|
t used to be that Park City was famous for being a Wild West silver mining town. Now Park City is “on the map” as a well-known |
international venue and world-class ski and summer resort. Located just 36 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City is known for its unequaled accessibility and its three world-class ski and snowboard resorts. More and more, Park City is being recognized as one of the most convenient and desirable destination resorts in the world for winter and summer travelers alike.
Once in Park City, visitors are greeted by a quaint mining town nestled in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains—home to “The Greatest Snow On Earth.” In fact, the town’s three resorts (Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain Resort, and The Canyons) average 350 inches of Utah’s famed powder each winter. Among the resorts, skiers will find 336 runs and trails on more than 8,550 acres, all serviced by 48 lifts. Ski magazine readers ranked Deer Valley Resort as the number one ski destination in North America, Park City Mountain Resort as number five, and The Canyons number fourteen. Each of the resorts offers something different to visitors. Imagine gliding down long cruising runs of corduroy groomed slopes, or conquering steep chutes and powder-filled bowls, or even radical half pipes and terrain parks. Both The Canyons and Park City Mountain Resort offer skiing and snowboarding, while Deer Valley Resort caters strictly to skiers.
Throughout the winter, Park City is home to some of the West’s most prestigious events. Hosting one-third of the events for The 2002 Olympic Winter Games made this old mining town famous for three precious metals- Gold, Silver and Bronze. Passionate about film and art? Robert Redford’s critically acclaimed, highly anticipated Sundance Film Festival offers unparalleled exposure to the independent film industry. In addition to the Winter Games, numerous international World Cup competitions are held in Park City.
When Park City’s winter guests are not skiing or boarding, the town offers numerous options to occupy one’s time. One of the most exciting is the Utah Olympic Park. Built for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the Olympic Park is home to one of the few recreational Nordic ski jumping facilities in the U.S. open to the public. Not only is jumping available to adventure seeking Park City guests, but the Olympic bobsled and luge track is also available to the public for a once-in-a-lifetime, bone-jarring, 54 second, 75 m.p.h. bobsled ride.
For quieter, off-slope activities, visitors can take a relaxing sleigh ride, ride a hot- air balloon, skate or glide over 30 kilometers of cross-country track, snowshoe into the backcountry, or take in a live theater performance. Shopping has also become a favorite pastime at the hundreds of fine shops, boutiques, and galleries offered in Park City.
After the snow melts and the slopes turn emerald green, Park City attracts summer outdoor enthusiasts. The area’s three mountain resorts offer thousands of acres of terrain that is open to the public for hiking, biking, picnicking, or just relaxing. Twelve years ago, there were twelve miles of trails in Park City. Thanks to the work of
the Mountain Trails Foundation, there are now over 325 miles of both expert and family-friendly trails. Mountain bikers can ride from May through September. Ski lifts double their duty during the summer, carrying mountain bikers and bikes up to exciting and scenic paths. The town’s trail |
system offers single- and double-track trails that are identified by the skill level required. Park City boasts more than a dozen luxury and day spas that pamper guests after an active day of hiking or mountain biking. Summer brings to town even more events, including the Park City Arts Festival, a NORBA-sanctioned mountain bike race, the International Music Festival, and an International Jazz Festival just to name a few.
Golfers in the Park City area enjoy a phenomenon known as “ego golfing.” Because of the high altitude, golf balls tend to fly quite a bit further. It is a fun feeling to easily hit 275 plus yard drives at many of the courses in the area. Park City has enjoyed a golf boom in recent years, bringing in top course designers like Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, 2004 Architect Of The Year, Gene Bates, Masters Champion Mark O’Meara, with many more top-named courses slated for construction within a few years. With top-notch accommodations and 10 championship golf courses within minutes of downtown Park City, many visitors are finding out that the area is a hidden gem of a golf destination. For a complete list of courses and Park City Golf Vacation Packages, Tee Times, and information visit www.parkcityutahgolf.com.
Families will find plenty of activities to please every member: From the twists and turns of the popular Alpine Slide, to a guided educational hike, to a tour of the Utah Olympic Park, where Olympic athletes train—even in the summer. Visitors can see what it’s like to be a luge or skeleton athlete by riding the “Quicksilver” alpine slide, a European-style alpine slide and the first of its kind in North America. Its state-of-the-art steel track allows riders to weave down a narrow course on an open speed-controlled sled. Visitors can also enjoy the World’s Steepest Zipline—the Xtreme Zip which flies at 50 miles per hour along the 120 meter ski jump hill, or for a milder ride, the Ultra Zip travels along the winter freestyle hill. For those who are a little more daring, summer bobsled rides are available on “The Comet.” Go up to 70 miles per hour and experience 4 G’s of force—an equivalent of a 40-story drop—in just over a minute as an experienced driver takes three passengers on a thrilling ride down the entire length of the Olympic bobsled track.
While visitors come to Park City for its mountain grandeur, shopping is what many remember most. Although it used to be the rough and tumble center of this frontier mining town, Historic Main Street is now the heart of a shopping district featuring art galleries, jewelers, home furnishing retailers, and clothiers among its distinctive stores.
In addition to the multitude of activities, events, and shopping Park City has to offer, visitors and locals have more than 100 restaurants to choose from—featuring every type of cuisine imaginable. |
