Best Time to Visit Park City Utah for the Non-Skier

You have asked two key questions: “What is the Best Time to Visit Park City Utah,” and “What to Do in Park City Utah for the Non-Skier.” This post will hopefully answer both questions.

What to Do in Park City Utah for the Non-Skier?

 Winter wonderland, hot cocoa by the fire, and skiing down snow-covered slopes. These images come to mind when thinking of Park City, Utah. But what if we told you there’s more to this charming town than just ski resorts?

Despite being one of the world’s largest ski resorts and a top winter destination for the winter sports enthusiast, Park City has many activities and experiences catering to non-skiers. A short forty-five minute drive up the mountain from the Salt Lake City International Airport, whether you’re seeking a relaxing weekend getaway or an adventurous outdoor excursion, Park City will offer you a good time.

Things to Do In Park City Besides Ski

In this article, we’ll look at “Things to Do in Park City Besides Ski,” and what you can expect to discover in this great place. So, grab your parka and let’s hit the slopes…but not in the way you may think. However, if you are more interested in skiing, please see our Favorite Places to Ski Post.  And if you want to learn more about Utah, please visit our DIY Travel in Utah Post.

What is the Best Time to Visit Park City Utah?

First, the restaurants serving the Best Brunch in Park City are open all year, so if food is your objective, come when the lodging costs are lower, which is the non-ski season. However, assuming you are a skier, the best time to visit Park City, Utah, is the peak ski season, which is December to March, although the season can extend to April if the snow is good. November can be risky, so we recommend waiting until December.

If you are a non-skier like we have become, we hung up our skis in 2024, then we have a few suggestions.  First, we suggest the best time to visit Park City Utah, at least for the next year, are the last two weeks in January. That is when Park City hosts the Sundance Film Festival. However, the Sundance Film Festival has gone through a number of changes in the past five years that, in our opinion, have impacted our enjoyment.  First, Robert Redford has stepped back significantly from this role in running the show. Second, and more important, 2026 will be the last year that the Festival is in Park City. It is moving to Boulder, Colorado in 2027. Therefore, we suggest as a non-skier, that you might want to visit in the summer as there is plenty to do that time of year, and it will be less crowded. More on “Best Things to Do in Park City in the Summer” after we explain how to get around Park City and other “Things to do in Park City in Winter.” 

Getting to and Getting Around Park City, Utah

Most people will visit Park City, by flying into the Salt Lake City International Airport.  There you can get a rental car, or use rideshare services, and you will be up in Park City in less than an hour. Fortunately, you don’t actually need a car to get around in Park City, as there is an excellent bus system, and guess what, it is free!

Best Things to Do in Park City in Winter

“Park City in Winter Months” has a number of unique things to do, including some unique fun ways to have dinner and to enjoy live entertainment.

Sleigh Ride up the Mountain for Dinner

One of the “Best Things to do in Park City in Winter” is taking a sleigh ride up the mountain to the Snowed Inn dining room, complete with live music, dining in a yurt at the Sundance Resort or sipping on craft cocktails at High West Distillery.

Sundance Film Festival

Once a year the last two weeks in January, when it is really cold, thousands of people make their way to Park City, not to ski, but to watch movies and meet the creators of those independently developed films.

The Sundance Film Festival has a fascinating history! It began in 1978 as the Utah/US Film Festival in Salt Lake City, founded by Sterling Van Wagenen, John Earle, and Cirina Hampton-Catania. The goal was to attract more filmmakers to Utah and showcase American-made films1.

In 1981, the festival moved to Park City and was renamed the U.S. Film and Video Festival. Robert Redford played a pivotal role by founding the Sundance Institute in 1981, which took over the festival operations in 1984. The festival was renamed the Sundance Film Festival in 1991.

Today, it’s one of the largest independent film festivals in the United States, held annually in January in Park City, Salt Lake City, and at the Sundance Resort. It showcases new work from American and international independent filmmakers and has become a significant platform for independent cinema.

The annual Sundance Film Festival transforms Main Street into a hub of activity.  However, the organizers of the event feel that the Film Festival has outgrown Main Street and Park City and they are considering moving the festival.  Hopefully, Sundance will get centered in Salt Lake City, and some events will continue at the famous Egyptian Theatre on Main Street.

Ice Castles

Visiting the Ice Castles in Midway, UT, just down the road from Park City, has become a family tradition that kids look forward to every year.  A visit to the Ice Castles feels like we have been transported to a far off magical world. If you’re visiting Park City in the winter, an evening visit to the Ice Castles is an absolute must-do activity.

Best Things to Do in Park City in Summer

Whether you are into mountain biking, golf, fishing, hiking or simply strolling down Main Steet, Park City is a Summer Season Adventure Hub. Here is a quick list of “Things to Do in Park City in Summer Months:”

• Hiking & biking: Miles of scenic trails with wildflowers, wildlife, and mountain views
• Alpine Slide & Coaster: Family-friendly thrills with sweeping vistas
• Scenic chairlift rides: Soak in the Wasatch Mountains from above
• Golf: Our favorite, there are plenty of places to enjoy the game.

However, on of the “Best things to Do in Park City in Summer”, is to enjoy the warmer temperatures, summer concerts and go to the Deer Valley Concert Series. It is a beloved Park City tradition that blends world-class music with alpine scenery, cozy picnics, and cool mountain air. Held at the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater at Deer Valley Resort, it runs from early July through early September, offering a mix of classical, pop, and contemporary performances.

Insider Tips:
– Arrive early to snag a good lawn spot and enjoy the pre-show vibe
– Take a scenic chairlift ride or hike before the show for bonus views
– Dress in layers—mountain evening’s Park City temperatures can get chilly, even in July

It’s one of the most magical ways to spend a summer evening in Utah.

Best Things to Do in Park City Year Round

Some of the “Best things to Do in Park City” are actually things you can do year round, which makes “Best Time to visit Park City Utah” a little less important.  Here are some of our favorites:

Foodie Paradise: The Best Restaurants in Park City

The smell of sizzling steaks and the sound of clinking wine glasses fill the air as you make your way through the picturesque streets of Park City. This charming mountain town is a food lover’s dream, with a plethora of dining options that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. From cozy eateries serving up comfort food to elegant restaurants offering gourmet delicacies, Park City has it all.

You can enjoy authentic French cuisine at a restaurant named for Park City’s French Sister City, Courchevel.  Or, if you’re craving authentic Mexican food, there is Don Gallo on Main Street.  Fondue? Try The Goldener Hirsch, Fletchers or Fireside Dining.

For you steak lovers there are many choices to fit your budget.  Ruth Chris at the high-end, but our favorite is Grub Steak where you can usually find live music to accompany your dinner.

So buckle up your taste buds and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. If you want to learn more about “What to do in Park City Utah” for food, join us as we explore the best restaurants this foodie paradise has to offer, especially for Sunday Brunch, in our guide to the best restaurants in Park City. You can learn about the “World’s Best Brunch,” at the Glitretind at the Stein Eriksen Lodge

Historic Main Street: Shopping and Beyond

Main Street is a wonderful place to just window shop or explore the lively and historic street. It is filled with boutique shops, restaurants, art galleries, and, as you might suspect, souvenir stores.  The art that you see on the street is world class:

During the last two weeks of January, during the Sundance Film Festival, Main Street has become car-free and is now a wonderful pedestrian walkway.  Other times of the year, the sidewalks on Main Street can become quite crowded with visitors window shopping and enjoying the avenue.

Explore Park City’s Unique Resort Areas

There are many options for outdoor adventures in Park City in addition to skiing, such as hiking, snowshoeing, ice skating, horseback riding, and in the summer, golf. For those who want to get outside and experience the beauty of Park City you can leave your skis home and really enjoy this wonderful western town. There are three main resort areas where you can enjoy “What to Do in Park City Utah.”

Park City Mountain Resort

The center of Park City, the Park City Mountain Resort and the famous Main Street with its wonderful restaurants and shopping is a must-do on your “What to Do in Park City Utah” action list. The Park City Mountain Resort is a year-round alpine playground that blends world-class skiing with vibrant culture, making it one of the most dynamic destinations in the U.S. Here’s why it’s worth a visit—whether you’re chasing powder or sunshine:

🎿 Winter Wonderland

• Largest ski resort in the U.S.: Over 7,300 acres of terrain, 330+ trails, and 40 lifts
• Something for everyone: From beginner slopes to powder-filled bowls and terrain parks
• Historic charm: Ski directly into downtown Park City for après-ski on Main Street

🌞 Summer Adventure Hub

• Hiking & biking: Miles of scenic trails with wildflowers, wildlife, and mountain views
• Alpine Slide & Coaster: Family-friendly thrills with sweeping vistas
• Scenic chairlift rides: Soak in the Wasatch Mountains from above

🍽️ Après & Culture

• Main Street magic: Walkable downtown with art galleries, boutiques, and award-winning dining
• Events & festivals: From the Deer Valley Music Festival to Savor the Summit
• Historic roots: Once a silver mining town, now a cultural gem with a rich backstor

Whether you’re carving fresh tracks in January or sipping cocktails on a summer patio, Park City Mountain Resort delivers.

Canyons Resort

In addition to the downtown area of Park City with its famous Main Street, you may also want to spend time in either the Canyons Resort area or in the famous Deer Valley Resort, known for their stunning scenery and endless outdoor activities. We own a 4-Bedroom timeshare in the Canyons Resort area and we visit at least once a year.

Canyons Mountain used to be a separate ski area, but in 2015 it was bought by the Vail Corporation and combined in with the Park City Mountain to create one of the largest skiing areas in the world.  Today the Elite Ski Pass from Vail allows you to ski both mountains at a highly reduced cost.

Deer Valley Resort

Deer Valley has a number of upscale resorts including the Stein Erickson Lodge and the St. Regis Hotel and Resort.  Here are some pictures from the St. Regis including the funicular that takes you to the hotel from the base lodge, and the famous celebratory move called a Sabrage. As shown in the picture, the young lady is using a saber to slide along the neck of a Champagne bottle and pop the top clean off—glass, cork, and all. The pressure inside the bottle helps make the break clean and spectacular.

Olympic Park

When you think of Park City one thing that comes to mind are the Winter Olympics.  The 2002 Winter Olympics were held in Salt Lake City, and Park City played a significant role as one of the main venues. Park City is slated to host the Winter Olympics again in 2034. That will clearly be the “Best Time to Visit Park City Utah”, but also on of the “Best things to Do in Park City in Winter.” However, a visit to the Olympic Park, can be one of the “Best things to Do in Park City in Summer” as well, since the Olympic Park is open year round.

 Park City hosted events such as ski jumping, Nordic combined, bobsled, luge, and skeleton at the Utah Olympic Park. The tracks that were used to manage those events still exist today, and you can actually ride down some of them.  The success of the 2002 Games put Park City on the international map and continues to attract winter sports enthusiasts.

At the Olympic Park, visitors can take a tour to learn about the history of the Olympics in Park City and even participate in activities like bobsledding or zip-lining.  It makes for a fun day with the whole family.

The Winter Olympics will return to the United States, and Salt Lake City and Park City in particular in 2034.  Cos and Robin own a timeshare in Park City, so we are hopeful to be there in 2034 to enjoy the winter sports.

Visit the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is only a thirty-five minute drive from Park City.  It is worth the drive down the mountain if for no other reason than to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform.  Their Sunday Performance is televised world-wide, but there is nothing like being there live in the audience.  We had the pleasure to do it in 2025 and it was an amazing show.

Capture the Beauty: A Photo Quest in Park City

If you are still up for one more adventure in Park City, then we highly recommend roaming the area and taking in the picturesque landscape.  Bring along your cameras for a photo quest throughout Park City that you will remember forever. During our recent visit in February of 2025, Robin created a photo contest and challenged one of guests to see who might get the best pictures.  Here are some of the winners:

Conclusion: What to Do in Park City Utah

Hopefully by now, you understand that Park City has something for everyone, even if you do not ski.  Park City is truly a wonderful place to visit, with plenty to do and an easy forty-five minute drive up the mountain from the Salt Lake City International Airport.

Please, share your thoughts and experiences in Park City by leaving a comment or engaging on social media.  If you want more travel tips and recommendations please visit some of our other blogs on Cosguide4travel.com and please sign up for our newsletter.  We promise only one newsletter a month and we have honored that commitment since our founding in 2021.

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