As an avid snowboarder, the opportunity to visit Park City has always been a dream of mine.
Having previously skied resorts in the USA, I knew the terrain was going to be big and the snow conditions to be excellent.
After saying yes to this exciting opportunity, I packed my snowboard and cowboy boots, and eagerly counted down the days to the adventure of a lifetime.
Flying into Salt Lake City with the other famil participants was a treat. The views of never-ending mountain vistas and glistening snow-covered peaks that surrounded the shores of the Great Salt Lake was something straight out of a movie.
Seeing the mountainous landscapes firsthand only made me more excited to finally get on the slopes.
Arriving in Park City’s snowy Main Street, you instantly got glimpses of the rich mining history. The streets were lined with historic buildings adorned with twinkling lights that captured the flurries of falling snow.
The charming storefronts were filled with inviting chatter and I was excited to start exploring. Spending the afternoon nosing through handcrafted trinkets and eating delicious, sweet treats felt delightfully wholesome.
Park City also serves as a canvas for street art by a well-known artist, Banksy, which we began to discover on the many side roads off Main Street.
Our first ski day was spent at Deer Valley, sparking a hint of nervousness for this snowboarder. Deer Valley is reserved for skiers only, so folks like me are forbidden from snowboarding at this mountain.
However, this challenge was exciting and the allure of extraordinary terrain and memorable views made for an easy decision to give two planks a go. It’s safe to say I am now in my skiing era!
I ditched the snowboard on our second ski day in Park City and decided to give skiing another crack. Participating in ski school with other attendees on the famil and being hosted by world-class instructors made this such a wonderful experience full of memories that will last a lifetime.
What I love about ski and snowboarding culture is a little activity called après-ski. This refers to the tradition of enjoying a few casual beverages after a day on the slopes.
For fellow cheese lovers, I would highly recommend the European-inspired restaurant at the Goldener Hirsh. Indulge and order their fondue. It will transport you to a cheesy paradise and accompanied by an Aperol Spritz’s you will be in heaven.
Another après hot spot we visited was Top Of Main Brew Pub, situated on Main Street and where Utah’s first brew pub, Wasatch Brew Pub, first opened.
Top Of Main Brew Pub offers its own selection of beers, ranging from lagers to stouts, as well as a delicious selection of pub favourites, like their mouthwatering burgers and hot wings.
For our next adventure we visited Woodward Park, a progressive freestyle terrain park with features tailored to all abilities. The atmosphere was buzzing as we watched people perfecting their craft.
But in my opinion the most impressive stat is that it is home to the longest tubing lanes in Utah! With seven perfectly aligned lanes, it was too good to miss so we all grabbed our tubes and headed to the starting point.
Anticipation was at an all-time high as we selected our lanes, unsure of the speeds we would be reaching. The adrenaline rush from the race down had us laughing, which lingered for the remainder of the day.
Park City goes beyond being a skiing destination. It’s a tapestry of experiences, events and natural beauty that makes it an unforgettable winter escape.
From conquering the slopes for the first time to immersing ourselves in cultural events, or savouring après delights, Park City offered a multifaceted adventure that left a lasting impression on this snow enthusiast.