Family Winter Vacation Bliss in Park City, Utah

Known to be an “authentic” community, rather than a resort built to accommodate travelers, Park City is the place to go to for a truly magical winter family vacation. What makes this destination even better is its accessibility — it is just a 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City Airport to Park City!

Park City Mountain Resort is incredibly family-friendly, providing ski terrain for all skill levels and plenty of kid-oriented activities. Take advantage of the following opportunities for snow-themed fun while experiencing Utah’s majestic Wasatch Mountain Range.

Family Fun at the Park City Mountain Resort

Want to experience the beauty of Park City Mountain from a whole new perspective? Families can sign up for Zip Tours near the Red Pine Lodge and take a thrilling ride on either the Red Pine Loop (good for kids ages 7 and up) or the Epic Loop (good for kids ages 10 and up).

Guided Snowshoe Tours are also available, which are great for travelers that want to take a break from the slopes and explore the Wasatch Mountains on foot. Family snowshoe tours are great for kids ages 5 and up. If you have teens over the age of 15 however, you may want to consider a group snowshoe tour to Alpine Lake.

Discover the mountain at night by embarking on a Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride with the kids. Rides are offered every Friday and Saturday and depart from Ski Beach at Canyons Village at 5:30pm, 6:15pm, and 7:00pm. Each thirty-minute ride costs $27 per person (children under 2 ride free) and spots can be reserved ahead of time.

Feeling up for a skiing adventure with the little ones? Park City Mountain offers Cross Country Skiing tours through All Seasons Adventures. The company will provide quality equipment as well as transportation to and from your hotel. Tours last about 4 hours, and all skill levels can be accommodated.

Love doggies? Enjoy riding sleds? All Seasons Adventures also offers Dog Sledding tours of Wasatch Mountain that are suitable for all ages. About three people can fit on a sled, so this is perfect for small families.

Fly Fishing fans who aren’t afraid of the chilly weather can head out to the Weber and Provo Rivers for a full or half-day fly fishing trip. Fishing equipment is provided and guides will usually take up to three people, making this another great choice for families with one child. This is another service offered through All Seasons Adventures, so check their website early to make reservations.

Kids ages 5 and older can ride with their parents on Snowmobile Tours when they book through All Seasons Adventure or Red Pine Adventures. A valid driver’s license is all that is needed to operate one of these exciting vehicles designed specifically to run on snowy terrain.

Child Care Services off the Slopes

Have kids who don’t ski? The Little Adventures Children’s Center offers child care services during the winter season. Drop little ones off for a full day or half day of fun that includes lunch and a variety of playful activities. Parents can even opt to include a ski lesson with the whole day session — a smart way to get kids started on the slopes. Full day programs are by reservation only, so don’t forget to book ahead of time.

Nearby Fun at Gorgoza Park

Visit Gorgoza Park and enjoy an array of exciting winter activities all in one location. The park is known for its extreme tubing and has seven lighted tube lanes for guests to enjoy. All ages are welcome, and the park has beginner’s lanes, advanced lanes, and even a gentle hill for toddlers to enjoy. The best part is the convenient lift that makes it simple to get right back to the top of the lanes, so get ready to ride again and again!

The park also has mini-snowmobiles that are specially designed for kids ages 6 through 12 who weigh less than 110 pounds. There is even a designated track where youngsters can zip and zoom around to their satisfaction. Helmets are provided, and the track is lined with snow for added protection. Plus, the mini-snowmobiles only go fast enough to thrill children without frightening moms and dads.

Fort Frosty is a special free play area for kids ages 6 and younger. Here, you’ll find a tubing carousel where tiny ones can relax and enjoy being pulled around and around. Kids can also make use of playful features like soft climbing blocks that can be moved and stacked upon one another. Access to Fort Frosty is included with the purchase of any two or four-hour tubing ticket.

Cafe Yurt serves treats and beverages, so stop by in between play. Need a ride to the park? Taxi service if offered from Park City to Gorgoza.

 What are some of your favorite off-piste attractions in Park City?