One of America’s most popular winter destinations, Park City is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world.
Originally a mining town, the first ski resort in Park City was opened in the 1960s. Over the years, two more resorts were built, transforming the town into a modern alpine destination.
Now home to the largest ski area in the USA, thousands of powderhounds come to experience these infamous slopes each year! If you want to get in on the action, our latest blog post has everything you need to know about the top ski resorts in Park City.
The best time to ski in Park City
Park City receives an average of 300 to 400 inches of snowfall each year, the majority of which falls between January and March. Although it is weather-dependent, ski season in Park City generally runs from mid-November through April.
Heavy snowfall isn’t guaranteed in November and December, but as the resorts have snow-making facilities, you can still ski. The slopes are much quieter during this time, and you are likely to get a good deal on your accommodation.
By January, snowfall is still relatively light, so the slopes aren’t too crowded. As the famous Sundance Film Festival takes place during this month, the town is buzzing with events and festivities. If you’re looking for some fun away from the slopes, this is a great time to visit!
February and March are the optimum months for skiing in Park City. Snowfall by this point is heavy, and the slopes have a well-developed base. As this is peak season, the resorts will be a lot busier and accommodation may cost slightly more.
If you’re keen to avoid crowds, it is a good idea to travel during early spring. Although the temperature starts to rise in March, snow conditions are still strong and the winter crowds have long gone. The start of spring also brings sunshine, so if you enjoy skiing in slightly warmer conditions, this is one of the best times to visit Park City.
How many ski resorts are there in Park City?
One of the most visited ski destinations in the world, Park City is home to two world-class ski resorts; Deer Valley and Park City Mountain. Both easily accessible, each resort is just a 45-minute drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport.
During the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain hosted many of the major skiing and snowboarding events. Don’t worry – you don’t have to be an Olympian to ski here, both resorts offer a diverse range of terrain, to suit all abilities. Deer Valley, in particular, has a high percentage of beginner runs.
Park City Mountain Resort
With more than 7300 acres of skiing terrain, Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in America. Suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers, the resort boasts over 300 runs, 17 peaks and 47 lifts!
With its deep snow and varied terrain, Park City is also a hit with snowboarders. There are 8 terrain parks in the resort, with a number of jumps, rails, ramps and half-pipes. There is a park to suit every ability level, so you’ll have a chance to sharpen your skills before you start shredding alongside the professionals!
The number one choice for families, Park City Mountain Resort also offers a plethora of outdoor activities away from the slopes, such as sleigh rides, tubing, snowmobiling, and ice skating.
Park City ski map
Canyons Resort
Canyons Resort was once one of three alpine ski resorts located in Park City. With 4000 acres of skiable terrain and 19 lifts, Canyons was the largest ski and snowboard resort in Utah.
In 2015, it was announced that Canyons Resort would merge with another of Utah’s most iconic ski resorts, Park City. Interconnected by a high-speed gondola, the two resorts now operate as one – the Park City Mountain Resort. With 7300 acres of terrain, this resort is now the largest skiing destination in the United States!
Park City ski pass
Depending on how often you want to ski, there are a number of different passes available for Park City Mountain Resort. Tickets are priced on expected demand, so if you’re travelling during peak season, you should expect to pay slightly more.
It’s a good idea to plan your trip as far in advance as you can. Not only will this guarantee your preferred dates – it could also save you some money!
Winter lift tickets
If you’re just planning to ski within the Park City Resort, a basic lift ticket will give you access to the slopes for a set amount of days. You can book between 1 and 7 days with a lift ticket, so if you’re planning to ski for less than a week, this is your best option.
As lift tickets can only be purchased during the ski season, they are in high demand, so it is best to arrange them before you arrive. If you book online, you can also potentially save up to a third on the price. If your plans change, unused lift tickets are fully refundable until 12pm on your ticket’s start date.
Epic Day Pass
An Epic Day Pass is a great alternative if you are looking for a bit more flexibility. Although it is non-refundable, this pass can be bought in advance of the ski season, at an extremely discounted price. With an Epic Day Pass, you can still book between one and seven days on the slopes, but your days don’t need to be used consecutively.
If you want to visit another resort during your stay, you can always add holiday access to your pass. With this, you’ll be able to ski on any day throughout the season, at a number of North American resorts.
Epic Pass
Ideal for those wanting to ski for the full season, an Epic Pass offers unlimited access to Park City Mountain, as well as priority access to a number of other world-class resorts. The Epic Pass is generally available to purchase from spring until the start of the ski season, so you will need to book one in advance.
As a pass holder, you will also be entitled to some additional benefits such as discounted tickets for friends and family, priority reservations and cancellation coverage. There are a few variations of the Epic Pass available, so it is worth researching the rules and restrictions of each before you book.
Après-ski
In Park City, the social activities that take place away from the slopes are almost as important as the skiing itself. Whether you prefer champagne cocktails, or hot cocoa with cream, Park City Mountain Resort has some of the finest après-ski hotspots in America!
If you want to stay close to the slopes, there are two base areas within the resort, Canyons Village and Park City Mountain Village. Both areas are home to world-class restaurants, bars and accommodation.
Park City Mountain is also the only resort that has lift access directly to the town’s historic Main Street. Here, you will find over 100 restaurants, nightclubs, bars and boutiques. Regardless of what you’re looking for, Park City has something for everyone. From bustling bars to cozy pubs, the town center is known for its vibrant atmosphere, live music and welcoming residents.
Deer Valley Resort
Situated just 3 miles from Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort is one of the most upscale ski destinations in America.
With over 2000 acres of terrain, covering 6 mountains, Deer Valley offers plenty of variety for skiers. Although smaller than its neighbouring resorts, Deer Valley still has terrain to suit all levels of abilities. 27% of the slopes are suitable for beginners, and there is an abundance of intermediate runs.
The resort receives around 300 inches of snow each season, which is topped up with copious amounts of man-made snow (and immaculately groomed!) Sadly for some, snowboarding is prohibited at Deer Valley, so if you were hoping to board, Park City Mountain Resort is your best option.
Away from the slopes, Deer Valley has earned a world-class reputation for its outstanding customer service, 5* amenities and amazing attention to detail. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, on and off the slopes, this is definitely the resort for you.
Deer Valley ski map
Deer Valley ski pass
Crowded slopes are never an issue at Deer Valley. Although the resort’s uphill capacity is almost 50,000, there are just over 7000 lift tickets available each day. For this reason, you should always pre-purchase your tickets to guarantee a spot on the mountains.
During peak season, the resort almost always reaches capacity, so it is best to book well in advance of your visit to avoid disappointment.
Winter lift tickets
At Deer Valley, you can book both single and multi-day lift tickets. Like most resorts, ticket prices tend to increase during peak season, holidays and weekends.
Daily tickets are only available to book during ski season, and you can only use them on the ticketed date. To alter the dates on your lift ticket, changes must be made 2 days prior to your first ski day. If the price has increased since you first bought them, you will need to pay the difference!
Season Pass
If you are planning to ski for over a week, a full season pass provides the most benefit. This may seem like an expensive option, but you will be entitled to unlimited skiing without restrictions – even during holiday periods. The Deer Valley season pass is available to purchase before the ski season starts. Prices increase after October, so for the best value, try and book before that deadline.
Icon Pass
If you were hoping to ski all season long, at a number of different resorts, an Icon Pass is definitely worth looking into. An Icon Pass grants skiers unlimited access to 15 resorts throughout the US.
With this pass, you will also get an additional 7 days skiing at 28 iconic destinations – including Deer Valley. Unlike lift tickets, the Icon Pass can be bought before the ski season starts. There are also no date restrictions, so you can still hit the slopes over holiday periods. Like the Epic Pass, there are a few different options available, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before you book!
Après-ski
At Deer Valley, the après-ski scene is a little more refined. Within the resort, there is a small number of fine dining restaurants and a handful of sophisticated bars. With most guests choosing to retire to their accommodation early, evenings at Deer Valley can be quite quiet.
If you want to let your hair down, Park City’s Main Street is just a mile away. Easy to access, there’s a free public bus that will take you from the resort, straight to the town center. With hundreds of bars and restaurants, Main Street is packed with fun things to see and do – all night long!
The best places to stay in Park City
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Park City, you are guaranteed to be spoiled for choice. From slopeside condos, to ski-in, ski-out lodges, there’s a fantastic variety of accommodation options in both Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort.
Although there are hotels within the resorts, nothing says luxury quite like a private rental. Hand-picked for their first-class amenities and close proximity to the slopes, our Park City homes offer style, comfort and convenience.
You can take a look at our full range of vacation rentals in Park City here.
Park City cabins
Park City 31
5 bedrooms |sleeps 12
This vacation home was made for fun! Situated just a short walk from Main Street, this modern cabin was designed to embody a vibrant apres-ski atmosphere. With a private hot tub, a game room, and loads of chillout space, this is the perfect relaxation destination!
Park City 28
4 bedrooms | sleeps 11
Located in Deer Valley Resort, this impressive townhouse sits just below the beginner and intermediate terrain of Flagstaff Mountain. With a private hot tub, 4,000 square feet of living space and a theater room, this vacation home is great for cozy evenings in!
Condos in Park City
Park City 26
4 bedrooms | sleeps 9
This warm and welcoming condo is nestled within the exclusive Empire Pass area of Deer Valley Resort. Guests staying here will have access to a complimentary shuttle service, a fitness center and ski storage. As this home also benefits from a private concierge service and daily professional housekeeping, you won’t have to lift a finger!
Park City 14
1 bedroom | sleeps 4
This cool and contemporary condo is in the heart of Park City. Just a stone’s throw away from the town’s fabulous amenities, this upscale home is ideal for guests hoping to explore all that Park City has to offer. If you are just coming to ski, the resort’s town lift is just steps away from your front door!
Park City ski-in, ski-out rentals
Park City 1
7 bedrooms | sleeps 17
This ski-in, ski-out rental is situated within one of Park City’s gated communities. Offering an abundance of luxury living space, a huge range of first-class amenities, and amazing views across the mountains, this incredible home has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation!
Park City 0
7 bedrooms | sleeps 20
This impressive residence allows you to enjoy ski-in, ski-out access to the Golden Spruce run at Park City Mountain Resort. Surrounded by 4.5 acres of woodland grounds, this home offers incredible sweeping views of the mountains. You don’t even have to venture outside to enjoy the view – there are floor-to-ceiling windows in almost every room.
Book a stay in Park City
When you book with us, not only will you get beautiful accommodation at great prices, you’ll also benefit from amazing round-the-clock customer service. Whether you’d prefer a mansion in the mountains or a cute cabin for two, our expert team will help you find the right home.
With Top Villas, booking a stay couldn’t be easier. Just follow our simple online booking process and you can secure your dream vacation home instantly without any phone calls or fuss. Our website makes it easy to check availability, get a quote and book instantly online. Alternatively, you can submit an enquiry and we’ll get straight back to you.
To see all of our vacation rentals in Park City, just click here.
