Park City Resorts: World Class Trio

Article and photos by Steve Cuff (2012)- Skitracks.com.au 

Having the choice of three world class resorts is one of the true luxuries of your holiday to Park City, Utah, USA.

Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons Resort are all located within 10km of each other and centre around the historic mining ski town of Park City. Boasting some of the most prestigious snow awards in the North American industry you will find huge terrain options, bustling night life and exquisite restaurants on Main Street plus a free bus system allowing you to venture to all resorts easily.

Deer Valley has been ranked number one ski area for the fifth straight year, mainly due to impeccable grooming and excellent customer service. But don’t think for a minute it is only corduroy heaven, there are vast off piste runs that often go untouched leaving plenty off virgin snow for the adventurous. The skiing on offer comes via some great long blue and black cruiser runs and the extensive terrain offers you plenty of powder to plunder after a storm. If you like exploring nature, there are loads of tree skiing runs in the aspen glades. If all this skiing builds up an appetite they have some of the best on mountain eateries for lunch spread across the mountain peaks. Deer Valley is a skiers only resort and no snowboarding.

Park City Mountain Resort is adjacent to the town and you can ski down to Main Street or take the town lift back to the slopes. You can challenge yourself across nine different bowls or ski the same runs the USA ski team train on. Park City was voted best family vacation by Ski Magazine editors for 2012 and you can ski here for your entire holiday and still find new areas and runs to ski. A mixture of steeper slopes incuding McConkey’s Bowl, or if your desire is carving up wide blue and challenging black runs, you will be well entertained for many days on end. The base area of Park City also has extensive top class ski shops and some of the best boot fitters and knowledgeable people in the industry should you need help with your equipment.

Canyons Resort is the largest of the three resorts and stretches across nine mountain peaks. Float through the tree glades on Dreamscape or power down double black powder runs on Ninety Nine Ninety. With huge varied terrain you will have a plethora of areas and runs to choose from. For first ride each morning take the Orange Bubble Express and be treated with heated comfortable seats or the Gondola for an enclosed start to your day. Canyons has some more longer advanced terrain than its neighbors and on powder days you will have to choose which area to attack first, but no matter what you choice it will be enjoyable. Take the first tracks tour for a great start to the morning and get the jump on other skiers and have the slopes to yourself within a small group.

Between all Park City Resorts you have access to 9326 skiable acres, 58 lifts and vertical ranging between 914m and 1220m. On your days off you can ride the thrilling four man bobsled in Olympic Park and you can be skiing the same day if you arrive on an early flight. Park City is a very short 40 minute drive from Salt Lake City International airport and one of the closest destinations in North America for Australian visitors.

There is numerous accommodation options at each resort and many great value priced hotels within the town of Park City. No matter where you stay the free bus system can whisk you to the other areas in no time at all.

The Park City Peaks Hotel is a great location and good value, plus it has the bus stop at its front door which is highly convenient. It has a bar and restaurant and is only 1.5km to main street for more entertainment and nights out. Should you want to stretch after a day skiing you can do a few laps on the heated pool or rest in the oversized outdoor spa.

The Hyatt Escala Lodge (below) located in the mountainside village of Canyons resort allows you a short stroll to the lifts each morning and is one of the best hotels in the area. The Escala features several lodging options, from contemporary guestrooms to residential suites with up to four bedrooms. All of the residential suite accommodations include stunning mountain-views, suites with balconies, living areas, dining rooms, fully equipped gourmet kitchens and offers all the extras of high class accommodation.

For dining options you must visit the Fireside at Deer Valley, a true dining experience. On Main St, Park City visit the Prime Steak House and Mustang for some of the best food in town and then venture up the road and wash it all down with a local brew in the Wasatch Pub (below)

The skiing in Park City is perfectly suited to the Australian skier and offers more than you can imagine, including the world renowned Wasatch Powder. If you are headed to Utah or Park City, Destination Utah can offer you the best pricing and service.