There’s something about a real vacation that resets everything. I’m not the type of person who sits in a beach chair scrolling through emails, but the type of person who actually hangs up, does something new, eats something delicious, and comes back feeling like a different person.
Last year, that reset came courtesy of Isla Mujeres, a sleepy little island off the coast of Cancun. Cancun is all about parties, and Isla Mujeres is its laid-back, gorgeous sister. It has beautiful beaches, stunning ocean views, and a casual island energy that will make you forget what day it is. Traveling across the island in a golf cart and exploring the Mayan ruins of Punta Sur was one of my most memorable experiences. It’s the small quiet moments like this that make the trip so worth it.
So when it came time to plan my next charge, I wanted something completely different. The sand and sea are great, but I also wanted snow. We wanted to relax without getting bored, have a truly memorable experience, enjoy great food, and enjoy a little luxury along the way. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, winter mountain holidays are the best. After some searching and lots of reading I ended up here Park City, Utahpart of Vail Resorts Mountain destination family.
So what exactly is Park City?
Perched high in the Wasatch Mountains, Park City is a historic western mining town dating back to the 1860s. What started as a Silver Rush settlement eventually became one of the most beloved ski areas in the country. Today, it’s home to the largest ski resort in the United States, with more than 7,300 acres of ski slopes, fine dining, boutique shopping, and world-class events like the Sundance Film Festival. But the thing is, despite all of this, Park City still has an authentic small-town feel. Mining heritage is everywhere, if you know where to look, and that’s part of what makes this town so special.
different from anywhere else
What really surprised me was that Park City is the only ski resort in the country with direct elevator access to historic Main Street. That means you can literally ski to the shops, restaurants and galleries that line the town centre. A world of boutique shops and delicious food opens up just as you step out of the mountains. As someone like me who gets bored easily, this kind of flexibility was a big draw for me.
the food is there
To be honest, I’m going to travel for the food. And Park City did not disappoint. The culinary scene here far exceeds that of a mountain town, with restaurants that rival any city.
The Farm
One of Park City’s outstanding restaurants, The Farm is built on a farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing ingredients from local farms and artisans within 200 miles. The menu changes seasonally, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This is the kind of place where you feel like everything on your plate is intentional. Reservations are required.
Viking Yurt Dinner in Park City: The Best Night in the Mountains
If there’s one experience that defines a winter trip to Park City, it’s dinner at a restaurant. viking yurt. This is not your average night out. The evening begins with a 25-minute sled ride up 1,800 feet above sea level, overlooking the night sky, the twinkling lights of Park City, and the surrounding mountains. When you arrive at the yurt, you’re greeted by a warm fireplace and a mug of Hot Gregg, a spiced berry cider. A six-course gourmet dinner will then be served over four hours with live piano music. Only 40 guests are seated each night, so it never feels crowded or rushed.
Viking Yurt was named Utah’s Best in both 2024 and 2025. After spending a night there, it’s easy to see why. Prices are $225 per person during regular season and $295 per person during holidays (does not include alcohol and gratuities). If you’re planning a trip to Park City this winter, book this first. It fills up quickly. It’s a cozy and luxurious evening, perfect for a delicious hot chocolate upon your return to the lodge.
On the Mountain: Guided Ski Experience
I’ll be honest: I’m not a very confident skier. Not at all. With over 300 trails on 7,300 acres, the idea of ​​just showing up and working it out seemed pretty daunting. That’s Park City Guided mountain experience An expert guide will take you on a personal tour of the resort, combining sightseeing and ski lessons. A guide will help you tackle terrain you would never be able to tackle on your own. You’ll actually learn something along the way and be grouped with other adults at the same level. It also saves you time waiting for lifts, so you can actually spend more time on the mountain. For someone like me, it was worth every penny.
See also
and snowshoeing
I had never done snowshoeing before this trip, but considering it’s like snow hiking, it might become my new favorite. Park City has experienced outdoor guides who can take you off the beaten path through aspen and evergreen forests to snow-covered alpine lakes. It’s a great way to spot mountain wildlife, soak up the scenery, and quietly de-stress. There are many local guiding companies, offering a variety of options, from leisurely walks to serious training. A great way to spend a day off the slopes.
Access is easy
One of the best things about Park City is its accessibility. Just a 35-40 minute drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport, you can pre-book lift tickets, lessons, and dining reservations online. Enjoy the mountains more without making a plan. Still wondering what to pack? Check out our packing tips before you go.
conclusion
Park City has everything I was looking for in a winter getaway. Stunning views, delicious food, memorable experiences, and a relaxed mountain town atmosphere that never feels rushed or touristy. Whether you’re an expert skier or someone like me who just wants to enjoy the mountains without the pressure, there’s a place for you here.
Park City Mountain is one of the standout destinations around the world. Vail Resorts Collection. If you’re ready to plan your own mountain vacation, start below. parkcitymountain.com. If you’re looking for more ideas for a winter getaway close to home, we’ve got you covered there too.
Disclosure: This post was originally created in partnership with Vail Resorts and has since been updated with the latest information. All opinions are my own.
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Source: Better Living – onbetterliving.com
