Park City, Utah

Discover the Year-Round Charm of This Mountain Oasis

By Darren Paltrowitz

Park City, Utah, a premier skiing destination since the 1940s, is also the beloved home of the Sundance Film Festival. The award-winning destination has been voted one of the “Top Destinations” by Forbes Traveler Magazine. It is a rare city that can host the Winter Olympics and be a central hub for film and television productions. Yet, there is plenty more to Park City than skiing, sports, and entertainment business, as it is also a destination for Main Street-based shopping, top-tier restaurants, and other festivals.

STAY
Park City offers a choice of luxurious accommodation renowned for first-class service. At Stein Eriksen Resort guests are treated to breathtaking mountain views from their private balconies. Stein Eriksen Resort is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In the winter, guests can hit the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort, one of the largest ski areas in North America. The resort’s ski-in/ski-out access makes it easy to enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding. In the summer, visitors can explore the scenic trails on foot, by bike, or on horseback. The resort also offers a variety of other activities, including golf, tennis, and swimming. After a day of adventure, guests can unwind at the resort’s award-winning spa. Indulge in a relaxing massage, rejuvenating facial, or other spa treatments. The resort also features a state-of-the-art fitness center and a heated outdoor pool.

The St. Regis Deer Valley offers luxury every step of the way. This five-star hotel combines alpine charm with world-class amenities.

Guests can choose from 174 elegant rooms and suites, each featuring mountain or valley views. The resort boasts a 14,000-square-foot Remède Spa, perfect for relaxation. Dining options include the J&G Grill, serving farm-to-table cuisine, and the St. Regis Bar, known for its signature cocktails. Winter visitors enjoy ski-in/ski-out access to Deer Valley’s renowned slopes, while summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, and golf. The hotel’s split-level infinity pool provides year-round outdoor relaxation with stunning mountain vistas.

EAT
Park City’s Main Street offers fine dining and fun drinking establishments, Check out the High West Distillery where executive chef Michael Showers excites his diners with his elevated American Western fare and distinctive spirits. Close by is Courchevel Bistro, rooted in French-inspired cuisine and an emphasis on local farm-to-table ingredients all from executive chef Clement Elas. Still craving fine cuisine? Then be sure to make a reservation at Tupelo where you’ll find executive chef Matthew Harris’s menu an inspiration. His native Southern roots are translated perfectly into every dish. If you seek a fun way to shop and dine there’s Kemo Sabe, a high-end western wear store at a quick glance which also covers as a secret speakeasy hidden on-site.

PLAY
Best known to be an alpine ski resort in the Wasatch Range, Deer Valley regularly ranks high with avid skiers. However, the centrally located Park City, Utah destination—opened in 1981—is committed to year-round excellence, making it far more than just a place to visit for skiing.

Park City has plenty to see and do for those seeking the fresh mountain air. Its myriad activities include lift-served mountain biking and hiking, scenic chairlift rides, and adventure camps. Its Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater features three concert series, while its fall programming in recent years has included the multi-day Mountain Beer Festival. Deer Valley has also hosted events of Salt Lake City’s Olympic Winter Games, the 19th FIS World Cup, and three FIS Freestyle World Championship events.

Park City hosts the renowned Sundance Film Festival annually, drawing filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles from around the globe. Founded by Robert Redford in 1978, Sundance has grown into the largest independent film festival in the United States. Each January, mountain town transforms into a bustling hub of creativity, screening hundreds of new films across various venues. Sundance has launched numerous acclaimed films and filmmakers, cementing its reputation as a tastemaker in the industry. Beyond screenings, the festival offers panel discussions, music events, and networking opportunities, making it a must-attend event for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. The Sundance Film Festival takes place January 25 – February 2, 2025.

If you’re yearning for more entertainment, then head Egyptian Theatre on Main Street. Built in the style of Egyptian-themed theaters from the 1920s it has hosted many headliners including 10,000 Maniacs, The Guess Who, Graham Nash, Neko Case, KT Tunstall, and The Byrds’ Roger McGuinn alike. Check the theater to see upcoming performances.

The new year is expected to bring the fourth edition of the Park City Song Summit back to town. A multi-day event featuring intimate conversations and musical performances, the Song Summit emphasizes wellness and mental health. Looking further into the future, the 2034 Winter Olympics have been announced for the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. Park City will play home to events and hospitality. Park City is not likely to be a hidden gem for much longer.  

For more information on Park City year-round, go to visitparkcity.com 

Advertisement - Woodloch-Spa - TheLodgeAtWoodloch.com