Curator’s statement
Park City and Deer Valley are home to some of the best mountains for skiing in the United States. The two areas are just minutes from each other and an easy 36-mile drive from Salt Lake City International Airport. They host activities year-round, but my favorite time to go is in the winter for fresh powder and world-class skiing. Deer Valley is ski-only, while Park City allows for both skiing and snowboarding. Deer Valley mostly consists of hotels and condos, and Park City has hotels, condos and the most charming town with a bustling main street full of delicious restaurants and tons of shops.
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Where to stay in Park City, Utah
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Things to do in Park City, Utah
Skiing of Course! Utah gets some of the best powder in the country and has big rolling mountains that don't look as difficult or intimidating to ski as other areas in Colorado. If you don't stay within Park City or Deer Valley your can also go to nearby Snowbird and Alta or Brighton and Solitude.
If you're feeling like something more extreme you can check out Snowbird Helicopter Skiing.
Guided snowmobile excursions are a different and fun way to explore the mountain while still giving you plenty of an adrenaline rush.
If you aren't up for skiing or snowboarding you can still enjoy the majestic mountain views by taking scenic gondola rides up and down the mountains.
Dog sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also fun and different ways to get outside and enjoy the cold, fresh mountain air while taking in the beauty of the mountains.
When you have had enough of the cold, I always recommend booking some serious spa time! Most of the resorts and hotels have fabulous spas with saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and more. You don't always have to be a guest at the hotel to book treatments either. My personal favorite is the Spa at the Montage. It's 35,000 sq feet with a huge treatment menu. I seriously could go there every day just to hang out and rejuvenate!
Day Trip to Auberge Lodge at Blue Sky
I had to wait to write about this hotel in a category all on its own! About 25 minutes from Park City and Deer Valley is the fabulous Auberge Lodge at Blue Sky. It opened just a few years ago and is definitely worth a drive to check out. I would highly recommend booking a spa service and hanging around for lunch or dinner depending on what time you get there.
The architecture and design are striking! There isn't much else around, so if you like a town and nightlife then stick to staying in Park City/Deer Valley. But if you are looking for something super remote and exclusive and want to hide away in the mountains at a beautiful hotel for a few days then this is the place! They do provide typical mountain activities and will drive you to go skiing as well.
Places to eat & drink in Park City, Utah
Breakfast
Atticus Coffee (Park City): Located on Main Street, this is a funky hip little coffee place. Starting the day in the mountains with a good, hot cup of coffee is a must!
Five5eeds (Park City): - healthy and hip, with a beautifully curated IG to look at all of their yummy options.
Harvest (Park City):- A cozy cafe with mostly healthy and options. Super fresh food and awesome coffee.
The Eating Establishment: For breakfast all day long, with other hearty classics, served for lunch and dinner.
Lunch
If you catch yourself on the mountain during this time, you definitely have to ski in for lunch at the Stein Eriksen Lodge. There will probably be a wait but the food and cozy atmosphere make it the perfect place to warm up and get a bite and maybe even a bloody mary before getting back on the slopes. And if you are with a group you can look into booking lunch in the fabulous alpenglobes so you can eat outside in a heated glass bubble. (Reservations are $200 for a 90-minute breakfast or lunch, and $250 for a 90-minute dinner meal period.)
Another Mountain side must is Royal Street Cafe located at the Silver Lake Lodge. It has scenic deck views and delicious turkey chili.
Dinner
Riverhorse on Main: Upstairs on Main Street in Park City. An upscale, chic and popular restaurant with land and sea options.
350 Main: Fresh local ingredients in the heart of Main Street. Incredibly kind and attentive waitstaff with a fun, buzzy atmosphere.
Brass Tag: The perfect spot for a cozy, quiet and laid-back night. But don't be fooled by the rustic atmosphere in the unassuming Lodges at Deer Valley. The pasta dishes are bursting with flavor and the fire-roasted pizzas are delish!
Travel Advisor
Jill Hirsberg
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For more travel tips, check out my Guide to Hotels & Activities in 30A, Florida's Scenic Highway.