Park City Winter Activities: 6 Ways to Enjoy the Snow
Park City, located about 40 minutes from Salt Lake City in Utah, has delighted snow lovers for decades. The city receives an estimated 350 inches of snow annually at the resorts, making it easy for visitors to play. Whether looking to spend some time on the slopes or simply enjoy the scenery, Park City offers several winter activities for the family. Have a blast and read the best Park City winter activities.
6 Park City Winter Activities for the Family
Photo: Sean O’Shaughnessy
Gear Up for the Slopes
With cold temperatures and lots of snow, Park City ranks high as a top ski destination. The area houses more than 7,300 skiable acres, and an expansion project helped Park City become the largest ski resort in the U.S. One of the top places for skiing is Park City Mountain Resort. Skiers enjoy more than 300 trails for all levels, 41 lifts, eight terrain parks and more. Another top spot is Deer Valley Resort, which also houses several trails ranging in difficulty level.
Get started at Park City Ski and Snowboard School, which offers lessons for all skiers. A few options include private lessons, family lessons, child and youth, and even a masters racing lesson. Another popular choice is the adult peak-to-peak guided ski experience. This activity helps bring groups together, while guides tour new and challenging terrain and encourage skill-building.
Experts and cross-country skiers have three options, including All Seasons Adventures, Mountain Trails Foundation and White Pine Touring Nordic Center. This center serves as Park City’s exclusive cross-country track, with loops measuring 3K to 10K. Local guides and experts are also available for cross-country tours and lessons, ensuring guests have everything they need to enhance the experience.
Sled Through the Snow
Bundle up and take a dog sledding adventure through the mountains. Three companies offer dog sledding rides suited for families and couples. Book a trip with Rocky Mountain Recreation of Utah for hour-long tour of their 9,000 acre ranch. Or check out top-rated Luna Lobos and All Seasons Adventures. Luna Lobos offers tours on Rancho Luna Lobos, a family-owned and -operated venue. Dog sledding with All Seasons has one-hour rides, and with all options, guests interact directly with their four-legged friends.
Fly High Over the Mountains
Another top among Park City winter activities is hot-air balloon rides. This popular year-round activity offers unforgettable views of the mountains and scenery. Park City Balloon Adventures flies groups as small as two and as large as 30. The one-hour sunrise flight explores high over the area, with champagne or orange juice available post-flight.
Another option is Skywalker Balloon Company, which has delighted guests for more than 20 years. Also offered year-round, Skywalker guests experience a sunrise flight, perfect for small groups and families.
Skate Indoors and Outside
Those who prefer to stay on the ground can go ice skating at two spots. Park City Ice Arena and Sports Complex features an Olympic-sized ice sheet perfect for quick skates and lessons. Visitors of all ages have a blast skating at this indoor facility.
To make the most of the experience, skate at Park City Resort. This spot serves as the only outdoor ice-skating rink in the city and is centrally located at the base of the resort. In addition to skating, guests enjoy warm beverages and free skate walkers for small children. Don’t forget to check out the holiday scene at the rink, as Christmas trees, lights and music get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Sit Back and Relax
Ride over the river and through the woods to enjoy the Park City winter experience. Groups of all sizes can snuggle up while a horse-drawn sleigh carries them through the area. Several companies offer sleigh-ride packages, and one top-rated option is Snowed Inn Sleigh Company, which provides a dinner-ride option. Those who plan this activity receive a 20-minute ride through Park City Resort, then enjoy a full meal and live entertainment at their lodge.
The Viking Yurt is another popular option. On this adventure, guests are pulled up 1,800 feet by a snow cat for picturesque nighttime views of Park City. These sleighs hold as many as 32 people, making it a popular option for large groups and families.
Go Tubing
Not a skier? Not a problem. Plan a day full of action and speed while tubing the area. Woodward Park City, also a top Park City attraction, offers seven lighted tubing lanes for the family. Small children can ride their own hill, while older children and adults can try beginner and advanced lanes.
Packages range from one ride to four hours of winter fun. In addition to tubing, families also rent mini snowmobiles or let smaller children play at Fort Frosty, a play area for guests 6 and younger.
Need a place to stay while trying these Park City winter activities? View our Park City vacation rentals. See which places we picked as the top Park City restaurants.