Today I’m telling you all about Park City, a little mountain town that has quickly become our family’s favorite vacation spot.
We love to travel. We swim with sea turtles in Hawaii. We walk the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. We regularly catch up with Mickey and friends at Disney World, Disneyland, and on the Disney Wish. We hike to impeccable views in British Columbia.
However, the variety of outdoor memories our family makes in Park City just can’t be beaten. Today I’m going to highlight 5 reasons Park City is the perfect winter family vacation destination.
Reason 1: Travel Time to Park City is Minimal
One reason we love Park City is that it’s so easy and reasonably-priced to fly to from Austin and most other airport hubs. From Austin, there are several nonstop flights to Salt Lake City. SLC is a big hub too, so even if you’re not in Austin I’m sure you’ll find many flight options at reasonable prices.
Although Colorado is closer to us in Texas, traveling to Colorado ski towns just isn’t as easy. Most visitors fly into Denver and then you have about a two-hour drive (without traffic) to get to the main ski areas like Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Vail and Beaver Creek. There are a few local airports in Aspen and Vail, but the prices to those regional airports are usually much more expensive. From Salt Lake City International Airport, you have about a 40-minute easy drive to Park City. Plus, the high altitude of Colorado ski towns bothers some and generally visitors don’t have that issue in Utah.
Reason 2: The Town of Park City Triumphs Over All Ski Towns
Whichever season you head to Park City, get ready to fall in love with the cutest little mountain town ever.
On Main Street you’ll find tons of stores and restaurants where you can easily spend a few hours. You can shop at some of the nationwide shops like Lululemon, Patagonia, or North Face. Likewise, you’ll find several cute local shops and eateries. Atticus Coffee, Books & Teahouse can help you caffeinate in the morning alongside unique books and gifts. We’ve also picked up fun books at Dolly’s Bookstore (perhaps after grabbing some fudge at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or ice cream at the eclectic Java Cow Coffee & Ice Cream.
The local library is a perfect spot for families as they offer regular activities for children and there’s a little hill next door that is perfect for sledding. Don’t even worry about bringing your own sled as we’ve always found several to borrow.
A short walk down the block will find you at a playground. Even in the winter, the kids will love this cute spot.
Reason 3: So Many Winter Activities for Everyone
Although Utah is known for incredible skiing, there is something for everyone when based out of Park City. There are two mountain resorts in town — Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort. Deer Valley Resort is a ski-only mountain with a wide variety of skiing available, but it is well-known for its beginner offerings. We’ve spent many days in Deer Valley with the kids when they were first learning to ski. Park City Mountain Resort is the largest mountain resort in the U.S. and will thrill both your skiers and snowboarders. It consists of the Canyons ski area and the main Park City area which used to be separate resorts but now are both included in your pass.
Park City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, so you can also test out the jumps and half-pipes, if you’re adventurous. Another big hit with families is Woodward Park City, a fully integrated campus made up of a state-of-the-art action sports hub and more than 80 acres of action sports and mountain parks. My kids love the indoor play zones where they can climb around and burn some energy on our rest days.
If downhill skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, don’t count out Park City just yet. You’ll also find tubing, cross country skiing, painting classes at the Paint Mixer, movie theaters, and a large nearby outlet mall to keep you busy.
Reason 4: After a Day in the Mountains, You’ll Have Your Pick of Incredible Food and Drinks
Over the years, we’ve eaten at so many Park City restaurants and most have impressed us. Davanza’s Pizza is AMAZING and the perfect reward for the whole family after surviving a long day on the slopes. High West Saloon is a great aprés ski stop for the grown ups, with appetizers and snacks as well as a full dinner option alongside their wide range of whiskeys and drinks. Our very favorite restaurant, though, is Riverhorse on Main.
The Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut is incredible. We literally set an alarm to make reservations as soon as they become available for each trip (and this coming winter that is 4 separate alarms!).
Reason 5: Not Only Is Park City Amazing in the Winter, But You’ll Love It Even More In The Summer
Once you experience your first winter family vacation in Park City, you’ll want to come back. And, if you love the winter then you’ll absolutely fall in love with the town in the summer. Lodging is much more reasonable in the summer so a full week or two-week stay is much more feasible.
While you’re there, you’ll have plenty of time to ride bikes along the former railroad trail, explore one of the hundreds of nearby hikes, mountain bike, take on a ropes course, and so much more.
Can you tell that I am in love with Park City? Let me know if you have any questions about this cute ski town!
