5 reasons Park City’s the ultimate family ski vacation

Now that the film festival frenzy has settled, this charming ski town returns to its laid back ways, welcoming back ski bums of all ages. It’s just a 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City—an easy, direct flight for families from most major airports. But location isn’t the only thing Park City has going for it. Here are few other reasons you and your crew should put it at the top of your family’s winter-getaway list.

1. They’ve got slopes for every skier

Three independently operated ski resorts mean there’s lots to choose from in Park City. Work is currently underway to connect two of them, Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons Resort, via high-speed gondola that will make visiting more than one resort a cinch. The Kids Signature Program at Park City Mountain Resort limits ski class size to five to provide more individual attention, making for not only a fun, but safe, family ski vacation. On Saturdays through March 21^st, free kids après ski parties here include magicians, crafts, face painting and other entertainment. At Canyons, tech-savvy tweens and teens will dig EpicMix, a free app that tracks vertical feet and other mountain accomplishments and lets you post photos to social media. Purists will love Deer Valley Resort, where snowboarding is not allowed, lift tickets sales are limited to keep crowds down and customer service is consider unparalleled.

2. And stuff for every non-skier

Downhill not your brood’s thing? No problem. White Pine Touring has groomed 3k, 5k and 10k cross-country loops with spectacular mountain views that are appropriate for all skill levels, plus lessons and guided tours. Gorgoza Park has seven lighted lanes for inner tubing open to ages three and up. They’ve also got pint-sized snowmobiles and also a tubing carousel for kids ages 1-6. An Alpine Coaster at Park City Mountain Resort takes riders on a windy, elevated track through aspen trees, while a two-person zipline open to anyone 42” and taller, provides a unique aerial view. At Canyons Resort, guides take families on private snowshoe tours off the beaten mountain paths, where you can stop to make snow angels before reaching a mountain summit for hot chocolate. Horse-drawn sleighs and dog sleds are also available to offers families different—but equally stunning–vantage points.

3. You can foster Olympic dreams

Built for the 2002 Winter Olympics, Utah Olympic Park includes a museum as well as opportunities to tackle obstacles courses, zipine from a 65-foot-high drop tower, and even ride down the Olympic bobsled track (16 and up).

4. There are accommodations to fit every budget and taste …

Looking for a condo where your family can sprawl out, enjoy fantastic mountain views, cook with Wolf and SubZero appliances and maybe pop in a load of après-ski laundry before a quick dip in the outdoor hot tub? Try the Lowell, a ski-in/ski-out access right at the base of Park City Mountain Resort and a hop, skip and jump away from a slew of restaurants and shops. For a swanky, hotel experience book at stay at The Montage Deer Valley, which has ski-in/ski out access to Deer Valley, a full-service spa, kids’ program fro ages 5-12, fam-friendly pub complete with arcade and bowling alley and cozy perks including après-ski s’mores for guest. If value trumps location and posh amenities, try PowderWood Resort, cute, chalet-style condos a short drive from the slopes and downtown.

5. And lots of dining options for picky eaters, foodies and everyone in between.
Housed in a retired railroad station on Park City’s Main Street, Zoom (run by Sundance Mountain Resort, of Robert Redford fame) serves a contemporary American menu emphasizes locally sources ingredients. A kids’ menu offers well-executed takes of favorites like chicken tenders and quesadillas; big kids will appreciate truffle mac-and-cheese and other hearty dishes such as a five-spiced braised short rib. Jupiter Bowl is an upscale bowling alley, arcade and restaurant with burgers, pizza and pub fare that’s sure to provide all ages sustenance and entertainment. A short drive from downtown, Blind Dog Restaurant and Sushi has land, sea and vegetarian and even gluten-free options to satisfy every palate and diet.

Tagged: Christmas Travel Ideas, Family time