Imagine this: You step out of your private balcony hot tub, towel off in the crisp mountain air, and watch the sun set over the Wasatch Range. From your suite at Newpark Resort, tomorrow’s adventure, whether it’s powder laps at America’s largest ski resort, a soak in a geothermal crater, or a dog sled ride through silent backcountry, is just minutes from your door.
Winter in Park City is more than a ski trip; it’s a mountain escape full of snow, scenery, and soul. From Newpark Resort’s doorstep, you can reach world-class skiing, Olympic venues, Nordic trails, and cozy dining all within minutes. Use this guide to plan the perfect balance of high-adrenaline and laid-back rejuvenation.
World-Famous Utah Skiing & Snowboarding
1. Ski & Ride Park City Mountain (PCMR)
Park City Mountain is the largest lift-served resort in the U.S., stitched together by 7,300+ acres, 348 trails, 44 lifts, and two lively base villages (Park City Mountain Village and Canyons Village). With a summit elevation of 10,026 feet and terrain spanning beginner-friendly greens to expert-only chutes, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure every single day.
Terrain highlights:
- Jupiter Bowl & Peak: Advanced and expert terrain with reliably deep powder after storms
- King Con & Silverlode: Classic cruisers perfect for warming up or high-speed laps
- McConkey’s Bowl: Playful, accessible steeps with tree lines and natural features
- Terrain Parks: Multiple Woodward-designed parks near Three Kings and throughout the resort
- Canyons Side: Often less crowded with excellent tree skiing in areas like Ninety-Nine 90
- Beginner-friendly: Payday and First Time lifts offer mellow, confidence-building terrain
Dining & Après: Mid-mountain spots include Summit House (cafeteria-style with views) and Miner’s Camp (sit-down). At the base, grab a seat at No Name Saloon or High West Distillery for whiskey-warmed après.
Pro tips: Check the live mountain report for wind holds and new snow. Park-and-ride lots (Richardson Flat, Ecker Hill) are free and connect via shuttle. Use them on peak days to skip village parking headaches. Save a non-storm afternoon for the Mountain Coaster at Park City base.
Perfect pairing: Book a Newpark Resort suite with mountain views and watch the groomers work their magic from your hot tub.
2. Ski Deer Valley (Skiers Only)
Deer Valley is Park City’s refined, ski-only experience: a resort that limits daily lift access, focuses on impeccably groomed corduroy, and leans into white-glove service with ski valets, attentive staff, and plush base lodges.
What sets it apart: With more than 4,300 acres, 202 runs, seven bowls, and 31 lifts spread across ten peaks, it delivers consistently excellent conditions, uncrowded slopes, and a refined vibe that lets you actually enjoy the views. In addition to consistent snow quality and fabulous powder stashes, Deer Valley is consistently recognized as “Best Resort to Ski Groomers” in North America and is known by locals as offering the best on-mountain dining in Utah—from cozy fireside feasts and gourmet cafeterias to upscale lodge restaurants and après-ski lounges.
Terrain highlights:
- Bald Eagle Mountain: Wide-open groomers with stunning Wasatch views
- Empire Canyon: Newer expansion with high-speed lifts and varied terrain
- Mayflower & Lady Morgan Bowls: Expert steeps for confident skiers
- Beginner zones: Burns and Snowflake lifts offer mellow progression terrain
Lessons & kids: Deer Valley’s ski school excels with small group sizes and patient instructors—making it a family favorite.
Pro tips: Lift tickets sell out on peak days; buy online in advance. Plan lunch after 1:30 pm to skip crowds.
3. Day-Trip: 9 Ski Areas ~1 Hour from Newpark Resort
One reason Newpark Resort makes such a good home base is that within an hour, you can reach seven more ski resorts beyond PCMR/Deer Valley, Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, Brighton, Snowbasin, Sundance, and Woodward Mountain. That’s serious variety for storm chasing or multi-mountain weeks!
Road note: Cottonwood Canyon traction laws may be enforced during storms—plan tires/chains or take a shuttle. Snowbasin generally clocks ~1 hour from Park City in good conditions.
“Another great stay! We have stayed at Newpark Resort 4 times and absolutely love it. We love the location, which is close to restaurants and grocery stores… At the end of our ski day, we really liked that our room had its own hot tub… I highly recommend this resort!” -Atlantahess
4. Next-Level Adventure: Backcountry Skiing / Snowboarding
If uphill travel and untracked powder are calling, the Wasatch backcountry is world-class, but it demands respect and education. Never venture into avalanche terrain without proper training, partners, and safety gear.
Start here: Book a guided introductory tour with a certified AMGA guide or take an AIARE Level 1 avalanche course. Local shops rent touring setups (AT skis with skins or splitboards), and guides provide avalanche safety equipment.
Critical: Check the Utah Avalanche Center daily forecast, invest in education before gear, and never go alone.
5. Pristine Powder: Cat-Skiing or Heli-Skiing
Want untouched, pristine, backcountry powder without the uphill? Cat-skiing and heli-skiing deliver untracked lines with expert guiding, accessed via heated snowcat or helicopter on private terrain along the Wasatch mountain range.
Cat-skiing: Small groups (10-12 people), personalized attention, and 12,000-18,000 vertical feet per day without a single lift line. Full-day trips typically cost $400-600 per person.
Heli-skiing: The ultimate splurge with bigger vertical (15,000-30,000+ feet per day) and fewer people. Runs $1,200-1,500+. Weather-dependent but unforgettable.
Who should go: Intermediate-plus skiers and riders comfortable on black diamonds and in variable snow. You should be fit enough for sustained descents.
Local operators: Park City Powder Cats and Thousand Peaks (cat-skiing) run trips about 45 minutes from Newpark Resort. Wasatch Powderbird Guides offers both cat and heli options.
6. Nordic Ski (+ Biathlon Option)
White Pine Nordic Center (in town, 10 min from Newpark Resort): 20+ km of groomed classic/skate track with rentals, lessons, and a mellow vibe—ideal for first-timers or a quick cardio day.
Soldier Hollow (Midway, 25 min from Newpark Resort): Olympic-legacy venue with big views, excellent grooming, and public biathlon intro experiences when offered.
Snow Adventures Beyond Skiing
7. Go Big at Woodward Park City
Eight minutes from Newpark Resort, Woodward is a freestyle paradise and family favorite. Hit real snow terrain with progressive features designed for all levels, perfect for building park skills in a supportive environment. Inside, a massive action sports hub offers ramps, trampolines, and foam pits where you can practice tricks year-round. The multi-lane tubing hill is pure joy for all ages.
8. Snowshoe Swaner Preserve + Nearby Favorites
Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter (steps from Newpark Resort, literally walk out your door) offers naturalist-led winter walks where you can spot tracks and learn the wetland’s winter story. Then branch out to:
- Round Valley: Vast, rolling, groomed networks—great for families and dogs (on leash where signed)
- Willow Creek Park: Flat loops and a playground—easy for multi-generational groups
- McLeod Creek Trail: Scenic connector with creek views and quick access from town
- Summit Park: Forested singletrack for a little more elevation without committing to a backcountry mission
- Etiquette: Yield to downhill users and pack out what you pack in.
9. Snowmobiling in the Uintas
Trade lift lines for powder meadows and alpine silence. Guided snowmobile tours venture into the Uinta Mountains‘ vast backcountry, think open bowls, aspen glades, and ridge-top views that stretch for miles.
What to expect: Tours typically climb to 9,000-10,000+ feet. You’ll cover more terrain in a morning than you could hike in a week, with frequent stops for photos and hot cocoa. Some tours include lunch at a backcountry warming hut.
Cost: Half-day tours are typically $150-200 per person; full-day tours are $250-350.
Pro tips: Dress in serious layers (it’s often 10-15°F colder than Park City), bring goggles and a neck gaiter for powder spray, and wear waterproof boots. Most outfitters are 30-45 minutes from Newpark Resort near Kamas or the Mirror Lake Highway corridor.
10. Dog Sledding
Glide behind a team of eager huskies through snowy meadows and pine forests while your musher shares stories of the trail, dog personalities, and the art of mushing.
Tour options:
- 30-minute sampler rides ($75-100 per person): Perfect for families with young kids
- 1-2 hour tours ($150-250 per person): More immersive, often include hands-on time helping harness dogs
- Sunset and private tours ($300-500+): Available through some outfitters for a more intimate experience
What makes it special: Unlike motorized winter sports, dog sledding connects you to an ancient mode of travel. Kids especially love meeting the team before and after the ride.
Important: Dog sledding books out 3-4 weeks ahead during peak season (Christmas-New Year’s, MLK weekend, Presidents’ Day). Reserve early. Most tours run from Midway, Park City Mountain, or private ranches within 20-30 minutes of Newpark Resort.
11. Fat-Tire Biking on Groomed Singletrack
Park City’s winter singletrack scene has exploded. Fat-tire bikes with their 4-5″ wide, low-pressure tires float over packed snow and give you access to hundreds of groomed miles around Round Valley, the Rail Trail, and Lost Prospector.
Where to ride:
- Round Valley: 20+ miles of groomed doubletrack and singletrack with dedicated fat-bike days/lanes (5 min from Newpark Resort)
- Historic Rail Trail: Flat, scenic, beginner-friendly
- Lost Prospector: More technical singletrack for experienced riders
Rentals: Jans, White Pine Touring, and Cole Sport rent fat bikes ($40-60/day) and provide current grooming reports.
Trail etiquette: Only ride when the snow is firm (usually mornings after a cold night). If your tires leave deep ruts, you’re damaging the trail. Wait for a re-freeze or stick to designated fat-bike days. Never ride on set cross-country ski tracks.
12. Ice Fishing (Jordanelle, Rockport, Echo)
When Utah’s reservoirs freeze solid (typically January through early March), hire a local guide to set you up in a heated hut and spend a peaceful morning jigging for trout, perch, and the occasional trophy brown.
What’s included: Guides provide all gear (rods, bait, ice augers, fish finders), drill your holes, set up a heated shelter, and teach you technique.
Best reservoirs:
- Jordanelle: Closest to Newpark Resort (25 minutes), known for rainbows and browns
- Rockport: Bigger water, consistent perch fishing (35 min)
- Echo: Scenic and less crowded, good for cutthroat and rainbows (45 min)
Cost: Half-day sessions typically $200-350 for 2-3 people. Book ahead—guides monitor ice conditions closely and will reschedule if conditions aren’t safe.
13. Winter Fly-Fishing on the Provo
Yes, really. The Middle Provo fishes well all year, and in winter, you’ll often have it to yourself. Guides can outfit you with waders and hot drinks; midge hatches and beautiful browns are the reward. Half-day guided trips run $300-400 for 1-2 anglers (30 min from Newpark Resort).
Winter Sports & Olympic Legacy
14. Utah Olympic Park: Bobsled + Free Olympic Museums
The 2002 Olympic sliding track still hums in winter; suit up and ride a piloted bobsled ($250-300 per person, age/weight limits apply) for a bucket-list, G-force-heavy grin. Then browse two excellent, free museums in the same complex: the Alf Engen Ski Museum and the 2002 Games Museum.
Distance from Newpark Resort: 12 minutes. Many Newpark Resort suites have direct views of the Olympic Park ski jumps.
15. Ice Skating: Indoors or Under the Lights
Park City Ice Arena (Quinn’s): Indoor sheet with rentals ($8-12) and frequent public sessions (15 min from Newpark Resort).
Resort Center Rink (PCMR base): Outdoor, in-village vibes when operating—great for non-skiers tagging along (8 min from Newpark Resort).
Cultural & Culinary Park City
16. Experience Park City’s World-Class Dining
From white-tablecloth to whiskey-warmed après, Park City’s food scene rewards exploration.
Here are the can’t-miss icons:
Riverhorse on Main ($$$$)
Park City’s most acclaimed restaurant is a 16-year recipient of the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award. Expect elevated American cuisine, impeccable service, and a wine list that goes deep. Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead for peak season weekends.
Signature dish: Pan-roasted elk chop
Grappa ($$$$)
Park City’s upscale Italian destination at the top of Main Street, known for romantic ambiance, house-made pasta, and an extensive Italian wine collection. The patio (with heaters) offers Main Street views.
Signature dish: Osso buco | Don’t miss: Tiramisu
Chimayo ($$$)
Southwestern culinary artistry from a region spanning Southern Mexico to Southern Utah. Bold flavors, beautiful plating, and a tequila/mezcal bar that takes its agave seriously.
Signature dish: Ancho chile-rubbed ribeye | Our favorite: Crown Roast Spareribs (oh my!)
Handle ($$$)
Sleek, seasonal, with a chef’s counter experience where you can watch the magic happen. The menu changes frequently to showcase local ingredients and the chef’s creativity.
Best for: Food-focused travelers who want to see what Park City chefs can really do
Yuki Yama Sushi ($$-$$$)
Fresh fish at 7,000 feet (trust us, it works). This intimate spot near Main Street serves pristine nigiri, creative rolls, and Japanese whisky in a cozy, low-key setting.
Pro tip: Sit at the bar and let the chef guide you
Reservation Strategy: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for peak season (Christmas-New Year’s, MLK, Presidents’ Day). Weeknight availability is better. Most restaurants offer 5:30 pm or 8:30pm+ slots even when “fully booked.”
17. Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides & Mountain Lodge Dinners
Snowed Inn Sleigh Company ($$$$): Sleigh up to a PCMR log cabin for a cozy Western dinner. $100-150 per person, including ride and meal.
Fireside Dining + Sleigh (Deer Valley) ($$$$): Reserve dinner at Empire Canyon and add a Boulder Mountain Ranch sleigh ride—cheese from the hearth, starry views outside. Dinner $50-80, sleigh ride add-on $40-60.
Rocky Mountain Outfitters (Midway) ($$): Scenic sleighs near Soldier Hollow—easy to pair with Homestead Crater or a Midway wander. $50-75 per person, 30 min from Newpark Resort.
What to wear: Think ski-day warm (boots, hat, gloves) and bring a blanket for extra comfort.
18. Stroll Historic Main Street
Window-shop galleries, gear boutiques, and Western-meets-modern storefronts. Duck into coffee bars (Atticus, Grind), grab a treat at Riverhorse Provisions, and ride the free trolley when your feet get tired.
Pro tip: Park free at Newpark Resort, then take the free transit to Main Street. You just saved $20-40 in parking fees, just 15 min from Newpark Resort.
19. Catch a Show: Egyptian Theatre & Eccles Center
From touring musicians to comedy and dance, Park City’s stages punch above their weight. The historic Egyptian Theatre is intimate and quirky (think indie films, live music, comedy); the Eccles Center (Park City Institute) brings big-name acts and speaker series. Check calendars when you book.
20. Park City Museum (Main Street)
Give your legs a break and dive into mining-boom lore, a recreated jail, and the wild evolution from silver to ski town. Bite-sized exhibits make it great for families and blizzard days.
Admission: $15 adults, $10 kids
21. Make Something: Kimball Art Center
Trade skis for clay, canvas, or metal. Kimball runs year-round classes and one-off workshops (ceramics, painting, welding) plus free exhibitions. Classes for kids, adults, and families; winter sessions book fast. Classes typically $40-100.
22. Join a Photography Tour
Put the Wasatch on film (or pixels) with a local pro who knows the light and the quiet pullouts. Private half-day and full-day tours run all winter and work for all skill levels, great for blue-hour magic and wildlife. Half-day $250-400, full-day $500-700 for up to 4 people.
Soak, Spa & Slow Down
23. Spa Day
Align Spa ($$-$$$): Long-running, therapist-forward day spa for massage, facials, and body treatments. 60-minute massage $140-180 | 15-minute from Newpark Resort
Aura Spa ($$-$$$): Eco-conscious menu on Main Street—great before/after a stroll. 60-minute massage $130-170 | 16-minute from Newpark Resort
Knead-a-Massage ($$): No-frills, results-driven sports/deep-tissue work for skiers who need real recovery. 60-minute massage $100-130 | 12-minute from Newpark Resort
Active recovery idea: Pair your treatment with a yoga class at The Shop above Old Town, then return to Newpark Resort for a private hot tub session.
24. Soak in the Homestead Crater (Geothermal Dome!)
Imagine floating in 95°F mineral water inside a beehive-shaped limestone dome while snow falls outside. You can soak, swim, or even try SUP yoga or scuba courses. $18-25 per person for 40-minute soak | Reservations recommended | 25 min from Newpark Resort.
The perfect day: Morning at Homestead Crater, lunch in Midway, then back to your Newpark Resort hot tub for a private evening soak.
25. Cozy Up at Newpark Resort With Your Private Balcony Hot Tub
Make this the signature Park City moment: step onto your private deck hot tub and soak while snow falls over Swaner Preserve and the Wasatch. Many Newpark Resort suites include a balcony tub (book the hot-tub categories specifically). It’s the perfect finisher after powder laps, Nordic miles, or a Main Street night.
Winter Packing List: Beyond Ski Gear
Already bringing your ski clothes? Don’t forget:
For the Hot Tub & Spa:
- Swimsuit (for Newpark Resort hot tub, Homestead Crater, hotel pool)
- Flip-flops or slides
- Robe or cozy layer for stepping outside
For Snowmobiling & Dog Sledding:
- Extra-warm layers (it’s 10-15°F colder than Park City)
- Neck gaiter or balaclava
- Hand/toe warmers
For Après & Dining:
- Nice-casual outfit (dark jeans + sweater works at most restaurants)
- Comfortable walking shoes for Main Street
- Light jacket or fleece for indoor/outdoor transitions
Tech & Comfort:
- Portable phone charger (cold drains batteries fast)
- Sunglasses (snow glare is intense)
- Lip balm & moisturizer (high altitude = dry everything)
- Reusable water bottle (hydration matters at 7,000 feet)
Already at Newpark Resort:
- Full kitchen setup in suites (nearby grocery shops)
- Coffee maker
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
How to Book a Hot-Tub Suite at Newpark Resort
Hot-tub suites book 4-6 weeks ahead during peak season; reserve early!
Pick one of these room types; they all include a private deck, hot tub:
- Luxury Suite — 750 sq ft with a private deck and a freshly filled hot tub
- One Bedroom Luxury Suite — Separate bedroom + private deck hot tub
- Deluxe Luxury Suite — Larger layout + private deck hot tub
- Two Bedroom Luxury Suite — Expanded space + private deck hot tub
- Two Bedroom Townhome — Multi-level residence with a personal deck hot tub (only 12 available!)
FYI: Hot tubs are only in suites and townhomes (not Standard Rooms).
Planning Notes
Big storms & road restriction days: The Cottonwood Canyons (Alta/Snowbird/Brighton/Solitude) often enforce traction laws during storms—plan tires/chains or ride the ski bus.
Transit & parking: Use park-and-ride lots (Richardson Flat, Ecker Hill) and the free bus to skip peak traffic for PCMR and Main Street. Or enjoy Newpark Resort’s free parking and on-site transit.
Reservations go fast: Book ahead for Olympic bobsled, sleigh rides, dog sledding, Homestead Crater, spa treatments, and popular restaurants.
Altitude matters: Park City sits at 7,000 feet. Drink extra water, go easy on alcohol your first day, and don’t be surprised if you’re slightly winded. You’ll acclimate within 24-48 hours.
