As the saying goes, “What goes up must come down,” but in Park City, Utah, the only place that old adage seems to apply nowadays is on its peaks, where countless skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers, “zipliners,” and other adventurous types revel in the rush of a gorgeous alpine descent.
Once a boom-and-bust community that prospered during its mining heyday in the late 1800s and early 1900s, but nearly became a ghost town by the mid-20th century, Park City has since been truly transformed.
Now a booming four-season resort destination that shows no signs of losing its unique luster, Park City, just a 35-minute drive from Salt Lake City, blends its friendly hospitality, attractive mountain setting and assorted outdoor pursuits with historic charm and casual sophistication that often surprises people, according to Ashley Anderson, meeting and convention sales and marketing manager for the Park City Chamber and Visitors Bureau.
“Yes, we are a mountain destination,” she says, pointing to activities like skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, rafting, golfing, and hot-air ballooning. “But we have over 100 bars and restaurants, seven shopping districts, boutiques, art galleries, and Utah’s only Mobil Five-Star hotel—Stein Eriksen Lodge.”
A testament to its eclectic nature, Park City was the setting for numerous events during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, and it is home to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association and Utah Olympic Park, while it has also long been the site of Robert Redford’s annual Sundance Film Festival. Its arts and cultural scene is flourishing, and its Main Street is lined with dozens of Victorian buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The destination’s diversity is also reflected in its property options for visiting groups, from intimate inns and stylish boutique hotels in the historic town to upscale mountainside lodges in one of the area’s three comprehensive resorts: Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort and The Canyons Resort.
There are plenty of ways for groups to experience the destination’s one-of-a-kind vibe.
In town, planners can arrange intriguing programs such as a private art gallery stroll combined with a reception at Kimball Art Center; a dine-around spotlighting creative cuisine and the historic architecture of Main Street; or a wine and food pairing and cooking class taught by a local celebrity chef such as Bill White.
Meanwhile, adventurous team-building programs and standout events can be staged at the mountain resorts, where planners can also take advantage of memorable options such as reserving a VIP spot for attendees at a Utah Symphony summertime performance at Deer Valley Resort, complete with picnic baskets and wine.
Another highlight of a group visit is exploring the destination’s Olympic heritage at Utah Olympic Park, where unforgettable experiences include careening down the bobsled track at speeds of up to 85 mph and marveling at the aerial skiing maneuvers of the Flying Ace All-Stars, who perform a 30-minute show set to music. The show is the creation of Fuzz Fedderson and Trace Worthington, Olympic athletes, world champion skiers and founders of Flying Ace Productions.
