Winter Bliss in Park City & Deer Valley: Non-Skiers' Haven

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Advisor - Lisa Livingston
Curated By

Lisa Livingston

  • Park City

  • Utah

  • Active Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Couples Travel

  • Family Travel

  • Group Travel

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Entertainment

A woman on a snowy mountain looking happy
Curator’s statement

Is your family's house divided during the winter season? I don’t mean due to college basketball, but rather because some family members want to spend winter vacation skiing while others don't favor it. This predicament has been a long-standing struggle for our family of four. Every winter vacation, we non-skiers would be apathetic about the trip, reluctantly hitting the slopes despite our lack of enthusiasm. However, this year, I decided to take charge and create my own personalized, fun-filled itinerary. To my surprise, not only did I have an amazing time, but my selected activities captured the interest of other family members. I successfully got at least one other person to take a break from skiing or snowboarding to join me on each excursion. Park City has long garnered an esteemed reputation as a premier ski destination. It also offers an abundance of indoor and other outdoor activities that cater to many interests.

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Where to stay in Utah

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Things to do in Utah

A person on a snowmobile driving through snow
  • Fitness: This is the perfect time to level up your fitness routine and take advantage of your resort’s fitness classes. With virtually everyone on the slopes, you will find the fitness center and classes are readily available for you to enjoy. Classes may even be complimentary.

  • Wellness: Treat yourself to a spa appointment at one of the resorts. With a range of spa services available, there's something to cater to everyone's preferences and needs. Our resort had a sound bath/meditation class at night which was a perfect way to relax before bedtime.

  • Après ski: Immerse yourself in the lively après ski atmosphere at your resort. Even if you're not skiing, join your family for post-slope snacks and drinks and even the hot tub for a fantastic opportunity to share the day’s stories.

  • Snowshoeing: Go on an invigorating snowshoeing adventure with a knowledgeable guide. Hike scenic city trails or national forest areas.

  • Cross Country Skiing: Push yourself physically with a guided cross-country skiing excursion that is also a great workout. Unfortunately this isn’t offered at one of the ski resorts but on a nearby municipal golf course.

  • Horseback Riding: Experience the magic of horseback riding through snowy landscapes, resembling scenes straight out of a movie. I had hoped to be a first-time rider, but unfortunately a snow storm caused the excursion to be canceled. However, my knowledgeable concierge said that the experience is highly regarded by others who found the horses gentle and the experience enjoyable and not intimidating.

  • Snowmobiling: Get the whole family involved in the exhilarating activity of snowmobiling. Whether you opt for a couple of hours of adventure within Park City or embark on a longer excursion to more remote areas, this activity promises thrills and excitement for everyone.

  • Fat Tire Biking: Use a guide service to rent a fat tire bike and a guide to take you snow biking through groomed Park City Trails.

  • Bobsledding: Visit Olympic Park and ride with a professional pilot down the 2002 Olympic track going 65+ miles per hour. Save time to see the Ski Museum and the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Museum. Check the schedule to see if you are in town during a professional ski or skating sporting event. Salt Lake is hopeful they will again be hosting the 2034 Olympic games.

  • Shopping: Indulge in an unforgettable shopping experience on Main Street, where a delightful mix of local and national stores await you. With a wide range of options, from clothing (every day to evening wear, ski and western attire, hats, and boots), to souvenir items, jewelry, art and home decor, there's something for every taste and interest. While I won't name my specific favorites, trust that you'll find an array of unique finds as you stroll down the street. Take a peek through the store windows to get a sense of the offerings, and you're sure to find something worth exploring!

When making a reservation for active excursions, it is crucial for the company or guide to be aware of your fitness level and your desired activity duration. I scheduled two of these activities per day–one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I enjoyed the variety without feeling over scheduled. And, as I said, I had at least one family member who wanted to join me for all outdoor excursions.

Places to eat & drink in Utah

A picture taken inside a restaurant..

Main Street also boasts a diverse selection of restaurants to satisfy any craving you may have. From cozy cafes to upscale dining establishments, there's no shortage of culinary delights to choose from.

  • Cafe Terigo: Has a wide selection of Italian, seafood, pork and beef entrees. The crowd favorite is the bolognese pappardelle pasta. Delizioso!

  • Fletcher’s: Has a wide variety on the menu as well as great cocktails and mocktails. I particularly loved the vibe and intimacy in the downstairs bar. No reservation needed down there but patrons must be 21 and older.

  • Yuki Yama: A Japanese restaurant offering sushi, noodles, as well as a variety of hot plates. The pork Gyoza is outstanding.

  • Shabu: Offers an Asian fusion menu.

If you are staying in the Deer Valley resort area or just looking for other options, the large resorts offer enjoyable slopeside settings as well as great food. Also note that these resorts are ski in/ski out and can be accessed off the mountain while skiing.

Advisor - Lisa Livingston

Travel Advisor

Lisa Livingston

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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Site Inspection at Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection in Deer Valley, Utah.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Park City.