6 Tips For Planning a Fun Family Ski Vacation In Park City, Utah

Updated October 2023

Are you traveling to Park City for a memorable family ski vacation? Whether you’re a black diamond master or a first-time bunny-sloper, one of the best reasons to visit our resort town is to experience Utah’s world-class mountain adventures. 

Our team put together a list of tips to help you plan the best family getaway so your trip is even more unforgettable. 

How to Prepare for Your Park City Ski Trip

Here are six tips to help you maximize your fun on the slopes, find convenient rental properties, and experience fanciful winter activities in Park City.

1)  Start With a Budget and a Plan 

The living room and bedroom of a vacation rental property in Park City with a fireplace, large windows, wood floors, and modern decor.


Park City proves to be an exceptional destination for a family ski getaway, boasting an array of accommodation choices at different price points. These options include accommodations with ski-in/ski-out access and a range of amenities, such as private hot tubs.

But before you begin packing, start with a budget and create an itinerary of daily expenses.

Budget Tips

  • Consider travel expenses and weigh driving versus flying options to maximize your travel time and budget.

  • To save a little extra, look at visiting in the off-season. For example, spring offers clear blue skies, abundant late-season skiing, and extended daylight hours that create the perfect backdrop for a multitude of live music performances and repeated après-ski gatherings. 

  • Be flexible with your flight dates. Sometimes, traveling on a weekday or a holiday can get you a more affordable fare, so play around with travel dates before booking your flight. 

  • Save on incidental costs and book a vacation rental that gives you quick access to all your itinerary must-dos, offers amenities like reusable tote bags, bulk toiletries, and ski lockers, and provides a variety of booking specials.

Pro tip: Save on your accommodations by booking directly with Park City Lodging

Leave some financial wiggle room so your family can comfortably explore different parts of our mountain town and account for ski rentals or other activities.

Create an Activity Plan

  • Make restaurant reservations and plan activities ahead of your visit, especially if they involve popular spots like Deer Valley Resort restaurants and Rocky Mountain Outfitters sleigh rides

  • Develop a menu beforehand if you plan to cook meals in your vacation rental. Pre-order your groceries with All Seasons Grocery and have them delivered to your Park City Lodging rental. 

  • Research free events to add to your ski agenda. You’ll get to enjoy local entertainment that shouldn’t be missed!

Pro Tip: Park City Lodging’s complimentary concierge team can help you create the perfect itinerary for your stay!


2) Consider Rental Property Amenities

A rental home in Park City with a gas fireplace, bunk beds, wide screen TV, and contemporary furnishings.

The whole point of a family vacation is to spend some quality time together. When organizing a ski vacation to Park City, consider your rental as part of that plan. 

What amenities does your family need to have the best experience possible? It could be a cozy fireplace and a spacious living room. Maybe it's a luxurious private home with a built-in game room and a private hot tub. Start by determining how many bedrooms and beds your family needs, and make a list of must-have amenities.

Check Out A Few of Our Premiere Properties Families Love

3547 Ridge: Ski-in townhome with private hot tub, full-size BBQ, heated two-car garage
5 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms | sleeps 13

Thistle Home: Private Deer Valley home with bunk beds, inground hot tub, ski storage
5 bedrooms | 6 bathrooms | sleeps 13

Aspen Hollow: Walk-in/ski-out, lodge-style home with family room and pool table
5 bedrooms | 4.5 bathrooms | sleeps 10

Sun Ridge Retreat: Private home with two living spaces, ping pong table, outdoor patio
5 bedrooms | 7 bathrooms | sleeps 12

Blackstone 3823: Townhome at the base of Canyons Village, walk to lift, private hot tub
3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | sleeps 8

Looking for the perfect vacation rental? Contact our Park City Lodging Concierge Team to ask about family-friendly lodging


3) Stay Near the Town Lift or Book a Ski-In/Ski-Out Rental

A rental condo in Park City with a cozy living room, fireplace, dining table for four guests, and galley kitchen.

Your family ski vacation should place you close to the Town Lift or near the freshest powder available. So, how do you find the best ski-in/ski-out rentals in Park City? Right here! 

We offer a variety of mountain rentals at Canyons Village, Deer Valley Resort, and Park City Mountain Village at various rates with ski-in/ski-out access as well as others just a short walk to the slopes. In addition to immediate access to world-class skiing, you’ll find a wealth of family-friendly restaurants like Annex Burger or the Wasatch Brew Pub near your mountain lodging.


4) Secure Lift Tickets Before You Travel

It’s no secret that Park City is a skiing destination, so make sure you purchase lift tickets before you hit the slopes. Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort offer various lift ticket packages and passes. Do your research ahead of time and secure the best tickets for your family. 

Four people take a snowshoe excursion in Park City along a road covered in snow.


5) Plan an Après-Ski Day

A restaurant patio in Park City for apres ski.

A family ski vacation to Park City wouldn't be complete without experiencing our après-ski culture. What's après-ski? It's a French term describing the social activities after a day on the slopes. The beauty of après-ski is that everyone can take part in celebrating ski adventures any way they want. 

Food and Drinks
If you want to keep the family party going post-ski, you’ll want to refuel with warming eats and delish drinks. These local hot spots offer affordable and heavenly meals and beverages for adults. Plus, they have menus kids will love. We’ve highlighted just a few offerings: 

Billy Blanco’s: Mexican food, burgers, wings, and locally crafted beers

The Corner Store: Savory breakfasts, fresh sandwiches, and lots of vegetarian options

Este Pizzeria:  Pizza, calzones, desserts, and great vegan options

Twisted Fern: Seasonally-inspired menus that foodie kids will love

Browse even more dining options for the whole family.


6) Enjoy Local Family-Friendly Adventures

A man fly fishing in Park City during winter.

In Park City, there’s more to winter fun than just skiing!  Speed through snow-capped terrain with a Daniels Summit Lodge snowmobiling excursion. Organize a private snowshoe jaunt or take a thrilling dog sledding ride through fresh powder with All Seasons Adventures

Take a look at even more non-ski adventures for the whole family.


Book a Vacation Rental for Your Park City Ski Trip

If you’re looking for the perfect vacation rental to complement your family ski trip to Utah, Park City Lodging's local experts can help you reserve the perfect accommodations tailored to your ideal winter experience. 

Explore our extraordinary properties to stay with us on your next family ski vacation. Book with us directly for great savings.

 

Click on the image to view our infographic about skiing in Park City!

world class slopes of park city infographic teaser image

Published on Thursday, October 8, 2020