A big part of Park City's appeal lies in its convenience: Since it's so close to Salt Lake City's airport, you can get there and get skiing quickly, and you don't need a car. Details below, along with more easy, affordable, family-friendly ski resorts around the country.
When to Go
Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, and the Canyons are open from December through early April. In December and January, you'll find the most fresh snow but also the coldest temperatures (in the 20s). When we went in March, the skiing was still excellent and the weather very pleasant (in the 30s and 40s).
Where to Stay
Treasure Mountain Inn
Minimally staffed (but with excellent housekeeping service), it feels more like a condo complex than an inn. The studio-to-three-bedroom suites aren't exactly swanky, but they are spacious, extremely comfortable (think plump leather couches), and outfitted with full kitchens. Laundry is available in the basement. The Morning Ray Cafe off the lobby serves organic breakfasts with lots of eggy options. 255 Main Street, from $116 a night for a studio that sleeps three.
Marriott's Summit Watch
These one- and two-bedroom villas are as "on the mountain" as it gets in downtown Park City. If you already have your gear, you can just cross the street and jump on the lift to PCMR. 780 Main Street, from $99 a night for a one-bedroom villa that sleeps three.
Getting Around
Between 8 and 10 a.m., the Main Street bus stops just outside Treasure Mountain Inn and runs directly to PCMR (it's about a 15-minute ride; Deer Valley and the Canyons are about 15 and 20 minutes away, respectively). To get to the resorts at other times, you take a trolley car down Main Street and transfer to a bus at the Old Town Transit Center. Some buses also make stops at nearby shopping centers. All public transit is free.
Skiing
Park City Mountain Resort
The 3,300-acre resort has an impressive 107 trails blanketed with dry powder (no nasty slush). Lift passes: $83 a day for ages 13 and up, $52 a day for ages 7 to 12, free for kids under 7 with a paying adult.
PCMR Kids Program
Ski lessons are offered for kids ages 3 1/2 to 14 (class sizes range from three to five children). Our daughter's class, which lasted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., included two 75-minute lessons; in between, she did art projects and climbed on indoor gym equipment. Lunch is provided in all classes, as well as gear for ages 5 and under. Six-hour classes: $165 each for ages 3?½ to 5, $225 each for ages 6 to 14.
Gear Rentals
My husband and I rented our equipment from Aloha Ski & Snowboard, located right across from PCMR's magic carpet. Best of all, you can store your equipment overnight for free there.
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