Adventure Lovers Will Appreciate These Adrenaline-Pumping, Park City Activities
Park City, Utah, is a year-round mountain community and world-class destination. It has two enviable ski resorts but also features the Utah Olympic Park and over 400 miles of trails (hiking and otherwise), making it a preferred vacation spot.
Today, it is regarded by many as a top adventure destination in the nation. While the mountain town’s hold on winter sports and attractions cannot be denied, there are also plenty of activities to enjoy throughout the other seasons, making it a must-visit destination for adrenaline junkies, all year long.
The Seasons of Park City
Before considering some of the best adrenaline-pumping activities and things to do in Park City, it’s helpful to break down the seasons enjoyed in Park City. Spring is perfect for blooming flowers and trees and makes an ideal time to enjoy an outdoor concert. Spring runs between March and May. Summer begins in June and runs through August and is mild and dry with little precipitation.
Fall begins in September and runs through November. Many Park City locals say that this is their favorite season thanks to the beautiful mountain views replete with colorful foliage. Last but certainly not least is the pièce de résistance: winter, which begins in December and goes through February. This is the time to visit the top-notch ski resorts that call Park City home, among other winter activities.
Without further ado, below are adrenaline-pumping activities every adventurer will appreciate.
Snowscape Activities for a Park City Adventure
Dog Sledding
As a truly thrilling adventure in Park City, why not try out something that is sure to get the blood pumping and the heart racing; dog sledding? There are many dog sledding companies in Park City, each featuring dog teams made up of either beautiful huskies or another breed that does well in arctic conditions.
The sled itself is expertly guided by professional racers, allowing you to ride along and experience the thrill of the chase. This, of course, is an activity relegated to the more snow-covered portions of the year.
Skiing and Snowboarding & Ungroomed Snow Skiing
As another activity that is ideally suited to snow-covered mountains, Park City offers world-class amenities when it comes to the adrenaline-pumping activities of snowboarding and skiing. There are two ski resorts that have rich reputations for being superb ski destinations and a third that has more recently been added to the Park City repertoire.
Park City Mountain features 7,300 acres, seven terrain parks, and 41 lifts and, when it was combined with neighboring Canyons Resort in 2015, it became the largest ski resort in the nation. The other main option is Deer Valley, which is home to over 2,000 skiable acres. There are plenty of options for skiers of every ability and age.
The resort is planning to expand, adding another 3,700 new acres. Deer Valley features double black diamond runs, which is perfect for the thrill seeker. Deer Valley also offers lessons, some even taught by former Olympians. It is no wonder this first-class ski resort has consistently been rated the number one ski resort in the nation.
Woodland Park is another ski resort that features some amazing ski, snowboard and even snow tubing opportunities. There are two surface lifts, which are the longest lanes in all of Utah, and the entire park encompasses more than 80 acres and has been expanded safely with intuitive growth initiatives.
If you are an advanced or expert skier wanting to expand your horizons and push the boundaries of what is possible, you might want to move up in terms of skill level and go on a Park City Powder Cats tour. This involves skiing ungroomed, black diamond runs in various conditions outside the boundaries of resorts.
These tours are full of heart-pumping adrenaline brought on by exploring the terrain of the Uinta Mountains. Snow Cats get you to the top of runs safely and without the hassle of a ski lift.
Snowmobiling
Another way to truly enjoy all the beauty of Park City and its renowned snow is by renting a snowmobile. Snowmobiling allows you to explore the many untouched mountain meadows throughout the Utah mountains and nearby Wasatch.
Book a guided tour if you have never before ridden a snowmobile, but be prepared for some heart-stopping action on these speedy machines, making it one of the most thrilling attractions in Park City.
Summer or Shoulder Season Thrills
Horseback Riding
There are hundreds of miles of trails in and around Park City and one of the best and most thrilling ways to experience them is on the back of a horse seated high in the saddle. Horses are generally very gentle and responsive creatures.
However, seeing the world from horseback can be an exciting new experience, especially if horseback riding isn’t something with which you are extremely familiar.
Mountain Biking
When the snow melts away for the season, the trails become primed for exhilarating mountain bike-riding adventures. There are some 400 miles of public mountain bike trails throughout the mountains of Park City.
You can rent bikes and then take to the trails, which range in levels, challenging even the most avid rider.
Summer Bobsledding, Ziplining & Alpine Coaster
Experience the 2002 Winter Olympics track at Comet Bobsled by riding the track. These bobsleds are modified to roll easily down the concrete surface of the track and can seat up to three passengers. You will be guided by a professional as you race down the track, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph.
There are also many zipline adventure locations throughout Park City. The Flying Eagle Zipline is one of the most challenging as it is situated 110 feet above the mountain with zipping speeds reaching 45 mph. There are many facilities that offer zip lining and even alpine coasters throughout Park City. Alpine Coasters are a thrilling and unique ride that runs over a mile's loop of curves and operates on an elevated track. Each coaster car can fit two passengers.
All Year Long
Hot Air Balloon Excursion
One exhilarating activity that is applicable for all seasons is going on a hot-air balloon excursion. These rides begin at sunrise, which is when the atmosphere is at its most predictable and stable. This is the best way to get views of Park City from high in the sky. You will experience Park City getting smaller and smaller as you gradually climb up in the air. Throughout the winter, you will enjoy beautiful views of snow-capped mountains and frost-covered landscape.
Through the spring, blooms and greenery dot the landscape and then the view comes alive in fall with the autumnal hues of yellow, red and orange popping up below.
Visit Park City Year Round
For adrenaline junkies, Park City, Utah has something to offer you all year long. While this area is most certainly lauded for its ski resorts, and for good reason, there is also plenty to do in the shoulder seasons and beyond.
Contact our partners, Abode Luxury Rentals for their local expertise on Park City and learn more about the thrills that await you here throughout the entire year.
