Park City, Utah: Not Just a Ski Town

For years, Park City, Utah has been known as a popular winter sport destination. If you hadn't heard of it by 2002, the Olympics brought it fame as one of the best ski vacation spots in the country. Bragging the "Best Snow on Earth" due to high amounts of snowfall and almost no humidity, resulting in massive amounts of light, fluffy powder, Park City is a powder junkie's paradise. The three local ski resorts, Deer Valley, Park City, and The Canyons, are a popular vacation spot throughout the winter holidays, spring breaks, and, of course, the Sundance Film Festival (www.sundance.org). But winter isn't the only time of year worth visiting Park City. The quaint and eclectic mining town has grown into a year-round hot spot for all sorts of outdoor lovers.

Biking (mountain and road) has become a very popular pastime in the quiet mountain town. Miles and miles of trail span across the three resorts and are often accessible by gondola or chair lift. Hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, golfing, and a number of other activities are reasons for a trip to Park City.

The Canyons Resort (www.thecanyons.com) is opening for its summer season on June 22nd, when the gondola begins running again. The gondola, called "The Flight of the Canyons" is not only a scenic ride, but drops you off at the hub for some of Park City's best hiking and biking trails, as well as some fabulous outdoor eating.

Park City Mountain Resort (www.pcmr.com) is open as of May 26, and boasts a number of exciting summer activities, including the Zip Rider, a suspended cable ride down the mountainside, and the Alpine Slide, a summer version of a winter sport. Also, this year Park City is opening its Alpine Coaster on July 20, an elevated track in which toboggan-coasters whip and wind through the trees and bends of the mountain. If those don't catch your eye, there's always the Human Maze, the Legacy Launcher trampoline, mini-golf, scooter rentals, a climbing wall, and horseback riding.

Deer Valley Resort (www.deervalley.com) is scheduled to open on June 17, and features over fifty miles of hiking and biking trails. The gondola and chair lifts open for easier access to trails, as well as for scenic rides.

Throughout the summer, Deer Valley and The Canyons hold a number of free outdoor concerts. The historic Main Street also has a variety of wonderful art galleries to peruse. Check the local paper for 2-for-1 coupons for several of the fine dining restaurants around town.

Whatever it is that you enjoy, chances are you'll find it in this lovely town. The summers are definitely more quiet, and the solitude, fresh air, and starry nights are worth coming out for alone. Whether it's swimming in the Jordanelle Reservoir, or golfing in one of the many world-renowned golf courses in the area, there is something for the whole family.

Local Resources:

Park City Outfitters for guided fly-fishing and pheasant-hunting tours.....www.parkcityoutfitters.com

Rocky Mountain Recreation for horseback riding.....www.rockymountainrec.com

Park City Balloon Adventures for hot-air balloon rides......www.pcballoonadventures.com