Park City Mountain
Everything you need to plan your family ski trip
Here is the thing about Park City - it is basically the family ski vacation on easy mode. You have got 7,300 acres (yes, it is MASSIVE), an actual town with real restaurants and shops, and it is only 35 minutes from Salt Lake City airport. No winding mountain roads, no altitude sickness drama.
The catch? It is not cheap. Like, at all. But if you are doing a big US ski trip and want to minimize logistics headaches while maximizing fun, Park City delivers.
Real talk: Your 5-year-old will be fine here. Your teenager will actually have fun. And you might even get a date night at one of the incredible restaurants on Main Street.
Perfect if...
- You want variety - 7,300 acres of terrain
- Kids need ski school options
- You want easy access from Salt Lake City airport
Maybe skip if...
- You are on a tight budget - it is pricey
- You want a quaint village vibe - it is a proper town
The Numbers
What families need to know
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
Family Score | 8/10 |
Best Age Range | 4–14 years |
Kid-Friendly Terrain | 35% |
Childcare Available | YesFrom 18 months |
Ski School Min Age | 3 years |
Kids Ski Free | Under 5 |
Magic Carpet | Yes |
Kids Terrain Park | Yes |
Getting There
Pro tip: Fly into Salt Lake City (SLC). It is one of the easiest ski-to-airport experiences in the US.
- From SLC: 35-40 minutes via I-80. Uber works fine, or grab a rental car if you want flexibility.
- Shuttle options: Canyon Transportation and PC Express both run regular shuttles (~$50/person each way).
- Rental car: Honestly? Nice to have for grocery runs, but not essential if you are staying in town.
Warning: I-80 can close in bad weather. Check UDOT before heading up.
Where to Stay
You have got two vibes here: historic Main Street or ski-in/ski-out at the base.
For Families on a Budget
The Chateaux at Silver Lake - Condos with kitchens (hello, savings on breakfast). Not the fanciest, but clean and well-located.
The Sweet Spot
Hyatt Centric Park City - Right on Main Street, pool for the kids, walkable to everything. Our top pick for families who want convenience.
If You Are Treating Yourself
Montage Deer Valley - Technically Deer Valley, but wow. Kids club, slope-side, s-mores by the fire pit. Worth it for a special trip.
Real talk: Airbnb can work well here for larger groups. Look for condos near the town lift.
Lift Tickets & Passes
Let us be real - Park City is not cheap. But here is how to make it hurt less:
Daily Rates (Window Price)
- Adult: $239/day (yes, really)
- Child (5-12): $149/day
- Under 5: FREE
The Smart Play: Epic Pass
If you ski more than 3-4 days a year, the Epic Pass is a no-brainer. Park City has unlimited access, and you get days at Vail, Whistler, and European resorts too.
- Epic Pass: ~$979/adult (unlimited days)
- Epic Day Pass: Starting around $67/day if you buy early for specific dates
Pro tip: Buy your Epic Pass in spring for the best price. They increase prices throughout summer.
Available Passes
On the Mountain
Park City + Canyons combined is HUGE. Like, you could ski here a week and not repeat a run huge.
For Beginners
Head to First Time area near the base. Magic carpet, gentle terrain, and ski school pick-up right there. The Three Kings area is perfect for kids graduating from bunny slopes.
For Intermediate Kids
King Con Ridge has great blues that feel adventurous without being scary. Jupiter Peak for your confident 10-year-old who wants to feel like a big kid.
Ski School
Book in advance! Seriously, during holidays it sells out. They have programs starting at age 3.
- Little Adventures (3-4): Half-day intro, super gentle
- Mountain Explorers (5-6): Full day, lunch included
- Mountain Riders (7-14): They will actually improve here
Lunch spot: Meet at Mid-Mountain Lodge. The kids mac and cheese is solid, views are great, and it is not a zoo like the base lodges.
Trail Map
Trail map data not yet available
Check the official resort website or OpenSkiMap for trail information.
Off the Mountain
This is where Park City really shines. It is an actual town, not just a ski base.
With Kids
- Utah Olympic Park: Bobsled rides! Your kids will talk about this forever.
- Gorgoza Park tubing: Night tubing on Fridays is a hit.
- Swaner Nature Preserve: Free, easy walking trails when someone needs a ski break.
Food
- Cafe Terigo: Great kids menu, actually good pasta for adults
- Davanza s: New York pizza. Kids love it. You will love the prices.
- Flanagan s: Irish pub with surprisingly good food. Live music some nights.
Groceries
Smith s at Kimball Junction has everything. Stop there on your way from the airport.
When to Go
Snow conditions, crowd levels, and family scores by month
Holiday crowds, early season snow
Best powder month, post-holiday lull
Presidents Week busy, great snow
Spring skiing begins, fewer crowds
Warm weather, deal season
| Month | Snow | Crowds | Family Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec | Busy | 6/10 | Holiday crowds, early season snow | |
JanBest | Moderate | 9/10 | Best powder month, post-holiday lull | |
Feb | Busy | 7/10 | Presidents Week busy, great snow | |
Mar | Moderate | 9/10 | Spring skiing begins, fewer crowds | |
Apr | Quiet | 8/10 | Warm weather, deal season |
Snow rating shown as dots (1-5). Family score considers snow, crowds, prices, and school holidays.
What Parents Say
What Parents Are Actually Saying
We have done Vail, Aspen, and Whistler. Park City is our favorite for the kids. Everything is just... easier.
Warning: it is expensive. But ski school was worth every penny - both kids improved dramatically.
Main Street is walkable and fun. My teenager actually wanted to hang out with us after skiing. That is saying something.
The consensus: Great for families who want a full vacation experience, not just skiing. The town makes it. Budget appropriately.
Common Questions
Everything families ask about this resort
Have a question we didn't cover? We'd love to add it to our guide.
Cost Breakdown
Real prices for family budgeting
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