3 Great Days in Park City

When most people think of vacations, they picture a weeklong adventure that’s been marked on the calendar for weeks. While there’s nothing like a long escape from work and stress, sometimes taking a quick trip over a long weekend is just what the doctor ordered. And there's nothing better than a short vacation in Park City, Utah.

Park City is synonymous with shredding the slopes. But did you know this Utah mountain town is a year-round outdoor destination? No matter when you decide to visit, a long weekend getaway to Park City offers a range of outdoor experiences, a lively food and drink scene, and even opportunities for great downtime.

Stay amid all the action at Marriott's MountainSide or Marriott’s Summit Watch. And use this convenient itinerary to help you make the most of your Park City weekend getaway.

Friday – Get to Know Park City

Let’s start your adventure right in the middle of this old mining town. It has a vibrant Main Street that’s full of restaurants, bars, and art galleries. Explore the area at your own pace, or take advantage of the free trolley to see everything without the hill climb.

Get a good taste of culture at a local haunt called Prospect. Grab a coffee upstairs, browse the hip clothing selection, and even get a quick beard trim. Or shop for one-of-a-kind scarves at Flight Boutique and custom hats at Kemo Sabe. Ready for happy hour? Stay for creative cocktails in Kemo Sabe's speakeasy-style bar.

If whiskey is your spirit, head to the historic garage on neighboring Park Avenue that's home to High West Distillery Saloon. Sip a whiskey lemonade with handcrafted double rye or choose from an ever-changing menu of specialty drinks. Feeling adventurous? Ask for a surprise cocktail from one of the talented mixologists.

On winter days, take Main Street's Town Lift right from the slopes to world-renowned Park City Mountain — the largest ski resort in the U.S. The resort's 7,300 acres feature everything from beginner-friendly runs to intermediate groomers and advanced powder stashes. You can ride 41 different chairlifts and ski over 330 named runs back to two different base villages. Admire the commanding view on the ride up, then follow one of many dirt paths winding through dense aspen forest. When you head back to town, American après ski and Brazilian eats await at The Bridge Cafe and Grill — right next to the chairlift. On the opposite end of Main Street, sample exquisite Italian farmhouse eats at Grappa, or chow down on eclectic, award-winning American cuisine at Riverhorse on Main.

Saturday – Mountain Time

Wake up with the sun and get ready for a day of Utah adventures.

During the summer, you can rent a mountain bike and pedal Jenny's Trail through the trees along Park City Mountain's famed ski slopes. Ride back to the resort base and take a thrilling ride on Utah's longest mountain coaster. Make it a double feature with a chairlift ride up Park City's classic alpine slide. Grab a sled, choose a track, and then race down 3,000 feet of twisty-turning concrete runs.

In chillier months, spend your Saturday skiing at the luxurious Deer Valley Resort. This skier-only destination is renowned for its expertly groomed terrain, incredible on-mountain cuisine, and world-class service. Find Deer Valley's most festive après ski scene at The Sticky Wicket, a vintage bar in Silver Lake Lodge.

During any season, another fun way to spend the afternoon is in the Utah Olympic Park. It played host to the 2002 Winter Olympics and remains an active training facility for Olympic hopefuls. Some summer nights are headlined by the Flying Ace All-Stars Freestyle Show, a high-flying squad of Olympians and National Team skiers and snowboarders. If you happen to be there in the winter, be sure to book a bobsled experience on the Olympic track with a professional pilot at the helm.

Take a break at your resort — and a dip in the whirlpool spa — before venturing out on the town. Back on historic Main Street, you can opt for elevated American fare at Handle or Firewood, where you can be enticed with dishes such as hamachi crudo in a calabrian chile vinaigrette and topped with toasted breadcrumbs or elk loin served with buttercup squash napoleans and apple bacon jam. Then end your night with cocktails or Utah beer on No Name Saloon's year-round rooftop, a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

Sunday – Taking It All in

Start your Sunday with an early morning hike on Armstrong Trail, where wildflowers brighten summer days — until autumn arrives and trees transform the slopes into a fiery red and orange canopy. Scope out old mining relics along the path, then refuel with brunch in the sunshine at the rustic Silver Star Cafe.

For a different dining experience, take the free bus to Kimball Junction to perk up with a lavender latte or a creative cocktail at Cupla Coffee. Then refuel with homemade spaghetti at Bartolo's or one of the Chop Shop's hearty sandwiches.

During the winter, spend your last afternoon cross-country skiing on in-town trails at the White Pine Touring Nordic Center. It's home to Park City's only groomed Nordic track open exclusively for cross-country skiers. Enjoy a lesson or explore more than 12 miles of trails on your own.

Before departing on summer or fall visits, golfers will surely want to squeeze in a tee time at the spectacular 18-hole Canyons Golf Course. With over 550 feet of elevation change, it's a doozy to walk, but it’s worth it for the epic Wasatch and Uinta Mountain vistas. And it's a fitting way to wrap up a long weekend in this gorgeous destination.

Where to Stay:

Unbeatable skiing in the winter meets unforgettable hiking in the summer. There are few places that offer year-round adventures like Park City, Utah. Located on Historic Main Street, Marriott’s Summit Watch is an idyllic home base for your alpine getaway. Begin your outdoor adventures with a hearty breakfast and coffee made in your villa’s fully equipped kitchen complete with coffee maker. After a day of exploring, retreat to the resort for a dip in an inviting pool or whirlpool spa. Or stay right on the slopes of the spectacular Park City ski area at Marriott’s MountainSide. Enjoy the warmer weather with a swim in the heated outdoor pool or get nice and toasty in the whirlpool spa. Participate in a workout class from clubTHRIVE^® or enjoy a group event. After exploring the city, come home to a comfortable room featuring a fully equipped kitchen and relaxing living area.

Jenny Willden is a Salt Lake City-based adventure travel/gear writer and editor.