless opportunities for exploration. The resort features a vast network of trails, terrain parks, bowls, tree skiing, and beginner-friendly runs spread across thousands of acres.
One of the biggest advantages for visitors is the resort’s easy access to Historic Main Street, allowing you to spend the morning skiing and the afternoon shopping, dining, or exploring downtown.
The resort also includes Canyons Village, offering another expansive side of Park City Mountain to explore. With wide-open groomers, challenging bowls, tree-lined runs, and breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountains, Canyons provides terrain for every ability level. The village itself is also a great spot to enjoy après-ski, grab a bite to eat, or take in the mountain atmosphere without heading back into town.
Getting Your Skis
If this is your first ski trip—or you’re looking to try something new—getting the right equipment can make all the difference. Jans Mountain Outfitters offers a wide selection of ski and snowboard rentals for every ability level, with expert staff to help you find the right setup for your trip. Want to try before you buy? The Jans Ski Test Program lets you demo different skis on the mountain so you can experience how they perform before committing to your next pair. Once you’re geared up, you’ll be ready to hit the slopes with confidence.
Getting Around Park City
Getting around Park City is easy thanks to the free public bus system, which connects Main Street, Park City Mountain, Canyons Village, Deer Valley, and surrounding areas. If you choose to drive, keep in mind that parking at Park City Mountain and Canyons requires a reservation. Parking is free for carpools of four or more, but a reservation is still required. For a stress-free ski day, consider leaving the car behind at one of the local park-and-ride locations.
Experience Nordic Skiing
If you’re looking for a peaceful way to explore the mountains, Nordic skiing is one of Park City’s best winter adventures. Glide through open meadows, rolling hills, and snow-covered forests while taking in beautiful mountain scenery at your own pace. It’s a fun, approachable way to get outside, enjoy the snow, and experience a different side of Park City’s winter landscape.
White Pine Touring
White Pine Touring is one of the premier Nordic destinations in the West. Located just minutes from downtown Park City, the Nordic Center offers over 12 miles of professionally groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing.
Visitors can rent equipment, take lessons, or join guided outings led by experienced instructors. Whether you’re stepping into Nordic skis for the first time or training for your next race, White Pine offers terrain and programs for every skill level.
The trail system winds through scenic open spaces with stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains, creating an experience that feels surprisingly remote despite being so close to town.
Round Valley
For visitors looking for a free option, Round Valley offers a variety of winter trails that are popular with Nordic skiers, snowshoers, fat bikers, and hikers. The gentle terrain and wide-open views make it an excellent choice for families and casual winter recreation.
Explore on Snowshoes
Snowshoeing is one of the most accessible winter activities available in Park City. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.
This family-friendly activity requires very little instruction and allows visitors to experience the peaceful side of winter. Instead of riding lifts or following groomed trails, you’ll venture into quiet forests, open meadows, and scenic viewpoints that many visitors never see.
White Pine Touring offers a variety of guided snowshoe experiences, including:
- Scenic group tours
- Historical tours
- Private family outings
- Backcountry snowshoe adventures
Guided tours are especially valuable for first-time visitors because local guides share fascinating stories about Park City’s mining history, wildlife, ecology, and mountain culture while leading you through beautiful winter landscapes.
For families, snowshoeing is often one of the easiest ways to get everyone outside together regardless of age or athletic ability.
Off the Slopes: Enjoy Park City’s Dining Scene
After a day in the snow, there’s nothing better than warming up with a great meal.
Fortunately, Park City has become one of Utah’s premier dining destinations, offering everything from casual cafés and breweries to award-winning restaurants.
Historic Main Street
The heart of Park City’s dining scene can be found along Historic Main Street. Here you’ll discover a mix of upscale restaurants, cozy pubs, bars, bakeries, and local favorites housed inside beautifully preserved historic buildings.
The atmosphere is especially magical during winter when twinkling lights line the street and snow blankets the surrounding mountains.
Kimball Junction
Located just north of downtown, Kimball Junction offers a wide variety of dining options perfect for families, groups, and visitors looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. You’ll find everything from coffee shops and breakfast spots to pizza, tacos, burgers, and local breweries.
Après Ski
One of the best traditions in mountain towns is après ski—the art of relaxing after a day outdoors. Whether you’re enjoying drinks with friends, gathering around a fire pit, or indulging in a well-earned dessert, Park City’s après scene is the perfect way to end the day.
More Ways to Enjoy Winter
While skiing may be the headline attraction, there are plenty of other winter experiences worth exploring.
Take a stroll through Historic Main Street and browse local shops, art galleries, and boutiques. Book a spa treatment after a long day on the slopes. Attend a winter festival or community event. Or simply enjoy the beauty of a snowy mountain town while sipping coffee and watching the snowfall.
Sometimes the best moments of a winter vacation happen between the adventures.
Whether you’re carving turns at Deer Valley, exploring the endless terrain of Park City Mountain, gliding through the trails at White Pine Touring, or discovering winter adventures beyond the ski resorts, Park City offers something for everyone—and plenty of reasons to come back year after year.
By Calindra Revier, Content Manager, jans.com
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