Though the tiny alpine town may be famed for its skiing, Park City is more than just a hub for winter sports. Tucked into Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range, the city is a magnet for outdoor adventurers all year round, with a budding culinary scene, to boot.
We sat down with Ben James, concierge supervisor of Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley, to get the inside scoop on what’s new in this historic mining town.
There’s so much for outdoor enthusiasts to do in Park City. What are the highlights?
In winter, skiing Deer Valley, of course. Finish the day with a sleigh ride from our [Four-Star Glitretind] restaurant in the evening.
During summer, let our concierge team customize an outdoor adventure for you. Maybe a scenic drive to a remote hike in the Uinta Mountains, fly-fishing on the Provo River or a river-rafting trip down the Weber River. For the more daring, try downhill mountain biking at Deer Valley.
What are some of Park City’s more underrated attractions?
Utah Olympic Park. It’s a great place to learn about the importance of the 2002 Olympics. There are plenty of year-round activities, including a ride down the Olympic bobsled track. It’s great fun for the entire family.
In the summer months, Park Silly Sunday Market. It’s a great local open-air craft market with live music and a beer garden.
What’s the best way to experience the city during the warmer months?
All the free concerts around town in the summer — relax, have a glass of wine and a picnic. Deer Valley has some great acts that are ticketed, but there are plenty of additional concerts that are free and just require you to show up with a bottle of wine and a picnic blanket.
If we didn’t pack a picnic, where should we go to grab a pre- or post-concert bite?
There are so many great restaurants in Park City right now. Riverhorse on Main is already Forbes Travel Guide-recognized for a reason. Additional hot spots would be [grill-themed] Firewood, [new American] Handle and [Southwestern-style] Chimayo.
What about a drink?
No Name Saloon is Park City’s most popular bar with a lively atmosphere, and it’s decorated with an extensive collection of memorabilia from all over.
The Spur [Bar & Grill] is a relaxed Western-style bar with live music nightly.
High West Distillery is the world’s only ski-in/ski-out whiskey distillery. Make sure to try the whiskey tour!
