Description
Yes, Park City, Utah is home to three big name resorts. And yes, it would be easy to stay busy simply sticking to the slopes. But that would be to overlook some of Park City’s special winter offerings, like dog sledding and snow tubing. Or a sleigh ride, pulled by snowcat, up to the Viking Yurt at 8,000 feet, noted for its gourmet food, glogg and baby grand piano (which did not go up in the sleigh). It also has a reputation as a hot spot for romance, so if you’re thinking of popping the question, choosing this spot would not be without precedent. For those who’d rather take a spin over the river and through the woods, consider instead a country sleigh ride run by local operators, with a stop at grandma’s cabin. So it’s not really your grandma but there’s usually a very fine hot, grandma-worthy meal waiting, and brilliant stars to guide you home. And while you’re out and about watching the woods fill up with snow, consider also an hour behind an authentic dog sled. Mush? We think not.
For outdoorsy sorts who want to penetrate farther into the wilds of the Wasatch Mountain Range, invigorating alternatives include options like private guided snowshoe or cross country ski tours. You probably won’t see much wildlife, or hear the crunch of fresh powder underfoot, but a snowmobile tour will also get you off the well-skied slope and into the snow dusted great outdoors; for the longest season and least crowded experience, look for companies offering higher elevation rides and access to private trails. Finally, for those who are happiest with the Park City ski or snowboard experience but want to escape lift lines, the solution is simple, though it requires advance reservations: try a day of helicopter or snowcat skiing. Not only will it give you bragging rights over the dilettanti packing groomed trails but, helicopter ride aside, the untouched powder is also pretty darn good - some might say the “greatest snow on earth”. You decide.
