Retreat Park City · Local Guide
Your Park City Playbook
7000 feet up and full of life year-round — make the most your all-season adventures.
From silver mines to ski slopes
Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains at 7,000 feet, Park City has been surprising people for over 150 years. What started as a booming silver mining town in the 1860s has evolved into one of America’s great mountain destinations – without ever losing its character. Today it’s home to two world-class ski resorts, 400 miles of trails, a thriving arts scene, and a historic Main Street lined with galleries, restaurants, and bars. Under an hour from Salt Lake City and its international airport, Park City is remarkably easy to get to…and very hard to leave.
Winter
Skiing, snowboarding & other adventures
Park City is home to two world-class resorts — Park City Mountain (the largest in the US) and Deer Valley (skiers-only, famously groomed) — all connected by free transit. Epic Pass covers PCMR; Deer Valley is independent.
Park City Mountain
330+ trails, 7,300 skiable acres. The largest ski resort in the United States with historic mining charm to enjoy the “Greatest Snow on Earth.” Terrain for every level. Base areas accessible via free bus. Paid parking requires reservation.
Deer Valley Resort
Ski-only. World-class skier experience known for impeccable grooming but equally suited for expert skiers looking for something steep. New Deer Valley East expansion doubled terrain. Book early, lift tickets sell out.
Nordic skiing
Soldier Hollow (site in the 2002 Olympics), Round Valley, and White Pine offer 50+ km of groomed cross-country trails. Get ready for some quality cardio! Great for families and a peaceful alternative to the resort scene.
Tubing & snowshoeing
Woodward Park City and Soldier Hollow have dedicated tubing hills that are perfect for families. For snowshoeing, trails in Park City and Soldier Hollow’s groomed trail network offers a peaceful winter walk with stunning views.
Snowmobiling
Guided tours through the Uinta backcountry (Weber Canyon) put you on hundreds of miles of groomed and non-groomed trails. Park City Peaks offers half & full-day trips with rentals and guides included. No experience needed.
Utah Olympic Park
Built for the 2002 Winter Olympics, this training facility lets you watch world-class athletes in action. Thrill seekers can ride the actual bobsled track at 70 mph. Free museum to learn about history of skiing and relive 2002 Olympics.
Summer
Trails, bikes & mountain air
Summers are Park City’s best-kept secret — cool temps, wildflower meadows, and 400+ miles of trails. The resorts transform into lift-served mountain bike parks and hiking hubs.
Mountain biking
Park City is one of the top mountain bike destinations in the country. Mid-Mountain Trail offers 20+ miles of flowing singletrack with jaw-dropping views. Deer Valley Bike Park has lift-served flow trails for all abilities. Round Valley is perfect for mellow cruising.
Road cycling
The Wasatch Back is Tour of Utah territory – challenging canyon climbs with light traffic and stunning scenery. The Guardsman Pass loop is a local classic, lots of vert. The Rail Trail connects Park City to Parley’s Canyon for a gentler paved option.
Hiking
400+ miles of trail right from town. Spiro Trail is the local favorite – accessible from Old Town and rewarding at any length. The Swaner Preserve offers easy boardwalk trails through protected wetlands. Mid-Mountain Trail doubles as a spectacular summer hike.
Fly fishing
The Provo River nearby is one of the premier tailwater fisheries in the West, with wild brown and rainbow trout year-round. Local guides offer half-day wade trips for all experience levels – gear and licenses included.
Whitewater rafting
The Weber and Provo rivers offer everything from mellow floats to Class III rapids depending on the season. Best May to July when snowmelt is running. Several outfitters offer half and full-day trips, no experience required.
Horseback riding
Guided trail rides through the Wasatch backcountry take you to terrain most visitors never see. High Star Ranch runs seasonal rides for all skill levels – sunset rides are especially popular.
Dining & drinks
Restaurants, bars & relaxation
Park City’s dining scene punches well above its weight – from celebrated chef-driven restaurants to a legendary whiskey distillery and the best independent coffee shop in the mountains, all within walking distance of Main Street.
Fine dining
Tupelo
Southern-inspired comfort food elevated to an art. One of Park City’s most beloved dinner spots – book ahead.
Local favorite
Handle
Inventive seasonal cocktails and a thoughtful small plates menu. Warm atmosphere drawing locals and regulars.
Hidden gem
Twisted Fern
Creative American cuisine with a focus on local, foraged ingredients. Cozy, intimate, and consistent.
Breakfast & brunch
Harvest
Park City’s go-to for a proper morning meal. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Worth the wait on weekends.
Après ski
No Name Saloon
A Park City rite of passage. Buffalo burgers, cold beer, live music, and a rooftop deck with views of Main Street. Zero pretension.
Whiskey & cocktails
High West Distillery
Utah’s first distillery since Prohibition and one of the most celebrated craft whiskey producers. Main Street location is a must.
Cocktail bar
The Spur
Equal parts live music venue and cocktail bar. Local bands most nights, Western-meets-modern vibe, extensive and varied drink menu.
Coffee
Atticus Coffee
The best independent coffee shop in Park City. Good books, local art on the walls, and a relaxed pace that makes it easy to linger.
Year-round
Culture, shopping & local gems
Beyond the mountain, Park City has a rich arts scene, walkable galleries, and a few spots every visitor should tick off the list.
Must-see
Utah Olympic Park
The legacy of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics lives here. Guided tours, an Olympic museum, zip lines, and plenty of activities in the summer.
Culture
Park City Museum
Housed in the original 1885 city hall and jail, the museum tells the story of Park City’s wild silver mining boom and bust. Surprisingly engaging even for non-history buffs. Free on certain days.
Shopping
Main Street galleries
20+ galleries line a walkable six-block stretch, ranging from Western landscapes to contemporary sculpture. Also great for boutique shopping, ski outfitters, and people-watching.
Family
Woodward Park City
A year-round action sports facility with a massive indoor training facility, trampolines, foam pits, and outdoor terrain. Great for kids and teens, but adults find reasons to stay too.
Getting around
Transit, parking & logistics
Good news: once you’re here, you rarely need a car. The free bus system is excellent, and most of our Old Town properties are ski-in or a short walk to Main Street.
Free service
Free Park City Transit
One of the best free bus systems of any mountain town in the US. Runs 7 days a week with frequent service to both resorts, Main Street, Kimball Junction, and all major neighborhoods. No parking stress, no designated driver needed.
Arriving
From SLC Airport
SLC International is one of the most accessible mountain towns in the US – direct flights from most major cities. Park City is about 35–45 minutes by car. Rideshare runs about $60–80 each way; private shuttles and rental cars also widely available.
Driving
Parking tips
All Retreat Park City properties include free parking. On peak winter weekends, Main Street and resort base areas fill fast – the free bus genuinely beats driving. Some free lots sit just off Main Street if you do bring a car.
Ski access
Ski shuttles
Several Retreat Park City properties sit within walking distance of resort base areas or free bus stops. For properties that are a bit further out, some have shuttle. Just ask – we know all the best ways to get you to first chair.