This site of the bobsled, ski jumping, and luge competitions of the 2002 Olympic Games is now open to the public. It offers a wide array of activities and attractions that appeal to the whole family, and guided tours of the facility are available on the hour. Bobsled rides, ziplines, an alpine slide, ski jumping shows, how-to workshops, and much more are offered during the summer and winter. Don't miss Alf Engen Ski Museum and the 2002 Eccles Olympic Winter Games Museum.
For an authentic taste of wilderness life, these horseback expeditions are ideal. Kids and adults delight at the flora and fauna they experience traveling through the Wasatch Range. Glimpses of moose and deer, mountain vistas, and even abandoned buildings connected to 19th-century silver-mining activities are some of the sights encountered on these rides, which generally last an hour or two. On some excursions, you're even treated to hearty, mountain-style cuisine cooked over a campfire.
Although Park City's fame lies in its silver-mining history and in mountainous slopes that draw wintertime ski enthusiasts, the city also boasts incredible natural beauty. Red Pine capitalizes on the spectacular setting by hosting horseback riding expeditions during warm months. Guests wander among the hillsides, taking in flora and fauna and basking in the temperate weather. When snows come, horses give way to snowmobiles, and visitors find a whole new landscape to navigate and enjoy. (Open to all ages, but drivers must be 16 and have a valid license.)
This expansive complex was Park City's first ski resort and remains one of its most popular. It also claims title as the largest ski resort in the state, boasting 3000 acres of runs and 750 acres of open bowls. Fortunately, it's also in the midst of the city proper, meaning that all of downtown's restaurants and shops are within walking distance. Plus, if you're a snowboarder, you'll be pleased to know that the resort offers a half-pipe facility. About half of the terrain is considered intermediate, and about 40% is advanced. Snowmaking facilities ensure that the slopes maintain an abundance of base and powder. Summertime activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking; there's also an alpine coaster and slide, a zip rider, and a scenic lift.
Spread across eight mountains, this resort, one of the newest players in the game, has expanded the scope of two now-defunct venues. Its skiable terrain approaches 3000 acres, and it features more than a dozen lifts. Runs are evenly balanced between intermediate and advanced and also include beginning turf. The resort is popular with a younger crowd, who appreciate its willingness to accommodate snowboarders. In fact, The Canyons has constructed several specialized parks that cater specifically to snowboarding enthusiasts. Plans to expand the entire resort with shopping, hotels, and more are in development. Summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, alpine disc golf, and gondola rides.
Near the Jordanelle Reservoir, this recreation area remains sensitive to area wildlife. It offers well-spaced, private camping sites for tents and also features wooden walkways that bridge fragile terrain while still giving visitors access to the sites. The nature center sponsors an array of activities throughout the year that provide visitors a greater appreciation of the natural world. Pavilions for group activities are available, as are restrooms with showers.
One of the area's most fashionable skiing complexes, Deer Valley provides impeccably-groomed slopes on four separate mountains. It offers the best of everything, from gourmet cuisine to ski valets, and is definitely a social experience as well as a sporting one. The resort boasts 84 runs, 6 bowls, and 18 lifts and accommodates skiers of all abilities, although most of its terrain is categorized as intermediate. Only 4500 skiers are permitted on the slopes daily, ensuring that each one has plenty of space to maneuver. With over 300 inches of snow each year, the resort guarantees that there's plenty of territory to keep them all busy. Snowboarding is not allowed. From Labor Day to Memorial Day, visitors may enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chair lift rides.
Although this company has its hand in a number of outdoor activities (including climbing and biking), it's best known for its cross-country skiing. During the winter, the Park City golf course is transformed into a series of trails that give young and old alike the opportunity to get a feel for the sport or to increase their own endurance and skill level. Much of the course is available to beginners, who can enjoy the new experience without worrying about overextending themselves. The company also rents equipment and will provide lessons if you'd like. Mountain expeditions are available for those who want a more challenging workout.
Located adjacent to the Wasatch National Forest about an hour from Park City, this lodge offers guests and visitors an abundance of outdoor activities. If you're the type that loves being outside, no matter the reason, you'll be in your element here. The Bear River provides ample opportunity for fishing, and the wilderness affords incredible scenery for horseback riding excursions. For those who find exhilaration in motorized vehicles, the lodge rents ATVs and snowmobiles, so you can skim across the terrain and take in nature's beauty at a more ambitious pace. Mountain bikes are also available, and the lodge rents cabins with a host of amenities.
