Deer Valley Resort has a no-snowboard policy and exudes more of a classic vibe, making it the most traditional of the three resorts. It continues to be named No. 1 ski resort by SKI Magazine, and it’s easy to see why. There are 100 runs and 11 high-speed chair lifts and some of the best ski-resort dining on earth. The Skier’s Buffet at the Glitretind restaurant in the Stein Eriksen Lodge is one of the finest on-mountain meals a person can enjoy. No soggy ski chalet French fries—we’re talking about prime rib, crab legs, Champagne and everything else of this caliber.
The Canyons is the largest ski resort in all of Utah, boasting 3,700 skiable acres, 17 lifts and 163 trails. It’s also one of the five largest parks in the country, and because of this grandiose amount of space, skiers and snowboarders often feel that they have the place to themselves. Even at capacity, it’s rare to find large lift lines or crowded runs. Besides the gorgeous views of Aspen treetops, The Canyons visitors get to downhill it through a stunning on-mountain neighborhood, The Colony, which features the biggest ski-in, ski-out home sites in North America.
Though all three aforementioned ski slopes are just five minutes from Park City proper, the 100-room, all suites, Hotel Park City is right in the heart of town. Enter the hotel’s grand lobby and you are faced with wood beams, a stone fireplace and leather seating—it’s what a quintessential ski lodge should look and feel like. Every room is equipped with a small kitchen (big enough to cook a hot pre-ski breakfast), a gas fireplace, an oversize tub, a supercomfy king bed and a pull-out sleeper, as well. Of course there are larger suites (like the 1,800-sq.-ft. penthouse) for bigger parties, but even the smallest suite can easily host a family of four. With a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and a spa downstairs, Hotel Park City provides all the comforts and requirements for a great ski vacation. New this season, The Dakota Mountain Lodge and the St. Regis Deer Crest Resort are also luxury options.
Lastly, snow lovers come to Park City to see its greatest asset: the Utah white gold (a k a fresh powder). Averaging around 360 inches of snowfall each year on the Wasatch Mountains, the elevation makes Park City known for its dry, fluffy flakes. Combine that with Utah’s usually clear skies and you have yourself the ideal day on the slopes.
