I’ve visited Park City four times, first child-free on our honeymoon, and then three more trips with the kids in tow. My husband, a former local and lifelong Utah fan, always said Park City was a favourite among New Yorkers for world-class skiing, incredible dining and an international airport just 35 minutes away.
Once a booming silver mining town in the late 19th century, much of Park City’s historic infrastructure still stands. Colourful buildings line Main Street, old mine structures dot the surrounding ski terrain, and the town retains a distinct sense of place. That old-world character now sits comfortably alongside contemporary galleries, refined restaurants and impeccably managed ski terrain. It’s this balance of heritage and sophistication, serious skiing paired with social energy that keeps us coming back.
Park City Mountain
When I first visited, Park City Mountain and Canyons Resort were separate ski areas, but they merged 11 years ago and now operate as one enormous resort on the Epic Pass making it a cost-effective option for Antipodean families.
Today Park City Mountain offers an impressive 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, making it the largest ski resort in the United States. A new 10-person Sunrise gondola is the latest addition, and the infrastructure upgrades just keep improving the experience.
Would I take my kids here? Heck yes. Park City Mountain makes skiing with young children easy, with gentle learning areas, excellent ski schools and plenty of indoor-outdoor spaces designed for families. The resort’s two base areas are seamlessly connected, meaning families can explore hundreds of runs without changing passes or jumping on shuttle buses. Beginners can enjoy gentle groomers, intermediates can cruise scenic panoramas, and advanced riders will find plenty of challenging terrain.
One of our favourite Park City experiences is skiing straight down into town for lunch. Seeing a working chairlift drop skiers beside a bustling Main Street lined with restaurants still feels surreal but that quirky mix of skiing and city life is part of the magic.
Deer Valley Resort
Just minutes from town, Deer Valley Resort offers a complementary ski experience and is easily added to any Park City stay. For Ikon Pass holders, access is even simpler.
Famous for impeccably groomed runs and polished service, Deer Valley has expanded significantly in recent years, adding new terrain and beginner zones ideal for families. The resort now spans more than 4,300 skiable acres, with 31 lifts and over 200 runs including nearly 100 new runs and 10 new chairlifts highlighted by a 10-person gondola introduced for the 2025–26 season.
With outstanding ski schools, gentle slopes and refined on-mountain dining, Deer Valley strikes a perfect balance between luxury and family-friendly skiing.
Proud Olympic Legacy
Park City also carries a proud Olympic legacy, having hosted events during the 2002 Winter Olympics and set to play a role again when the Games return to Utah in 2034.
Just outside town, Utah Olympic Park remains a working training venue for elite winter athletes. Visitors can watch aerial skiers and ski jumpers in action, explore interactive exhibits or even try the thrilling bobsleigh experience down the Olympic track.
Two museums add depth to the visit. The Alf Engen Ski Museum explores the history and evolution of skiing in the American West, while the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum showcases athlete gear, medals and memorabilia from the Salt Lake Games.
Music, Food and Good Times
Park City also has a thriving music culture. My husband and I have seen countless bands here, from big-name acts to talented emerging artists. Conversations on chairlifts often lead to discovering which venue is hosting live music that night.
In summer, the mountains become an outdoor stage, with concerts and festivals held at venues like Deer Valley’s Snow Park Amphitheater, Canyons Village and along historic Main Street.
Food lovers are equally spoiled. Main Street alone offers more than 100 restaurants, alongside galleries, boutiques, breweries and distilleries. Highlights include Alpine Distilling, High West Distillery and Park City Brewery in nearby Kimball Junction. For something unique, Gormand Food Tours offers progressive dinners across several restaurants, while art lovers can browse galleries such as Meyer Gallery or Gallery MAR.
Getting There & Away
Flying from Australia to Salt Lake City is straightforward with one stop via Los Angeles, San Francisco or Dallas. From Salt Lake City International Airport, recently ranked the #1 large airport in the USA—it’s just a 35-minute drive to Park City, making this one of the most accessible ski destinations in North America.
