If you are a fan of the recent trend of visiting ski towns to do everything but ski, you’ll find many unique and luxurious experiences off the slopes in Park City. The endless array of spas, art galleries, shopping, adventure experiences, and world-class restaurants will keep even the most discerning affluent traveler busy without ever strapping on skis. So if you are starting to plan your winter trip to Park City and are looking to do more, we have you covered.
If people-watching in the morning from the confines of a cozy coffee shop or elegant hotel lobby is something you love, Park City has some fantastic options for you. Grab a fresh latte or hot cup of tea and take a seat at Atticus Coffee & Teahouse, Harvest, Five5eeds, or the new kid on the block, The Pendry Park City, whose lobby bar and cafe overlooks the sweeping mountain views in the Canyons.
One could make a strong case that the Stein Erickson Lodge has the best location in Deer Valley. Perfectly situated and named “The United States’ Best Ski Hotel” at the 10th annual World Ski Awards in 2022, the Nordic-style Lodge has welcomed guests to its comfortable and luxurious setting for decades. (For those looking to move more permanently to the area, the newly opened Stein Eriksen Lodge Residences offer amazing views and amenities in a highly coveted location.)
The Stein Erickson Lodge’s Forbes Five-Star spa is the perfect place to soak away your worries in a hot tub or the heated outdoor pool or treat yourself to a specialty massage like their Fireside Toast which includes a whiskey scrub, a Vichy rainfall shower, and a spiced steeped Honey Chai lotion. And nothing beats their specialty cocktails enjoyed alfresco at the fire pit or in an Alpenglobe on the mountain balcony. We advise making reservations in advance because they are highly desired year-round.
The Spa at Montage Deer Valley is one of the most spacious and luxurious spas in town. With a large fitness area, multiple hot tubs, and a full-sized indoor swimming pool serving food and drinks, you can easily enjoy the views and amenities your entire day. The spa has treatments that cater to guests’ specific needs, such as the anti-aging Diamond Life Infusion Treatment or the Peace Within treatment, to help create profound relaxation.
Before leaving the Montage, stop by Burgers & Bourbon for an apres cocktail and a hearty bite. A stellar selection of bourbons, ryes, whiskeys, and one of the best burgers in town are only enhanced by the beautiful setting and staff. Once you checked that off your bucket list and tried one of their decadent milkshakes for dessert, wander down to Daly’s, where guests can indulge in vintage arcade games for a few hours of mindless fun.
The Fireside Dining experience at Empire Canyon Lodge next to the Montage is a must-do for dinner when in Deer Valley in the winter (the Lodge is seasonal). Perfect for couples, families, and large groups, sitting alongside the oversized stone fireplaces and watching the cheese and chocolate slowly melt is an ideal way to end your day. With various stations serving multiple courses, it’s best to pace yourself. We recommend taking a break before dessert and booking the private horse-drawn sleigh ride around the property. It’s a lovely way to see the stars and enjoy the peaceful setting.
If you want to work up an appetite, All Seasons Adventures can customize snowshoe tours to the restaurant. Touted as Park City’s premier outdoor adventure service, they offer exciting experiences all across Park City and Deer Valley, including cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and fat tire biking. They have top guides that are very knowledgeable about the area and are mindful of taking guests at their own comfortable pace. Trails like the Ontario Mine Trail provide dramatic backdrops for photos with awe-inspiring views.
The storied St. Regis Deer Valley offers abundant luxury and an exciting arrival at the hotel. Whisked to their restaurants by a funicular, they host some of the best apres parties in town. Live music, champagne magnums, and a who’s-who of Deer Valley’s elite make this the perfect afternoon spot to enjoy your weekend. Take advantage of their fabulous restaurant, RIME, where you must make reservations in advance to get a seat. With specialties like the Niman Ranch pork chop and Idaho Trout, exceptional and attentive staff, and phenomenal dessert options, you will be glad you visited as you enjoy the ride back down, peering out to the starry sky.
With a beautiful location and a fantastic outdoor pool, one of the premier resorts with plenty to do at the Canyons is Waldorf Astoria Park City. The hotel is perfect for grabbing a lobby cocktail, and they provide historical bike tours of Park City and horseback riding for guests. They also boast a majestic spa with unique treatments such as the Alpine Restorative Massage and Lymphatic Detox Wrap, and their fitness center features Technogym Kinesis, strength-training equipment, treadmills, Peloton bikes, elliptical cross-trainers, and classes, including yoga, kickboxing, and mat Pilates.
Historic Main Street in Park City has ample art galleries, live music venues, and watering holes like the High West Distillery. Hop on the iconic trolley and hit Kimball Junction, where you will find remarkable spots like Sterling Steak and Lounge offering nightly live music options with fewer crowds in the high season. And first-time visitors should visit the 2002 Winter Olympic Games site and try the bobsled experience before they leave town. In summary, Park City remains one of the best ski destinations in the United States and can be equally enjoyable even if you never step foot on the mountain.