3 Best Places to Stay in Park City, Utah → for Skiing

As a foreigner, I didn’t know much about Utah at first, but it only took one person to mention the amazing ski resorts there to get me interested in visiting the place! The best slopes for skiing and snowboarding in Utah are located in Park City, only 51 km away from Salt Lake City (the state’s capital).

What makes Park City so great in terms of accessibility? Just think that usually you need to fly to one of the big cities, then rent a car and drive for a couple of hours to the ski city. To enjoy Park City resorts, you just need to land in Salt Lake City and take a cab/rent a car/go on a public bus to reach the ski resort in just about 40 minutes, that’s all!

Many riders actually travel from around the world to catch a powder day in Park City. Although you can never quite know when that day will be, in Utah they have an average of 10 days of amazing 12-inch high snow (between December and February), which is a lot!

What are the benefits of powder snow? Well… for a first-time skier like me, it means the fall will not hurt as much; for experts it means the slopes are perfect for speeding and trying out new tricks!

The ski area in Park City is divided between two main resorts (Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort), so I will share with you some great accommodation options near the ski lifts for both places. I’ll also give you some options for downtown as well, if you prefer staying closer to the shopping area.

Are you ready? Let’s go!

If you’re in a hurry…

If you need to take a quick decision and book immediately, I got your back, check this quick list with the best hotels close to the main Ski Resorts:

Park City basically consists of 2 resorts – Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort, which are also visited during the summer season because the ski slopes become amazing trails for hiking and biking.

As you will see below, you can choose to stay in the village of either ski resort as well as in Downtown Park City. Each area has it’s perks and in this post I will tell you all about it to help you decide where to stay in Park City. 

NOTE: Accommodations near the resorts and ski lifts are called “ski-in/ski-out” hotels because of their proximity to the slopes. Because of this, you should expect to pay higher prices compared to a regular night in a hotel. For example, the best budget option is no less than US $150 per night. But don’t worry, the resorts in Park City are simply great and they’re worth the price!

Which resort should you choose?

You can read my more detailed description of both resorts bellow but I think it’s better I give you personalized recommendations right from the start, so you can better understand which resort is best for your holiday.  Let’s check out the main differences between them:

UPDATE: For those who haven’t been to Park City lately, like me, please note that The Canyons Resort is now part of Park City Mountain Resort, and is no longer a third independent location.

1. The Canyons/Park City Resort – best for first timers

Park City Resort and the Canyons Village merged into one resort now called Park City Mountain Resort. You will hear that some people still talk about the Canyons Village as an independent resort and area, so do not get confused.

These resorts are now connected by gondola, and the joint property holds about 300 trails and 40 lifts with 7,000 acres of skiable terrain. Between them, you can find runs for every kind of skiing ability and for those who want to go for some snowboarding as well.

You can easily move between the ski slopes and the resorts on a free shuttle bus that connects them both and runs from 5:40 am to 2:10 am but remember the closer the accommodation is to the ski lifts, the easier it is to get back home – that’s important considering you will have quite a bit of equipment with you!

Here are some of the best options for places to stay in Park City:

Luxury (US $380 and up)

• Waldorf Astoria Park City – This resort is so luxurious you’ll think you’re part of a castle with its modern and rustic design and spacious rooms. It is only 100 m from the Gondola ski lift and has an on-site ski equipment rental spot and also offers Park City lift tickets. And for a perfect apres ski, it has also a bar and a restaurant on site!
• Wyndham Park City – It is one of the best Park City hotels below the ski lifts. You can literally reach the Waldorf Gondola in less than 40 m, and 200 m from the Canyons Resort area. Their rooms are perfect for families of 4 to 6 people and are built like apartments with a microwave, fridge and private bathroom.

Middle-priced (from US $190 – US $380)

• Silverado Lodge Park City – Canyons Village – This resort is one of the best Park City lodging options at only 300 m from the ski lifts and transfer service to the ski slopes, too. Its amenities include a steam room, a sauna, and a year-round outdoor pool.
• Park City Peaks – This gorgeous rustic hotel is a 5-minute drive from the Park City Mountain and offers not only amazing views of the mountains whatever the season but also has an area for ski equipment rentals. The hotel also has indoor and outdoor heated pools, as well as a fitness center.

Budget (up to US $190)

As I mentioned before, the best hotels in Park City are ski-in/ski-out places that are practically below the lift stations so you will start your day right on the slopes. This also means the prices will be quite high, but you can still find some options from prestigious hotel chains (Sheraton, Hilton etc.) because they have some interesting budget-type offers:

• Sheraton Park City – This hotel offers great facilities such as an atrium-style indoor swimming pool and a whirlpool. The guests can also make use of the latest health center and ski storage, and take the free ski shuttle.
• Silver King Hotel  – It is a great place to stay because it is only a 3-minute walk from the resort. The hotel amenities include an indoor and outdoor pool, a free area shuttle, and a great gym.

2. Deer Valley – best for off-piste skiing

Deer Valley Resort is a skiing-only resort in Park City! It is high-ranked for its snow grooming, ski lift access, on-mountain food, and lodging.

The resort is gorgeous, offering guests free parking shuttles (they go around the parking lots and bring you closer to the base lodge), free ski valets (they help you carry your skis and gear), fine dining and some stylish, boutique shopping stores.

Deer Valley is divided into different ski lodges (Stag Lodge, Silver Baron Lodge, Black Diamond Lodge) from the base of the mountain and up to the highest point of their property. At these lodges you can find condominium hotel rooms and suites available for guests, amazing banquet rooms, and ski rental areas where you can leave or pick up your ski equipment.

PRO TIP: If you are up at Silver Lake (a lodge at Deer Valley Resort) and don’t want ski your way to the bottom to return the equipment, just leave your equipment at the Silver Lake Rental Shop. They will update the system so you don’t get charged for any additional minutes of use.

NOTE: Snowboarding is not allowed at Deer Valley Ski Resort.

Here are some great accommodation options that I handpicked in this area for you:

Luxury (US $1,000 and up)

• Montage Deer Valley Resort – You will feel even more special than royalty at this world-class luxury ski in ski out Park City resort hotel. It is less than 200 m to the nearest ski lifts, and offers guests a heated outdoor pool, hot tubs, a sauna and steam room and seating area near a fireplace to enjoy the mountain views.
• Stein Eriksen Residences – This modern and rustic hotel is about 300 m from the Sterling Express ski lift and offers their guests ski-to-door access and free Wi-Fi. The on-site amenities include a sauna, hot tubs, billiards, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fully equipped fitness center.

Middle-priced (from US $220 to US $1,000)

• Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley – It is one of the best Park City luxury hotels only about 250 m from the ski lifts and has some suites with white marble stainless steel kitchens and a private balcony with a breathtaking view on the mountains. The hotel facilities include an outdoor pool, a service spa, and a fitness center.
• The Chateaux Deer Valley – This hotel is about 200 m from the ski lifts and ski storage, and is a great option for Park City ski tickets and ski equipment rentals. The great hotel includes among its amenities a heated pool, spa service, a fitness center, and you can even find a nice fireplace in their lodge-styled rooms.

Budget

Unfortunately, in Deer Valley the prices are a little more expensive and I couldn’t find anything that has a good rating and is affordable. If saving money is one of your priorities, I suggest you check out the Park City Resort or Park City Downtown instead and take day trips to Deer Valley!

3. Best hotels in Downtown Park City – where to stay for Apres Ski

Besides staying in the two resorts above, there is also the option of staying downtown! Staying in downtown Park City is perfect for first-time visitors because you will still have the flexibility of going to any of the resorts mentioned above. Also, because you will not be as close to the ski lifts, the hotel prices are cheaper.

There are free ski buses that will take you from downtown to both Park City Resort (8 minutes) and Deer Valley (10 minutes). But if you want to have more freedom, you can also take a rental car!

Around the Old Town – Downtown area you will find many galleries, boutique stores, and restaurants in historic buildings that double the appeal of each place. These buildings used to be saloons or boarding houses and most of them are now B&Bs and restaurants.

The great accommodation options I will share are close to the historic Main Street, perfect for going shopping or to experience some après ski fun. In fact, here at night you can enjoy a great meal at any of the restaurants, or go to a wine bar to see the full local nightlife.

Here are the best downtown Park City hotels:

• Marriott’s Summit Watch (US $300 and up) – This luxury condo-hotel is in the downtown area and is only 150 m away from the Town lift, and about 1 km from the Crescent lift. The amenities include an indoor and connecting outdoor pool, and the units made for up to 4 people are spacious and seem like apartments with a microwave and refrigerator.
• Holiday Inn Express Park City (from US $180 to US $210) – This comfortable and homey hotel has an indoor heated pool, a fitness center, and is one of the few pet-friendly locations. Take advantage of the free local shuttle service toward the ski resorts.
• Park City Hostel (up to US $170) – It is a spacious and boutique-style accommodation near downtown Main Street with private rooms and dorms for every kind of traveler. Among its amenities, you can get a Park City ski pass from the hostel as well as rent ski equipment.

Best Park City Apres

Can you believe there are about 100 restaurants alone in this city? With about 8,500 citizens, this means they have more restaurants per capita than any other state!

The restaurants range from local and classic small diners to fancy dining locations with a mix of cuisines that include Thai, Italian, Continental, and more.

Here are my recommendations for the best places for apres-ski in Park City:

• The Viking Yurt –  a fun, Nordic-themed yurt (tent) at Park City Mountain where you can go for a drink, a fresh baked cookie, or a homemade sandwich.
• High West Saloon – a whiskey distillery with an incredible selection on its lunch, dinner, and cocktail menus.
• Legends Bar & Grill – an upscale gastropub that offers a full-service bar and is a great place to stop for après, lunch, or even dinner.
• The Farm – a rustic and refined American cuisine restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining that offers a rich menu with regionally-sourced ingredients.
• Umbrella Bar – a relaxed and nice burger and beer grill with the best varieties of brewed beers.

BONUS: Other areas to stay near Park City

In case the best options ran out or you just don’t want to stay in the center of Park City, you can also go to a nearby village like Heber City and Midway. This means the accommodation prices will be slightly cheaper but you will still be close enough to have easy access to the ski resorts!

Here are some options for hotels near Park City, Utah:

• Alta’s Rustler Lodge (US$200 and up) – This great luxury resort is a 1 hour drive from the Park City ski resorts, but is definetely worth it! Here you’ll have access to a sauna and steam room, outdoor hot tubs, a full service spa… basically everything you need after an intense day of skiing!
• Best Western Plus Heber Valley Hotel (US$160 – US$190) – It is one of the best Park City hotel deals about 20km from the ski resorts with an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a ski storage space. It’s a great accommodation if you are looking for activities such as hiking, skiing, or even cycling, depending on the season.
• Swiss Alps Inn (up to US$110) – This small cozy and homelike Inn offers an outdoor pool, an indoor hot tub and a children’s playground for all the guests. The accommodation’s rooms include a seating area, cable TV, and a private bathroom with a bath and shower.

Frequently asked questions about Park City

Conclusion

This was my entire list of accommodation recommendations on where to stay in Park City, between hotels and resorts that will fit your pockets and preferences, all with the best reviews and great facilities. I hope the details have been useful for your ski trip planning.

If you’re still undecided about which is the best hotel for your needs, let me give you my favorite options, one for each ski resort, with great value for the price:

• Park City Peaks – Gorgeous rustic hotel is a 5-minute drive from Park City Mountain, offering even an area for ski equipment rentals. 
• The Chateaux Deer – This hotel is about 200 m from the ski lifts and ski storage: a great option for Park City ski tickets and ski equipment rentals!

Remember: even if Park City is a great destination for any season of the year, is particularly popular during the winter season, so if you’re planning on going there you should make sure to book your accommodation far in advance!

If you have any questions, feel free to type them below in the comments section. I am happy to help!

Mariana

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