Colourful houses on a snowy hillside in Park City, Utah, surrounded by evergreen treesColourful houses on a snowy hillside in Park City, Utah, surrounded by evergreen trees

A complete guide to Park City

Everything you need for your Park City ski holiday
6th January, 2025
5 min read time

Set against the breathtaking Wasatch Range, Park City offers the perfect blend of expansive skiing, mountain-town charm, and year-round adventure. Home to the largest ski resort in the United States, it’s a hub for skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts. Beyond the slopes, you’ll find a thriving culinary scene, rich history, and endless activities for all ages.

This guide has everything you need to plan your ultimate Park City ski holiday, from its world-class ski areas to must-visit dining spots and unforgettable après-ski experiences.

Let’s dive in!

Park City, Utah

  1. Where is Park City?
  2. Park City the resort
  3. Park City ski area
  4. Skiing in Park City
  5. Park City ski season dates
  6. Park City snow history
  7. Restaurants in Park City
  8. Things to do in Park City
  9. Park City après-ski, and nightlife
  10. Park City map
  11. Practical information

Where is Park City?

Park City is nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, just 59 km (37 miles) east of Salt Lake City.

For a detailed view of Park City's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.


Nearest airport

  • Salt Lake City International Airport

Transfer time

  • Salt Lake City International Airport: Approximately 35 minutes by car

Park City the resort

  • Resort elevation: 2,073 m (6,800 ft)
  • Resort permanent residents: Approx. 8,250

Park City is a seamless blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. The resort features three main base areas—Main Street, Resort Plaza, and Canyons Village—connected by free shuttles and skiable terrain. Its pedestrian-friendly Main Street is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and over 100 restaurants and bars. Accommodation options range from ski-in/ski-out condos to boutique hotels, making it ideal for families, groups, and solo adventurers alike.

                                                                                                                           
ProsCons
A nice variety of terrainCan get crowded
Massive skiing areaCan be pricy
Easy to accessSome of the runs face South
Modern lift infrastructureThe base is fully supported by snowmaking
The town has much to offern/a

Here is how Park City looks like

Preview of Park City showcasing the resort at night

Watch Park City on YouTube .

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Park City ski area

  • Summit elevation: 3,056 m (10,026 ft)
  • Skiable terrain: 2,954 ha (7,300 acres)
  • Pistes: 346
  • Vertical drop: 983 m (3,226 ft)
  • Ski lifts: 41

Park City’s ski area offers a remarkable variety to suit every ability level. Divided into three distinct base areas, each provides a unique gateway to the slopes and its own memorable experience:

  • Main street base area: Imagine stepping out of a charming historic town and right onto the slopes. The Town Lift allows you to ski directly from Main Street, making it perfect for après-ski lovers who want to glide back into the heart of the action.
  • Resort Plaza: This central hub provides access to six lifts and slopes for every ability level. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier, this area makes it easy to dive into the action.
  • Canyons Village: Known for its lively atmosphere, this base area features high-speed gondolas, luxurious amenities, and access to some of Park City’s most scenic terrain.

Skiing in Park City

Beginners

Beginners will find the First Time lift and High Meadow areas ideal for building confidence. Wide, gentle green runs like Kokopelli provide a safe and enjoyable learning environment.

Intermediates

Park City is a paradise for intermediates, with endless blue runs across King Con and Motherlode. These areas offer a mix of cruisers and more challenging blues, perfect for progression

Advanced

For advanced skiers, Jupiter Bowl and McConkey’s provide thrilling tree runs, powder stashes, and steep moguls. The 9,990 Chairlift is the gateway to some of the resort’s most challenging terrain.

Snowboarding

Park City is renowned for its world-class terrain parks, including six natural half-pipes and over 150 features for all skill levels. Freestyle enthusiasts should not miss Woodward Park City, a hub for snowboarders and skiers alike.

Park City ski season dates

The ski season in Park City for 2024/25 began on November 22nd and is expected to run until April 16th, although the official closing date has yet to be confirmed. If you're planning a ski holiday to Park City next winter, be sure to explore our Park City deals for the best ski offers available.

Park City snow history

Park City offers optimal snow conditions from December through April. December and January consistently bring about 21 cm (8.26 inches) and 22 cm (8.66 inches) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.0 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall stays the same as in January ( 22cm/8.66 inches) but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.6 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of January, traditionally the snowiest week in Park City, with an impressive 32 cm (12.59 inches) of snow over 3.4 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 13 cm (5.11 inches) of snow over 2.6 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.

                                                                                                                                                                   
MonthSnow amount (week)Snow days (week)
December21 cm (8.26 in)2.9 days
January22 cm (8.66 in)3.1 days
February22 cm (8.66 in)3.6 days
March19 cm (7.48 in)3.2 days
April13 cm (5.11 in)2.6 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

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Restaurants in Park City

Park City’s culinary scene is as diverse as its terrain. The town is home to a mix of casual eateries, fine dining establishments, and locally inspired spots. Highlights include:

  • High West Distillery & Saloon: The world’s first ski-in/ski-out distillery, offering locally crafted whiskey and hearty American fare.
  • Riverhorse on Main: Award-winning fine dining with a creative menu and elegant atmosphere.
  • The Farm: Located in Canyons Village, this farm-to-table restaurant features fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Things to do in Park City

  • Alpine coaster
  • Night skiing
  • Kimball art center
  • Snow tubing
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Ice skating
  • Snowshoeing
  • Fat biking
  • Snowmobiling
  • Dog sledding
  • Horse-drawn sleigh rides

Park City après-ski and nightlife

Park City’s après-ski scene is vibrant and diverse, with options ranging from cosy pubs to lively bars.

Top spots

  • No name saloon & grill: A Main Street favourite known for its quirky decor and rooftop seating.
  • High-West saloon: A must-visit for cocktails and locally distilled whiskey.
  • The Spur bar & grill: Enjoy live music and a laid-back atmosphere.

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Park City map

Park City map

Download Park City map here

Practical information

  • Visitor centre: vic@visitparkcity.com
  • Phone: +1 (435) 658-9616
  • Address: 1794 Olympic Parkway, Park City, UT 84098
  • For visa & passport travel advice, visit here

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