The Park City area in northern Utah has become a popular destination for winter-sport enthusiasts from all over the world. The lodging choices include ski-in, ski-out condos and resorts that allow vacationers immediate access to chairlifts and runs without the need for any public or private transportation to the slopes. In the off season, there are many cultural and athletic activities to enjoy, and visitors can also take advantage of lower room rates and easier access to Park City's attractions.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Ski-in, ski-out lodgings allow you direct access to Park City's renowned winter snow. Created by dry, cold air from the north and and moisture from the waters of the nearby Great Salt Lake, the snow falls at a rate of more than 400 inches a year as a thick powder. There are three major ski resorts in the vicinity: Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort and The Canyons, the largest ski resort in Utah. More than 50 chairlifts, gondolas and express lifts are in operation during the season, and helicopter skiing in the nearby mountains is also available. For snowboarders, terrain parks offer jumps, quarter pipes, rails and other apparatus to challenge novices as well as experts.
Cross-Country Skiing
Many ski-in, ski-out lodges adjoin trails open for cross-country skiers in the Park City area. The White Pine Touring Center offers guided excursions as well as a 12.4-mile course of groomed tracks through the middle of Park City. Soldier Hollow, the site of the 2002 Olympic Nordic skiing events, has 18.6 miles of trails that range from beginner to expert level. Nordic skiers can also try groomed trails in the nearby Wasatch Mountain State Park, while the private Homestead resort has its own network of trails as well as lessons and rentals, and natural warm springs for après-ski relaxation.
Food and Wine
Most units available in ski-in, ski-out lodges have kitchen facilities that allow visitors to prepare meals. But Park City also abounds in restaurants of many styles, including Asian cuisines, French, Italian and classic American barbeque. Many ski-in, ski-out resorts also offer passes and discounts to local events such as the Park City Food and Wine Classic, which takes place over four days each July. The event attracts master chefs and winemakers from throughout the country.
Training
If you are an athlete in training, a ski-in, ski-out resort located some distance from the center of town offers a good measure of privacy and quiet. Pros and amateurs come to the Park City area for fitness and training and also have access to the Utah Olympic Park, site of several 2002 Winter Olympics events. The park offers training facilities for prospective Olympic athletes as well as a bobsled run for those who want to experience this fast and dangerous sport firsthand.
Summer Activities
In the summer season, visitors to ski-in, ski-out lodges can enjoy a network of hiking trails in the vicinity, reached by off-season Alpine lifts that carry hikers to the top of the slopes for a vigorous day trip. Many of the cross-country trails are converted to moderately easy mountain-bike trails. There are also spa facilities in Park City where summer visitors can enjoy massage, yoga classes, aromatherapy and other restorative activities designed to bring body and mind into balance.
Member Comments