Whatever “living the dream” means to you, there’s no better place to carpe diem than Park City. 

From off-the-beaten-path adventure to over-the-top après, this town serves up plenty of bucket-list-worthy experiences (not all of which cost an arm and a leg). Stay, dine, and play like a high-roller or a thrifty, PBR-crushing, powder-hound. Here’s how to splurge and save, the Park City way. 

Categories

| Lodging | Dining |
Skiing & Snowboarding 
| Off-Slope Fun |

LODGING

If spas, ski valets, and world-renowned chefs define your choice of stay, Park City is stacked with five-star, slopeside accommodations. But the frugal traveler/staycationer has not been entirely priced out of local beds. Here are our picks for remarkable lodging experiences and some budget-friendly options too. 

Splurge
Once an 18-room Bavarian inn, the Goldener Hirsch recently underwent a massive remodel, transforming the erstwhile petite midmountain Deer Valley chalet into a luxurious blend of old and new. The resulting architectural mélange delivers modern accoutrements (rooftop pool and infinity hot tub, sophisticated rooms and residences, and on-site Kitz eatery) as well as the old-world charm of the Alps-inspired OG Hirsch and its fondue-famous eatery and bar (now with an adjacent outdoor après hub). What brings it all together? A cool skybridge and fireplaces and firepits aplenty. 7570 Royal Street E, 800-252-3373

Get a little cowboy—in the most genteel sense of the term—at The Lodge at Blue Sky. Whether you sidle up to a High West whiskey tasting, shoot some clays, or saddle up for equine bonding, there’s plenty of room to roam on this 3,500-acre ranch. Posh dwellings, spa, and culinary pursuits round out the highly civilized country experience. 27649 Old Lincoln Hwy, Wanship, 435-571-0349

Located away from it all at 8,300 feet—while within a swift, slopeside swoosh to Deer Valley’s Lady Morgan, Ruby, and Empire chair lifts—Montage Deer Valley’s expansive opulence spans 174 rooms (and 81 private residences), an on-site tubing park, a 35,000-square-foot spa, bowling lanes (and accompanying pub-like games), multiple acclaimed eateries, and more. Be sure to meet the hotel’s Bernese mountain dog ambassador, Murphy, and top off the evening with nightly s’mores and hot cocoa. 9100 Marsac Ave, 435-604-1300

A view-laden rooftop pool sets the tone for the chic relative newcomer to the luxury lodging set, Pendry Park City. That top-shelf style filters through the ski-in, ski-out contemporary 153-room, three-towers-circling-a-plaza hotel. Think sushi at Japanese grill Kita, live music fireside in the après lounge, and unwind-time in the spa. Given its Canyons Village locale, Pendry is not only flanked by dining and ski resort amenities, it’s also a sneaky good spot to catch concerts on the adjacent forum. 2417 W High Mountain Rd, 435-800-1990

The local pioneer of white-glove service, Stein Eriksen Lodge ticks all the swanky boxes in gold medal style (yes, that’s a tip of the ski to the hotel’s legendary namesake). Check out the award-bedecked 23,000-square-foot spa, the uber-fun Champions Club (billiards, old-school arcade games, and milkshakes, anyone?), and the famous Glitretind brunch. Stein’s tradition-steeped standard extends to its nearby sister properties: The Chateaux, The Chateaux Residence Club, Stein Eriksen Residences, and a collection of freestanding, luxury homes—all in Deer Valley. 7700 Stein Way, 435-649-3700

A 90-second ascent to St. Regis Deer Valley via funicular delivers jaw-to-the-floor views that continue with a step onto the terrace to witness the nightly Champagne sabering. Whether you dine at acclaimed Rime (its signature, but not only eatery), sip an après cocktail beside the “garden of fire,” soak in the massive, slopeside pool, toast the day’s adventure on the ski beach, or relax in the 14,000-square-foot spa, this 181-room hotel—equipped with all the bespoke Astor-inspired bells and whistles (ahem, butler service)—is primed for living large. 2300 Deer Valley Dr E, 435-940-5700

While the Baccarat crystal chandelier and 300-year-old marble lining the fireplace set the stage for opulence at the Waldorf Astoria Park City, it’s the ski-traffic-avoiding perk of the oh-so-close Frostwood Gondola that delivers genuine indulgence. Well, that and the gorgeous pool, 16,000-square-foot spa, delightful Powder restaurant, and entire Canyons Village (just up the road or cabriolet). 2100 W Frostwood Blvd, 435-647-5500

Save
If you value on-hill time over opulent digs, consider the legendary Chateau Apres, which has a cheap dorm option (in addition to private rooms) and is just a staircase hike away (OK, 150 yards) from Park City Mountain. 1299 Norfolk Ave, 435-649-9372

Park City Hostel, centrally located in Prospector, is walking distance to eateries and a free bus ride from the slopes 1781 Sidewinder Dr, 435-731-8811

For the hardy #RVlife set, roll your rig into Park City RV Resort in Kimball Junction for an easy-on-the-wallet stay on the outskirts of town. (Of note: You may have to battle ski traffic to the slopes.) 2200 W Rasmussen Rd, 435-260-4267 

In general, room rates tend to become more reasonable at properties located off the ski hill and outside of Old Town. With a little research, affordable stays can be found at chain and independent hotels, mostly outside of the 84060 zip code. Avoid Christmas, New Year’s, Martin Luther King weekend, Sundance Film Festival, and Presidents’ weekend. Be sure to check directly with properties for deals and packages. 

Pro tip: Check out Park City Lodging Association’s three-night-stay promotion and score a $400 gift card on Delta Air Lines with a “qualifying stay” (yes, there are some restrictions).

Return to Top

DINING

Park City has no shortage of exemplary chefs and eateries. Look no further than Main Street or the resorts for top-notch dining. For adventures in cuisine, step outside the traditional restaurant lines and go big. Fear not, we’ve got some nuggets when it comes to saving on sustenance, too. 

Splurge
Giddy up for a draft-horse-drawn sleigh ride, gourmet grub, and live music beside a roaring fire at the lofty Snowed Inn lodge. You’ll savor the starlit views as much as the hot cider (with or without High West bourbon), prime rib, trout, and cozy ambience. Snowed Inn Sleigh Company’s quintessential Western experience even comes with genuine cowboys. 

Blazing hearths and come-hither scents of roasts, stews, raclette, and similarly rich and flavorful direct-from-the-flames eats, plus salads, baked goods, and secret-sauce condiments (like signature fig grain mustard) are the hallmark of Deer Valley’s Fireside Dining. Be sure to pace yourself as you meander from fireplace to fireplace, choosing from the various Swiss-influenced courses. Save room for the grand finale: chocolate fondue. 

The 1,600-square-foot St. Regis’ Vintage Room, just off DV’s Deer Hollow run, leans into the realm of oysters and Champagne (and much more) as mixologists work their magic behind a 30-foot wooden bar. 

The Après Lounge, formerly known as the Veuve Clicquot yurt slopeside at Montage, serves up plump-and-cozy couches and armchairs as well as apps like caviar and charcuterie and all manner of sips. 

The Viking Yurt, on-hill at Park City Mountain, is a full-fledged Nordic-style adventure, more than worthy of raising a pewter mug (see p. 114 for more details). 

Rime Seafood and Raw Bar, housed in the indoor-outdoor cabin adjacent to Jordanelle Gondola, marries a spectacular view with primarily ocean-inspired delights (should one prefer French Dip to oysters-on-the-half-shell) to go with that locally crafted beer or chardonnay. 

Peer out at Bald Mountain and the Deer Valley slopes from one of six intimate Alpenglobes, located on Stein’s Troll Hallen Lounge deck. The cost of perching inside a comfy, exquisitely crafted, human-size snow globe with up to five companions? Ninety minutes runs $150 for lunch or $200 for dinner, plus whatever you order from the award-winning restaurant. 

Save
Probably the best deal around for inexpensive eats is The Grill at The Market in Park City (1500 Snow Creek Dr), where a hearty Philly cheesesteak with fries and a fountain drink runs $8.99.

Alberto’s Mexican Restaurant (1640 Bonanza Dr) is the place for fuel-up-for-the-ski-hill breakfast burritos ($6.99 for a mini, which is technically a half, but big).

Maxwell’s (1456 Newpark Blvd, ) and Este Pizzeria (1781 Sidewinder Dr) both deliver delicious, albeit $20-plus pies. Also notable, Whole Foods (6598 N Landmark Dr) often runs a two-for-$10 cheese pizza deal on Fridays. 

For sit-down, moderately priced fare, check out local faves Sammy’s Bistro (1890 Bonanza Dr, #100), Park City Roadhouse Grill (1900 Park Ave), Fuego (2001 Sidewinder Dr), and, for the 21-and-over crowd, Boneyard Saloon (1251 Kearns Blvd). 

Fast-casual, local scrum-diddly-umptious-ness can also be found at Pretty Bird (1775 Prospector Dr), Big Dipper Park City (227 Main St), and Freshie’s Lobster Co (1915 Prospector Ave), all at midrange prices. 

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for Happy Hour deals (typically on Monday or Tuesday) at various establishments around town. 

Return to Top

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING

When it comes to swishy thrills, one could argue that a simple lift-ticket purchase already counts as one heck of a splurge—especially during peak times. For diehards and folks in pursuit of bucket-list-topping adventure, buckle up for budget-blowing powder-hounding (as well as some sneaky-good gliding deals).  

Splurge
Swoosh through six resorts—and the spectacular backcountry linking them—with Ski Utah’s Interconnect Tour. The ski-only excursion for advanced and expert skiers starts at Deer Valley Resort (DV) and covers 25 miles of untrammeled, Wasatch Back-to-Front terrain traversing DV, Park City Mountain Resort, Solitude, Brighton, Alta, and Snowbird. The cost is $525 per person for an open tour; $1,995 for a private tour of one to three people (with an additional charge for add-on skiers). 

Drop into steep-and-deep bliss while dropping $900 per person (or $9,000 for a private group sesh) with Park City Powder Cats in jaw-dropping terrain. With 15,000 skiable acres, 2,000 feet of vertical, and snowcats doing the heavy lifting, this guided adventure serves up backcountry turns sans lift lines. Advanced or expert skills required. 

With a Winter Olympic Games return set for 2034, why not swoosh alongside an Olympian for a few hours? Regular season Ski with a Champion rates at Deer Valley run $1,470 for a half day and $2,570 for the full day (prices go up at peak times). Guides include Shannon Bahrke, Fuzz Feddersen, Kaylin Richardson, Jillian Vogtli, Chris Waddell, Ashley Caldwell, and Trace Worthington. 

Save
If you plan to ride chair lifts for more than a couple days, consider investing in a collective pass: Ikon, Epic, or Mountain Collective. Ski Utah’s Passport for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, and Yeti pass for grown-ups, is a cost-effective way to sample powder locally and across the Beehive State. 

Whether you’re just learning to ski/board or honing sick tricks on an elite level, Woodward Park City is the most affordable, local lift-served sliding venue. Ease into green and blue runs, hit some rails and boxes in Red’s Backyard, drop into the 22-foot half-pipe, or vibe in the Peace Park. All-day access to the Hot Laps lift and Mountain Park terrain is $45. 

Consider a cross-country excursion at one of the following locations: 
Enjoy free public trails in Round Valley, Willow Creek, and Utah Olympic Park (maps and grooming updates available at mountaintrails.org).

A day pass at White Pine Touring’s central and picturesque golf course locale is $24 for an adult (and cheaper after 3 p.m.). Plus, on-site rentals and lessons are affordable too. 

Venture farther afield to the Uinta Wasatch-Cache National Forest via the Kamas Ranger District or the Olympics venue, Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway.

Backcountry skiing for those well-versed in avalanche safety is an excellent and gratis way to get some cardio and serious stoke at the same time. Should you wish to stay in town, Park City Mountain allows uphill travel from 6 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. via a designated route up Home Run to the angle station.

Pro tip: Both local ski resorts offer complimentary guided tours, essentially a free (albeit with a lift pass) way to get oriented and, perhaps, discover a “secret” powder stash. Check out the Historic Mine tours at Park City Mountain and the daily Mountain Host-led tours (some of which are accompanied by an Olympian) at Deer Valley Resort. 

Return to Top

OFF-SLOPE FUN

Splurge
Be one of the first to hut-to-hut in the Uintas. Inspired Summit Adventure’s flagship Castle Peak Yurt, a cozy, cushy haven in the national forest (and a spectacular basecamp in its own right), now has a sister yurt near the headwaters of the Smith and Morehouse Reservoir. Relish remote, guided backcountry skiing as well as catered meals and plush amenities (think cedar barrel sauna and porter service). Stay tuned, as three more huts are in the works. 

Board a private jet for a speed date with Red Rock Country. Montage Expeditions curates an all-in-a-day guided, jet-assisted, southern Utah getaway. Destination options include Arches National Park, Canyonlands, or a Bryce-Capitol Reef-Scenic Byway 12 combo journey. The sojourn starts at $18,500 for a maximum of six guests per private group. 

Make tracks away from the lift lines with some wind-harnessing skills and thrills courtesy of Uinta Kiting. Intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders are primed to catch onto this sport with a speedy learning curve. Once you master basic kite control, let Mother Nature do the heavy lifting as you swoosh through the untrammeled hinterlands surrounding Strawberry Reservoir. The cost is $99 per hour per person with a two-hour minimum.

Mush through the wintery wonderland of Brown’s Canyon aboard a dog sled powered by rescued and Iditarod-experienced canines. This family-friendly adventure starts at $450 per two-person sled. Tour the kennel, play with the pups, and get ready for an exhilarating foray through the 55-acre Rancho Luna Lobos home to the hardworking furry pack and their expert human teammates/ranch owners/competitors, Dana and Fernando Ramirez.

Zoom down the 2002 Olympics bobsled track for a roughly 60-second, G-forces-included ride (with a professional driver at the helm). The Utah Olympic Park serves up the jaw-rattling, full-throttle experience for $225 per person. 

Save
Put blades to ice at the Park City Ice Arena during public skate ($7 for residents or $14 for non-residents) or stick-and-puck sessions. 

Lace up for free at the City Park ice sheet (created seasonally by the city on the softball fields and subject to the whims of Mother Nature) and the Willow Creek Pond. 

Get some family-friendly downhill thrills by tubing at Woodward Park City or Soldier Hollow. Or simply sled for free. Descend the relatively steep hill adjacent to the Park City Ice Arena. The Park City Library (1255 Park Ave) stocks a take-a-sled-leave a-sled bin at the gentle slope adjacent to Lucky Ones Coffee.  

Explore hundreds of miles of free, gorgeously maintained trails on snowshoe, fat bike, or foot. Gear for all manner of adventure can be rented at various outfitters like White Pine Touring.