Park City, Utah: Winter's Favorite Town

February 18, 2025

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Cori McCormick

Although it’s known as “Winter’s Favorite Town,” Park City, Utah, is a stunning mountain destination that attracts visitors year-round. We visited this charming resort town during the month of June on our road trip through Utah.

Getting to Park City

One of the best things about Park City is its accessibility. Located just 35 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport, you can land and be on the slopes or trails in under an hour.

Park City’s History

Originally inhabited by the Ute Native Americans, the area saw its first significant development in the 1860s when soldiers from Salt Lake City discovered silver in the surrounding mountains. By the late 19th century, Park City had become a booming mining town, attracting thousands of prospectors seeking fortune. The industry flourished for decades, producing millions of dollars in silver, lead, and zinc. However, as mining declined in the mid-20th century due to falling metal prices and the 1950s fire that devastated much of the town, Park City faced economic hardship.

In an effort to revitalize the community, locals turned to skiing, with Treasure Mountain Resort (now Park City Mountain Resort) opening in 1963. The shift from mining to tourism proved successful, and Park City gradually transformed into a premier winter sports destination. Then, in 2002, the Winter Olympics further cemented its reputation, drawing international attention.

Today, Park City is home to two world-class ski resorts—Park City Mountain and Deer Valley—as well as the annual Sundance Film Festival, one of the most prestigious independent film festivals in the world.

Things We Loved About Park City

1. Park City’s Historic Main Street

This street oozed charm. We had a great time window shopping and wandering through the town.

Park City, Utah, Main Street — *Photo by Park City, Utah*

2. Park City’s World-Class Skiing

Roy has skied there in the past and loved it. Since it was June, we were too late for that, but we got to admire the ski lifts against a backdrop of mountains cloaked in green.

The one that got away.

3. Park City’s Outdoorsy, Quirky Vibe

4. There Are Several Banksys in Park City

A graffiti artist known for his anti-authoritarian art, often in public places, Banksy created seven works in Park City in 2010, when he was featured in a Sundance Film Festival entry. This one is located at 402 Main Street.

5. Park City’s Natural Beauty

Park City’s natural beauty is stunning. I still miss the smell of its pine trees and its crisp, clean air.

Things on our list we didn’t get to do:

Skiing (November – April)

Sundance Film Festival (January)

Kimball Arts Festival (August)

Fourth of July Celebration

Autumn Aloft (September)

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Final Thoughts

Park City offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, history, and culture, making it an unforgettable getaway in any season.

We visited in June and had a memorable time. Thinking ahead, I would especially love to return for the Sundance Film Festival.

Originally written June 15, 2024; content refreshed in 2025.

Cori McCormick

Cori is an independent journalist, adventurer, and photographer who is currently sailing around the world full-time with her husband, Roy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Southern California and her master’s degree in communications from California State University, Fullerton. When she’s not exploring new places, she can be found hiking or playing with pothounds.