Family Ski Resort Guide | Park City Mountain

By Local Lexi Sep 8, 2021
Countless adventure awaits at Park City Mountain. You’ll never tire of exploring the many nooks and crannies of this family friendly ski area.
Family Ski Resort Guide | Park City Mountain

Park City Mountain encompasses 17 peaks—yes, you read that correctly—13 bowls and 6 terrain parks plus the 18-foot superpipe where the pros train. With over 330 named trails spanning more than 7,300 skiable acres, Park City Mountain holds the title as the largest lift-serviced ski area in the United States. A plethora of ameneties on the mountain and throughout the base area and a stacked event calendar make Park City a vibrant and memorable place to bring the fam.

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Park City Mountain is ideal for riders and skiers of all levels with plenty of long, wide groomers that do wonders to enhance confidence. The recent development of the High Meadow Park area offers slopes primed for families and beginners so it offers excellent terrain where families can work on progression together. The resort welcomes skiers as well as snowboarders on its slopes so it’s a better option for shredders than nearby Deer Valley which only permits skiers. With the convenience and glitz of the historic Park City Main Street nearby, there is no shortage of diversions on a trip to Park City.

PARK CITY'S LOCATION

Park City Mountain is located just west of Park City's historic Main Street. Approximate driving times (in favorable driving conditions) and distances are listed below. Travel time from the Park City Mountain Village to the Canyon’s Village will be approximately 10 minutes or less by car or the free public transit bus (without traffic). 

Salt Lake City: 33 miles – 45 minutes
Provo: 45 miles – 1 hour
Ogden: 68 miles – 1 hour, 10 minutes
Logan: 112 miles – 1 hour, 50 minutes
St. George: 310 miles – 4 hours, 30 minutes

In a 5th Grader’s Words: "Park City Mountain is awesome because there's something for everyone. I can have a fun day there skiing with my 3-year-old brother but I can have just as much fun skiing with my friends or my dad on the challenging runs. I never get bored skiing there and I guess I never will!" - Milo, Age 10


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Park City's Terrain & Mountain Stats

Skiable Acres: 7,300 Acres
Vertical Drop: 3,226 Feet
Number of Runs: 330+
Average Snowfall: 355"
Terrain Parks: 6 Terrain Parks and the 18-foot Superpipe
Terrain Breakdown: 8% Beginner, 42% Intermediate & 50% Expert
Chairlifts: 4 Gondolas, 32 Chairlifts, 2 Rope Tows, & 4 Surface Lifts
Night Skiing: No

Deals at Park City Mountain 

Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade can enjoy five days of free skiing as part of the Epic SchoolKids Utah Pack Program. Learn more here.

If you need to purchase day tickets, do so online at least 7 days in advance to save some money. More tips on finding the best deals on daily lift tickets here.

Park City often runs lodging specials and packages when booked well in advance.

The Epic Pass provides unlimited access to Park City Mountain and other Vail Resorts destinations. Passholders enjoy large discounts on dining, lodging and gear rental with Epic Mountain Rewards.

Epic Military Pass provides significant savings for active duty, retired and military veterans. 

With the Epic Day Pass, ski or ride 1-7 days and still enjoy passholder perks.

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Park City's Layout
Looming above the old mining town, Park City Mountain offers wide cruisers, terrain parks, swift chairlifts, steeps and the (in)famous expert terrain of Jupiter Bowl, McConkey’s, Pinecone Ridge and Ninety-Nine-90. There are three ways to begin your day at Park City. The Park City Mountain Village and the Canyons Village are substantial base areas with restaurants, rental shops and lodging; it is possible to ski between the two mountains by riding the Quicksilver Gondola. You can also start your day right from Main Street in town with a ride on the Town Lift.

Pro Tip: Spend at least two days at Park City Mountain to explore each base area. There is so much terrain that it’s worth dedicating a day to visiting each base area and its surrounding trails.


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The Canyons Village
The Canyons Village features tons of lodging, a modern ski village, shopping, excellent restaurants and a lively après scene with free music and events on holidays and weekends. The Canyons Village services around 4,000 acres of finely groomed blue runs on multiple aspects, a dedicated learning zone, glades, hike-to terrain and expert terrain off the Ninety-Nine 90 lift. As the closest base area to Salt Lake, the Canyons Village serves as a great basecamp and is ideal for families and groups of differing ability levels because the diversity of terrain suits learners and experts alike.

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This side of the mountain offers the best and greatest amount of beginning and learner terrain. With the creation of High Meadow Park, learners are no longer restricted to the lower base elevation as it's located mid-mountain and accessed by gondola. This dedicated alpine learning zone features fun and gentle green runs with awesome views serviced by the speedy High Meadow Express chairlift.

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Intermediates will love the variety of blue-rated groomers off the Tombstone Express and Dreamscape lifts. The runs off Tombstone afford a bit more vertical. Advanced intermediates may want to explore the terrain off Sun Peak Express or Saddleback Express which feature a mix of blue and black rated trails.

You’ll find a bit more vertical and longer runs on the Canyon’s Village side; experts can keep busy exploring black diamond terrain and tick off the chutes and steeps of Ninety-Nine 90. The Super Condor lift provides access to hiking terrain and Murdock Peak.

Transitions intermediate terrain park is located at Canyons Village near the top of the Sun Peak chairlift and offers more than 40 features and 3 jumps.

Pro Tip:
If the weather turns foul or the kids need a space age distraction, take a lap on the Orange Bubble Express. The heated seats and protective orange enclosure create a truly novel (and cozy) experience.


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Park City Mountain Village
The Park City Mountain Village is steps from Park City's iconic Main Street and hosts a number of bars, restaurants and shops. Learners or beginners can start their day from the First Time Express or 3 Kings chairlifts. There are also two surface lifts located at this base area for those just testing the waters. 

The bulk of the ski area’s terrain parks are accessible from Park City Mountain Village. Newer park rats can warm up in the Little Kings park off the Bonanza Express chairlift. Intermediates will enjoy the Pick Axe Terrain Park, inspired by Park City’s mining lore. Medium to large jumps, rails and wall rides are included in the 3 Kings and Pick N Shovel parks. Practice your transitions in the 13-foot Minipipe and take a peep at the looming 18-foot walls of the Eagle Superpipe: the legendary venue for the 2002 Winter Olympics and multiple Grand Prix events.

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Payday Express and Crescent Express grant access to winding green trails, steeper blue rated terrain and a handful of black diamonds. Crescent provides quick access to one of the more popular chairs on the mountain, the high-speed 6 pack King Con Express. This chair serves up quite a few blue cruisers and also connects to the Quicksilver Gondola and the Canyons Village area of the mountain. Intermediate skiers won’t want to miss the view from the top of McConkey’s on a clear day. Once you’ve absorbed the scene of Mt. Timpanogos, Heber Valley, and the distant Uinta Mountain Range, catch the winding Georgeanna blue run down. 

Expert skiers will want to make their way to Bonanza Express which links to other lifts that serve up mainly black diamond terrain. Bonanza itself offers green and blue runs that link back to its bottom terminal for endless mid-mountain laps. The most challenging terrain features chutes, steeps, and open powder bowls on Jupiter Peak and the McConkey’s Express and Jupiter chairlifts.

Pro Tip: Dodge the crowds on a powder day by riding the Town Lift to catch the Bonanza Express; you’ll save a little wait time by skipping Payday Express or Crescent Express.

Public Transportation & Parking

Public Transit
Consider riding public transit to avoid driving and parking hassles while helping to reduce congestion. The Park City Transit System offers free transit around town and to both ski areas, removing the headache of parking. The buses run thorough routes throughout Park City and Kimball Junction with frequent service, visit their website for current routes and timetables. If staying downtown you can simply catch the Town Lift between Main Street and Park Avenue. 

It's possible to park at the Park City High School on weekends and holidays to catch a free bus to either resort village. Busses operate from High Valley Transit Park-n-Ride locations like Richardson Flat and Ecker Hill 7 days per week. 

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Mountain Village Parking

Compared to Canyons Village, there is less parking available at the Mountain Village. It’s recommended to use the complementary town bus service unless you are staying near this base area. The Mountain Village parking utilizes an advance reservation system with a combination of paid parking, free parking and carpooling/transit incentives. Parking reservations are required up until 1PM, after which parking is free and reservations aren't necessary. Reservations cost is $28 per vehicle in any of the 3 surface lots or $46 (plus fees) for covered garage parking. Parking reservations are FREE for carpooling cars with 4+ occupants. Click here for information or to make reservations.

Canyons Village Parking
With more parking readily available at Canyons Village, there is free parking on a first-come, first-served basis in the Cabriolet lot, which is connected to the heart of the Canyons Village base area via a fun ride that children will enjoy on the free, open-air Cabriolet lift. There is paid parking in the Upper Village and Pendry lots offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required to park at Canyons Village.

ADA Parking
ADA parking spots at the Mountain Village can be reserved for free. They are located at the top of the First Time Lot with additional spaces available in the Mountain Village garage. The Canyons Village offers ADA spaces available in the Cabriolet Lot. The Cabriolet lift that whisks passengers up to the village and chairlifts is ADA accessible. There are additional ADA spaces available on High Mountain Road between the Westgate and Pendry hotels. Vehicles will be subject to verification of ADA plates or hang tag.   

Pro Tip: On holidays and weekends, parking at Canyons Village can reach capacity. It is advised to either use public transit or to arrive before 9 AM or after 1 PM. The resort maintains a Twitter account for current parking updates.

Base Area Logistics

Park City Mountain’s two main base areas each offer a good selection of dining and shopping in addition to ski school, ticketing, and rental/demo shops. Your desire for terrain should dictate which base area to launch from. Each base area also includes day use lockers; find them in the lower level of the Legacy Lodge at Park City Mountain Village or next to Canyon Mountain Sports in the Canyons Village.

Guest Services
Guest Services are located at both base areas to orient and assist guests. At Mountain Village guest services can be found on the first floor of Legacy Lodge near Legacy Sports. At Canyons Village they are located in the Canyons Village Forum just past the Red Pine Gondola. During the winter season, Guest Services team members are also available near terrain maps at both base areas, at the top of Bonanza Express at Mountain Village and at the top of Red Pine Gondola at Canyons Village. These folks can provide extensive info about the mountain, conditions and help with lost and found or personal services. 

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Transit Between Bases
Transit between the two base areas is fairly simple with free buses from Park City Transit. There is a central transit pavilion at the Park City Mountain Village and at the Canyons Village; there are multiple bus stops along routes at centrally located hotels. Busses arrive approximately every 15 minutes or so and free transit is provided between the base areas, to a transit hub on Main Street and over to neighboring Deer Valley. Visit the Park City Transit website for more information and route schedules. Alternatively, catch a ride on the Quicksilver Gondola (approx. 10 minute ride) to ski or snowboard between the two zones.

Equipment Valet
Ski and snowboard valet is offered for guests skiing or riding Park City Mountain for two or more days. This overnight service is located on the snow near the PayDay Express lift at the Park City Mountain Village or adjacent to the Ski and Snowboard School office in the Canyons village. Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, the cost is $10 per snowboard or set of skis. 

Mountain Spa
For those with an eye toward relaxation, RockResorts Spa is located in the Grand Summit Hotel in the Canyons Village. Personalized treatments, massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, and much more are available for those who wish to take some time to refresh and rejuvenate.

Park City Ski & Snowboard School

Park City Mountain is a fantastic place to discover new skills and build upon your foundation. The knowledgeable and passionate instructors are the perfect guides for getting to intimately know the nooks and crannies of this sprawling resort. The Ski & Snowboard School offers lessons for all ages and ability levels in addition to a wealth of special programming. For specific clinics and programs, visit Park City Mountain’s website.

Book a ski or snowboard lesson at Park City Mountain at least 48 hours in advance to save time, money, and guarantee availability. Their online booking system is seamless and you can add rental equipment as well, streamlining the entire check-in process day of.

PRO TIP: Epic Passholders save 20% on group lessons. 

Lesson Navigation: To prepare for your lesson click here. Lesson meeting areas are located at both villages and guests can specify their preference for either the Park City Mountain Village or the Canyons Village during the booking process.

Private Lessons
Whether you’re a never ever or a seasoned expert, a private lesson is always an opportunity to hone your technique and discover the mountain with one-on-one coaching. Learn at your own pace or book a private lesson for the entire family. Private lessons are available for skiers or snowboarders of any level and can be reserved for up to 6 individuals (of similar skill levels). Lesson duration can span a half-day for 3 hours or a full-day for 7 hours.

Children’s Group Lessons
Group lessons for youngsters at Park City Mountain are broken up by age and skill level and focus on fostering a love of sport in a positive environment with small group sizes. Group lessons are for skiers and snowboarders aged 3-14 of all ability levels in 3 or 6 hour blocks. If instruction in a language other than English is needed, a private lesson should be booked.

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Adult Group Lessons
If you’re brand new to the sport, looking to build your skill set, or hoping to set your sights on new challenges, there are a variety of lesson plans for adults at Park City Mountain. Women’s groups, foundational lessons, never-ever lessons, and refresher courses are just some of the options. Adult lessons are for ages 15 and up for any ability level and can be booked in 3 or 6-hour blocks.

Adult First Time Group Lessons
Get off to the best possible start with a day full of fun, safety, and knowledge sharing as you discover a new sport in the mountains. Park City instructors enjoy introducing brand new riders and skiers to the joy of winter sport on world class beginner terrain. First Timer lessons are offered in full or half-day formats.

Ski Shop & Equipment Rentals

Debuting at Park City Mountain for the 2024/25 season My Epic Gear is a new gear membership that provides all the benefits of owning gear, but with more choices, a lower cost and fewer hassles. Members can access 60+ of the latest ski and snowboard models with in-resort delivery or daily slopeside pick-up and drop-off.

Renting gear at Park City Mountain can be fairly painless with their seamless online reservation service with Rentskis.com. With numerous pickup locations or complimentary delivery to your hotel or condo, there is no faster way to get to the slopes. You can earn a discount by reserving in advance. There are large rental shops located at both Park City Mountain Village and Canyons Village. Guests can pick up, return or exchange gear at either shop and take advantage of the free ski valet service. 

Pro Tip: Epic Passholders enjoy a 20% discount on rentals.

Just steps from Payday Express at the Park City Mountain Village, Legacy Sports can be found in the lower level of Legacy Lodge. From Canyons Village, the Canyon Mountain Sports Rental shop is adjacent to the Red Pine Gondola. Both shops can also perform full-service tuning and repair. While there are countless shops located in and around the town of Park City, it’s a cinch to rent directly from the mountain and exchange your gear from either base area should conditions change. 

For logo gear, check out the Legacy Sports logo shop in Legacy Lodge at the Park City Mountain Village. As the official logo store for Park City Mountain, there is a large selection of tees, hats, sweatshirts, ornaments, jackets, souvenirs and more. Additional shops with gear from well-known brands can be found in Canyons Village.

A large variety of shops can be found around both mountain villages, click here for a complete lineup.

Pro Tip: If you want the ultimate service and a premium ski rental experience we love Ski Butlers!

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Lodging & Dining at Park City Mountain

A wide selection of accommodations is available through the resort ranging from townhomes, luxury ski-in/ski-out condos, budget-friendly options, hotel rooms and more. The resort has lodging partners in Canyons Village, Park City Mountain Village, along Historic Main Street and in Kimball Junction. Connect with Park City Mountain directly to consider booking options and determine if any specials or package deals are available or use our Ski Utah Lodging tool.

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The best selection of lodging can be found at Canyons Village with a large number of true ski-in/ski-out condos and hotels. This village lies about 10 minutes outside of the heart of town and can easily be accessed by the Park City Transit System, hotel shuttles or car services.

The recently renovated Grand Summit Hotel is just steps from the snow in the hub of the Canyons Village. Modern and understated elegance makes the soothing atmosphere of this hotel a relaxing place to crash after exploring the slopes.

The Apex Park City Residences, nestled on the slopes above Canyons Village, encompass sophisticated design, modern architecture, and alpine charm. Ski directly to the Orange Bubble Express or Red Pine Gondola from these luxurious digs. With floorplans of 3-5 bedrooms, this is a great option for families or groups. 

From the Park City Mountain Village, consider the premium location of The Lowell Condominiums, just steps from the Ski & Snowboards School and close to a bus stop and the bustling activity of Park City’s Main Street. The Resort Plaza Condominiums will also offer floorplans of 1-4 bedrooms and ski-in/ski-out access.


Canyons Village - Dining
For a jump start in the morning, Murdock's serves up good coffee and a hearty breakfast burrito. That or you can high tail it up the Dreamscape or Dreamcatcher lift for a fresh baked doughnut at Cloud Dine which also serves savory flatbreads, burgers and salads. Perched atop a Wasatch ridgeline, Cloud Dine offers some of Utah’s best high elevation dining views.

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At the Canyons Village base area you'll find Red Tail Grill serving big mountain views and outdoor dining for lunch, dinner, and après. Hit the Umbrella Bar for its expansive patio, fire pits and lively aprés scene. More unmatched views can be savored at Lookout Cabin, reservations are recommended! Located at the mid-station of the Orange Bubble Express, Lookout Cabin serves Rocky Mountain cuisine complemented by a full-service bar.

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Out on the slopes, don’t miss Tombstone BBQ at the base of Tombstone Express. An on-mountain culinary experience the restaurant features a beer bar, wonderful outdoor seating, and a western BBQ-inspired menu with brisket, pulled pork, smoked wings, and homemade sauces. If you’re enjoying a morning lapping Super Condor or Transitions terrain park, swing by Sun Lodge to fuel up with southwestern fare like delicious tacos, burritos and quesadillas.


Park City Mountain Village - Dining
One of Park City Mountain’s biggest initiatives has been to upgrade the dining experience across the mountain. A visit to the iconic Mid-Mountain Lodge showcases the commitment to the guest experience and crafting elevated dining options across the resort. The 120-year-old historic miner’s boarding house has been upgraded to a signature dining experience. Expanded indoor seating, a chef-driven menu, craft cocktails and a full-service bar do not disappoint. The deck is the perfect place to sample a tasty sandwich or a creative cocktail.

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Another dining highlight is Miner's Camp at the base of Silverlode Express and Quicksilver Gondola. Savor homemade soups, chili, artisan salads and the ever-popular Mediterranean gyros or kabobs. This is a cafeteria-style eatery but you won’t find the traditional greasy ski hill fare. The made to order stations, fresh ingredients and local flavors will fuel your afternoon turns. The PickAxe Pub is a great spot to kick up your boots and grab a drink.

One of the easiest restaurants to meet as a group is the Summit House, located at the top of the Bonanza lift; it’s accessible from 5 other chairs. It’s also suitable for picky eaters thanks to a wide-ranging menu featuring their signature cheesesteaks, homemade soups, sandwiches, freshly tossed pizzas and excellent hot cocoa.

In the Park City Mountain Village base area, hit up Legends Bar and Grill on the first floor of the Legacy Lodge. This family-friendly gastropub serves up delicious locally-sourced meals and features a full-service bar. 

Childcare

Park City Mountain maintains the state-licensed Little Adventures Children’s Center childcare facility on a year-round basis at the Grand Summit Hotel in Canyons Village. Children ages 6 weeks to 6 years are provided with engaging and age-appropriate activities. Reservations are required. 

Medical Facilities

On-site medical clinics are located at both Mountain Village and Canyons Village base areas. The clinics are staffed by Intermountain Health Care professionals and are equipped to provide urgent care, including x-rays.


Park City Hospital by Intermountain Health Care is a full-service community hospital located at 900 Round Valley Drive at the northwest corner of Keetley Junction US-40/US-189 and SR-248. It is located 7 miles from Canyons Village and 4 miles from the Park City Mountain Village. 

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Points of Interest

For a memorable visit, consider these unique points of interest when planning a trip to visit Park City Mountain.

  • Historic Mining Tours
    Discover Park City Mountain’s rich silver mining and skiing history on a complimentary guided Silver to Slopes Historic Mining Tour. Intermediate or expert skiers will explore the mountain to uncover historic mining structures, hidden relics, and great stories. Upon completion of the tour, signature pins are awarded to commemorate the visit. Tours depart twice daily; visit Park City Mountain’s website for details. For more info on the tours, check out this Ski Utah article.

  • Rent a Fat Bike
    If you’ve got a down day in Park City, rent a mountain bike with fat tires or book a tour with White Pine Touring and explore the endless miles of biking trails around Park City.

  • Utah Olympic Park
    The legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games is alive and well in Utah. Visit the Utah Olympic Park venue to see where the bobsled, ski jumping, skeleton events and more were hosted. You can participate in a number of activities in addition to a gripping zipline and the free Alf Engen Ski Museum.


Visit Park City Mountain's Website & Learn More
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