Before rising to global and national significance with the arrival of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Park City, Utah was a relatively unknown gem of the west. Residents adored the area for its abundance of recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking, to skiing and snowboarding. This opportunity was capitalized upon during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, which was consequently deemed the most successful in Winter Olympics history.
Park City, Utah came under the swath of eager settlers during the Gold Rush of the 1800s. Rather than gold, however, whispers of silver in the mountains brought forth both American prospectors and international adventurers in the 1860s. This influence is still seen in the European-style resorts and architecture present in Park City. Gross economic gain from the height of mining rose upwards of $400 million in silver—and bore 23 millionaires (including the creator of newspaper, William Randolph Hearst). Park City’s mining success fell with the Depression of the 1930s, when falling mineral prices would spell certain doom for the city’s boom years. The decline opened up an opportunity for success in Park City’s other natural resources: the snow! Quickly becoming “The Greatest Snow on Earth,” Park City now contributes a yearly average of $529,800,000 to Utah’s economy with its tourism. The Canyons Resort, Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort ski resorts draw tangible success, reeling in excited sports enthusiasts and families year round. Along with being an impressive ski town, Park City is the home of the Sundance Film Festival, the United States Ski Team, the training center of the Australian Freestyle Ski Team, the 2002 Olympic bobsled, skeleton and luge track at the Utah Olympic Park and an array of grand golf courses. Visitors can also expect to find northern Utah’s largest collection of factory outlet stores. Several companies make their headquarters in Park City, making it one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. Park City’s rich past and exciting future have led to a handsome number of its buildings being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as an adventuresome 1,200 miles of tunnels remaining in the mountains from the mining era.
Park City is far more than ski slopes and picturesque snow! Enjoy a combination of recreational, relaxing, educational and historical sites, and activities. See Park City from the air with hot air balloon rides, or opt to delve into the city's spooky past with the ghost tours.
Dining in Park City is never short of exciting and amazing. Many of the resorts feature fine dining atop hills accessed only by way of ski lift. Main Street dazzles with a collection of cuisines.
Gorgeous mountaintop cafes, comfy bakeries, and homestyle eateries comprise Park City's cafes. Nothing is better than coffee and a Park City sunrise.
Park City is no stranger to celebrity DJ appearances and pure nightlife adrenaline. With a constant stream of clubs and bars, the city will keep your night occupied until dawn.
While there is a national outlet center in Parky City, the majority of shopping is done in its boutiques and recreational stores. There is enough to keep you occupied, nonetheless.
