First Time to Park City Guide

Description:

With the highest lift rates in Utah and more than 500 acres of snow-making capability, this ranks among the finest ski areas in the United States. Guests arriving by car are greeted by porters who tote skis to racks so that skiers can park and dress unencumbered. No snowboarding is allowed, but childcare and adapted ski lessons are available. Check website for prices and further details.

Description:

This resort offers more than 3,300 skiable acres, a 3,300-foot total vertical drop, 475 acres of snow making capability and 100 varied runs. Lift tickets offer access to all of the resort's upgraded lifts including four new high-speed detachable six-packs. Ski-in/ski-out lodging is offered at the base of the mountain and the Town Lift delivers Main Street lodgers directly to the slopes. Lift rates are as follows: $75 for full day (adult). $58 for half day (adult). $45 for full day (child).$39 for half day (child, 12 & under).$45 for full day (senior). Prices may vary.

Description:

Located on the outskirts of Park City, this resort boasts 3,700 skiable acres, the highest number of any resort in Utah and plans continued expansion. With 125 runs, the property offers a wide range of terrain and snow conditions for any level of skier but is best known for its high percentage of advanced runs. Check website for further details including prices.

Our Local Expert Says:

A low-cost way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Park City.

Description:

If downhill lift ticket prices are too high or you are looking for a more relaxed way to explore the outdoors of Park City - spend a day touring around the lovely, gently rolling trails of the Round Valley Loop trail system on snowshoes or cross-country skis. You can find cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals at White Pine Touring as well as map of the Park City trail system. Then pack a daypack with plenty of water, snacks, and a camera for the occasional moose spotting and then hit the trails. The trails are groomed regularly by the Park City Mountain Trails Foundation and a grooming report can be found on their website.

Though sometimes cold, Park City enjoys plenty of beautiful winter sun and much, much cleaner air than Salt Lake City, below. (Salt Lake Valley can sometimes suffer a terrible winter inversion that renders the air miserable to breath and look at!)

Description:

Looking at Park City today, you'd probably never guess that it suffered multiple, pandemic fires in it early days. Nor would you guess that Park City was declared a ghost town in 1963, after its primary industry, mining, had slowly died. But walking up and down its now gentrified Main Street, you definitely get the sense of its Old West history. Small, closely packed buildings line the narrow mountain valley floor. Today brightly painted and nicely refurbished, these buildings definitely date themselves with their quaint and quirky shapes.

Unlike many other historic mining towns, Park City is certainly more than a tourist trap. Rather, it's a fully functional community with successful galleries, award-winning restaurants, fun bars and night clubs, shops, and more. Main Street is a very compact and bustling area, so the best bet is to find a parking place (garages and lots to either side of the street), leave the car, and just walk around. You'll find everything you need here -whether you need a place to eat, want to window shop, or need something special. read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Park City's best place to check out the town's beyond-skiing history.

Description:

Did you know that Park City was officially declared a ghost town in 1969? Or that in the 1800s, the city burned to the ground multiple times? Stop in at this Main Street museum to get a condensed, one-stop glimpse into Park City's past. Here you can get a taste of how isolated the city must have been back in its 19th Century mining days - and how different the culture would have been just 100 years ago. Located in the former 1885 territorial jail, this features displays of the town's pioneer, mining, and skiing, past. Recently renovated, this museum provides a fun detour after skiing and before dinner. If you have a bit more time to spend, consider joining for an historic walking tour of the town.

Description:

Home to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the Utah Olympic Park is open to sporting fans of all ages. Guided tours let you explore the top of the highest Nordic Jump, the world's fastest bobsled, luge and skeleton track or even watch aspiring Olympians train for the next Games. Tours are offered every day on the hour, first tour at 10a, last at 4p. All tours include admission to the Alf Engen Ski Museum/2002 Legacy Gallery featuring interactive and virtual exhibits including an Olympic downhill course. If a tour isn't exciting enough, jump into the action at 80 mph on a bobsled ride down the Olympic track with a professional driver, dropping 435 feet on the world's steepest zipline, or taking a luge, skeleton or nordic jumping introductory camp.

Description:

This local favorite re-opened in 1926 to accommodate the traveling vaudevillians popular at the time. Since its debut, the stage has hosted melodramas, silent and sound movies, and stage performances. Today, the 266-seat house plays home to the Egyptian Theatre Company, which produces a wide selection of high quality professional shows from Broadway and off- Broadway, and the ever-popular Sundance Film Festival. This Actors Equity House sells out fast - so call ahead to see what is playing and order your tickets! See the website for more information.

Description:

Born in Norway of a legendarily talented ski family, Alf Engen emigrated to the US at the age of 18, reaching Salt Lake City by 1931. During that decade, he set and reset many world records in ski jumping, and played a key role in bringing ski culture to Utah. Originally a ski jumper, Engen mastered downhill racing and was thought to have pioneered powder skiing technique at modern-day Alta.

This museum is a tribute to not only Engen, but the entire rich and deep ski history of Utah. In addition to the Intermountain West Ski Hall of Fame, there are many other displays and fun interactives to illustrate these memories.

Part of Park City's Utah Olympic Park, the Alf Engen Museum costs nothing above the Utah Olympic Park.

Our Local Expert Says:

A thriving center for the arts in Park City

Description:

The Kimball Art Center serves Park City well, with a triple gallery, working studio, and plenty of meeting space. Not just a gallery, it really functions as an active community center, organizing year-round gallery strolls and workshops, and hosting special events like festivals and balls. Housed in an historic 1929 structure, this sees oft-changing contemporary and classic exhibits of all media imaginable -giving space to world-famous artists, as well as local talent.

In addition to the Art Center, this space also houses the Alpine Internet Cafe. Serving coffee from the local Park City Roasters, this coffee shop offers a place to meet with friends before or after browsing the gallery. Bring your computer and get some work done -or use one of the cafe's webcams to Skype with a friend.

Check online for its events calendar and current exhibits listings. Located outside of downtown, you don't have to content with the typical parking hassle Park City center.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of Park City's best combinations of elegant atmosphere, fine cuisine, and live music.

Description:

This four-diamond restaurant is not only a favorite of critics; it is also an all-time favorite among Park City residents and visitors. A prestigious DiRoNA restaurant (since 1995!), Riverhorse serves American cuisine with seafood highlights and occasional Italian influences. If you dine at Riverhorse on Main during the summer, be sure to make reservations for a balcony table; these coveted seats enjoy fresh, mountain air and views over Park City's historic Main Street. A casual, yet elegant establishment, Riverhorse is a perfect location for a special evening out - or lunch in the sun. Vegetarians will find themselves with many delicious and filling entrees to choose from.

Our Local Expert Says:

Open until 1am, this is one of Park City's best late night watering holes

Description:

This Main Street bar and grill is potentially the least highbrow of all establishments in all of Park City. Catering to a younger crowd, O' Shucks offers an extremely laid-back atmosphere and enormous draught beers to drink in it. In fact, O' Shucks is so laid-back that some would consider it a dive bar. However, unlike true "dives," O' Shucks appeals to the hipster crowd - so rather than bellying up to the bar aside sketchy characters, you'll find yourself hanging out amongst Park City's 20-something crowd.

Play pool, eat a garlic burger, and hang out. But don't expect to enjoy a lot of quiet conversation; this place gets busy most any night of the week.

Description:

Full of options, the Windy Ridge Cafe is great for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch. The food is familiar yet with little touches to add a little bit of flair. For lunch try the Southwestern Corn Chowder or the Baked Ziti, or for dinner the Almond and Herb Crusted Trout. Top your meal off with an after dinner drink or indulge in a Lemon Blackberry Float. Its relaxing and laid back setting is perfect for catching up with old friends or enjoying a meal after a hard day of physical activity. It is open in the evenings from 5pm, Monday to Saturday.

Our Local Expert Says:

Central Park City's most diverse menu, catering to all groups and budgets

Description:

A perfect addition to any ski town: freshly-brewed beer and hearty fare, right on Main Street. But burgers aren't the only item on the menu; pizza, seafood, and other continental European and contemporary American entrees await the brewpub's hungrier patrons.

Just as Park City has traditionally been an "un-Mormon" township, the Wasatch Brewery has chosen to poke a little fun at this Utah religion with brew names like Polygamy Porter ("Why have just one?"). Stop in for a formal meal, or enjoy a quick, filling bite. Wash it down with a pint or a pitcher, and then walk back to your hotel.

Description:

A rich, romantic setting for an excellent meal, 350 Main is one of Park City's most reliable eateries. That's not to say it isn't creative -- Chef Michael LeClerc's preparations are adventurous and bold, dabbling in French and Asian traditions while coming up with distinct and bold flavors. Start your meal with the "Tower of Ahi," one of the most strikingly delicate presentations encountered anywhere; the grilled lentil cakes are also recommended. The main courses run the gamut from black pepper-crusted venison medallions to the Ono-Ono (Pacific ono prepared two ways: grilled or wasabi-seared). For dessert, the rich mocha pot au crème tantalizes the taste buds -- the creation is topped with a meringue born of the improbable marriage of chipotle and cinnamon. Full liquor service (including a wine list beloved by Wine Spectator) is available.

Description:

The decor is as interesting as the club's name. Baby buggies, motorcycles, and antler lamps hang from beamed ceilings above an eclectic mix of collectibles and a western copper bar. The rough and tumble crowd orders up snacks from a small menu and beer from the bar. Favorites include freshly squeezed juices, local micro brewed beer, and typical bar food including nachos, hot wings, and sandwiches.

Description:

In a sea of upscale, high-cost Park City establishments, O'Shucks stands out as a *totally relaxed*, inexpensive, casual hangout -one that mostly attracts the younger crowd. Its main specialty is the "fishbowl" of beer, sometimes as cheap as $3 (on discount nights), and free, unlimited in-the-shell peanuts. Take it easy on the beer; even if it's "just" 3.2 %, it'll go straight to your head after a full day of skiing at Park City's high elevation. During the warmer months, a patio opens for outdoor swilling. Stop by and eat a burger -or just crack open some peanuts and play the arcade games.

Description:

With what Salt Lake City Magazine calls the best "Bar Pizza", and a smoke free environment, there is only the best at The Sidecar on Main Street. Mondays are open mic night for music, on Tuesday find a partner and swing dance, and leading up to and through the weekend on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, come listen to live music from local bands.

Description:

Star Bar (formerly Plan B Nightclub) is possibly the hippest bar in Park City. It's a private club, which means you have to pay a small membership fee to get in. But it's worth it, simply for the atmosphere. The slick neon interior, designed by Hollywood art director Bruce A. Miller, and the live music are the main draws to the club. Everything from reggae to jazz to rock is featured, as well as weekend drink specials. The Star Bar is also the official music venue of the Sundance Film Festival, and the home of the ASCAP Music Cafe during the duration. In other words, come to Star Bar to be seen. Closed on Sundays from May through November.

Description:

The Spur is a Western-themed, upscale bar and grill. Their menu features comfort foods such as Red Chili Hominy Soup, Roasted Adobe Chicken, and Grilled Buffalo Ribs. Try the Cowboy Kettle Stew - a rich melange of chicken, beef, chorizo, beans, and vegetables, slowly simmered in a smoky tomato bouillon. A major attraction to this restaurant is the live music that is featured every weekend. Classic rock, American folk, blues, and honky tonk dominate at this down-home bar and grill. Check the website for upcoming acts and further information.

Description:

This salon and day spa offers vacationers treatments guaranteed to renew body, mind and spirit. Treatments range from manicures and pedicures to full body massages. Each is offered with complimentary beverages and the services of the salon's highly-trained staff. Facials, hair styling, pedicures, hydrotherapy massage, cellulite treatments and salt exfoliation round out the available treatments. Gift certificates are available, and hours are extended during winter for slope-weary skiers.

Description:

The lavish, yet earthy European design of the spa at the Stein Eriksen Lodge is a precursor of good things to come. Settle in and enjoy the warmth of gently tingling sensations as professional attendants treat your nails, skin and hair. Let your body get invigorated with one of the deep and strong massages, while you avail of aptly-named procedures like "The Nordic Princess" and "Aspen Oasis". Mommies-to-be can also unload their muscle stress with a gentle rub down, while therapies like reflexology, stone treatments and Ashiatsu bring back sapped energies. Regular beauty services like waxing, shaping and coloring accompany the spa's exclusive packages, thus making for a comprehensive beauty pit-stop.

Our Local Expert Says:

A progressive version of flow yoga for groups and individuals

Description:

Created by Sarah Tomson Beyer, Flowmotion is a trademarked style of yoga that takes the foundation of flow yoga practice and embellishes it with progressive and creative elements. Beyer combines her background in dance with her masters of physical therapy to create a unique blend of nontraditional therapeutic movements.

Flowmotion is Vinyasa yoga spiced up with urban elements and off-piste thinking. Yoga at Flowmotion is offered in group and private format. The teaching schedule is listed online; private sessions are available by appointment.

Sarah Beyer is also a licensed physical therapist and is yoga alliance certified. She has been teaching yoga since 2001.

Description:

This hideaway brings the soft comfort and aromatic flavor of the surrounding nature to guests in all that it offers. Choose from a menu of relaxing treatments, all performed by experienced and personable body therapists using native Utah botanical ingredients. Visitors who purchase any one of the services available have free access to the facilities, including: the redwood steam room, whirlpool, and 24 hour fitness center.

Description:

Align Spa in Park City is a popular treat among its residents and visitors. In such an active town -with excellent mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, trail running, and more in the summer and world-famous skiing and snowboarding in the winter- it's no wonder that such a spa would draw in the sore, achy and otherwise plain tired bodies for some recuperation and pampering.

Align Spa offers Swedish massage, shellac, hot stone massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, and more. And on the cosmetics end, it offers waxing and tinting, eyelash extensions, facials, pedicures, manicures, and a lot more. You can do it alone, or go with friends. Located right next to the White Pine Touring Center, you could make a whole day of fitness and recuperation.

The location -and the fact that Align shares Park City with the US Ski and Snowboard Team Headquarters- lends this spa to being popular among world-caliber athletes. Among the roster of those having been treated here are professional half-pipe snowboarders Hannah Teter, Gretchen Bleier, and Elena Height.