There’s something about a real vacation that resets everything. Not the kind where you scroll through emails from a beach chair, but the kind where you disconnect, do something new, eat something good, and come back feeling like a different person.
Last year, that reset happened thanks to Isla Mujeres, a sleepy little island off the coast of Cancun. While Cancun is all about partying, Isla Mujeres is its laid-back and beautiful younger sister: stunning beaches, incredible ocean views, and the kind of laid-back island energy that makes you forget what day it is. Driving the length of the island in a golf cart and wandering among the Mayan ruins of Punta Sur was one of those experiences that sticks with you. It’s the little quiet moments like this that really make traveling worth it.
So when it came time to plan my next refill, I wanted something completely different. Sand and sea are great, but I wanted snow. I wanted to relax without getting bored, have truly memorable experiences, enjoy delicious food and maybe treat myself to a little luxury along the way. If you are in the mood to find a weekenda winter mountain getaway is hard to beat. After some research and a lot of reading, I landed on Park City, UTpart of the Resorts in Vail family of mountain destinations.
So, what exactly is Park City? Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, Park City is a historic Western mining town dating back to the 1860s. What began as a silver rush settlement eventually became one of the nation’s most beloved ski resorts. Today, it’s home to the largest ski resort in the United States, with more than 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, as well as sophisticated restaurants, shopping, and world-class events like the Sundance Film Festival. But here’s the thing: Despite all that, Park City still has its authentic small-town feel. Mining heritage is everywhere if you know where to look, and that’s part of what makes it special.
It’s not like anywhere else Here’s something that really surprised me: Park City is the only ski resort in the country with direct elevator access to its historic Main Street. This means you can literally ski down to the shops, restaurants and galleries that line the heart of the city. Come down from the mountain and enter a world of shopping and great food. For someone who gets bored easily, that kind of flexibility was a big draw.
The food is where it is I’ll be honest: I will absolutely travel to eat. And Park City did not disappoint. The culinary scene here punches well above its weight for a mountain town, with restaurants that could hold their own in any town.
The Farm One of Park City’s most notable restaurants, The Farm is built on a farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing ingredients from local farms and artisans within a 200-mile radius. The menu changes seasonally to celebrate what’s fresh and local. It’s the kind of place where everything on the plate seems intentional. Reservations are essential.
Viking Yurt Dinner in Park City: The Best Evening on the Mountains
If there’s one experience that defines a winter trip to Park City, it’s dining at The Viking Yurt. This is no ordinary evening. Your evening begins with a 25-minute sleigh ride at 1,800 feet of elevation gain, with breathtaking views of the night sky, the twinkling lights of Park City, and the surrounding mountains. When you arrive at the yurt, you are greeted by a warm fire and a cup of hot glögg, a spiced berry cider. This is followed by a six-course gourmet dinner, all served over four hours with a live piano performance. Only 40 guests are seated each evening, so it’s never crowded or rushed.
The Viking Yurt was named Best of State Utah in 2024 and 2025, and after one night there, it’s easy to see why. The price is $225 per person during the regular season and $295 per person during the holidays (alcohol and gratuity not included). If you’re planning a trip to Park City this winter, book this one first. It fills up quickly. It’s the kind of cozy and gourmet evening that goes perfectly with a good hot chocolate upon your return to the lodge.
In the mountains: guided ski experiences I’ll be honest: I’m not a confident skier. At all. And with over 300 trails spread across 7,300 acres, the idea of just showing up and figuring it out seemed pretty daunting. This is where Park City is located Guided mountain experience comes in. An expert guide takes you on a personalized tour through the resort, part sightseeing, part ski lesson. Your guide helps you tackle terrain you would never have attempted alone, you learn something along the way and you are in a group with other adults of your level. You also avoid waiting in the lift queue, which means more time on the mountain. For someone like me, it was worth every penny.
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And then there is the racket I had never snowshoeed before this trip, but think of it as snow hiking, and it might just be my new favorite activity. Park City has knowledgeable outdoor guides who take you off the beaten path, through aspen and evergreen forests and to snow-capped alpine lakes. It’s a great way to discover the mountain wildlife, soak up the views and quietly relieve stress. There are many local guiding companies to choose from, with options ranging from leisurely walks to serious training sessions. An ideal way to spend a day off the slopes.
Getting there is easy One of the best things about Park City is its accessibility. It’s just a 35- to 40-minute drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport, and you can book lift tickets, classes, and restaurant reservations online in advance. Less planning, more fun in the mountains. And if you’re still not sure what to pack, check out our packing tips before leaving.
The essentials Park City has everything I was looking for in a winter getaway: stunning scenery, great food, memorable experiences, and a relaxed mountain town vibe that never feels rushed or touristy. Whether you’re an expert skier or someone like me who just wants to enjoy the mountains without pressure, there’s a place for you here.
Park City Mountain is one of the most remarkable destinations in the world. Vail Resorts Collection. If you’re ready to plan your own mountain getaway, start by parkcitymountain.com. And if you’re looking for more winter getaway ideas closer to you, we have what you need too.
Disclosure: This article was originally created in partnership with Vail Resorts and has since been updated with current information. All opinions are my own.
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