Park City, Utah, is the epitome of the classic ski town, and is located just 30 minutes from Salt Lake City. There are three incredible ski resorts in town, and it was named one of the 10 Prettiest Towns by Forbes Traveler Magazine in 2008 - but there is so much more to see and do in Park City. Come along and see!

Park City is in Summit and Wasatch counties, and is just 31 miles from Salt Lake City (the location of the 2002 Winter Olympics).  During the Olympics, many skiing and snowboarding events were held in Park City. Now, you can visit these sites - and even explore doing some of those sports yourself!

The Ski jumps in the distance at Olympic Park

Who: Travelers who love the outdoors - Park City is an incredibly beautiful location, often called a mountain paradise. It's also an old mining camp with plenty of history. Don't like to ski? Never fear - this is a town for everyone, from shoppers to spa aficionados to film festival buffs.

When: Although Park City is known for its skiing, visits at other times of the year yield their own treasures. Hike Deer Valley, or ride horses in the Uintas mountain range. In warmer weather, at the Park City Mountain Resort, you can pretend you're an Olympian and ride the luge in plastic sleds.

The main strip in park city

What (to eat):  Want to eat like a miner? Try the Eating Establishment (217 Main Street). Local game? Head to Grub Steak (2200 Sidewinder Dr). Everyone will enjoy the Ice Cream and coffee at Java Cow Cafe & Bakery (402 Main Street). Nick's Greek Cafe for (need I say it?) Greek food (1600 Snow Creek Drive), and all kinds of yummies at Bruges Waffles and Frites (336 West Broadway).

Where (to stay):  Our family always prefers to do vacation rentals in Park City  - there's more space for the kids to play. However, there are plenty of Park City Utah Hotels to choose from. Be sure to do your research and find out what is best for your journey - there is a wide range of places to stay, for a variety of budgets.

Why: Skiing (of course), outdoor activities (hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, tubing, snowshoeing), the arts, boutique shopping, bobsledding at Utah Olympic Park, golf, hot springs, spas galore, an excellent museum (Park City Museum), a roller coaster, whiskey (at the High West Distillery and Saloon), a brew pub (Wasatch Brew Pub), and an ecocenter (Swaner Preserve).

 Park City

Some little known facts: Park City hosts the Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the United States.  It is the home of the United States Ski Team.  The training center for the Autralian Freestyle Ski Team is located in Park City.  And for those who like discount shopping, Park City has the largest number of factory outlet stores in northern Utah.

How (to get around): Rent a car, or take the city bus. Bonus points to the buses for the ski racks (or use them for your bikes, in the summer).

Snowboarding and skiing in Park City

All photos used courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons.

Ski jumps in the distance at Olympic Park, photo from flickr.com/photos/msabbath/

The main strip in park city, photo from flickr.com/photos/empracht

Park City from the ski hill, photo from flickr.com/photos/dpstyles/

skiing/snowboarding, photo from flickr.com/photos/dpstyles/

Courtesy of Park City Hotels and Park City Vacation Rentals