9 Reasons to Visit Park City, Utah

Whether you’re an avid skier or simply looking for a fun and accessible winter getaway, here are 9 reasons why you need to add Park City, Utah to your travel bucket list. 

Believe it or not, one of my favorite winter activities of all time is downhill skiing. My parents put me in lessons starting in elementary school and by middle school I was an active member of the ski club hitting the slopes with my friends each and every Friday night.

Fast forward to today: after living on the east coast for 9 years where skiing looks more like ice skating, two kids and a busy career later, I’m embarrassed to admit that until last week I hadn’t touched a downhill ski in over 15 years! YIKES!

So when the lovely people from Visit Park City and Deer Valley Resort invited me and my sister out to Utah for a ski getaway, I knew it was time to get back on those skis once and for all. The good news? I lived to tell the tale and I’m thrilled to share 9 reasons Park City, Utah should be added to your travel bucket list.

1. Lodges at Deer Valley Resort: Our home away from home, these spacious yet cozy condominium-style accommodations were not only luxurious but extremely peaceful. There wasn’t a single amenity they haven’t thought of to make you feel at home including the full kitchen, 2 1/2 bathrooms and complimentary hot breakfast buffet in the lobby. Of course the fireplace and Sex in the City marathon didn’t hurt either.

2. Private Ski Instruction at Deer Valley Resort: See that beautiful woman in the green in between me and my sister? That is one of the talented ski instructors who helped us feel comfortable and confident on the slopes. Not only did she help me remember all of the basics I learned 25 years ago but she helped me become a better skier in just three hours. I can’t wait to bring my boys back for lessons one day.

3. Specialty Drinks at Royal Street Cafe – Deer Valley Resort: After our ski lesson, we were ready for a warm up and enjoyed lunch at Royal Street Cafe located right on the mountain. Hot chocolate on a stick, Korean bulgogi lettuce wraps, blueberry mojitos, ahi tuna tacos… need I say more?

4. Spa Treatments at Mountain Body Spa: If skiing isn’t your cup of cocoa or you simply need a little pampering, don’t miss the Mountain Body Spa located in downtown Park City near the ski bridge pictured above. The homemade salt scrubs are out of this world and feel amazing after a busy day on the mountain.

5. Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet at The Brass Tag: Just when I thought our dinner at Deer Valley’s Brass Tag restaurant couldn’t get any better, they presented us with this ooey, gooey chocolate chip cookie skillet. Served in its very own iron skillet with a side of vanilla gelato, life doesn’t get much better.

6. Rosemary Popcorn & 7452 Mary at the St. Regis Bar & Lounge: As it turns out, every St. Regis serves a signature bloody mary. In Park City, the 7452 Mary is named for the altitude and is rimmed with black sea salt to pay tribute to the mining history of the area. As an added bonus, you get to ride the funicular to get to the bar and each cocktail is served with complimentary rosemary popcorn and cashews.

7. Breakfast at Good Karma: A popular spot with the locals, I highly suggest hitting up Good Karma during your visit to Park City. The Indian-Persion fusion cuisine was full of flavor and made with fresh, quality ingredients. I’m still dreaming of the breakfast sausage made with cumin and other fragrant spices.

8. Main Street Shopping in Downtown Park City: There is something so refreshing about a downtown shopping district that isn’t filled with your typical chain shops and restaurants. Lined with boutiques, art galleries, locally owned eateries and more, you can’t miss the shops along Main Street during your stay.

9. The Farm Restaurant at Canyons Resort: Known for its farm to plate cuisine, I was so excited for our meal at The Farm and it did not disappoint. Kale salad, local IPA beer, a killer fried chicken sandwich, trout salad and so much more – every bite was better than the last. Although the best part of this meal had nothing to do with the food – it was all about the good company.

My beautiful friend and local Park City resident, Kelley from Mountain Mama Cooks joined us for lunch and practically skied right in to the mountain-side restaurant with her husband Pete. Also a mom of two young boys, Kelley’s life is so incredibly fascinating and inspiring. I mean, where else can you experience the best ski conditions of the season located in your own backyard while your kids are in school going about their day? Kelley maintains a balanced, active lifestyle and an equally healthy approach to blogging which I so admire. I am so glad the blogging world has brought us together and I hope our paths continue to cross.

Have you visited Park City? What items did I miss on my list? I’d love to hear from you!

Disclosure: Visit Park City and Deer Valley Resort paid for my travel and hosted me while visiting Park City. I was not compensated to write this post and all thoughts are my own.