Updated October 2026 for the 2026–27 season.
Park City’s 2026–27 winter starts Nov. 20, when Park City Mountain opens, followed by Deer Valley on Dec. 5. Between then and April you can ski two of the biggest resorts in North America, ride an Olympic bobsled, soak in a geothermal crater, and catch world-class freestyle events in late January. Here are 25 ways to spend it, with drive times from our front door at Newpark Resort in Kimball Junction.
Picture the end of the day: you step out of your private deck hot tub, towel off in the cold mountain air, and watch the light go pink over the Wasatch. Tomorrow’s plan, whether it’s powder laps, a crater soak, or a dog sled run through quiet backcountry, is minutes away.
New This Winter in Park City
- Park City Mountain opens Nov. 20 with a new 10-person Canyons Village Skyway gondola.
- Deer Valley opens Dec. 5 and grows to about 4,500 acres with the new Hail Peak Express.
- Parking changed: Canyons Village now charges $29 a day, and Mountain Village still needs a reservation before noon (details in #1).
- Late January has new headliners: the Snow League halfpipe at Park City Mountain (Jan. 21–23) and the Freestyle World Cup at Deer Valley (Jan. 28–30).
For the full rundown of resort upgrades, events, and what replaced Sundance, see our Park City Winter 2026–27 guide.
World-Famous Utah Skiing & Snowboarding
1. Ski & Ride Park City Mountain
Park City Mountain is the largest lift-served ski resort in the U.S., with more than 7,300 acres, 300-plus trails, and two base villages: Park City Mountain Village in town and Canyons Village, three miles from Newpark. The summit tops out around 10,000 feet, and the terrain runs from wide beginner greens to expert-only chutes. Opening day is Nov. 20.
New for 2026–27:
- Canyons Village Skyway: A new 10-person gondola runs from the new Canyons Village parking garage into the village, replacing the open-air Cabriolet.
- The superpipe is back: A rebuilt 22-foot halfpipe hosts Shaun White’s Snow League in January, then stays open as a park feature.
- S’mores Sleigh: A traveling sleigh serves fireside treats at spots around the mountain.
- Peak to Plate: The ski-and-dine experience is expanded this season.
Terrain highlights:
- Jupiter Peak & Bowl: Advanced and expert terrain that needs deep snow and avalanche work before it opens. Check the snow report.
- King Con & Silverlode: Classic cruisers for warm-ups and fast laps.
- McConkey’s Bowl: Playful, accessible steeps with trees and natural features.
- Canyons side: Often less crowded, with excellent tree skiing in areas like Ninety-Nine 90.
- Beginner-friendly: The Payday and First Time lifts serve mellow, confidence-building terrain.
Dining & après: On the mountain, Summit House (cafeteria-style, big views) and Miner’s Camp (sit-down) are the classics. At the base, grab a seat at No Name Saloon or High West Distillery for whiskey-warmed après.
Parking, the 2026–27 version:
- Mountain Village: Reservations are required from 8:30 a.m. to noon, seven days a week. Surface lots are $29 and the garage is $50 (EV charging included). Parking is free after noon, and cars with four or more people park free in the First Time lot with a reservation. Parking before noon without a reservation costs $150.
- Canyons Village: The new parking garage is $29 a day, free after noon, and free for four-plus carpools. A small free surface lot next to the garage fills first-come, first-served.
- Skip it entirely: The free High Valley Transit 101 runs from Kimball Junction to both Canyons Village and Mountain Village. That’s the easy move from Newpark on a powder day.
Pro tips: Check the live mountain report for wind holds and new snow. Save a clear afternoon for the Mountain Coaster at Park City base.
2. Ski Deer Valley (Skiers Only)
Deer Valley is Park City’s ski-only resort, known for limited daily tickets, meticulous grooming, ski valets, and some of the best on-mountain food in Utah. Opening day is Dec. 5.
What’s new: Deer Valley has more than doubled in size since December 2024. This winter the new Hail Peak Express opens in East Village, adding 200 acres and seven runs (including “Hill Yeah,” a tribute to Hill Air Force Base). That brings the resort to about 4,500 acres, 209 runs, and 32 lifts. The East Village base runs from a temporary skier services building this season, with new lodges planned for 2027–28.
Terrain highlights:
- East Village: The newest terrain, reached from the base off U.S. 40 near Jordanelle. Many skiers now start here to skip Park City traffic.
- Bald Eagle Mountain: Wide-open groomers with Wasatch views.
- Empire Canyon: High-speed lifts and varied terrain on the resort’s west side.
- Mayflower & Lady Morgan Bowls: Expert steeps for confident skiers.
- Beginner zones: Burns and Snowflake lifts offer mellow progression terrain, plus a new family snow-feature zone off Pioche Express.
Lessons & kids: Deer Valley’s ski school keeps groups small, which makes it a family favorite.
Pro tips: Lift tickets sell out on peak days, so buy online in advance. Plan lunch after 1:30 p.m. to skip the crowds.
3. Day-Trip: 9 Ski Areas Within About an Hour
One reason Newpark works so well as a home base: besides Park City Mountain, Deer Valley, and Woodward Park City (eight minutes away), six more resorts sit within about an hour. That’s serious variety for storm chasing or a multi-mountain week.
- Alta (skiers only), opens Nov. 20: A bigger Albion Day Lodge with more seating, a fireplace lounge, and a larger Alta Java.
- Solitude, opens Nov. 20: Expanded snowmaking across the mountain.
- Snowbird, opens Nov. 27: A new Chickadee beginner lift and expanded learning terrain.
- Snowbasin, opens Nov. 27: The new Meadow Pavilion for après, ski school, and ticketing.
- Sundance Mountain Resort: The new Electric Horseman high-speed quad opens 100 acres and reaches the summit in two rides from the parking lot.
- Brighton: A local favorite for night skiing and terrain parks at the top of Big Cottonwood.
- Bonus, a bit over an hour: Powder Mountain, opens Dec. 11: More than 1,000 acres of new advanced terrain in the DMI zone.
Road note: Guardsman Pass between Park City and Big Cottonwood Canyon is closed in winter, so Solitude and Brighton mean driving around through Salt Lake. The Cottonwood Canyons often enforce traction laws during storms. Plan for proper tires or take the ski bus.
“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 go into avalanche terrain without training, partners, and safety gear.
Start here: Book a guided intro tour with an AMGA-certified 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 forecast every day, invest in education before gear, and never go alone.
5. Pristine Powder: Cat-Skiing or Heli-Skiing
Want untracked backcountry powder without the uphill? Cat-skiing and heli-skiing deliver it with expert guides, reached by heated snowcat or helicopter on private terrain in the Wasatch.
Cat-skiing: Small groups of 10–12, personal attention, and 12,000–18,000 vertical feet a day without a lift line. For 2026–27, full days with Park City Powder Cats run about $990–1,190 per person, depending on dates.
Heli-skiing: The big splurge, with 15,000–30,000-plus vertical feet a day and fewer people. Expect roughly $1,300–1,700 per person for a single-day seat. It’s weather-dependent but unforgettable.
Who should go: Intermediate-plus skiers and riders comfortable on black diamonds and in variable snow, and fit enough for long descents.
Local operators: Park City Powder Cats runs cat-skiing on Thousand Peaks Ranch, about 45 minutes from Newpark. Wasatch Powderbird Guides flies heli-skiing in the Wasatch.
6. Nordic Ski (+ Biathlon Option)
White Pine Nordic Center (in town, 10 minutes from Newpark): 20-plus km of groomed classic and skate track with rentals, lessons, and a mellow vibe. It’s ideal for first-timers or a quick cardio day.
Soldier Hollow (Midway, 25 minutes): An Olympic-legacy venue with big views, excellent grooming, and public biathlon intro sessions when offered.
Snow Adventures Beyond Skiing
7. Go Big at Woodward Park City
Eight minutes from Newpark, Woodward is a freestyle playground and a family favorite. Outside, progressive terrain features suit every level. Inside, a huge action sports hub has ramps, trampolines, and foam pits for practicing tricks year-round. The multi-lane tubing hill is pure joy for all ages. Tubing sessions need a reservation and use date-based pricing, so book ahead on holiday weeks.
8. Snowshoe Swaner Preserve + Nearby Favorites
Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter is right next to Newpark, so you can literally walk out the door. When there’s snow, the EcoCenter rents snowshoes for $5 a day to use on its Wetland Discovery Trail. Then branch out:
- Round Valley: Vast, rolling groomed networks, great for families and dogs (leashed where signed).
- Willow Creek Park: Flat loops and a playground, easy for multi-generational groups.
- McLeod Creek Trail: A scenic connector with creek views and quick access from town.
- Summit Park: Forested singletrack with a little more elevation, no backcountry mission required.
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 quiet. Guided snowmobile tours head into the Uinta Mountains’ open bowls, aspen glades, and ridge-top views that stretch for miles.
What to expect: Tours typically climb to 9,000–10,000-plus feet. You’ll cover more ground in a morning than you could hike in a week, with stops for photos and hot cocoa. Some tours include lunch at a backcountry warming hut.
Cost: Most outfitters price per machine, not per person. Half-day tours run roughly $425–550 per snowmobile (about $275 a person when two share one), and full-day trips can top $1,000.
Pro tips: Dress in serious layers, since 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 near Kamas or along the Mirror Lake Highway.
10. Dog Sledding
Glide behind a team of eager huskies through snowy meadows and pine forest while your musher talks trail, dog personalities, and the craft of mushing.
Tour options:
- Rancho Luna Lobos (Peoa): A long-running family kennel; winter sled tour prices post closer to the season.
- Bear Ridge Adventures (Coalville): Priced per sled for one or two riders, about $400 for one hour and $650 for two.
Why it’s special: Kids especially love meeting the team before and after the ride.
Important: Dog sledding books out three to four weeks ahead in peak season (Christmas–New Year’s, MLK weekend, Presidents’ Day). Most tours run from ranches in Peoa, Coalville, and the Heber Valley, roughly 20–35 minutes from Newpark.
11. Fat-Tire Biking on Groomed Singletrack
Fat bikes, with 4–5-inch tires at low pressure, float over packed snow and open up miles of groomed trail around Round Valley, the Rail Trail, and Lost Prospector.
Where to ride:
- Round Valley: 20-plus miles of groomed doubletrack and singletrack, five minutes from Newpark.
- Historic Rail Trail: Flat, scenic, and beginner-friendly.
- Lost Prospector: More technical singletrack for experienced riders.
Rentals: Jans rents fat bikes for $59 a half day or $75 a full day, White Pine Touring runs guided fat-bike tours, and Cole Sport rents them too. Ask for the current grooming report when you pick up.
Trail etiquette: Ride only when the snow is firm, usually mornings after a cold night. If your tires leave deep ruts, you’re damaging the trail. Never ride on set cross-country ski tracks.
12. Ice Fishing (Jordanelle, Rockport, Echo)
When the 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 bring the gear (rods, bait, augers, fish finders), drill your holes, set up a heated shelter, and teach you technique.
Best reservoirs:
- Jordanelle: Closest to Newpark (25 minutes), known for rainbows and browns.
- Rockport: Bigger water with consistent perch fishing (35 minutes).
- Echo: Scenic and less crowded, good for cutthroat and rainbows (45 minutes).
Cost: Guided half days start around $325. Book ahead. Guides watch ice conditions closely and will reschedule if it isn’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. Guided half days for two anglers run roughly $225–380, about 30 minutes from Newpark. Check winter availability, since some outfitters pause in December and January.
Winter Sports & Olympic Legacy
14. Utah Olympic Park: Bobsled + Free Olympic Museums
The 2002 Olympic sliding track still runs all winter. Suit up and ride behind a professional pilot for under a minute of serious G-force. The Winter Bobsled Experience is $225 per person ($249 on Dec. 26–30 and Jan. 2); riders must be 13 or older and at least 100 pounds. Book online, and plan on about an hour and 15 minutes with check-in and orientation.
Then browse two free museums in the same complex: the Alf Engen Ski Museum and the Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum.
Distance from Newpark: Just up the hill from Kimball Junction. Many Newpark suites look straight at the Olympic Park ski jumps.
15. Ice Skating: Indoors or Under the Lights
Park City Ice Arena (Quinn’s Junction): An indoor sheet with skate rentals and frequent public sessions, 15 minutes from Newpark. Check the public skate schedule before you go.
Resort Center Rink (Park City Mountain base): Outdoor, in-village skating when it’s operating, great for non-skiers in the group.
Cultural & Culinary Park City
16. Experience Park City’s Best Dining
From white tablecloths to whiskey-warmed après, Park City’s food scene rewards exploring, and three Park City restaurants made the first Michelin Guide Southwest in 2026. These are the icons:
Riverhorse on Main ($$$$): Park City’s most decorated restaurant, with 17 years of Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star awards. Expect elevated American cuisine, polished service, and a deep wine list. Reserve two to three weeks ahead for peak weekends. Signature dish: pan-roasted elk chop.
Grappa ($$$$): Upscale Italian at the top of Main Street, with house-made pasta, a big Italian wine list, and a heated patio. Signature dish: osso buco. Don’t miss the tiramisu.
Handle ($$$): Chef-owner Briar Handly’s seasonal American spot on Heber Avenue earned Michelin Recommended status in the inaugural Michelin Guide Southwest in 2026. Expect elevated comfort food built on local and regional ingredients, with a menu that changes with the seasons. Best for: food-focused travelers who want to see what Park City chefs can do.
Matilda ($$): From the team behind Five5eeds, this lively neighborhood spot in the Snow Creek center serves shareable seasonal plates and house-made sourdough pizza from naturally leavened dough and freshly milled flour, plus a full bar. It also earned Michelin Recommended status in 2026. Best for: a relaxed dinner that won’t require planning three weeks out.
The Nelson Cottage by High West ($$$$): A prix-fixe tasting menu in a cottage on Park Avenue, steps from the High West Saloon, led by Chef de Cuisine Julia Sorroche. Each evening opens with a guided whiskey tasting from a High West ambassador, with optional pairings through dinner. Michelin Recommended in 2026. Best for: a special-occasion night out. Reserve well ahead.
Yuki Yama Sushi ($$–$$$): Fresh fish at 7,000 feet (trust us, it works). This intimate spot on Main Street serves pristine nigiri, creative rolls, and Japanese whisky. Pro tip: sit at the bar and let the chef guide you.
Closer to home: On nights you’d rather not drive, Newpark Town Center’s restaurants are a short walk from your suite.
Reservation strategy: Book two to three weeks ahead for Christmas–New Year’s, MLK weekend, and Presidents’ Day. Weeknights are easier, and most restaurants still have 5:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.-plus slots when they look “fully booked.”
17. Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides & Mountain Lodge Dinners
Snowed Inn Sleigh Company ($$$$): Ride a horse-drawn sleigh up to a lodge on the slopes of Park City Mountain for a Western-style dinner with live music. Rides run nightly in winter, with or without dinner; call for current pricing.
Fireside Dining + Sleigh at Deer Valley ($$$$): Dinner at Empire Canyon Lodge runs Wednesday through Sunday, cooked over open hearths. Add a horse-drawn sleigh ride for $50 (up to six guests), booked by phone. Valet parking is complimentary, since there’s no public lot.
What to wear: Dress like it’s a ski day (boots, hat, gloves), and bring a blanket for extra warmth.
18. Stroll Historic Main Street
Window-shop galleries, gear shops, 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 and take the free bus to Main Street. You’ll skip $20–40 in parking fees, and it’s about 15 minutes.
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 on Main Street is intimate and quirky (indie films, live music, comedy), and 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 dig into mining-boom lore, a recreated jail, and the town’s evolution from silver to skiing. Bite-sized exhibits make it great for families and blizzard days.
Admission: $15 adults, $11 seniors, students, and military; free for ages 17 and under.
21. Make Something: Kimball Art Center
Trade skis for clay, canvas, or metal. The Kimball Art Center, now at its Bonanza Park location, runs year-round classes and one-off workshops (ceramics, painting, welding) plus free exhibitions. Drop-in sessions and one-day workshops run about $35–100, multi-week series about $150–270 plus materials, and winter sessions book fast.
22. Join a Photography Tour
Put the Wasatch on camera with a local pro who knows the light and the quiet pullouts. Private tours run all winter and work for every skill level, from blue-hour landscapes to wildlife. Expect to pay from about $350 per person for a private half-day workshop with a local pro such as Willie Holdman.
Soak, Spa & Slow Down
23. Spa Day
Align Spa ($$–$$$): A long-running, therapist-focused day spa on Bonanza Drive for massage, facials, and body treatments, about 15 minutes from Newpark.
Aura Spa ($$–$$$): An eco-conscious menu in a loft on Main Street, great before or after a stroll, about 16 minutes from Newpark.
Book massages a week or more ahead in peak season, and call for current rates.
Active recovery idea: Pair your treatment with a yoga class at The Shop above Old Town, then come back to Newpark for the steam room, sauna, or your own deck hot tub.
24. Soak in the Homestead Crater (Geothermal Dome)
Float in 90–96°F mineral water inside a beehive-shaped limestone dome while snow falls outside. Homestead Crater soak sessions are $30 per one-hour slot, with about 40 minutes in the water; reservations are strongly recommended on weekends and holidays. Certified divers can scuba, beginners can book a two-hour Intro to Scuba (ages 10+), and paddleboard yoga runs through Park City Yoga Adventures. It’s 25 minutes from Newpark in Midway.
Heads up: The Crater closes for renovations in April and May 2027, so go this winter.
The perfect day: Morning at the Crater, lunch in Midway, then back to Newpark for a private evening soak.
25. Cozy Up at Newpark With Your Private Deck Hot Tub
Make this the signature Park City moment. Step out to your private deck hot tub and soak while snow falls over Swaner Preserve and the Wasatch. Every room at Newpark has a gas fireplace and heated bathroom floors, and the suites and townhomes add a private hot tub on the deck. It’s the right finish after powder laps, Nordic miles, or a night on Main Street.
Winter Packing List: Beyond Ski Gear
Already packing your ski clothes? Don’t forget:
For the hot tub & spa:
- Swimsuit (for your deck hot tub, Homestead Crater, and our indoor/outdoor pool)
- Flip-flops or slides
- A 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 and toe warmers
For après & dining:
- Nice-casual outfit (dark jeans and a sweater work at most restaurants)
- Comfortable walking shoes for Main Street
- A light jacket or fleece for indoor-outdoor transitions
Tech & comfort:
- Portable phone charger (cold drains batteries fast)
- Sunglasses (snow glare is intense)
- Lip balm and moisturizer (high altitude means dry everything)
- Reusable water bottle (hydration matters at 7,000 feet)
Already at Newpark:
- A wet bar or full kitchen, depending on room type, with Smith’s grocery a short walk away
- Coffee maker, hair dryer, and iron
- Free parking, ski storage, guest laundry, steam room, and sauna
How to Book a Hot-Tub Suite at Newpark
Hot-tub suites book four to six weeks ahead in peak season, so reserve early. Each of these includes a private deck hot tub:
- Luxury Suite: 750 sq ft with a private deck and a freshly filled hot tub.
- One Bedroom Luxury Suite: A separate bedroom plus the deck hot tub.
- Deluxe Luxury Suite: A larger layout plus the deck hot tub.
- Two Bedroom Luxury Suite: More space for families or two couples.
- Two Bedroom Townhome: A multi-level residence with its own deck hot tub and a private garage (only seven on property).
FYI: Hot tubs are in suites and townhomes only, not Standard Rooms. Book direct for our best rate and the room types that don’t always show up on booking sites.
Planning Notes
Parking at the resorts: Mountain Village needs a reservation before noon ($29 lots, $50 garage), and the new Canyons Village garage is $29 a day. Both are free after noon and for cars with four or more people.
Transit: Park free at Newpark and ride the free High Valley Transit 101 from Kimball Junction to Canyons Village, Park City Mountain, and Old Town Transit Center near Main Street. For Deer Valley, transfer at Old Town.
Big storms & road restrictions: The Cottonwood Canyons (Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude) often enforce traction laws during storms. Plan for proper tires or ride the ski bus.
Reservations go fast: Book ahead for the bobsled, sleigh rides, dog sledding, Homestead Crater, spa treatments, popular restaurants, and Snow League tickets (prices rise Dec. 1).
Altitude matters: Park City sits around 7,000 feet. Drink extra water, go easy on alcohol the first day, and don’t be surprised if you’re a little winded. Most people adjust within 24–48 hours.
Park City Winter FAQ
What can you do in Park City in winter if you don’t ski?
Plenty: ride the Olympic bobsled at Utah Olympic Park, soak in the Homestead Crater, go dog sledding or snowmobiling, take a sleigh ride to dinner, tube at Woodward Park City, or snowshoe Swaner Preserve. Add Main Street’s shops, galleries, and restaurants, and a non-skier can fill a week.
Do I need a parking reservation at Park City Mountain?
At Mountain Village, yes, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, seven days a week ($29 for surface lots, $50 for the garage). Canyons Village doesn’t require one, but its new garage costs $29 a day. Both are free after noon and for cars with four or more people.
Can I get to the slopes from Kimball Junction without a car?
Yes. The free High Valley Transit 101 runs from Kimball Junction to Canyons Village and Park City Mountain. Canyons Village is about three miles from Newpark Resort.
How far ahead should I book winter activities in Park City?
For Christmas–New Year’s, MLK weekend, and Presidents’ Day, book dog sledding three to four weeks out, popular restaurants two to three weeks out, and hot-tub suites four to six weeks out. The bobsled, sleigh rides, spa treatments, and Homestead Crater also fill up, so reserve as soon as your dates are set.
What’s the best family activity in Park City besides skiing?
Tubing at Woodward Park City, eight minutes from Newpark, is the easy crowd-pleaser for all ages. Close runners-up: a sleigh ride dinner, dog sledding, and the free Olympic museums at Utah Olympic Park.
Winter in Park City runs on early mornings, cold air, and a warm place to land. Check winter availability and book direct for our best rate, and ask about the hot tub suites.
