As a self-proclaimed lover of the beach and warm weather, I don’t spend a ton of time in snowy destinations. But after a recent long weekend in Park City, I’m certainly re-thinking my preferences. There are countless reasons winter there is just about perfect, particularly when it comes to a wellness-focused visit.
First, Park City is extremely convenient and easy to get to, situated just 25 miles southeast of Salt Lake City International Airport. My husband and I, who were in town for a four-day, three-night trip over Valentine’s Day weekend, left on an 8:30 am flight and were in Park City by noon. So, it’s entirely possible to get moving on the mountain the day of arrival without a long drive from the airport. It’s home to two incredible ski resorts—Park City and Deer Valley—where winter activities abound. It also features a wide array of healthy culinary options, making it an ideal escape for health-conscious foodies. The climate is also fabulous, with 229 sunny days a year, which results in lots of lovely bluebird days on the Wasatch Mountain range.
I have previously visited Park City and stayed both downtown and in the Deer Valley ski resort area. This time around, we made our home in the Canyons Village. With so much do, we spent our entire trip enjoying the food, spa, ski, and more that are part of this charming, fun, and thoroughly lovely area.
Active Endeavors
I grew up skiing on the icy hills of Michigan, so skiing on powder on the West Coast has always been a true treat. However, prior to this trip, it had been about eight years since I had hit the slopes, and I was nervous to get back out there—I suppose having two kids since my last ski trip has made me more cautious about activities where I might get hurt, so I was anxious when I rode my first lift up the mountain. Thankfully, I had a morning with a ski guide to ease me back into being comfortable on skis. While I had previously been a blue/green-level skier, I seem to have forgotten everything and felt like a complete novice on the slopes. Thankfully, my guide, Steven Parker, patiently got me back in the swing of things. We did several passes on the beginner hill. He talked me through my fears and anxiety and reminded me of the simple steps needed to feel comfortable and in control. After about two hours of instruction, I decided to break for lunch. But when I returned to the mountain the next day, his helpful tips came back to me and helped me really enjoy my experience.
No matter your skill level, I highly recommend spending at least half a day with a guide, and those on Park City Mountain are top-notch. Also outstanding is Park City Mountain itself, the largest ski resort in the U.S. It offers 7,300 acres of picturesque terrain, so from beginner skiers like me to those who love more challenging experiences, there truly is something for everyone. Also, the mountain is beautifully maintained, even if there isn’t a ton of snow. During our trip, it had been several weeks since the last snowfall in the area, but every morning, the slopes were groomed and ready for skiers.
My guide was also great about reminding me of a few things that are important to stay healthy and well while enjoying activities at such a high altitude. Sunscreen is vital because the sun’s rays are particularly strong at 7,000 to 10,000 feet. The sun shines a lot in Park City, and exposed skin can quickly burn. Also, drink more water than you think you will need and take a break every hour or two. Even the fittest athletes can be impacted by the altitude, so take it easy to extend your enjoyment on the mountain. There are some lovely places where you can pull off for a drink or a meal, including Lookout Cabin, where I refueled and enjoyed stunning views.
Another helpful tool when skiing is the free EpicMix app, which allows you to check snow conditions, webcams, trail maps, and more, making it almost impossible to get lost on the mountain, something I truly appreciated. Be sure to download it before your trip. If you are an avid skier, once you get it, you will put it to good use—EpicMix is now available at 15 resorts, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Crested Butte, Park City, Whistler Blackcomb, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Stowe, Mount Sunapee, Okemo, Afton Alps, and Mt. Brighton.
Skiing is just one of several fun snowy activities that are readily available in Park City. Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in an array of other winter activities, including snow biking, dog sledding, sleigh rides, fly-fishing, snowmobiling, and even stand-up paddleboard yoga in a crater. Another not-to-miss winter wellness activity takes place at the Swaner EcoCenter, which is located near Newpark Town Center. There, you can enjoy a Snowshoe Nature Walk tour of the preserve.
Accommodations
We stayed in a charming, well-equipped one-bedroom condo at Lift, conveniently located near the new high-speed quad lift in Canyons Village. While the quad wasn’t yet opened when we were there, it was an easy stroll to the shops, restaurants, and other lifts that quickly get you up to the top of the mountain. I loved the modern, stylish design and the wall of windows and small patio that offered gorgeous views. I took full advantage of the Lather amenities, which made long, soothing, post-ski showers quite enjoyable. We were also able to have our fridge conveniently filled with a few groceries before our arrival by Grocery Girls, so we were able to enjoy breakfast, coffee, and snacks from the comfort of our condo each day.
The outdoor pool area, complete with stunning views, a fire pit, and two lovely hot tubs for post-ski soaking, was a particular favorite. Other well-appointed amenities included a fitness area and steam room, a kids’ zone play space, a teen room with video games, and a club room featuring an entertainment wall, lounge seating, and a pool table. There is also a convenient on-site ski valet where we dropped our gear each day. We were kid-free on this trip, but we are already planning to return next year with our children and stay at Lift, which has options up to five bedrooms, making it a perfect escape for families and groups. I love the gorgeous hotels that abound in Park City, but one part of a healthy vacation is feeling at home in your accommodations, and Lift condos are a true stand out.
Spa
Because it had been so long since my last ski trip, I was incredibly sore after my first day. Thankfully, the seven-treatment-room Rock Resorts Spa at the Grand Summit Hotel was the perfect place to soothe my aching body. The 80-minute custom massage with Danielle O’Donnell was exactly what I needed. I’ve had a lot of massages over the course of my spa career, and it was one of the best I’ve ever had. The service was further enhanced by a heavenly scalp treatment featuring a head massage using rich, warm oils from MoroccanOil. Post-massage, I spent about 15 minutes in the sauna to extend my relaxation and let the nourishing oils soak in. The next day, I enjoyed a custom facial performed by Sara Paladini, and it was another amazing experience. I take pretty good care of my skin, but the air in Park City is extremely dry, and I felt a little like my face was going to crack. So, my skin soaked up all the ingredients, and I felt like myself in no time. It’s a very tight labor market for spa practitioners, and having two stellar therapists is a true testament to the caliber of the spa.
Another spa highlight was the well-appointed retail area. It offered an array of items that enhance the wellbeing of spa-goers. Among the lines featured (some of which are also used in the treatment room) are Alo, Blanc Noir, doTerra, Foreo, Hammitt, Image Skincare, Lalicious , Lather, Liquid IV, MantraBand, Morrocanoil, Patchology, PJ Salvage, Spiritual Gangster, Supergoop, and Yonka Paris.
Dining
A day on the slopes made me truly ravenous by mealtime. While there are plenty of hearty, high-calorie options at all the dining outlets to fill the bellies of active skiers and snowboarders, there are also healthier choices on the menu wherever you go. Our first day, we enjoyed lunch at Red Tail Grill, which offered gorgeous views of the mountain. My husband dove into a delicious plate of Chicken Nachos (I sampled some and, wow!). I went a little healthier with Garlic Hummus with cucumbers, carrots, celery, cauliflower, and grilled pita and a Winter Superfood Salad, made with kale, spinach, brussels sprouts, quinoa, sweet potato, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberry, goat cheese, and apple cider vinaigrette dressing. Another day, we sat outside at The Farm, and I enjoyed a divine potato leek soup and lemon-roasted chicken. We also went off-property one night for dinner at Hearth and Hill, a fabulous new locally inspired restaurant just five minutes away from the Canyons in the Kimball Junction area. We shared a Beer Battered Cauliflower, a Hawaiian Ahi Poke Bowl, and Brick Chicken and went to bed fully satiated. Yet another afternoon, we popped into the new Pendry Park City, located across the street from Lift and enjoyed fresh sushi at Kita, yet another divine dining experience.
Whatever your culinary preferences, the options nearly endless in Park City. There are more than two dozen restaurants within the Park City Mountain complex and 150-plus dining establishments in Park City. Wherever you chose to eat, it’s a good idea to make a reservation, as many can get busy, particularly during popular dining hours.
No matter the time of year, Park City is a bustling, busy place, thanks to its glorious, easily accessible setting and endless things to do, so it’s important to plan ahead, which is something you can easily do via Park City Mountain’s informative site. But winter in Park City holds a special place in my heart, particularly after this last visit. Even weeks after my trip, thinking back on those memories makes me smile, and there’s nothing like happiness to make you feel healthy and well. I look forward to many happy—and healthy—returns.
