 Park City, Utah is the type of town that looks like it was crafted from a fairytale. In the background, the mountains are dotted with pine trees and ski trails. The shops, resorts and cafés light up in the evening, and the strands of lights curled around the city's downtown trees guide visitors to their next destination.
Although it's an ideal spot to arrange a business meeting (particularly if you can talk business while on a ski lift), the town is mainly geared toward vacationers who are looking to unfurl from the pressures of corporate life.
With numerous resorts offering guests easy ski-slope access just outside their doors, Park City is a haven for those who love snow and who want to take on the challenging trails of the Wasatch Mountains. Even in summer, the mountains are a major draw, with over 150 miles of mountain biking trails, a dizzying amount of hiking trails and some horseback riding trails though the foothills as well.
Another major draw is the Sundance Film Festival, held for 10 days in January. Now the largest independent cinema festival in the United States, the event is a showcase for new work—both from top directors and yet-undiscovered filmmakers alike. Founded in 1978 by a group that included actor Robert Redford, the goal of the event was to highlight what independent film could be. But, with its wild success, it's now a major force in bringing those films to the public.
For those who don't make the cinema rounds, there's still plenty to do in the cozy town. Visitors love meandering around the many art galleries, bookstores and clothing boutiques available. Pick up some new handcrafted jewelry at the venerable Tommy Knockers store or expand your vocabulary at Dolly's Bookstore, a Main Street fixture that's popular with local residents.
And with all that skiing and shopping, you’ll want to quell your appetite. Luckily, the city shines with a wide selection of foodie favorites. More than 100 restaurants are tucked into the city limits, offering everything from fast food to haute cuisine on display. There are also jazz clubs, dance spots and other well-traveled gathering places that make the task of choosing what activity to do each day all the more difficult.
Whenever you do decide to take a break from all the activities and want to get connected to the Internet, you're in luck. There are plenty of ways to stay in touch with those back at the office as well as friends and family at home, thanks to numerous iPass connections around the town. In many cases, hotspots are available inside the resort. So, leave your ski boots out to dry and go Web surfing right from your hotel room.
Here's where to get a secure connection: search now
Don't-Miss Events
Park City and its surrounding areas have some festivals that are worth the trip:
- Sundance Institute Outdoor Film Festival: Much more low-key (and less celebrity-laden) than the major festival, this summertime series presents free movies in the city's main park every Friday evening in August.
- Oktober Silly Fest: Held on Sept. 28, this fall festival brings together artists, farmers, musician, and others, and features a huge beer garden to usher in the season. And of course, it stays true to its name with plenty of laughter and fun kids' activities.
- Winterfest: An annual celebration to mark the anniversary of Park City's hosting of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, this event is held for a week in early February. It’s packed full of activities, from dog sled races to skiing demonstrations.
For other popular events, check out these helpful sites:
|
