eb

Would there be much to do in the Park City area in November? Sightseeing, 4-wheelers, etc? Also, likelihood of snow and difficulty getting around? Any suggestions will be appreciated. e

parkcitygal

We moved to Park City in the beginning of November and our moving van was greeted with a couple inches of snow. You never can tell what the weather will be like at that time of year. I know Park City Resort was making snow for one of their first ski competitions that first week of November. You may want to look at some of the Park City resort websites and contact them directly for some information. There may be some other sporting events over at Utah Olympic Park. Touring the facility you could definitely do in November (you can go up to the top of the Olympic Ski jump, see where the bobsledding took place, etc.)

As I found from living here, there is never difficulty getting around here...no matter how much snow we get, the snow removal service up here is extremely prepared. My kids can only dream of having a snow day!

In November I'm sure you can still hike, see any sporting events that may be taking place and maybe even partake in the attractions at Park City Mountain resort (they had an alpine slide and Zip Ride when we were there in October, not sure about November). Main street is fun if you like to window shop and there's an outlet mall right off of Route 80.

I think it all depends on WHEN in November you'd be going.

eb

Thank you parkcitygal! Your info is really helpful and appreciated! Do you happen to know anything about the Park Regency Resort located on Prospector Avenue? We're considering staying there for a week beginning Nov. 1. Do you see a lot of wildlife around Park City? Are there other scenic areas to drive to and from in just a day's time? Or would we need to plan an overnight stay. Again, thank you so much for your help. eb from Texas

Dayle

Hi Eb,

I live in Park City too. November is about the most quiet month of the year as far as special events and numbers of visitors go. It's definitely pre-ski season. There is plenty to do as long as you are not counting on nice outdoor weather. Could be cold and snowing, or windy & raining. The ski areas normally open the week before Thanksgiving, when the World Cup ski races are held at Park City Mtn Resort (also the site of the Olympics).

You could do a day trip to the Uinta Mountains and see some beautiful, high alpine scenery as long as road conditions permit.

You could also do a day trip to Sundance, which is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and enjoy a lunch at one of their fabulous restaurants. Reservations needed.

Park Regency Resort is not in my favorite part of town. It's in a very densely populated and commercial area. Although, I have talked on the lift with several visitors who stayed there this year and they liked it. Reasonably priced and good value.

The fall leaves will be gone by then.

Write back if you would like more details or suggestions.

eb

Thank you Dayle!!!!! Really great information! We could also choose to stay at the Park Plaza or at the Iron Blosam Lodge in Snowbird. Would either of these be in a better location? (The reason I was leaning toward the Park Regency is because all of the rooms have fireplaces.) I don't think the weather would bother us, as long as there is pretty scenery (mountains, wildlife, etc.) and we could get around. Thanks again - I appreciate any advice or suggestions you can provide. eb

Dayle

Hi again EB,

If you are coming in early November, I really wouldn't recommend staying at Snowbird. While you would certainly get some good lodging rates, the place would be a ghost town if it's before the mountain opens for the ski season!

The Iron Blossom (a time share condo building)is really nice with fabulous views of the mountains, a heated outdoor pool and excellent restaurants.

Riding up the Snowbird tram & seeing the view is very worthwhile, but I would just do this as an afternoon trip. The Cliff HOtel at Snowbird has a wonderful spa & roof top pool and hot tub that is a great place to be a sunset. But other than the tram and spa, there is nothing to do at Snowbird unless you are there during hiking/ skiing seasons.

Park Station is OK too, closer to Historical Main Street in Park City than the Park Regency is.

eb

Thank you Dayle! I guess I was being swayed toward the 3 hotels I asked you about because of the rates we can get through RCI right now: Iron Blosam is $210; Park Plaza is $230; and Park Regency is $230 - all of these are for 7 nights. Do you think, since this is the off season time, that we could get anything even comparable at a nice resort in a good area? Wouldn't mind spending more if it's worth it. Thank you for your suggestions. I really appreciate it! eb from Texas

Dayle

Hi Eb,

I wouldn't recommend staying at Snowbird for a whole week during early November, before ski season. You would be driving down the canyon every day to find activities. That said, the Iron Blosam is the nicest property and the closest thing to a resort since Snowbird is realatively isolated and surrounded by mountains.

If you are coming for a whole week, I would definitely recommend Park City. There is a week's worth of activities right in town and very nearby. I would compare in detail the amenities of both properties and ask specifically for the latest remodel date of the condo unit you are contracting for. Park Regency and Park Station are both old properties and individual owners remodel and upgrade at different times. Coming pre-ski season, you should be able to get a lovely unit at that price. I assume you're talking about a 2 bedroom/2 bath?

The Park Station does have a much better location. Much closer to Historic Main Street in Park City, just a couple blocks off. Walking distance to enough great restaurants to last you 3 weeks. Free town bus service to everywhere you want to go.

One other note, you might check out the brand new Hotel Park City. A new condo hotel near the bottom of the Park City Mtn ski area and on the golf course. They are so new, they might have some good specials.

eb

Dayle, Wow! Thanks so much for the great advice! I'm going to check out the new resort you recommended. Thanks so much for your help!!! eb

BarbaraS

You might want to spend some time at the Homestead Resort in Midway, they have horseback riding (depending on the weather of course) and a warm water crater for swimming and scuba diving.

eb

Thank you Barbara. Do you happen to know if there are any 4-wheeler rentals or tours for riding through the forests or parks?

Dayle

Eb,

One additional note on the Iron Blosam at Snowbird. Be certain to get a room that faces the mountain (south-facing), not on the other side of the building. The "road" side rooms are much lower in price because they don't have the view and are dark. That's because the north side of the building is subject to avalanche & huge protective shutters cover the windows during ski season. this wouldn't be an issue in November, but the rooms are still dark. If you can get a "suite" unit - those are fantastic!

I used to work there.

BarbaraS

I don't know of any places that rent 4-wheelers, I'm sure there must be some. You could call Daniel's Summit, I know they rent snowmobiles in the winter, perhaps they rent 4-wheelers as well.

eb

Well, I have found some other resorts with really great prices: Westgate Park City Resort and Spa; Skiers Lodge; Grand Summit Hotel-The Canyons; Circle J Club at Jeremy Ranch; and the Park Hotel Condos. Is anyone familiar with any of these?

BarbaraS

The Grand Summit is almost brand new and looks like it would be a wonderful place to stay. You aren't on Main Street in Park City, but it is only a short drive.

Dayle

Hi Eb,

The Grand Summit is pretty nice, but as Barbara says, it's right in Park City. It's about 5 miles away from Main Street.

I've never heard of the place at Jeremy Ranch, but trust me, it's about the last place you would want to stay. Not even remotely a resort. It's a bedroom community with a golf course about 15 minutes away from Park City near I-80. No restaurants, no nothing.

The Westgate at The Canyons might be nice. I haven't checked it out yet myself. Those new condo hotels are structurally nice with new furnishings, but sometimes the restaurants and service are lacking. Westgate is newer than the Grand Summit.

Anyway, these are all good choices. November room rates are LOW!

Dayle

About the ATVs. I'm sure you could find a place to rent. The question is, do you really want to go in Nov? There are a couple of campgrounds in the Unita Natl Forest that are dedicated to ATVs, but Nov is hunting season. Personally, I wouldn't want to be out there with those people.

BarbaraS

Eb - most of the big hunts are over Oct. 26. Hunting wouldn't be a big concern in Nov. I think weather is going to be the biggest obstacle.

Firstmate

Gees..can't beleive a Park City question has this much activity. Most years one would see snow in PC during November. At the same time it can be quite mild with fall type weather, to the point that golfing is not out of the question. They were probably golfing in PC last week. Got a nice little snowfall last night. I would plan on snow before I would not.
Hiking and such should still be doable.
90% of the Hunting season is over by November. The deer hunt is always the 3rd weekend of October. I would not be bothered to go out in the mountains in November because of hunting. Also, depending upon weather the fly fishing on the Provo River can be not bad this late in the year.
Regarding places to stay, Dayle is right that about Jeremy Ranch. Nothing there, not convenient to Park City, albeit it is only a 10 minute drive into PC.
If it is early enough in November, I would check with Stein Eriksen Lodge. They have some great rates if you can catch them just right before the official opening of the ski season. Which in their case is rarely before the first week in Dec. I reserved some rooms there a year ago in early Nov. at a very very affordable price. During the ski season the rates at Stein are not for the faint of heart, but if you can catch it just right, it is a very affordable rate. And the rooms are something. If ya all have a rental car, ya may want to also take the short drive to Sundance and hang out there for a bit too.

eb

Wow EVERYBODY!!!! Thanks for the great advice and for being so helpful! I'm going to start doing some research on the Stein Eriksen resort right now....
Appreciate all the help! eb from Texas