Utah- Because Everyone Should Have a True Winter Vacation Experience

We always vacation in winter, but this year it worked out for us to go skiing for a few days! We packed our bags (many bags), traveled across the country, and embarked on this great adventure. 

A Ski Vacation can be overwhelming in so many ways including the price tag. You may ask yourself, “Is it worth it?” The answer is Yes. 

There are so many ski resorts and areas in the United States, so picking one depends on what you’re looking for. Park City is the largest ski resort in the United States and at the same time, it offers so much more than just that (more on this later). Choosing a location far from home, with a completely different landscape, made this such an amazing vacation, and winter adds a whole new element of fun and adventure.

 Park City hosts more tourists than permanent residents, so something fun is always going on. The preserved historic character of the architecture adds such a charming element to walking around town. Park City has more than 400 historic sites, including two National Register Historic Districts.

It is also home to the Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the world. We caught the tail end of that and even had some celebrity sightings. 

Once it’s the winter season, and you are in a place like Utah- get all geared up, grab your winter accessories, and partake in activities you can only do in winter!

There is something so peaceful and cozy about looking out at the white snowcapped mountains, it’s just a magical scene. We drank hot chocolate, gazed at the alpine trees, and even watched people snowboard and ski. We even saw deer just roaming around which was awesome for this group of Miami girls!

For kids who haven’t ever seen snow, the anticipation of a trip like this is incredible. The images of snowball fights, building snowmen, and making their very own snow angels automatically pop into their minds. Getting each of us into ski school or small group ski lessons was a must. Teaching your kids to ski young is a gift and a skill that will stay with them forever- like riding a bicycle. Young ones learn so easily, and my older girls, who skied 7 years ago, picked it up so quickly. 

But if you don’t ski, there are so many other activities to enjoy in the snow and winter weather.

Definitely stay at the Pendry- 

There are so many different hotel options in Park City but this is our absolute favorite- The Pendry in Canyons Village is ski-in/ski-out and was built in 2022.

This well-thought-out ski lodge is made up of 3 buildings with rooms set up as residences. We had a full kitchen, washer/dryer, comfortable dining room table, and best of all, a room with 4 bunk beds in addition to the master. Unlike many hotel rooms and suites, the 2 bathrooms and extra storage space for all the bulky winter gear were key (we stayed in a 2 bedroom unit). The balcony was a lovely place to start and end the day with a view. The hotel also features a rooftop pool with a hot tub that can be used even on the coldest of days.

So what is there to do besides skiing?

DOGSLEDDING

If it's not on your bucket list yet, this is the time to add it- Whenever, wherever you have the chance to try this, don’t miss it!

North Forty Escapes is one of the few places that offer dog sledding in Utah, but this ideal location has the most stunning views, the highest elevation, the most amount of snow, and the friendliest dogs! 

The ride was filled with twists and turns, even some bumps, and jumps along the way–one of my girls said it was almost like a roller coaster. This was much more thrilling than I ever imagined.

TAKE A SLEIGH RIDE

You can’t ride a sleigh just anywhere! This was like riding a massive sled pulled by horses under the brightest moonlight. On this night, 4 sleighs went out at the same time as beautiful horses pulled us into the cold night. The company provided cozy blankets, and the kids loved it. The ride is so smooth as the sleigh glides over the snow. Located on the same mountains where there is skiing during the day, this night view is scenic and so rewarding. It’s a relaxing way to bring in the night and enjoy some memorable family time in just under 30 minutes.

TUBING

10/10- who wouldn’t love sitting in a huge tube, and speeding down the mountain?  This is one of the most thrilling ways to explore the ski mountains (other than skiing). The best part is, you can do this all together! Sit in a tube,  then twist and turn all the way down. I highly recommend tubing as an afternoon/ early evening activity.

EXCLUSIVE, YEAR ROUND ACTIVITIES IN PARK CITY

UTAH OLYMPIC PARK

As you may remember, Park City was home to the Winter Olympics in 2002. Utah Olympic Park is somewhere you should consider visiting for a short, quick, indoor, and free activity. There are 2 museums; Alf Engen Ski Museum, which focuses on skiing, and the Olympic Park Museum all about the time the Winter Olympics were hosted here in Park City. The winter sports simulator here is awesome too. 

Right outside the museum is where many Olympic athletes and aspiring competitors practice. Take some time to see these athletes hone their skills at their practice site.

EAST HIGH

For the High School Musical fans! We visited East High, where the High School Musical movies and all those amazing scenes were filmed with Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, and the rest of the High School musical team. Being there is like having the movies come to life! It's an actual functioning school that opens to visitors once school ends. People come in daily from all over the world. We toured the theater, cafeteria, gym, and Sharpay’s locker- it was a huge highlight for my kids.

MAIN STREET, PARK CITY

There are many cute shops and restaurants in this area, including a distillery. As you walk along this picturesque street, there’s always something to discover. I have a soft spot for old-time post offices and love to send friends and family postcards whenever I come across one like this. My girls have also gotten into doing this. 

We then ventured into Dolly’s Bookstore. It’s a throwback to the real bookstores where people can hang out, and relax in seating areas to read. There’s also a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Shop at the front, so you can enjoy a chocolate or a candy apple while perusing the bookstore.

After long days taking in every possible experience, it’s great to end the evenings sitting by the fireplace, roasting marshmallows or just watching a movie in your room relaxing in cozy pajamas. 

Coming from Miami, Utah’s landscapes and seasons were a major change of scenery. Appreciating the change of seasons and all the activities together are sure to leave my girls memories that will last a lifetime. I can’t wait to help you and your family create your own incredible snowy adventure!

Spring ski season is just as beautiful with its own unique experiences, so I hope reading this gives you that extra motivation to book a ski vacation or at least get the wheels turning.  

P.S. HERE ARE MY MUST-NEED ACCESSORIES TO ENHANCE YOUR SKIING EXPERIENCE

1- Chapstick in a multipack so there’s enough for everyone!
2- Wool socks will keep your toes toasty.
3- Hot hands ‘nuff said.
4- Ski goggles no need to spend more than this.
5- Ski mask will keep your exposed skin safe from sun and warm.
6- Snow gloves perfect for snowball fights!