Four days of winter fun in Park City that go beyond the norm
Breaking the mold
Winter/Spring 23-24
Written By: Brooke Constance White | Images: Courtesy
It’s easy to find a list of popular winter activities in Park City, but finding lesser-known, insider to-dos is a bit trickier. To help you plan a Park City trip that is one-of-a-kind, we’ve put together an activity-packed four-day itinerary that goes well beyond the usual suspects.
We’ve organized each daily itinerary so you can keep your time in the car to a minimum, but you’re more than welcome to mix and match. Please keep in mind that most activities and experiences need to be booked in advance.
DAY 1
The ice castles of Midway are well worth the 30-minute drive from downtown Park City. As you meander around the hand-carved creations, you’ll find tunnels, slides, fountains, thrones and arches. On your way back, stop by the Ritual Chocolate Factory & Cafe in Heber City for an in-depth tour of the bean-to-bar process. You’ll learn about the cacao farms they partner with, chocolate-making, and can, of course, eat (and drink) your fill of chocolate.
If you happen to be visiting February 15, 16 and 17, swing by Skijoring Utah in Heber City to witness a unique winter sport like no other. Watch as a horse and rider pull a skier through a course that includes gates, jumps and rings. The result is an exciting spectacle that combines Utah’s ski and cowboy culture.
DAY 2
Heber Valley, also known as “The Switzerland of Utah,” is the perfect winter destination. The valley provides access to over 22,000 preserved acres in Wasatch Mountain State Park, which is a great place to try snowmobiling with Wasatch Excursions.
For a slower pace, take in the gorgeous panoramic sights at Solider Hollow Nordic Center, a world-class cross-country ski venue that was used in the 2002 Olympics. Rent a pair of classic or skate skis, take a lesson and you’ll be pro before you know it!
Afterward, head to Lola’s Street Kitchen on Midway’s Main Street for lunch (we recommend the fried chicken sando) and Heber Valley Brewing Company for an afternoon beer tasting.
DAY 3
At Rancho Luna Lobos in Peoa, you can see what it’s like to be a real dogsled musher. At the family run rescue-dog kennel, you’ll learn about the sport, interact with the dogs, lead a dogsled, and, most importantly, show the pups lots of love. In addition to dogsledding tours, Rancho Luna Lobos runs a rescue-dog rehabilitation center and has a competitive racing team. The entire experience provides a glimpse into the life of these rescue-dogs-turned-racers and what it takes to compete on the dogsledding circuit.
After your time at Rancho Luna Lobos, head to Mirror Lake Diner in Kamas for brunch or lunch — we recommend the Reuben sandwich or short ribs.
DAY4
Both Utah Balloon Flights and Bigfoot Balloons operate year-round, but there’s something magical about seeing a snow-covered Park City from above. During a hot air balloon trip, you’ll float around 1,500 feet above the earth, providing 360-degree views of the entire Wasatch Range.
After your journey into the air, head to the High West Distillery & Tasting Room in Wanship for lunch before heading out on an ice fishing tour with Utah Ice Fishing. The team at Utah Ice Fishing will take you to one of the area’s many reservoirs and has all the equipment you’ll need to stay warm and catch some fish.
ADD-ON ACTIVITY:
If you’re feeling chilled after a day playing in the snow, we’ve got a hot tip: Head to the Homestead Crater, a geothermal spring that’s hidden within a 55-foot-tall, beehive-shaped limestone rock. The mineral-rich water remains 90 to 96 degrees Farenheit year-round. It’s the perfect way to warm up and soothe your tired muscles.
