Rewind the clock back 60 years, and the scrappy mining town of Park City, Utah was on the brink of collapse...
Volatile fluctuations in the price of silver ore had created a tumultuous series of boom and bust cycles in Park City, Utah through the first half of the 20th century. Miners and their families drifted in and out, and by the 1950s the population of the town had plummeted, and the once numerous mines were closing or consolidating. Times were grim, and jobs were scarce.
It was during this period of unrest that a group of intrepid miners applied for and secured federal funding for a ski hill thanks to the 1961 Area Redevelopment Act. Park City Mountain first opened on December 21, 1963, but back then it was called Treasure Mountain. At the time, the resort offered the longest gondola in North America, the Prospector double chairlift, and the Silver King J-bar surface tow. The town of Park City would be forever changed thanks to the foresight of the members of the United Park City Mines who spearheaded the effort.
For a full recap on the history of Treasure Mountain and its evolution into Park City Mountain, see our resort history profile here.
FUN FACT
Treasure Mountain was renamed Park City Ski Area in its 4th season (1966–67) and was renamed once again to Park City Mountain Resort in 1996.
Throughout its 60 years, Park City Mountain has expanded its boundaries, served as a host venue for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and now attracts visitors from around the globe seeking a world-class experience on snow.
Today, Park City Mountain is the largest ski area in the United States with 7,300 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain, 41 lifts and two vibrant base areas. While the evolution of the resort has drastically changed the fate of the town of Park City, what remains the same is the area's passion for the mountain lifestyle and good fun out on the ski slopes.
CELEBRATE WITH PARK CITY
Park City Mountain will be scattering fanfare-filled events and celebrations across the 2023–24 season for visitors and season passholders to commemorate the mountain's big 60th. Check the resort's event calendar for current offerings and updates. Ski Utah recommends the following spring activities:
Spring Concert Series at Canyons Village
Get your aprés groove on each Saturday at the Canyons Village Forum. A stage with live music will host free concerts every Saturday afternoon from March 2nd through closing day (projected to be in mid-April). Bands will jam from 3-5PM and guests can grab food or drinks nearby. For a current schedule of the musical acts, see here.
Silver to Slopes Historic Mining Tour
The Silver to Slopes Historic Mining Tours allow guests to relive the area's rich and storied silver mining history. As you may have noticed, rusty equipment, historic mining buildings, and fascinating relics of a bygone era dot the slopes around Park City. The ski area offers a free, guided tour for intermediate skiers to explore the mountain and discover the stories and legends that formed this incredible mountain town. Discover the tale of how a bawdy silver mining camp came to be an internationally renowned destination for arts, culture and recreation.
Tours take place daily and depart from the Park City Mountain Village. The 10:00 AM tour meets near the eagle statue, and the 12:30 PM tour will meet at the Bonanza Map. Upon completion of the tour, all participants will be awarded a special commemorative pin. Tours are conducted on a first-come-first-served basis and can accommodate 10 guests. More information here.
Aprés at the Airstream
From December through mid-April, a memorable pop-up après ski experience will grace the Ski Beach at Canyons Village. Located just across from Red Tail Grill by the Orange Bubble Express, the airstream will offer beats for dancing, food, and cocktails. Dates and times vary, so check the Canyons Village Event Calendar for dates and details.
Closing Day 2024
Park City will close out their 60th year in grand style. Don't miss the closing day festivities which involve sunshine, fun, music, and aprés. The resort will also be handing out commemorative posters on closing day so you can cherish and remember this special season. For detailed info about Closing Day activities, see the Event Calendar.
Photos courtesy of Jack Loosmann / Park City Mountain
