By Last Updated on July 16, 2023
If you don’t happen to visit Park City, UT during the Sundance Film Festival held each January, you’ll still have plenty of ways to entertain yourself in this charming town. Park City is a four-season destination with winter being peak season due to downhill skiing – the greatest snow on Earth as Utah likes to bill itself.
With legendary blue skies and deep powder, it’s no wonder skiers travel here from around the world, but there are other things to do in Park City, Utah in winter for those who may not want to hit the slopes.
Cross-Country Skiing
This picturesque region has long been a haven for cross-country skiers as well as their thrill seeking cousins. Park City and its surrounding mountains contain over 70 kilometers of groomed trails. The Utah Olympic Park (UOP), Round Valley and White Pine Touring Center areas are all great choices along with many more single-track trails.
One of the most popular cross-country skiing destinations is around the iconic white barn of the McPolin Farm. Many a tourist has wondered why there are so many photos and paintings of this lovely white barn. You’ll find out for yourself when you visit.
In 1922, the McPolins erected the barn which became part of the Osguthorpe Farm in 1947. As the northern entrance into town, the farmland was purchased by Park City in 1990 and preserved as open space for year-round use. In summer, many family portraits are taken on the farm with aspens quaking in the background. During Halloween it turns into a decorated walk and once the snow piles up, the cross-country tracks show up. Bring your own skis or rent them on site.
Snowshoes, Sledding and Winter Hike
On the Utah Olympic Park trail system you can find things to do in Park City, Utah in winter including snowshoeing, hiking and sledding as well as cross country skiing. Many trailheads have maps so you can find the one meant for your activity. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring the appropriate equipment as there are many rental shops scattered throughout town supplying everything from snowshoes to fat tire bikes.
If you happen to be in Park City during a full moon, sign up for a moonlight snowshoe hike at the Swaner Preserve. You can rent snowshoes at the EcoCenter. These walks are extremely popular, so get your reservations in as early as possible. Daytime snowshoe hikes are also offered.
Ice-Skating in Park City
If ice skating is more your style, you’ll want to check out the Park City Ice Arena. This facility is open year-round and offers an Olympic-sized rink with public skating times. The arena also offers a variety of opportunities to learn other sports such as speed skating and curling.
Outdoor public skating is available at the base of the Park City Mountain Resort. This is a much smaller rink and reservations are recommended.
Snow Tubing
Families looking for things to do in Park City, Utah in winter will enjoy Woodward Park City, featuring Utah’s longest snow tubing lanes. Woodward Park City features seven lanes with 1,200 feet of track with a lift to get you up to the top. Guests can choose their own tube, hold on to a friend’stubewhile sliding down the mountain in the same lane or opt for a family tube ride. Tubing is also available in the evenings for those who want to watch the sunset.
While riding the lift, you may catch a glimpse of U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes since Woodward Park City has been named an official training center. Make sure to bundle up!
Let’s Try SnowKiting
No crowds. No expensive lift tickets. No waiting in long lift lines.
Welcome to one of the more recent additions to Park City’s outdoor activities – kite skiing, also known as snowkiting. On the eastern border of Park City, you will find kite skiers practicing whenever conditions allow. If you want to try it for yourself, you can sign up for instructions at Uinta Kiting with their ‘Learn To Kite’ program offered daily. They say most people can be up and riding in as little as two hours.
Bobsledding
Who hasn’t wanted to have the thrill of a lifetime in a bobsled on the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Sliding Track?
Professional pilots can take up to three passengers on a thrilling and unforgettable ride at the Utah Olympic Park. Riders at least 16 years old and weighing at least 100 pounds can zoom down the Olympic track at four to five times the force of gravity.
Romantic Sleigh Ride
If you’re beat after all those strenuous outdoor things to do in Park City, Utah in winter, but still looking to enjoy this winter wonderland, how about a romantic sleigh ride?
The Snowed Sleigh Company is perfect for couples or a family as the sleighs can hold up to 12 passengers. Horse-drawn sleighs guided by a real cowboy take blanket-covered riders up the snowy slopes of Park City’s picturesque Wasatch Valley. Guests can enjoy the sleigh ride by itself or opt to add a roaring fire, western-style dinner and live entertainment at Snowed Inn Lodge.
Whatever your desire, Park City offers a myriad of magical winter activities to keep everyone happy.
Where to Stay in Park City
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite Park City vacation rental homes which includes the Deer Valley resort as well.
If hotels are more your thing, we’ve got you covered there, too.
S. Brown
February 10, 2023Kirsten’s article makes you want to get on the next plane to Utah and enjoy Park City and all it has to offer.
Noreen Kompanik
April 2, 2023Glad you liked her article!