A hike in the Aspens
Park City, UT is one of my favorite destinations in the US. Only a 30min drive from Salt Lake City airport, it’s such an easy place to visit in both summer and winter. Sundance Film Festival is located here the last 2 weeks of January (following MLK weekend), and it’s a great time to see both up-and-coming releases and ski empty mountains. But there are also so many great events in the summer as well. Powder hound, people-watcher or hiking enthusiasts -- put Park City on your list!
STAY:
Blue Sky Ranch: New to the lodging scene is Blue Sky Ranch, an Auberge property that opened recently, in 2019. This luxury 3,500 acre retreat is 20min from downtown Park City yet offers all of the typical summer ranch activities you’d find in the Rockies - fly fishing, horseback riding, yoga, etc. However accommodations aren’t at all what you’d find at a Dude Ranch, think modern yet earthy, almost an Aman feel. With both all-inclusive and a la carte lodging options, this is probably the best high-end luxury hotel in Park City right now.
Montage Deer Valley: Montage is a Park City luxury classic, with ski-in / ski-out access to Deer Valley Ski Resort and only a 5min drive to downtown Main Street. With over 200 rooms, suites & residences, this is a larger hotel but with that size comes 8 different dining options and a 35,000 sq ft spa.
St. Regis Deer Valley: Another Park City classic, St. Regis is right at the base of Deer Valley’s Snow Park Lodge area. Take a ride in the funicular up from valet to the main lodge. A bit more centrally located in Deer Valley, the St Regis is also a great location to visit for lunch with a view.
Stein Erickson: Near the main base at Deer Valley, Stein offers a great traditional mountain luxe option. After a $14M refresh in 2018, including a new family pool, entertainment center, and movie theater, Stein is a great option for families.
* All hotels listed above partner with World Citizen Travel and offer us the best available rates, complimentary breakfast, resort/spa credits, upgrades (upon availability) and more.
Skiing at Canyons Resort
SEE
Ski: There are 3 main resorts in Park City - Deer Valley (skiers only), Park City Mountain, and Canyons Ski Resort. Park City & Canyons resorts are now operated by Vail and are connected via a gondola system. Be sure to ski through the multi-million dollar White Pine Canyons neighborhood!
Apres Lounge at Montage: If you’re skiing Deer Valley, the Apres Lounge is a must visit. Hosted by Veuve Clicquot, it’s the perfect place to warm-up, unwind, and enjoy the scene.
Main Street: Shops, restaurants, and even a mini-museum are all located on Main Street in downtown Park City. Ride the trolley up the street and have a leisurely stroll down.
High West Distillery: About a 20-25min drive from Park City, visit the High West Distillery & Tasting Room located in Wanship for a tour and tasting. The Main Street location also has a small gift shop to see as well.
Hike: In the summer, start at Silver Lake Village (the main Deer Valley base), and hike the Ontario Canyon trail to the top of Bald Mountain and ride the gondola down.
Bike: Rent a mountain bike and ride one of the many trails at any of the nearby resorts (Canyons, Park City or Deer Valley). There are also e-bikes for rent around town with many scenic trails to and from Park City and Canyons ski resort.
Savor the Summit: Every year in mid-June, the city shuts down Main Street and 10-20 local restaurants take their dinner seating to the middle of the street. Special music, pre-fix dinners, drinks, and lots of fun. One of the best weekends of the year!
Whiskey Barrels at High West’s Coalville distillery & restaurant.
The St. Regis Deer Valley’s 7452 Mary on the patio.
SIP
St. Regis Deer Valley: Ride the funicular up to the main lodge and sit out on the patio for lunch or dinner. Bonus points if you try their signature bloody mary, the “7452 Mary”, made with wasabi & cayenne pepper.
High West Distillery: Visit the original Saloon location in downtown Park City or head out to Wanship for lunch or dinner (dining available at both locations). High West’s sister restaurant, Nelson Cottage, offers a more intimate setting and pre-fixe menu options.
Handle: Local, organic food with a fun ambiance and high-end service. Must try the fried Cauliflower starter & save room for Caramel Pudding for dessert!
FiveSeeds: For breakfast, our favorite spot is FiveSeeds. A bit of a non-descript location but the interior is hip and the food is amazing. Australian owned but with a UT local / seasonal emphasis, you can’t go wrong with any item on the menu. My personal favorite is the Hotcake, a delicious dutch baby - a great end to a great meal.
Savor the Summit - one of the best times of the year!
For more insider STAY / SEE / SIP tips in Park City, contact me here.
