There’s a reason—several, actually—that the U.S. Ski Team calls Park City home. First off, Park City Mountain Resort delivers 3,300 acres of some of the best cruisers, bowls, and parks in the country. Then there’s the charming main drag lined with bars, restaurants, and shops. Plus, a couple mountains, including Deer Valley, are less than a 10-minute drive away. That’s the beauty of Park City: There’s something for everyone.
Alpine purists might turn their noses up at Deer Valley, but they shouldn’t. Sure, ski valets are a staple, but while the furry-collared types lap Deer Valley’s 2,026 acres of meticulously groomed cruisers, powder stashes last for days. The perfectly spaced trees on Lady Morgan Peak and the chutes off the Empire lift will scratch most hardcore skiers’ extreme itch. With so much to choose from, you really can’t go wrong at either resort, so go to both.
Must Stay
With its lively downtown, Park City makes the perfect home base for a weekend exploring Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley. Located just 150 feet from Park City’s lifts and a 10-minute walk from the main drag, offers an old-school vibe, complete with board games, complimentary breakfast, hot tub, and even a dormitory for those who are really holding onto their purse strings.
If it’s creature comforts you’re after, there’s no place better than the slopeside in Deer Valley. With its 23,000-square-foot spa, four-star restaurant, and army of ski valets who will warm your boots and then help you into them each day, the 180-room lodge will deliver you straight into the lap of luxury.
Must Ski
is known for its impeccable grooming, but guarantee fresh corduroy by signing up for , a program that offers private, early access skiing with a guide from 8 to 9 a.m., before the lifts open to the masses.
Warm up on Stein’s Way, a 4,500-foot thigh burner of a cruiser named after legendary Norwegian ski racer Stein Eriksen, before heading to the Empire Express. From the top of Empire, take Orion at skier’s right, then duck into Anchor Trees toward the Daly Bowl. Drop into the bowl, or keep traversing to access a series of chutes.
Next up? Lady Morgan Express for some of the best tree skiing in Utah. From the top of the lift, go skier’s left into Centennial Trees, where you’ll find perfectly spaced trees at just the right pitch and stashes of fresh powder. Or go right from the top of Lady Morgan and into the trees between Argus and Magnet for wide-open aspen glades. For more epic tree skiing, check out Triangle Trees, accessed from the top of the Wasatch or Sultan Express lifts via Tycoon. End the day with cruisey GS turns down Star Gazer, which drops you into Silver Lake Lodge, one of Deer Valley’s hubs.
Must Eat
Do breakfast in Park City. For a classic cozy coffee shop, stop into and grab one of its famous red velvet lattes and a breakfast bagel sandwich to go. For a sit-down, full-menu breakfast, the Eating Establishment (or Double E in local-speak) serves up huge portions of yummy seasoned potatoes and eggs, Belgian waffles, and biscuits and gravy.
Deer Valley is known for its world-class dining. Any meal there is a treat, though probably an expensive one. The doesn’t mess around when it comes to spoiling guests, and lunch at the is no exception. With acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at the helm, J&G dishes up sophisticated city cuisine in a luxurious mountain setting. The black truffle pizza and steamed shrimp salad are standouts, as is the J&G cheeseburger.
Do yourself a favor and check out , one of the newest dining options in Deer Valley. Located in the Montage Deer Valley, Burgers and Bourbon serves the state’s largest selection of whiskeys as well as spiked milkshakes and an unmatched menu of signature burgers made with farm-raised beef, artisan cheeses, and vegetables from Utah farmers and dairies.
Another new addition to Deer Valley’s culinary scene is the in the Lodges at Deer Valley. Blending a fun, casual atmosphere with DV’s signature service, the Brass Tag serves an unusual and delicious menu. The fresh-baked pretzels and tandoori rubbed quail are not to be missed.
Must Drink
Word is that you should ski in Deer Valley but drink in Park City. We tend to agree, but start après in Deer Valley with the 7452 bloody mary at the . From there, head to Park City and its all-star roster of bars.
Located at the bottom of the Quittin’ Time run, next to PCMR’s Town lift, the is Park City’s crowning drinking establishment. Equal parts distillery, tasting room, and rowdy saloon, High West serves up top-notch pub food, some of the finest whiskeys in the West, and a rockin’ après ski party.
Top off any ski day or night out at the . With its festive, down-and-dirty dive bar feel, No Name is the kind of place where locals play shuffleboard, eat nachos, and put back cold ones—lots of ’em.
Must Do
Perfect for adventurous advanced to expert skiers, the guided is a ski tour that links six of Utah’s premiere resorts—Alta, Brighton, Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort, Solitude, and Snowbird—while also exploring some of the Wasatch’s most spectacular backcountry. Be prepared to skin and ski about 25 miles—and have the time of your life.