Where to Stay in PARK CITY in 2023: BEST SKI RESORT HOTELS
Brie Greenhalgh
World-class skiing and snowboarding is closer than you think. Park City, Utah is home to two of the most popular ski resorts in the country: Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Spend a weekend or a week exploring the hundreds of ski runs in this idyllic setting. We’ve put together an awesome list of where to stay in Park City, plus things to do, and places to eat.
The Best Places to Stay in Park City, Utah
Nestled in the mountains at 7,000 feet, Park City remains one of the most preserved mining towns in America. On the historic downtown Main Street, you’ll find art galleries, local eateries, boutique and high-end shops, and unique bars. The annual Sundance Film Festival is largely held here in late January each year. (Avoid coming for skiing at this time as the crowds are overwhelming and traffic bogs down horribly.)
Utah’s slogan is “The Greatest Snow on Earth” thanks to the unique conditions that create the best powder snow in the country. The 2002 Winter Olympics left a lasting impression, and the Utah Olympic Park can be used by visitors to try out bobsledding, ski jumping, or zip lining in the summer.
Deer Valley and Park City Mountain are the two ski areas you’ll find here, and they offer more than 9,300 acres for skiing! Additionally, Woodward Park recently gained popularity as a fun terrain park and sledding hill for families to explore.
To be fair, both resorts are close to everything in Park City. The best attractions and restaurants can easily be accessed from either resort. However, the Canyons Village of Park City Mountain is the closest to the growing Kimball Junction area. You’ll find an outlet mall, lots of great places to eat and traditional big box stores here if you need anything.
Otherwise, Deer Valley is known for incredible food and the “hidden-away-from-it-all” vibe, when it’s really just a few minutes up the mountain. You should also know that Deer Valley is open for skiers only—something of a luxury for avid skiers these days. But let’s get to what you’re here for: where to stay in Park City at the best ski hotels.
Here’s What You Need to Know about Park City
Park City, Utah is known as one of the most accessible ski and snowboard areas in the country. It’s a mere 35 minutes from the airport where you can easily grab an Uber or a Lyft to get to the mountain.
Downtown Park City is a such a walkable town that you likely won’t need to rent a car, thanks in part to the free in-town transit system. Park City has a vibrant nightlife and a historic downtown that’s almost magical to explore.
So, if you’re ready to see what all the hype is about, then keep reading to learn where to stay in Park City, Utah at the best best hotels for skiing. Though Park City isn’t a large city, we’ll break this article down by each resort. They’re quite close to each other so you can get to any attraction or restaurant easily.
Our Partnership with Booking.com. If you like our content, please book by clicking on our Booking.com links. The price is the same for you and we get a small commission that helps support our blog. We’ve partnered with Booking.com because they have the most options, great prices, and a solid loyalty program. Just about every hotel is on Booking so our recommendations are not incentivized.
Park City Mountain Ski Resort
Photo courtesy of Park City Mountain
The Park City Mountain ski resort holds the spot as the largest ski resort in the U.S. There are over 7,000 skiable acres, more than 330 trails, a vertical rise of 3,226 feet, and an average of 355 inches of snowfall each year. Impressed yet? You should be. It doesn’t matter how busy Park City Mountain is, you can always find an uncrowded trail to explore. Use their trail map to plan your day on the slopes.
Now, it’s important to note that only 8% of this mountain is made for beginners. It’s better for intermediate and advanced skiers who love a challenge. But they also groom over 100 trails each night to make a better experience for everyone. Also noteworthy: the U.S. Ski Team often practices here.
You can choose to stay near downtown or head over to the popular Canyons Village base area. Both locations have ski-in and ski-out hotels and resorts. The Quit’N Time run gets you off the mountain and into downtown with a swoosh of the skis.
Why I Love Park City Mountain:
Massive ski resort
Closest access from the Salt Lake International Airport
Ski-in and ski-out access from downtown
Explore historic buildings hidden throughout the ski runs
Private ski guides available who can also bump you ahead of lift lines
Attractions Near Park City Mountain:
Historic Main Street
Utah Olympic Park
Park City Museum
Woodward terrain park
Park City ghost tours
Tanger Outlet Mall
Best Restaurants Near Park City Mountain and Canyons Village
$$$+ | 3 Star | Ski-in and Ski-out | Spacious Villas
With a ski shop on the premises, you literally only need to get here with a carry-on suitcase. Marriott’s MountainSide has you covered if you just need a weekend on the slopes. Choose from a standard room, or a one- or two-bedroom villa for the family. And after a long day on your skis, relax in the heated outdoor pool.
$$$$+ | 5 Star | Mountain Luxury | Fireplace in Every Room
Waldorf Astoria brings posh mountain living up a couple of extra notches. Each room or suite has a fireplace, and the suites have separate sitting rooms. You can hop on the dedicated gondola to get to the Canyons Village and chairlifts. Then after your exhilarating day, book a massage at the spa.
$$+ | 4 Star | Family Friendly | Tons of Room Options
To accommodate families of all sizes, Grand Summit Hotel has lots of room options to keep families together. The suites have full kitchens in them, and there is even a playground for kids on the property. This hotel is part of the main Canyons Village property, so you’ll have ski-in and ski-out access here.
$$+ | 3 Star | Less Busy Area | Affordable and Comfortable
It’s not uncommon for the ski-in/ski-out resorts to sell out quickly, so check out this more affordable option just outside of downtown. It’s just 5-10 minutes from each ski resort (with hotel shuttle service) and has a warm, contemporary vibe to it. They do have a game room and video games available if you have kids, too.
$$+ | Popular for Friends | Community Vibes | Private Rooms
Don’t skip over this option if you’re looking to come with a bunch of friends who love making new friends. You can book private rooms or bunk bedrooms for up to six people. It’s a popular little spot with lots of amenities, but it is still a hostel so you might share a bathroom. The shared kitchen might surprise you with how spacious and stocked it is.
$$+ | 3 Star | Spacious Rooms | Affordable Location
The Silverado Lodge sits close to the Canyons Village area, so you can use the free shuttle to get right onto the lifts. It’s not super glamorous here, but you can choose a standard room, a studio, or one- to three-bedroom suites if you’re bringing the family. All rooms have a mini-fridge or full kitchen, and there is a steam room, sauna, and hot tub on the property.
As you head into downtown Park City, this popular hotel will definitely catch your eye with its prime location. You’re steps from the nightlife on Main Street and feet from the chairlift. And you can also choose to spend your evening relaxing in the whirlpool or the connected indoor/outdoor pool.
Planning a trip to Utah? Check out our article for the best ski hotels in Salt Lake City!
Deer Valley Resort
Photo courtesy of Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley Resort is tucked into the southern end of Park City. The terrain overlooks both Park City and the Jordanelle Reservoir where condos on that side of the mountain have ski access with their own gondola, too. This ski resort isn’t as old as Park City Mountain, but they try to maintain their roots as a quiet but uber-posh mountain retreat staffed by local employees of up to 20 years. Their work has paid off as they’ve won the #1 Overall Resort eight times from the prestigious Ski magazine.
You’ll find over 2,000 skiable acres here, a 3,000-foot vertical drop, 21 chairlifts, and 103 runs (the longest is 2.8 miles!)—all for skiers only. This is also a top intermediate skier destination, but beginners have about 27% of the runs available to practice their skills. Also noteworthy is the decent amount of expert runs available here, if you’re a thrill seeker. Check out their trail map here.
Your closest restaurant options are on-site at the various hotels and lodges nestled around the ski resort, otherwise, downtown Park City is your next choice. Having said that, Deer Valley is well-known for award-winning cuisines that you won’t want to miss. As you consider where to stay in Park City up here at Deer Valley, expect to find the best luxury hotels in Park City in this corner of the mountain.
Why I Love Deer Valley:
Great for every level of skier
Award winning, luxurious mountain retreats
Ski-in and ski-out access from the base and mid-mountain
One of the few resorts that only allows skiers
Interactive childcare facilities for kids ages 2 – 12
Attractions Near Deer Valley:
Historic Main Street
Sleigh rides and snowmobile rentals
Cross-country skiing trails (Quinn’s Junction, White Pine Nordic Center, Willow Creek Park)
Kimball Art Center (family pottery classes available)
Meyer Gallery
Homestead Crater Geothermal Spring (20 minutes away)
$$$+ | 5 Star | Norwegian-American Luxury | Forbes Five-Star Resort and Spa
The Stein Eriksen Lodge is the only hotel in Utah to hold a Forbes Five-Star award for the resort and spa, not to mention a designation as one of the Forbes Most Luxurious Hotels in the World. Its location at mid-mountain makes it all the more picturesque, too. We love the exclusivity of the clear, domed Alpenglobes on their outdoor deck for climate-controlled, upscale dining. Luxury is redefined at Stein Eriksen.
$$$+ | 4 Star | Fireplace in Every Room | French-Styled Luxury
Standard rooms, one- to four-bedroom suites, or penthouses are available here if you have a sizable budget for lodging. You’ll feel cozy in this plush ski resort that smacks of European alpine living. You’ll appreciate the on-site ski shop, and the courtyard fire pit is always ready to keep you warm.
With hot chocolate and cookies available on winter afternoons, you’ll feel at home on this family-friendly hotel property. They have children’s activities, and single room to three-bedroom condos available, too. It’s an inviting place to spend a weekend where you’re close to the ski runs and have everything you need at your fingertips.
$$$+ | 5 Star | Luxe Pool Patio | Tesla Charger | Posh Decor
The St. Regis Deer Valley checks all the boxes you’d expect: elegant, refined, great service, and excellent dining and spirits. The location is just a few feet from the main Deer Valley base chair lifts, so you don’t have far to walk in those ski boots. And there are several room options to choose from to rest after your day at the spa, pool, hot tubs, or the slopes, of course.
$$$ | 3 Star | Condo Rentals | Great for Families | Awesome Value
These rentals fill up fast, so jump if you see one available. They’re not too far from the base, and the location makes you feel like you’re in a secluded mountain retreat. The company offers a private shuttle service and ski valet service, which are an awesome bonus.
$$$+ | 5 Star | Palace on the Peak | 35,000 Square Foot Spa | Loved by Couples
You get world-class service at Montage. It’s nestled at the top of Deer Valley, yet still only a few minutes from downtown Park City. Award-winning dining and spa treatments await you after your day on the slopes. If you’ve got the money to spend, you’ll never forget this retreat away from it all.
Writer, editor, teacher, hiker, traveler, dreamer. With a book or pen in hand and a majestic sunset on the horizon, life is never short of fulfilling moments for Brie. She has a background in history and writing, and enjoys writing and editing for BobVila.com, The Tour Guy, and her own business.
Leave a Comment