Last Updated on April 9, 2022
While being stationed in Las Vegas, some days all you want to do is get away from Las Vegas. Luckily, Las Vegas is driving distance from many cool destinations! For a long weekend winter getaway, I highly suggest heading to Park City, Utah. There are tons of things to do in Park City perfect for kids, adults, girls trips, group trips, and more!
Where is Park City, Utah and how do I get there?
Utah is in the western part of the United States, bordered by Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada. Park City is situated in the northern part of Utah right near Salt Lake City.
Getting there depends on where you are coming from. If traveling from the western part of the U.S., driving may be a reasonable option. Though, flying can make the trip much quicker.
From Las Vegas, Park City is approximately a 6-hour drive or a 2.5-hour flight + shuttle.
Should I drive or fly to Park City, Utah?
Once arriving into Park City, it is fairly easy to get around via shuttle, Uber, or walking. Many resorts will also offer to arrange transportation for guests coming in from the airport. So, having a car during the trip is not necessary, unless you’re planning to venture outside of the city.
The benefit to driving to Park City is that it can be cheaper than flights, but definitely takes more time. Something to consider is whether you are packing skis, a snowboard, or bulky snow gear. These bulky items can get pricey to check at the airport and can really increase the cost of your trip.
Things to do in Park City, Utah
Park City has something for everyone! My husband and his friends wanted to spend the weekend snowboarding, whereas I wanted a more relaxing getaway without worrying about toppling down a mountain. I opted to spend my time snowshoeing, wandering around town, writing at a coffee shop, and enjoying the beautiful snow!
Snow-Related Things to do in Park City, utah
Snowboarding or Skiing
With multiple mountains in the area, this is a winter sport-lover’s paradise. With snowboarding and skiing being two of the most popular snow sports out here, there are plenty of local shops that rent or sell skis, snowboards, and even lessons!
Snowshoeing
This definitely isn’t that adrenaline-pumping winter sport, but is perfectly suited for those who want to enjoy the snow but on a much less-intense level. There are a few local companies that offer snow shoe rentals for the day, or offer snowshoeing tours!
Cross-Country Skiing
Another winter sport perfect for those not wanting to submit their lives to gravity. Cross-country skiing is a crazy workout and a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful winter wonderland! There are also many local shops that offer rentals, lessons, or tours.
I highly suggest renting and/or taking lessons at Soldier Hollow. This is the course where the 2002 Winter Olympics took place! They added more beginner trails and really try to encourage people to try the sport.
Snowmobiling
Head to the backcountry of Park City to slay the snow with a snowmobiling tour! Tours can accommodate all levels.
Dogsledding
You thought this was just a Nordic-European thing, didn’t ya? Surprise, surprise! You can book a dogsledding tour right in Park City!
Snow biking
Keep the adrenaline flowing after you’ve had your fill of snowboarding and skiing. Give snow biking a try! Park City offers multiple shops that provide rentals and guided tours.
Ice Skating
Get out of the snow and onto the ice for another fun winter sport! There are a few different spots in Park City where one can ice skate.
Resort Center Ice Skating Rink is an outdoor rink perfect for those looking to be surrounded by the beautiful ambiance of the city and the mountains.
Park City Ice Arena is an indoor ice rink that offers ice time to the public. The ice will be much more maintained and better for those who have a little more experience skating.
My suggestion is to head to the Utah Olympic Oval. This is where some of the Olympic events, like figure skating, speed skating, and curling took place. The arena offers public skate times throughout the week. It’s such a cool experience to skate where Olympians skated! Note that this is located 45-minutes outside of Park City towards Salt Lake City.
Pretend you’re an Olympic Athlete
Head to Utah Olympic Park to experience different winter sports right where the Olympic athletes were in 2002! You’ll surely be impressed by the insane ski jumps. You can even try bobsledding!
Out-of-the-Snow Things to Do in Park City, Utah
As much as I love the snow, I hate the cold. Therefore, mixing in some out-of-the-snow activities are essential!
Apres Ski
After a day spent on the slopes, enjoy a multitude of Apres Ski options. From local bars in town, to fireside lounges in the resorts, you’ll surely find a way to unwind in Park City.
Eat good food
Park City has a ton of scrumptious dining options to choose from. Be sure to check ahead of time if reservations are required for the establishment you want to go to. Many restaurants are also walk-in only. It’s worth checking out prior to your visit.
Hit the bar
Although this city is quite opposite from Las Vegas, it has some awesome bars to grab yourself a cocktail, wine, or beer. Note that liquor stores and some alcoholic beverage establishments are closed on Sundays.
Enjoy Live Music
End your evening with a cocktail and live music. There are multiple bars and establishments in town that offer live music each week.
Enjoy a cup o’ joe at a café (or gallery!)
There aren’t a ton of café options, but there are definitely a few scattered about town that are nice to grab a hot drink and read or relax. Atticus Coffee, Books & Teahouse is popular choice, and the line weaving through the store is proof! Finding a spot to sit may be an issue.
For something a little less chaotic, head to the other end of Main Street where you’ll find Park City Desserts & Coffee. Grab your matcha latte and take a seat in the adjoining art gallery.
S’more please
Park City is the perfect s’more spot. Some resorts offer daily s’mores by the fire, restaurants offer s’more desserts, and dessert shops offer s’more delicacies.
Spa Day
Whether you’re not into the winter sports scene or you’re heading back from a long day on the slopes, treating yourself to a spa day is essential! Many resorts and hotels offer spas on-site, but there are also stand-alone spas scattered through town to try out.
Go Shopping
Stroll down Main Street and pop in and out of the different shops. You can find a directory of the shops here!
Peruse a Bookstore
Get lost wandering around a bookstore in Park City. Dolly’s Bookstore has an excellent selection of books, and Atticus Coffee, Books & Tea House has a smaller selection of books, but also has a delicious selection of caffeinated beverages.
Get Artsy
Head into downtown Park City to visit one of the many galleries along Main Street, or get crafty yourself with an art class or paint & sip.
Where to Stay in Park City, Utah?
Park City has a wide variety of places to stay. Things to consider when deciding where to book:
- Will you be traveling with or without a car?
- Will you be relying on public transportation?
- Are you planning on using Uber or other related services?
- What activities will you be doing?
- Where will you be spending most of your time?
- What is your budget?
Resorts & Hotels
Park City has some stunning resorts and hotels. Many of these can run on the pricier side, ideal for those who have a steeper budget in mind. Though, the higher the price, the better the amenities.
Many resorts that used to offer their dining experiences and amenities to the outside public have since limited their services to hotel guests only post-pandemic.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals can either end up being cheaper or sometimes much more expensive than the resorts and hotels. There are usually more options of locations and amenities with vacation rentals. Plus, you can squeeze a few more people into one place rather than each getting separate rooms.
Airbnb or VRBO
Most homes in Park City are not occupied by full-time residents and therefore get rented out through a management company or through a rental company, such as Airbnb or VRBO! There are great Park City rental options out there, but sometimes you have to book quick before they fill up! They can range in price but can offer such a cool, more local experience.
Hostels
Planning to be on the slopes 90% of your trip and not wanting to spend much on your sleeping arrangements? A hostel may be the right choice for you? Hostels typically run cheaper due to minimal amenities or sharing of space.
Park City FAQ:
Should I get Travel Insurance when visiting Park City?
Honestly? After 2020 and the number of uncertainties that now come along with simply leaving your house, it’s always a good idea to have a safety net. Regardless of how big, small, close, or far away your trip is, Travel Insurance Master can help you find the perfect plan for your trip!
How Long Should I stay in Park City?
Deciding how long to stay in Park City really depends on how much you plan to do. A long 3 or 4-day weekend is a good amount of time to spend a few days on the slopes and exploring the town. Though, I definitely left feeling like I could have done much more. Ideally, a 7-day trip would be perfect. This would allow you enough time to enjoy the winter activities, explore the town, have a relaxing spa day, explore Salt Lake City a bit, and not feel too rushed.
When should I visit Park City?
For a winter getaway, the best time to visit Park City is between the months of December and March when there is snow and cooler temperatures perfect for winter sports. For a summer getaway, the best time to visit Park City is between the months of June and September when the weather is much more mild and summer activities are in full-force.
What other military bases are close to Park City?
Any military base on the western side of America is doable to get to Park City. Nellis, Creech, Luke, Edwards, Hill, to name a few. Invite your friends from other nearby bases for a fun weekend reunion!
Military Spouse Tip!
Volunteer to put together a squadron trip to Park City, Utah. There is plenty to do for everyone on and off the slopes!
…Or Hand the task to me!
Want someone to plan your next squadron trip for you? Drift Destinations is happy to plan your squadron’s next trip, a pink flag/girl’s trip, or any other type of getaway. For more information, contact us!
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