Skiing and non-skiing in Park City
 

First time, planning a holiday ski trip to Park City. I've read the relatively few comments on this site and also have looked at the parkcityinfo site, and I have a few questions. <BR><BR>It appears that the mountain resort would be more to our liking than the Canyons or Deer Valley, but I havn't noted definite preferences as between staying on the Main Street area versus at the base of the resort. I am the non-skier of the family and my husband and children are good skiers. I would want to be in the Main Street area, but if my family has to take the "town lift" up to the mountain, is that going to be a pain -- are there long lines, especially at holiday time, when we plan to go? Or, is it not a big deal at all? And, what is the town lift like -- slow, fast?<BR><BR>Also, we are looking to stay in a condo -- the parkcityinfo site mentions Park Station at the town lift and Shadow Ridge at the base of the resort. Are these nice? Any recommendations? I know I've got to get moving for Christmas-time.<BR><BR>

Hello Barbara...<BR><BR>I've never taken the town lift, but it seems pretty convenient. Buy your lift ticket there, and it takes you to the mountain. If I'm not mistaken, I don't even think it takes you to the base of the mountain, but up pretty high where you can begin skiing right away! I think you can also take the lift back down to main street. It's not a high speed lift, from what I could tell.<BR><BR>As for the holidays, there will be lines. Now that the world is tuned into Park City after the 2002 Olympics, I'm sure there will be more crowds. I went 4 weeks after the Olympics, and I had never seen anything like it! I have NEVER in 12 years had to wait long at the base of the PCMR, but last year there were lines everywhere. Probably because no one skied in PC between Jan-mid Feb because of the Olympics. Apparently everyone decided to ski all at once in March. However, the locals say this they expect a bump in tourists this coming season.<BR><BR>So yes, there will be lines...but maybe the town lift line will be better than the line at the resort level.<BR><BR>As for Shadow Ridge...I haven't stayed there in years, but I remember it being pretty nice. Spacious with full kitchen and two bedrooms. There's other configurations as well. They have an outdoor pool that's heated (very small pool) and an indoor hot tub and sauna room. The last time I stayed there was in '94, so who knows now!<BR><BR>I always thought Silver King looked nice in the brochure as well.<BR><BR>One more word of advice...get to your lunch site before 11 or after 1:30! You'll be fighting for seats in between those times. If your hubby and kids are skiers, they probably know this already. It was such a zoo last year, that I packed my lunch in my backpack, and had myself a picnic in the snow off the slopes instead!<BR><BR>P.C. is beautiful during the holidays. Enjoy!

Actually, I think I lied about the pool situation. The thing outdoors may just be a hottub. If it's still there at all. <BR><BR>Sorry, I'm losing my memory...:)

Barbara -- we've been with a group to Park City for the last couple of years. Personally, we prefer to stay near Main Street, rather than near the mountain because we like walking access to the restaurants/shops/bars -- especially if one in your group is not a skiier or is not a gung-ho skiier. This way, that person can wander around town easily.<BR><BR>Either way, though, public transportation in the way of a city bus service is easy and frequent. If your family doesn't want to use the Town Lift, find a rental on the bus line and they can easily get on and off the bus (it's free) with their equipment right to the base of the Park City Resort or Deer Valley. We like both Park City and Deer Valley for skiing (and we usually go with a mixed group -- beginners to black diamonds) but found the Canyons to be less to our liking (the weather was also awful that day and may have played a factor).<BR><BR>The lines at the Town Lift won't be long, especially if they get an early start. For the Olympics, the resort improved the Town Lift and built a trail straight down the mountain back to the Town Lift -- making in-town condos basically ski in-ski out.<BR><BR>We've stayed at Park Station and the location is excellent. The quality is hit or miss because many of the condos are rented out by their owners -- decor depends on the owner. It is pricey but for our crowd, the clear preference due to location.<BR><BR>Last time we stayed at 3 Kings. It's barely close enough to walk to the base of Park City resort with equipment, but is on the bus line. The condo itself was nice, but the location not as convenient as others.<BR><BR>A rental company we've used before is skithewest.com -- they have pictures of many of the rentals.

Hi again Barbara,<BR><BR>The comments from visiting skiers above are right on & I agree. Yes, condos are hit or miss in some of the older complexes. Just be sure to specifically ask the rental company when the beds were last replaced & when the condo was last upgraded. Only way to be sure of what you're getting for your money.<BR><BR>Exact location between Main Street & PCMR base is very little difference. Only a couple blocks away from each other & shuttles are free.<BR><BR>2 big hints: As long as weather predictions are to your liking - buy your lift tickets for the next day when you come off the slopes. Saves standing in line with everybody else in the morning.<BR><BR>Second - start early!!!! Most visitors never even get into the lift line until 10-11am. And the lifts open at 9! The biggest traffic jam is at the bottom of any resort between 10-11 am. Beat that & you've got several runs in before there are lines on the rest of the hill.<BR><BR>PS- March was extra crowded last year because all the groups (medical/psych/etc.) that normally come every year in February/March all had to cram into March due to the Olympics.<BR><BR>On the plus side - locals were loving the skiing we had from November to March. It was like the 70's all over again!! No lift lines all day long & you could ski hard & fast without having to dodge the beginners/tourists.<BR><BR>No offense - it was just a nice chance to the good old days.....ahhhh well...<BR><BR>

Thanks to all for your help. <BR><BR>One more question -- will I find enough to do in Park City for 5 or 6 days if I don't ski at all and my family skis all day long (I know, its a problem I constantly face, and I have no one to blame but myself). <BR><BR>Is it easy enough to travel to Salt Lake City once we are in Park City? We will have a car, and I can drive in the snowy mountains without too much difficulty.<BR><BR>Its hard to find a great ski area that also has things to do for us nonskier wimps. For instance, Breckenridge has a lovely town with activities and sights for nonskiers. I didn't think Vail had anything to offer a nonskier, even though skiing was great. Oh, well, its my problem, and I've got to deal with it!!

Barbara - I think you are right. 4 or 5 days of just Park City without skiing wouldn't keep me entertained either. Fortunately Salt Lake is an easy drive down the canyon and you will find much more to do. For shopping try the Gateway, Crossroad/ZCMI malls, Trolley Square, Gardner Village or The Quilted Bear. Temple Square during the holidays at night is beautifully decorated with lights. Ballet West always does a wonderful Nutcracker performances. A horse drawn carriage ride through the city in a light falling snow would be romantic. There will be symphony concerts and other plays as well. You could catch a matinee at the Gateway. Let me know what else you're interested in and I could give you more suggestions. <BR><BR>Also, I prefer The Canyons to Park City Mountain resort. The condos there are brand new and gorgeous and if you have a car the short drive to Main Street is no big deal. I also think the skiing is better. Just my opinion though.

Barbara,<BR><BR>It is kind of hard to do a winter vacation if you don't like any outdoor activities. Indoors in PC:<BR><BR>art galleries<BR>The Egyptian Theatre - live theatre - nights only<BR>movies 4 plex in the Albertson's shopping center<BR>factory outlet stores (outdoor mall)<BR>several high end day spas<BR><BR>Outdoors:<BR>dog sled rides<BR>sleigh rides + dinner<BR>hot air ballooning<BR>snowshoeing<BR>snowmobiling<BR>anima l tracking<BR><BR>All of the above are offered to visitors to Park City. The companies will pick you up at your lodging & their activities are guided, complete with instruction if necessary.<BR><BR>Heber is a short drive away. The Homestead Resort offers a very unique attraction, an extinct volcano cone where people scuba dive. <BR><BR>You can't we don't have variety!