Find things to do in Park City all year round, from winter skiing and apres nightlife, to summer SUP, fishing, golfing, mountain biking, and much more.
Just east of Salt Lake City in the western state of Utah, Park City is a haven for outdoor adventure. The mountain ski resorts are world-class, the water sports are epic and the hiking and mountain-biking trails are some of the best in the state. Combining its old mining town heritage with a cool artsy vibe and endless outdoor activities, it’s no wonder Park City is hailed as one of America’s best year-round vacation spots.
So if you’re dreaming of a mountain getaway read on to find out more about the best activities in Park City – we’ve broken this list down into four seasonal sections and included extra tips and advice about the best places to stay.
- Things to do in Park City in winter
- Things to do in Park City in summer
- Things to do in Park City in spring
- Things to do in Park City in fall
Things to do in Park City in Winter
Hit the slopes at Park City Mountain
As the largest ski resort in North America, Park City Mountain boasts incredible skiing, snowboarding, and much more. Open from November for the winter season, it’s home to the vibrant Mountain Village and Canyons Village areas, plus more than 7300 acres of skiable terrain. Expect to find hundreds of ski runs, dozens of well-maintained ski lifts, and easy access to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. The resort offers countless Park City vacation rentals including ski-in/ski-out cabins with easy access to ski lifts and free shuttles.
Welcome the winter season at Deer Valley Resort
Just a few miles from Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort will begin welcoming guests for its winter season, starting December and running through April. Ski lifts, lessons, rentals, dining, and shopping will all be open, and you can book with confidence knowing that the resorts and accommodation providers are following expanded safety and sanitization protocols. Stay slope-side at Deer Valley Resort and you’re still within easy reach of downtown with its great shops, dining, and nightlife.
Follow the path of Olympic athletes
Just because Utah’s 2002 Olympic Winter Games are in the past, doesn’t mean the Olympic spirit doesn’t live on. Park City hosted much of the action including freestyle, alpine, and cross-country skiing, as well as the bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton at Utah Olympic Park. At Deer Valley, two trails on Bald Eagle Mountain saw Olympic wins, and Park City’s Eagle Race Arena is where Bode Miller won a silver medal. If you’re feeling adventurous, test your skills on the incredible 22-foot Eagle Superpipe at Park City Mountain.
Visit in time for the Sundance Film Festival
One of the world’s most famous festivals, the Sundance Film Festival is held in Park City each January. For more than 30 years, filmmakers, stars, and audiences have been attending the event to see some of the most innovative films and documentaries in cinema. During the 10-day festivities, Park City takes on a glitzy sheen with film screenings, parties, and special events. Even if you don’t have tickets, you can still soak up the excitement, and you’re sure to spot a few film stars!
Warm up with a craft whiskey
After a chilly day on the slopes, you might want to warm your cockles with the craft whiskey at High West Distillery & Saloon. The world’s only ski-in distillery, it’s located in Park Avenue at the base of Quit n’ Time ski run next to Town Lift. The venue serves delicious food along with its own mountain-crafted award-winning whiskeys, and a full selection of fine wine, bottled beer, and spirits.
Go cross-country skiing
Park City has long been a haven for cross country skiers, combining the benefits of aerobic exercise with the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The region is home to a wide range of options, from groomed trails with classic tracks to more rustic touring trails off the beaten track. Basin Recreation packs and grooms 16 miles of trails which are free to use, and White Pine Nordic Center offers more than 20 kilometers of classic and skate ski track that is groomed daily.
Pit your wits against the Winter Bobsled Experience
Looking for adrenaline-fuelled adventures in Park City? You can experience the thrill of a lifetime on the Winter Bobsled Experience at Utah Olympic Park. Run by professional pilots, rides take up to three passengers on a thrilling journey down the 2002 Olympic Winter Games Sliding Track. This highly physical and extreme experience generates up to 4-5 times the force of gravity – are you brave enough to try it?
Spend Christmas in Park City
If you’re spending Christmas in Park City, expect it to be truly magical. The area offers so many ways to celebrate the holidays including a wide variety of community events, with snow and lights everywhere you look. Kick-off the Christmas season at the giant tree lighting ceremony at Canyons Village, take the kids for a ride on Heber Valley’s North Pole Express, or head on down to Main Street for the annual Electric Parade. You will find plenty of places to stay in Park City for Christmas, including stylish ski-in ski-out condos and family-friendly cabins packed with fun amenities.
Take in the winter beauty from a horse-drawn sleigh
While many visit Park City to speed down the slopes, not everyone knows about the serene experience of taking in the winter beauty from a horse-drawn sleigh. Park City Mountain offers private and group sleigh ride tours through scenic Willow Draw. Sleighs depart from the Canyons Village Ski Beach daily during ski season.
Try fatbiking
With more than 400 miles of maintained trails, it’s no wonder that mountain biking is one of the most popular things to do in Park City. But the fun doesn’t have to stop when the snow falls. Fatbiking is like regular mountain biking but uses an off-road bicycle with oversized tires. This allows for riding on soft, unstable terrain like snow. Park City has plenty of designated bike e trails including those at Round Valley, Willow Creek, and Glenwild.
Get cozy in a luxury cabin
For cozy winter stays, check out the wide choice of Park City cabins available. From cozy cabins and condos to huge ski lodges with their own private pools, there’s a wide range of accommodation to choose from. Many of the vacation rentals in Park City have ski-in, ski-out access to the slopes, and many properties come with perks like private hot tubs and warming log-burning fireplaces. You’ll find accommodation at the lower end of the budget as well as super-luxurious properties where you can stay in ultimate style.
Things to do in Park City in summer
Tee off on a unique golf course
Designed by award-winning golf architect Gene Bates, Canyons Golf Club features beautiful mountain greens with some golf holes built right on the ski runs of Park City Mountain Resort. Large in scale, the 18-hole, par 70 course boasts more than 550 feet of elevation change. Surrounded by both the Wasatch and Uinta mountain ranges, the unique course offers stunning mountain views from each of its elevated tees.
Get down at an outdoor concert
Park City hosts dozens of outdoor events every summer, including the Deer Valley Concert Series which brings in well-known artists spanning all kinds of genres. There will be concessions stands for food and drinks, or you can bring your own! What makes this concert unique is that it’s held at the base of the mountain surrounded by beautiful scenery while you enjoy the music.
Do some SUP board yoga
If you’re looking for things to do in Park City in summer, how about paddle boarding on a crystal clear lake surrounded on all sides by beautiful scenery? Head to Deer Valley Plaza Lake and you can rent paddleboards from Park City SUP for around $25 for two hours, or take a private lesson, or even a SUP board yoga class. When you’re done with the water, grab refreshments at the Grocery Cafe where you can sit out on the deck and soak up the views over the lake.
Fly fish at Provo River
In summer, the snowmelt from the mountains feeds into the fresh water at Provo River making it come alive with activity. Hailed for its recreational fishing, the river is a favorite spot with locals and visitors alike. For a great way to pass a sunny afternoon, take a private tour with Park City Fly Fishing Guides. Both half and full-day trips are available for anglers of all levels of ability. Tours are run by experts and include waders, boots, rods and tackle, bait, snacks, refreshments, and lunch for full-day trips. Transportation to and from the river is provided from the resort areas of Deer Valley and Park City Mountain.
Hitch a scenic chair lift ride
No list of things to do in Park City would be complete without mentioning its scenic chair lifts. From Deer Valley, you can take a lofty ride on the Silver Lake Express up to the beautiful Mid Mountain area. The lift will drop you off right next to Silver Lake Lodge where you’ll find plenty of activities including mountain biking, hiking, restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
Make a splash in your own private pool
The views from this 6-suite chalet at Canyons Resort are absolutely breathtaking. Sat high on the mountain, it has its own full-size outdoor pool with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valley below. Guests can also enjoy the home’s private outdoor hot tub and fire pit, open-plan lounge areas, sauna, and games room with a billiards and ping pong table. Reservations for this 16-person property include daily housekeeping and private concierge service.
Zipline through the treetops
With its rugged mountains and lush forests, Park City is a popular destination for ziplining. There are plenty of companies offering zipline adventures, such as Ziprider at Park City Mountain Resort, where you can soar above the scenic mountain ski trails, reaching speeds of up to 50 mph. Ziprider is one of the longest ziplines in the world, coming in at 2,300 feet long!
Shop at Park Silly Market
No matter the season, no trip to Park City is complete without exploring Main Street. It’s the main drag of what’s known as ‘Old Town’ and is home to art galleries, high-end boutiques, and excellent restaurants. For something different, hit it up on Sunday when Park Silly Market runs down most of the block. The open-air market and street festival features food, music, souvenirs, locally grown produce, and much more. It runs every Sunday through the summer from 10 am – 5 pm.
Things to do in Park City in spring
Enjoy spring skiing
Park City may be best known for its winter skiing, but spring skiing is just as popular. As the ski season slowly comes to an end you will find longer days, more sunshine, warmer sun decks for aprés ski, plus a handful of fun end-of-season events. What’s more, there are fewer people at the resorts, giving you free rein on the slopes. You are more likely to find great accommodation deals too.
Drive to Salt Lake City
Did you know it’s an easy drive from Park City to Salt Lake City? Set against the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, Utah’s cosmopolitan capital is home to a thriving hub of shopping malls, dining districts, sports venues, art galleries, and much more. While you’re in town, check out City Creek Mall which has a retractable roof and a stream running through it – yes, a stream! Spot the wildlife at Hogle Zoo, or speed down the snowy chutes at Snowbird Ski Resort – the ultimate destination for non-stop fun.
Have fun at Spring Grüv
Things to do in Park City don’t get much better than the annual Spring Grüv. The family-friendly event features 16 days of traditional celebrations and exciting festivals. Held to mark the close of the season, it’s typically held in mid-March with events spread across the mountain’s two villages, Park City Mountain and Canyons Village.
Soak in a private hot tub
Add a little extra comfort to your vacation by choosing a stay at one of the many Park City rentals with hot tubs. You’ll find a wide range of gorgeous condos and cabins complete with their own private hot tubs. Imagine long soaks in your own bubbling hot tub, surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests. To enjoy, all you need to do is jump in…
Ride Utah’s longest mountain coaster
Take in the refreshing mountain scenery from the Park City Mountain Coaster. Winding through more than a mile of scenic loops and curves, it travels at speeds of up to 25 mph – it’s just like your favorite roller coaster but with better views! Rides start at $14 for kids and $29 for adults.
Things to do in Park City in fall
Hike to see great views of fall foliage
The fall season in Park City is relatively short, but it’s still a pretty amazing time to visit. From around mid-September, the sun begins to wane and the foliage takes on gorgeous autumnal colors. A great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty is to head out on some exciting hikes. At just under 3 miles for the round trip, Bloods Lake is a good place to start. You can’t beat the scenic alpine lake and relatively easy trails, and even a fun rope swing!
Visit for Autumn Aloft
There’s no better way to take in the spectacular mountain views than with a hot air balloon ride over Park City. As you ascend thousands of feet you’ll see the streets of Park City below and the soaring Wasatch Mountains in the distance. Park City is so perfect for hot air ballooning that the town even hosts a yearly event dedicated to it. Each September, a weekend is set aside for Autumn Aloft when balloonists come from all over the world to show off their special hot air balloons. Event festivities are free to spectators and take place at multiple locations around Park City in mid-September annually.
Dress up for Howl-O-Ween
Hailed as one of the top Halloween events in the country, Howl-O-Ween is a must if you’re visiting Park City in the fall. The action takes place on Main Street each Halloween, with a line-up of fun events like trick-or-treating, costume competitions, and even a costumed dog parade! Many of the vacation rentals in Park City are pet-friendly, so you can easily bring your four-legged friend on vacation with you.
Stroll along historic Main Street
No Park City vacation would be complete without a stroll along its historic Main Street. With dozens of restaurants, a great selection of art galleries and shops, it’s easy to stroll into some gems, even by accident! It’s super fun to walk and discover everything that Main Street has to offer. But for non-walkers, look for the Main Street Trolley which offers free rides that span the length of the popular area.
Watch movies in a luxury mountain lodge
This luxury ski-in ski-out cabin is one of Deer Valley’s most prestigious rental properties. Located next to Northside Express chairlift in the popular Empire Pass area, it’s perfectly located for an adventure-filled vacation. After a day on the mountain, relax in front of your favorite film in the cozy home theater. The 11-person home has a 2-car garage and is close to Lake Jordanelle for boating, SUP boarding, jet skiing, and more.
How to book a stay in Park City
Book your stay in Park City with us and not only will you get beautiful accommodation at great prices, but you’ll also benefit from round-the-clock customer service and access to a wide range of travel extras.
Follow our simple online booking process and you can secure your vacation rental in Park City instantly without any phone calls or fuss. It’s easy to check availability, get a quote, and book instantly online. Or if you’d prefer to talk to one of our friendly villa experts, give us a call.
