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 actually disconnect, do something new, eat something great, and come back feeling like a different person.
Last year, that reset came courtesy of Isla Mujeres, a sleepy little island off the coast of Cancun. While Cancun is all about the party, Isla Mujeres is its laid-back, gorgeous younger sister: stunning beaches, incredible ocean views, and the kind of casual 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 at Punta Sur was one of those experiences that sticks with you. It’s the quiet little moments like that which make travel so worth it.
So when it came time to plan my next recharge, I wanted something completely different. Sand and sea are great, but I was craving snow. I wanted to relax without being bored, have some genuinely memorable experiences, enjoy amazing food, and maybe indulge in a little luxury along the way. If you’re in the mood to find a weekend getaway, a winter mountain escape is hard to beat. After some searching and a lot of reading, I landed on Park City, Utah, part of the Vail Resorts family of mountain destinations.
So, What Exactly Is Park City?
Nestled high in the Wasatch Mountains, Park City is a historic western mining town that dates back to the 1860s. What started as a silver rush settlement eventually became one of the most beloved ski towns in the country. Today it’s home to the largest ski resort in the United States, with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, plus sophisticated dining, boutique shopping, and world-class events like the Sundance Film Festival. But here’s the thing: despite all of that, Park City still has its authentic small-town feel. The mining heritage is everywhere if you know where to look, and that’s part of what makes it special.
It’s Unlike Anywhere Else
Here’s something that genuinely surprised me: Park City is the only ski resort in the country with lift access directly to its historic Main Street. That means you can literally ski down to the shops, restaurants, and galleries that line the heart of town. Just step off the mountain and into a world of boutiques and great food. For someone who gets bored easily, that kind of flexibility was a big draw.
The Food Is Where It’s At
I’ll be honest: I will absolutely travel for food. 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 city.
The Farm
One of Park City’s standout 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 to celebrate what’s fresh and local. It’s the kind of place where everything on the plate feels intentional. Reservations are a must.
Viking Yurt Dinner in Park City: The Best Night Out on the Mountain
If there’s one experience that defines a Park City winter trip, it’s dinner at The Viking Yurt. This is not your average night out. Your evening begins with a 25-minute sleigh ride up 1,800 vertical feet, with sweeping views of 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 fire and a mug of hot glögg, a spiced berry cider. Then comes a six-course gourmet dinner, all served over four hours with a live piano performance. Only 40 guests are seated each night, so it never feels crowded or rushed.
The Viking Yurt was named Best of State Utah in both 2024 and 2025, and after one night there, it’s easy to see why. Pricing runs $225 per person during regular season and $295 per person over 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 fast. It’s the kind of cozy, indulgent evening that pairs perfectly with a good hot chocolate when you get back to the lodge.
On the Mountain: Guided Ski Experiences
I’m going to be upfront: I am not a confident skier. At all. And with over 300 trails across 7,300 acres, the idea of just showing up and figuring it out sounded pretty daunting. That’s where Park City’s Guided Mountain Experience comes in. An expert guide takes you on a personalized tour across the resort, part sightseeing, part ski lesson. Your guide helps you tackle terrain you’d never try on your own, you actually learn something along the way, and you’re grouped with other adults at your level. You also skip the lift line wait, which means more time actually on the mountain. For someone like me, it was worth every penny.
And Then There’s Snowshoeing
I’d never been snowshoeing before this trip, but think of it as snow hiking, and it might just be my new favorite thing. Park City has seasoned outdoor guides who take you off the beaten path, through aspen and evergreen forests and up to snow-covered alpine lakes. It’s a great way to discover mountain wildlife, soak in the views, and quietly shake off some stress. There are plenty of local guide companies to choose from, with options ranging from leisurely walks to serious workouts. A perfect way to spend a day off the slopes.
Getting There Is Easy
One of the best things about Park City is how accessible it is. It’s only about a 35 to 40 minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, and you can book lift tickets, lessons, and dining reservations online ahead of time. Less planning, more enjoying the mountain. And if you’re still figuring out what to pack, check out our packing tips before you head out.
The Bottom Line
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 mountain without the pressure, there’s a place for you here.
Park City Mountain is one of the standout destinations across the Vail Resorts collection. If you’re ready to plan your own mountain getaway, start at parkcitymountain.com. And if you’re looking for more winter getaway ideas closer 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 current information. All opinions are my own.
