PARK CITY, UT – With Canadians looking for outdoor adventure this winter, Park City presents an option with ski plus a variety of other winter activities. Park City Mountain opens today to skiers and snowboarders in Utah, with neighbouring Deer Valley Resort set to open on Dec. 5.
“Canadians have long sought out Park City as a winter destination because it is a quintessential experience – Park City Mountain offers the largest lift-accessed ski terrain in the United States and neighbouring Deer Valley Resort is consistently rated amongst the top ski resorts in North America for its service, dining and grooming standards. Both of Park City’s ski resorts are connected to Canadian resorts through their EPIC or IKON pass products, making it easier than ever for Canadians to enjoy Park City’s resorts,” says Dan Howard, Director of Communications, Visit Park City.
While the Canada-U.S. border remains closed, and Canada’s travel advisory and 14-day quarantine requirement remain in effect, there are flights available to Salt Lake City International and Canadians can fly into the United States as tourists. Park City is just a quick drive from Salt Lake City, nestled in the Wasatch Mountains which is part of the Rocky Mountain Range. It is known for its two world-class ski resorts, year-round activities and the Sundance Film Festival. It also boasts an adorable and historic Main St. lined with over 100 independent boutiques and 50 restaurants, plus many spas and services.
“The weather and snow quality in Utah are key reasons why Canadians are drawn to the state, and flights to Salt Lake City International – which is the nation’s newest airport – make it easy for Canadians to visit. Park City is located just 25 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport – no ski mountain destination is easier to access,” adds Howard.
Park City Mountain Resort, one of the ski resorts, enjoys more than nine metres of annual average snowfall covering 330+ trails, 17 mountain peaks and a 3,000-metre summit. During the Salt Lake 2020 Winter Games the resort hosted the snowboarding and giant slalom events and now contains several training courses for the U.S. Ski Team.
Deer Valley Resort is the other ski resort in Park City, expected to open Dec. 5. It has more than 103 trails and 24 lifts, priding itself on ‘revolutionizing ski-area service’. Travellers should note that it is one of the few remaining ski-only resorts in the U.S.
“It’s the limited number of daily lift tickets sold so guests can spend their precious vacation time actually skiing. The Deer Valley Difference is evident in big things like our exclusive ski-only experience, unparalleled accessibility and in-resort lodging so comfortable you may want to move in for good,” according to the website.
A luxury option for ski-in / ski-out accommodation is the Montage Deer Valley, with other amenities including a 35,000 square foot spa, bowling and the Montage Academy for remote learning.
“Montage Deer Valley is beloved by skiers for its alpine beauty, ski concierge and prime location atop Empire Pass. It all starts with the team over at Compass Sports, our on-site outfitter, who makes sure every guest is set with ski rentals and gear – they’ll even warm your boots. After a day of skiing fresh powder, slide right into our Après Lounge to sip on Veuve Clicquot champagne in style,” says Joseph Mattioli, General Manager, Montage Deer Valley.
The global pandemic is expected to have certain impacts on the ski season this year. Public health orders require that masks be work in all indoor public places, including where people congregate such as chairlift lines. Six feet of social distancing is being practiced, with resorts limiting chairlift and gondola occupancy to people within the same household. Advance online purchase of lift tickets will be required with no half day options. Finally, some services will be more limited than usual like restaurants, ski school and childcare on the mountain.
For time not on the ski hill, Park City has a plethora of other great outdoor winter activities like dog sledding, tubing, ice skating. Or head to the Utah Olympic Park that hosted five events – bobsled, skeleton, luge and the Nordic combined events – during the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Games. Visitors can enjoy a thrilling ride on a bobsled track, riding with a professional pilot in the Winter Bobsled Experience. Or explore the two different museums at The Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center highlighting the history of all skiing disciplines. For the adventurous, join Park City Ski & Snowboard (PCSS) for world-class ski and snowboarding training programs.
“While winter is the town’s peak season, summer and fall are delightful times to visit and offer an additional bonus for value seekers, as the region’s luxury hotels can offer rates at one-third of high season offerings,” says Howard. “Park City offers a wide range of off-mountain activities, from hiking and biking on its 400-mile trail system to its extraordinary blue-ribbon fly fishing scene. The city also is the art capital of the Rocky Mountain region, with galleries and festivals, and it is a tremendous destination for both golf and spa enthusiasts.”
When it’s time to eat, there are many dining experiences available in the quaint town of Park City. For casual dining and drinks, try High West Saloon for Whiskey paired with great comfort food. Or for a fine dining experience, Riverhorse on Main offers seafood and a selection of interesting game.
For more information, visit visitparkcity.com