Park City Ski Guide: Why It Should Be Your Next Trip
Easy SLC access, two base areas, beginner zones that work, lifts to know, and where to park.
Words by Michele Underwood | Photos by Michele, too.
Iconic “THIS IS YOUR MOUNTAIN” sign on a snow-loaded ridge at Park City—always a fun photo stop.
Park City was my first real mountain ski trip. Heavenly technically came first, but it was early season with very little snow. Park City is my favorite place to ski. You get the mining‑town history on the slopes, a walk down Main Street, runs for every level, and it’s ~35 miles from Salt Lake City International (SLC).
Here’s what makes it awesome.
Park City at a Glance
Chairlift selfie above Park City—snowy mountains and the valley below.
Two bases, two vibes: Canyons Village (modern, efficient) and Park City Mountain Village (historic, town‑adjacent).
Beginner‑friendly: High Meadow Park (Canyons) and First Time/Payday (Park City).
Lifts to know: Orange Bubble (heated), Tombstone, Saddleback, McConkey’s, Silverlode, Town Lift.
Easy access: Park at the Cabriolet Lot for Canyons; use China Bridge for Town Lift into Old Town.
Quick breaks: Tombstone BBQ between laps; Viking Yurt cookie stop on the Park City side.
Easy fly‑in: Salt Lake City International (SLC) is ~35 miles away—about a 30–45 minute drive.
What Makes Park City Great
Orange Bubble Express at Canyons Village—heated orange-bubble chairs riding through the trees.
Short travel, more ski: SLC → Park City is about 30–45 minutes (≈35 miles). You’re skiing the same day you land.
Two bases on one ticket: Canyons Village and Park City Mountain Village give you different vibes and terrain without changing mountains.
Beginner zones that work: High Meadow Park (Canyons) and First Time/Payday (Park City) make it easy to learn and level up in the same pod.
Town finish: Town Lift drops you into Old Town for coffee, food, après‑ski, and a walk down Main Street.
Main Street: Walkable loop for coffee, quick eats, bars, and shops. If you’re parking in town, use China Bridge.
Lifts that help on cold days: Orange Bubble has a heated cover—nice when it’s windy. It’s also just cool to ride.
Simple starts: Cabriolet Lot to Canyons Village; China Bridge for Town Lift on the Park City side.
Good for mixed groups: Plenty of blues with optional tree dips like Georgianna → Powder Monkey. Watch my video: Powder Monkey in Park City: Swing through the trees on your skis.
No car mid‑day: If you want to link sides while you’re out, use lifts/runs plus Quicksilver mid‑mountain.
Canyons Village & Park City Mountain Village
Canyons Village is the simpler start: fast lifts, straightforward layout, and it felt less crowded for us. High Meadow Park is where I’d start new skiers.
Park City Mountain Village brings the mining‑town character and direct access to Old Town via Town Lift. I go here for laps off McConkey’s—Georgianna and the Powder Monkey trees—and for the in‑town finish.
Park City Mountain Terrain: Greens, Blues & Trees
I’m a true intermediate skier. I usually start with a green or two to warm up, then move to the blues. Sometimes I end up on a black—by accident.
Learning/progression: High Meadow Park (Mellow Moose, Alley Cat, Hidden Bear). I like Hidden Bear for its narrow line and the short, glade‑like pockets off the side.
Blue laps: Saddleback → Kokopelli/Pine Draw/Snow Dancer; on the Park City side, roll blues off Silverlode.
A taste of trees: Dip into Powder Monkey from Georgianna (off McConkey’s).
Ski Kit 2026: What I Use All Season
Skis, boots, helmet, and layers that work in Utah, Colorado, and the Midwest.
Getting Around Park City: Access, Parking & On‑Mountain Links
Close to SLC: ~35 miles (about 30–45 minutes).
Base access: Ride the Cabriolet into Canyons Village; Town Lift drops you on Main Street on the Park City side.
Stay on snow: If you connect sides, expect a few lifts/runs plus Quicksilver mid‑mountain—no car needed.
Best Time to Ski Park City (My Take)
Weekdays over weekends, and avoid big holiday weeks if you can. Storms change everything, but grooming here is consistent, so you’ll still have good laps even when it hasn’t snowed recently.
My Park City Ski Kit
FAQ (My Experience)
Is Park City good for first‑timers?
Yes. High Meadow Park at Canyons is where I start people. Park City’s First Time/Payday greens are legit, too.
Which base feels less crowded?
On my trips, Canyons has felt lighter most mornings (it still depends on dates and weather).
Do I need to connect the sides?
No. Plan a full day on one side. If you switch while you’re out, use lifts/runs plus Quicksilver mid‑mountain
Official Info (quick link)
Park City Mountain — Official Site
Useful pages to link: Lift & trail status, Parking & Town Lift, Trail map.
Michele Underwood writes Overland Girl, where she shares gear she uses on real trips—from the Northwoods of Wisconsin to the Ozarks. She values quality and craftsmanship in everything she buys—from outdoor gear to everyday clothes and furniture. Her choices may seem expensive to some, but she believes in buying less and buying better. Longevity matters, both in terms of function and style. Her couch is five years old and still sold at Design Within Reach—that's the kind of timelessness she looks for. Some of the links in this review are affiliate links, which means she may earn a small commission if you buy through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps support her work. She only recommends gear she’d bring herself.
