The following content is created in consultation with Visit Park City. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC BAY AREA's editorial staff. To learn more about Park City, Utah, go to VisitParkCity.com.
When people book a ski vacation, they often get obsessed with snow levels – the more the better.
But while good snow conditions are certainly important, there are a host of other ingredients that are critical to the quality of your ski vacation, some a little less obvious than others. From accessibility to off the mountain activities, here are six factors you should consider when booking your next ski or snowboard getaway.
You should also consider Park City, Utah. Pairing two of America’s finest and biggest ski resorts – Deer Valley and Park City Mountain - with a lively mountain town brimming with western authenticity, Park City is a truly unique ski destination beloved by singles and families alike. Oh, and in case you were wondering, it’s also home to some of the lightest, and best snow on the planet.
1. Endless Terrain
The last thing you want on a ski vacation is to get bored with the actual skiing. After all, this is a sport that’s supposed to feel liberating, not limiting. You also want a mountain with a wide variety of trails — from gentle slopes to gnarly bumps, rolling cruisers to wide open alpine bowls — so that everyone in your group is entertained for a full week of adventure. Park City, Utah is perfect for this with its two world-class resorts that offer a combined total of over 9,300 acres of terrain, 450 runs, and 62 lifts. In other words, you’ll never have to ski the same run twice.
2. Easy Access
Your vacation time is precious, and with over 300 direct flights daily from virtually every major market and just a 35-minute drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport, you get more ski vacation when you choose Park City, Utah. And once you arrive in Park City, getting around is easy with it’s free city-wide transportation system, no need to rent a car.
3. Your Appetite Needs a Vacation Too
Serious skiing and snowboarding works up a serious appetite. That’s why the most important part of any ski vacation next to the snow is great food. Park City has over 150 restaurants, bars, and saloons serving everything from classic ski town favorites to the latest award-winning cuisine from world-class chefs.
4. Friendly Locals
Part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in another community and way of life. Which means feeling welcome and treated like a local is sure to make any vacation better. With its proximity to Salt Lake City, Park City is home to many, all of whom welcome people from all over the world to share in this pristine mountain playground. So, strike-up a conversation with the person on the lift and they are sure to share their local secrets and knowledge.
5. More Than Just Skiing and Snowboarding
If you’re looking for a complete winter vacation, one that keeps you entertained should you decide to skip a day to two on the slopes, you’ll want to make sure you’ve picked a destination with activities that are as diverse as the skiing. That's the beauty of Park City. While famous for its vast terrain, amazing slopes, and perfect powder, the town give you opportunities to spend a day in a world-class spa or try your hand at snowmobiling, dog sledding, snow tubing, fly fishing, fat-tire biking, hot air ballooning, or take a bobsled ride at the Utah Olympic Park.
6. A Real Town
Established in 1884, Park City is an authentic town full of history and charm. From its humble beginnings as a silver mining outpost in the 1840s to hosting major events during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Park City offers a true sense of place. One stroll down atmospheric Historic Main Street lined with Victorian style buildings and you’ll be hooked.
To start planning your winter vacation in Park City, head to VisitParkCity.com.