By Last Updated on July 16, 2023
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Though Park City is a stunning all-season destination, we’re heading into ski season and many travelers would love to visit this picturesque Utah destination to hit the slopes. There’s no better way to experience this than with a ski in ski out Park City Utah accommodation. Park City’s ski season typically opens mid-November and runs through mid-April, depending on weather and snow conditions.
Yes, Park City is a ski resort town, and though the silver strike of 1868 put Park City on the map, today, it’s all about skiing and the many outdoor adventures it offers.
We had a chance to visit Park City this summer with family and absolutely fell in love with this charming walkable town nestled in the Wasatch Mountains. Location is everything here, which is why we decided to stay at a Marriott Vacation Club Property.
And here’s the best part—visitors have two Marriott properties to choose from: the ski-in, ski-out Marriott MountainSide and Summit Watch, located on Main Street.
I’ll walk you through the unique characteristics and benefits of each, though honestly, we love them both and you can’t go wrong with either one. And those resort fees you sometimes have to pay at some properties? You won’t have to worry about that here. Both of these Marriott properties also feature complimentary wireless internet in all guest rooms and villas and no resort or parking fees.
Oh, and here’s a lovely benefit for skiers – if you choose to ship your skis, both properties will store them until your arrival! Once you arrive, you have free valet storage of your skis at the Town Lift.
Don’t forget to check in with the vacation club’s concierge staff. Without their recommendations, we would have never known about some of the ‘hidden gems’ located throughout the Park City region.
Marriott MountainSide: Ski-In, Ski-Out in Park City
This picturesque resort is located on the uphill side of downtown Park City. As its name describes, it’s all about the mountain views. Arguably the best ski-in, ski-out in Park City, Marriott MountainSide has great access to the slopes so you won’t waste any time getting out there or having to lug around skis and boots.
The architecture of this resort is similar to that of its sister property Summit Watch, but taller, with gabled roofs, more rough-hewn stonework, and heavy wooden beams invoking the image of Park City’s mining heritage. It has the perfect look of a classy ski resort.
Accommodations at Marriott MountainSide
Visitors may choose from King guest rooms with a sofa bed, to one-or-two-bedroom villas just like Summit Watch, with virtually the exact same features and benefits. Of course, being a ski-in, ski-out property in Park City makes all the difference if you’re visiting primarily to ski or snowboard.
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Amenities at Marriott MountainSide
As this vacation property is the larger of the two, the outdoor heated pool is bigger with more spa tubs. An extensive 24-hour fitness center is also located on-site, along with a sauna and steam room.
We love those outdoor firepits enjoyed with a glass of wine. A small convenience store is also available for quick pick-up items.
Free ski and snowboard storage is also available.
The resort has an expansive indoor arcade/game room along with a small cinema which shows movies all day long. Like Summit Watch, guests have access to grills on site.
Marriott MountainSide Review
We definitely recommend this resort if you’re looking for a luxurious ski-in, ski-out property. During ski season, MountainSide is ideal for its ski-in ski-out access. We love the scenic mountain views and the feel of being in a true ski resort. Though the downtown is not as close as Summit Watch, it is still within easy walking distance.
We also love the massive lobby with its warm, welcoming fireplace and the rock features of its outdoor whirlpool tubs and waterfalls.
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Marriott Park City Summit Watch
This lovely vacation property is located in the heart of the downtown action—right on Main Street—walkable to the charming assortment of shops and restaurants, and only a three-minute stroll to Park City’s Mountain Town Lift.
Marriott Summit Watch is also just steps away from the free town shuttle which services the entire Park City area. The immensely popular Deer Valley ski area is only a mile away.
Accommodations at Summit Watch
Summit Watch offers nature and mountain-inspired individual guest rooms along with one-and-two-bedroom villas that overlook the bustling downtown area. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, ask for the backside villas that provide a more rustic view over a tree-lined stream.
Cozy guest rooms with a maximum occupancy of four include a king and sofa bed, mini fridge, microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
For those looking for a home-away-from-home experience with a bit more space, the one-bedroom villas also accommodate four and include a full marble bath with shower and separate whirlpool bath along with a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, and spacious living room complete with sofa bed and a gas fireplace. Washer and dryer units are included in each villa.
Because ours was a family vacation, we booked the two-bedroom villa set up exactly as the one-bedroom with the addition of another king bedroom, that can be a studio lock-off. With two sofa beds included, this villacan accommodate up to eight guests.
We loved the mountain-inspired décor and spaciousness of our comfortable villa. The wooded view and the fireplace on a cool summer evening added to the ambience. Even the lobby area was absolutely warm and welcoming.
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Amenities at Marriott Summit Watch
Summit Watch offers an indoor/outdoor connected pool with whirlpool spas along with a fitness center. Basketball and shuffleboard courts are located just outside the pool area.
Those who like to grill will love the opportunity to cook in the great outdoors as grills are available throughout the resort.
Marriott Summit Watch Review
Being in the heart of downtown Park City is a big plus with restaurants and shops just around the corner. This is an ideal four-season location as those who come to Park City are thrilled with all the outdoor options available.
We also love the architecture of the resort, with its deep red color, slanted roofs, and its “step out the door” access to Summit Watch Plaza with more shops, restaurants, boutiques, and oh those very popular firepits.
A walking path is located at the backside of the property taking outdoor lovers past a lovely bridge and waterfall tiered stream.
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What to do in Park City Besides Skiing
Is there a best time of year to visit Park City other than ski season?
No, because this location sports year-round activities. We visited in June and it was amazing!
In late spring, once all the snow melts, Park City transforms from an epic ski resort into a fun summer-sports destination with hiking and mountain biking trails, and scenic chairlift rides.
Even the Utah Olympic Park built for the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games offers winter Nordic-style events in the summer months. Other activities include extreme tubing, zip-lining, and mountain biking.
Wasatch Mountain, just minutes from Park City’s Main Street, is open from summer when wildflowers take over the mountains to the fall when aspens transform the mountainsides into a glittering vibrant shade of gold.
Bridal Veil Falls is worth the 40-minute drive to view the 607-foot, double cataract waterfall. And just nearby, Alpine Loop Scenic Backway is a stunning scenic drive past Cascade Springs, a natural wonder featuring large bubbling springs cascading the hillsides in a series of limestone terraces and crystal-clear pools.
Try your hand at fly fishing. Don’t worry, the professionals have all the equipment and know-how, you just show up. There’s even guided ice fishing in winter.
Skiing isn’t the only activity to enjoy in the winter either, try a guided snowshoe tour of Park City.
These are just a few of the many beautiful places and activities that shouldn’t be missed.
We loved our visit here and can’t wait to return!
Whenever you plan a trip to Park City, we guarantee a stay in one of these Marriott Vacation Club Resorts will offer the perfect home base from which to explore all the natural wonders of this stunning alpine destination. Skiers, book early at MountainSide, as ski-in, ski-out Park City properties go FAST.
Book now at Marriott MountainSide
What do you think?