When you think of skiing out west during the blustery, cold winter months, you probably think of mountain towns like Aspen, Breckenridge, and Vail. Nothing is inherently wrong with any of these places, but if you are seeking more casual,come-as-you-are, down-to-earth vibes, consider another place – a place like Park City, Utah, where adventure is approachable.
From mountain peaks to aprés treats, this quaint community has it all. Cozy accommodations, delectable dinners that are sure to be palate-pleasing, and inspirational town history. Perennially recognized as a “Hallmark holiday” escape, this mountain town is your quintessential winter escape where exciting adventure awaits. We promise you, it will be “snow” much fun! Grab a mug of cocoa and curl up with this read and find out why this chic Utah community, is the ultimate winter escape.
Hotel Accommodations
When considering places to stay, you will find a vast array of hotels and resorts to choose from. I highly recommend the luxurious mountain lodging found at Westgate Park City Resort & Spa. This place has everything needed for a long winter weekend away, making it a perfect luxury vacation destination. Ideally located at the base of Canyons Village, this resort is a ski-in/ski-out spot, offering easy access to the slopes of PC Mountain.
Guests can choose from one or two-bedroom suites and villas, so whether you are traveling solo, with your partner/spouse, or with an entire group of family members or friends, this mountain resort has something for every discerning traveler. During my stay on the property, I was lucky enough to stay in a premier one-bedroom villa.
At an impressive 750 square feet, these accommodations included a luxe king-size bed, a full-sized kitchen complete with everything you need to cook, and an easy-to-operate fireplace, which was perfect for thawing out at the end of a long day of skiing the slopes. Let’s not forget the giant soaking tub, the step-in shower with steam, and something as simple as a ceiling fan in the bedroom to keep cool at night. Hey, it’s the little details and thoughtful touches that matter most!
Travelers will also be blown away by the carefully crafted aesthetics and design of these Park City Utah suites. From the enormous kitchen island to the bathroom tiles, these alpine accommodations are chic and modern, yet quite comfortable and cozy. Go ahead and say, “Welcome home.”
I would be remiss not to mention the property’s award-winning Serenity Spa. Earning the prestigious Best of State Award every year since 2017 for “Best Destination Spa,” the 30,000 square-foot, full-service mountain retreat day spa features a long list of spa services and products to cater to your every relaxation need. Guests will find rejuvenation and true tranquility with 14 treatment rooms and a hefty list of service options, including body treatments, facials, and massages. Serenity Spa also includes a co-ed hydrotherapy whirlpool, eucalyptus steam room, cedar saunas, and relaxation lounges. As if you could ask for anything more, the resort property also includes a heated indoor and outdoor pool with multiple hot tubs, which can be accessed by all guests staying on the property.
Park City Utah Dining and Restaurants
Deer Valley Cafe
If one of your ski days includes a day at Deer Valley Resort, stop in at Deer Valley Cafe for a hot chocolate and a steaming bowl of oatmeal before hitting the slopes and enjoying some fresh powder. This charismatic restaurant and gourmet deli is located lakeside in the Deer Valley Plaza building. Cozied up along the lake, ordered up some breakfast, lunch, or grab-and-go items before hitting the ski slopes. If the weather permits, head to the outdoor deck and enjoy the mountain views of Deer Valley.
Drafts Burger Bar
If you are looking for a casual dining option, grab a draft beer and burger at Drafts Burger Bar. This elegant yet comfortable gastropub is the winner of the Best of State AwardⓇ and includes more than 50 beers from around the world. That includes 20 beers on tap that are ready to be enjoyed. Sip, sip, hooray!
Diners can enjoy slope-side views of Westgate Park City while they order up some of their bar favorites, such as baskets of wings, handcrafted burgers, and sensational side dishes. Oh, and did I mention the milkshakes? Be sure to order at least one of these culinary creations, and ask for multiple straws so you can share. These milkshakes are massive!
Edge Steakhouse
While staying at the Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, make reservations at Edge Steakhouse. Delivering a cutting-edge culinary experience that takes the traditional American-style steakhouse to a whole new level. This world-class culinary team, led by award-winning Chef Wayne E. Christian, has crafted a unique menu that blends classic steakhouse favorites with an array of appetizers, innovative entrees, and scrumptious side dishes. From locally sourced and organically grown produce, Edge Steakhouse is committed to supporting community farmers and growers whenever possible.
Start the meal with an order of classic (giant) popover rolls, followed by an order of appetizers like the artisan cheeses and charcuterie, the spicy shrimp, and the steak sashimi. Order a tender steak and ask the in-house sommelier for a perfect wine pairing. As for side dishes, try the Brussel sprouts and garlic mashed potatoes.
If you have ever wanted to have dinner in a snowglobe, you are in luck, because Edge Steakhouse offers Alpenglobes. This 360 dining experience is as if you are having dinner in a genuine winter snowglobe, complete with heaters to stay warm and twinkle lights for a touch of sparkle and winter ambiance.
Le Depot Brasserie
If you head into town, make dinner reservations at Le Depot Brasserie. Opened in February 2025 by James Beard award-winning Chef Galen Zamarra, this vibrant French Brasserie, conveniently located on historic Main Street, offers a modern twist on authentic French classics and offers a rich dining experience. I highly recommend the seafood tower as an appetizer and traditional steak and frites for your main course. Le Depot is open for brunch through dinner from Thursday-Sunday, and then dinner from Monday-Wednesday.
The FARM
Nestled in the heart of Canyons Village and just a short jaunt from your luxurious accommodations, you will find a farm, more particularly, The FARM. This refined yet rustic restaurant invites guests to unwind on its spacious outdoor terrace. Many dishes include locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms and artisans, combined with seasonal flavor, which really makes the menu shine. Enjoy the cozy mountain ambiance as the snow gently falls outside. Take in the winter wonderland as you sip on a handcrafted cocktail, mocktail, or your favorite glass of wine and enjoy an evening of good company and hearty evening indulgences. Be sure to ask about their Yurt dinner experience and make note that this restaurant is only open in winter!
Westgate Coffee Bar
Need a morning caffeine fix or an afternoon sweet treat for a little bit of sugar rush? Grab a hot coffee or tea and a baked good at Westgate Coffee Bar, conveniently located in the resort’s lobby.
Things to Do in Park City Utah
Explore Historic Main Street
Step straight into a Hallmark movie and visit Historic Main Street nestled in the downtown area. Forget about renting a car. This city likes to keep the city, well, peaceful. In order to avoid tourists coming into town and renting cars and making this picturesque place way too crowded, many of the hotels and resorts, including Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, offer guests a complimentary shuttle service. (Amazing, right?) Many of the properties have apps that work like a ride share service, so it is simple to coordinate. What better way to see the quaint streets of downtown than with a complimentary ride service? Drop off and pick up usually meet by city hall, and from there, it is a one or two-block walk to the downtown area. Art galleries, bars, and boutiques line Main Street as well as cafes, restaurants, and mom-and-pop shops that are all worth a stop.
Ski or Snowboard
One of the best things about staying at the Westgate Resort & Spa is direct access to Canyons Village and Park City Mountain. You are mere steps away from all of the wintertime action and adventure. Recognized as the largest ski and snowboard resort in the United States, this mountain resort provides 7,300 skiable acres, 330+ trails, 40+ lifts, 13 bowls, 6 terrain parks, 1 half pipe, and 1 mini pipe. As if that was not enough, in December 2025, the mountain slopes unveiled a brand new 6,500-foot 10-passenger Sunrise Gondola. This addition will help improve access and circulation from Canyons Village to the Red Pine area.
New to skiing or snowboarding? Do not worry. Ski lessons and snowboarding lessons are available with top-notch instructors with decades of experience. This ski mountain is also perfect for beginners with a great bunny hill, fondly called Sweet Pea. There are also a variety of green runs with gentle slopes providing the perfect terrain for greenhorns. Whether you decide to ski or snowboard, don’t forget goggles! The snow and wind can be aggressive on top of the mountain, and you will want proper eye protection!
Visit Deer Valley Resort
If you are looking for a mountain that only allows skiers, head over to Deer Valley Resort. Known for its impeccably groomed slopes, world-class service, and pristine mountain scenery, Deer Valley Resort offers visitors a ski experience that is comfortable, effortless, and luxurious. With expansive terrain, limited daily lift tickets to ensure uncrowded runs, and trails suited for all skill levels, Deer Valley Resort is a great ski spot in Park City Utah. This alpine escape is designed to elevate every minute you spend on the mountain. While you are on the slopes, be on the lookout for the search and rescue dogs. Deer Valley has the cutest crew!
Deer Valley is also on a mission for Expanded Excellence, which is why, for the 2025-2026 season, the property will unveil nearly 100 new ski runs, 10 new chairlifts, and the 10-passenger East Village Express Gondola, connecting the new Deer Valley East Village with Park Peak. This basically doubles the property’s already spacious terrain.
If you decide to ski Deer Valley, stop into The Sticky Wicket. Located mid-mountain in the upstairs of Deer Valley’s Silver Lake Lodge, Royal Street Cafe’s 21+ apres-ski bar steps back in time to the Golden Era of skiing with a fun, lively, and vintage ski atmosphere showcasing historic sport icons and ski memorabilia.
MountainKind and Park City’s Sustainability Efforts
Something really neat and noteworthy that Visit Park City, the city’s Chamber of Commerce, has begun is called “Mountainkind.” This initiative promotes an inclusive and responsible way to experience the majesty of the mountains through sustainable practices. Translation: Sustainable travel meets thoughtful living. Think of things like minimizing energy and water use, protecting wildlife, respecting trails, and using complementary transportation or public transportation systems. This philosophy invites visitors to be more mindful and enjoy car-free adventures so they can connect more with the community, mountains, and nature, making this mountain escape more than just a destination.
If you are interested in learning more, check out Visit Park City or check them out @VisitParkCity.
Traveler Tips: Parley’s Transportation provides local ground transportation for easy airport transfers, and if you don’t feel like traveling with your skis or snowboards, look into working with Skis on the Run, a ski and snowboard valet service perfect for rental fittings.
