Park City, Utah
Park City is best known as being the Alpine Heart of the 2002 Winter Olympics. It is an old mining town offering wonderful shops, restaurants, and a quaint main street to stroll after skiing. A public lift departs from the center of Park City to the slopes. Park City is located 45 minutes from Salt Lake City’s International Airport, so it is possible to fly and enjoy world-class skiing in the same day.
Before Park City became a golden Olympic town, or even the glittering host city for the Sundance Film Festival, it was a colorful, somewhat unpredictable silver-mining town. Visit Park City and you’ll see its roots in the quaint architecture and the fun-loving attitude of its residents.
Sometimes there’s not much going on in Park City – between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., that is. The rest of the time, Park City is the most happening spot in the Rockies all year long: athletic events, arts and cultural events, and year-round recreation. The problem is making up your mind what to do first. You might want to sample hayrides and hot air balloons, golf courses and tennis courts, fly-fishing and climbing walls. And that’s just the beginning.
After the snow melts off the mountains, the ski lifts and gondolas keep busy hoisting hikers and mountain bikers onto the area’s breathtaking trails. Whether you're looking for white-knuckled, mountain bike thrills, or just a peaceful hike through a Rocky Mountain Forest, you'll find your ideal expedition here in Park City. And don't worry, you can rent your equipment and other gear as well.
The Park City Mountain Resort’s famous Alpine Slide is one of the longest in the world, and two new tracks have been added for more curls, swirls, dips and turns. The Resort also offers the world’s first and longest ZipRider that races riders across the Resort Skiway at speeds of up to 60 mph 110 feet in the air.
Other activities at the base of Park City Mountain Resort include mountain sleds, diggler scooter rentals, horseback riding, miniature golf, legacy launcher trampoline, the Little Miner’s Park, shopping and dining. The Town Lift is open daily for easy access from Main Street to Park City Mountain Resort.
Whoever coined the phrase “shop ‘til you drop” must have been thinking about Park City – especially when you consider the wide variety of shopping opportunities there. You’ll find everything from handmade furniture, books and sportswear to art collectibles and Western antiques. Historic Main Street is lined with quaint shops and galleries. And if you’re in the mood for a brand-name bargain, stop by the popular factory outlet mall. You may not wear yourself out shopping here, but you’ll have fun trying.
After a hard day mountain biking, hiking, or even shopping, show your body that you care. Try out one of the local spas, and cap off your perfect vacation day in the most relaxing manner possible.
Variety is the spice of life, and Park City's many award-winning restaurants are among the finest in the Intermountain West, reflecting many different culinary styles and influences. With 100+ restaurants and bars, there’s something for every taste and every mood. And since everything’s so close, they’re all within walking distance or a short free bus ride away.
After dinner you may want to wind down with an evening of contemporary jazz, or wind it up at local dance club. You'll find no bedtimes around this place.