Park City

About Park City

Since 2015-2016, Park City Mountain and Canyons have been connected, creating the largest ski resort in the United States. Canyons' staggering 4,000 acres were joined to Park City Mountain Resort via the Quicksilver Gondola, and together the two areas offer more than 7,300 acres of world-class ski and snowboard terrain with 348 trails, 41 lifts, 13 bowls, and eight terrain parks. With a wider variety of lodging and terrain options on their Park City ski vacation, skiers and snowboarders can now choose between staying in the buzzing, historic downtown Park City or the quieter, slope-side accommodations at Canyons Village with easier access to whatever type of terrain their heart desires. 

Canyons Village and the classic ski town of Park City can accommodate anyone's off-mountain interests. World-class dining, ample shopping, several live music and performing arts venues, and the annual Sundance Film Festival all combine to make the Park City nightlife world-class. The resort features a variety of dining options across its two village areas, allowing guests to enjoy everything from quick bites to gourmet meals. One of the things that downtown Park City is known for is hosting the annual film fete, Sundance. The world-famous film festival has planted its roots in Park City because of the fun, rustic atmosphere, delicious restaurants, and lavish hotels and condos that are scattered throughout downtown.

Even when Hollywood’s stars aren’t vacationing in Park City, the downtown scene is lively. Downtown Park City is a blend of contemporary and historic. There’s a ski bridge and Town Lift that joins the rustic town with the modern ski resort, illustrating how inter-connected the mountain and town truly are.

How to get to Park City

If accessibility is high on your list for a ski vacation, then Park City Mountain Resort (PCMR) is sure to please. PCMR is among one of the most accessible ski destinations in the world, thanks to nearby Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), which is just 35 minutes from PCMR. More than 700 flights from more than 90 cities land at SLC on a daily basis. 

Once you arrive, you have the option of renting a car from one of the many rental car companies, or you can pre-arrange for a shuttle. Ask your lodging company if they offer shuttle service to and from the airport. 

Getting around

The resort provides a complimentary bus service that makes it easy for guests to navigate between the different areas of Park City Mountain. This service ensures that visitors can explore the resort and activities without the hassle of driving​.

Skiing in Park City

Ranked as one of the top resorts for families year in and year out by SKI Magazine, Park City Mountain has a lot to offer for active families looking to make memories. The intermediate terrain and world-class groomed runs make it one of the best resorts to arch fast turns on cruisers, and jibbers of all levels have world-class terrain parks to enjoy. The new gondola connection makes it even easier for guests to access the Canyons' side more prevalent advanced and expert terrain, so every level of skier or snowboarder in your family or group can experience their ideal terrain on a Park City Mountain Resort ski vacation.

Beginner Skiing in Park City:

Approximately 17 percent of the terrain on Park City Mountain Resort is dedicated to beginners, and the majority of this terrain is found on the lower portion of the resort. The Park City Mountain Resort Ski School caters to novices, and its Kids Signature Programs make learning how to ski fun for children ages three and up.

Of the 106 trails that make up Park City Mountain Resort, 17 percent are designated for beginners. Homerun is a long and easy run that starts mid-mountain near the Summit House Restaurant and winds for 3.5 miles to downtown Park City, making it a great beginner trail. Claimjumper rolls through the Silverlode/Bonanza area of Park City Mountain Resort and is a slow zone the entire way, making it an ideal area for beginner skiing. The Drift trail is a ridge run perfect for beginners looking to gain more confidence at speed and work on the techniques needed to move on to blue square, or intermediate, runs.

Ski Schools and Tours

Taking a lesson is highly recommended for a beginner skier to ensure safety, enjoyment and proper technique are present from the moment ski boots are put on for the first time. The Park City Mountain Resorts boasts a cadre of instructors who are professionally trained to make the learning curve for beginner skiers quick and enjoyable. The ‘Signature’ ski lesson at Park City Mountain Resort offer hands-on instruction from top professional ski instructors. Classes will never exceed five students per one instructor, which means beginners get a lot of attention and advice. 

The Kids Signature Programs will pair children, ages 17 and under, with skiers their own age and ability, which means your kids will come home from a day of skiing with new friends and new skills. There are Signature Programs for adults, too, making ski school a great place to meet someone new while learning the basics.

Expert Skiing in Park City:

While Park City Mountain Resort (PCMR) is known for its fantastic intermediate skiing, there are some great options for expert skiers looking to challenge themselves in the bumps, trees, and steeps of Park City Mountain Resort. At first glance, there’s not much for someone looking for black and double black diamond runs to get excited about. 

The lower portion of the mountain that is visible from town looks mellow, with wide-open cruiser groomed to perfection. Don’t let the first impression deter you. PCMR expert skiing terrain is located towards the back of the mountain, hidden from view. Though it takes some time to get to Jupiter Bowl and McConkey’s—the two hotspots for black and double black terrain—your time will be rewarded in the form of short, steep bowls, gladed tree runs, and untouched powder.

If you’re an expert skier looking for high-speed turns, Park City Mountain Resort’s 13 Signature Runs are groomed regularly, and their steep pitches and perfectly groomed conditions are great for carving fast turns, just like the Olympic ski racers did during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Park City.

Jupiter Bowl

After leaving behind the high-speed six-pack chairlifts of the lower mountain, PCMR's Jupiter Lift will feel like you’ve arrived at a totally different resort. Jupiter Bowl is the name given to the large amphitheater of expert terrain accessed by the Jupiter Lift. The promise of untracked powder—even days after a storm—lures locals to Jupiter Bowl. There are steep shots through the trees off to the skier’s right off of the Jupiter Lift, with perfectly spaced glades guiding expert skiers through the bottom portion. 6 Bells is the chute to ski for a challenge, and deep powder found after booting up to Dead Tree is worth the sweat equity.

Family vacations in Park City

Ranked as one of the top resorts for families in the past by SKI Magazine, Park City Mountain has a lot to offer for active families looking to make memories. The intermediate terrain and world-class groomed runs make it one of the best resorts to arch fast turns on cruisers, and jibbers of all levels have world-class terrain parks to enjoy. The new gondola connection makes it even easier for guests to access the Canyons' side more prevalent advanced and expert terrain, so every level of skier or snowboarder in your family or group can experience their ideal terrain on a Park City Mountain Resort ski vacation.

The family-friendly skiing at Park City Mountain Resort is bar none, so sometimes it’s difficult to kids off the slopes. Luckily there’s Park City night skiing seven days a week. Parents and kids, alike, will get a kick out of skiing on the slopes under the stars. Skiing and riding are not the only ways families can have fun on a Park City Mountain Resort family ski trip. The Alpine Coaster is a kid's favorite because it includes 4,000 foot of high-speed curves and loops. Gorgoza Park is a lift-served snow-tubing hill complete with a play area and warming hut. Gorgoza Park has lights, too, so the fun doesn't have to end when the sun goes down.