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Mountain charm: Natural beauty abounds in picturesque Park City

Soar down the ski slopes, hike to new heights, savor award-winning cuisine or unwind at the spa — Park City, Utah has it all.

By Jessica Poitevien | January 4, 2023

Once a silver mining town, today Park City is an enchanting enclave where the most discerning travelers go to spend time in nature while also being able to indulge in the arts, spa treatments and fine dining. It’s an elite destination where small-town appeal meets Hollywood glam and jaw-dropping vistas are always on deck. Here’s what you can expect from an upscale Park City vacation:

  • Meet Mother Nature: More than a ski destination, this stunning mountain town is ideal for year-round outdoor adventures

  • Embrace the arts: Gallery-hopping and independent film festivals are all par for the course

  • Tantalize your taste buds: Choose from award-winning restaurants, casual eateries, robust wine cellars and more

Family with ski equipment walking through the snow in front of the hotel
Elevated experiences for the whole family are steps away from Waldorf Astoria Park City.

Majestic Mother Nature

Surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains, Park City is an oasis for outdoor enthusiasts. Come wintertime, the region beckons skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes. Home to the largest ski resort in the country featuring a variety of world-class trails, Park City is an ideal winter destination for all skill levels.

Maximize your time on the mountain by staying at Waldorf Astoria Park City, located just steps away from a direct gondola ride to Park City Mountain Resort. Not only will you have slope-side access, but the resort’s dedicated ski valet can take care of your alpine equipment, drying and storing it until your next trip up the mountain. The resort also partners with ski butlers to bring everything you need straight to your room, so all you have to worry about is which après-ski experience you want to indulge in — a restorative treatment at Waldorf Astoria Spa or a dip in the outdoor pool, which is always kept at a comfortable 80 F (26 C).

There are also plenty of other experiences that the concierge can arrange to enhance your Park City stay. Try guided fly-fishing, a private sleigh ride in a cozy horse-drawn carriage or dog-sledding with professional race dogs. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, embark on the winter bobsled experience, where a professional pilot will take you racing down the same track that top athletes competed on.

With over 400 miles (644 kilometers) of trails, Park City’s gorgeous surroundings additionally offer ample opportunities to hike or bike as you take in the fresh mountain air. Horseback riders are also welcome on most of these multi-use trails, and several local ranches offer private classes and tours on the lesser-known paths.

Artisan glassblower cuts off end of multicolored glass orb
Create something unique at a private glass-blowing session in Park City.

Experience the arts

Park City is a picturesque paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, but art afficionados can also get their fix here. Main Street is at the heart of all the action with nearly two dozen galleries and artisan shops featuring sculptures, photography, jewelry, Southwestern handicrafts and more. If you’re in town at the end of the month, join the Last Friday Gallery Stroll, where local galleries entertain with drinks and light snacks alongside the artwork.

For a more hands-on experience, your concierge can arrange a private glass-blowing session for you in town where you can make your own piece of art. You can even opt for something functional like a holiday ornament or customized decanter with matching cups.

Park City’s cultural side also attracts plenty of glam every January when one of the world’s largest independent film festivals comes to town. Celebrity sightings are common, but you’ll want to be in the room when these future award-winning movies make their debut. Be sure to purchase your screening tickets in advance and consult with the concierge for insider tips about exclusive festival lounges and other VIP events. Just a 10-minute drive from Main Street and its many theaters, Waldorf Astoria Park City is the perfect home base for a mountain getaway while also serving as a peaceful hideaway for a relaxing retreat.

Dining at Waldorf Astoria Park City
Savor elevated cuisine at Waldorf Astoria Park City’s restaurant, Powder.

Tantalize your taste buds

Whether you’re fueling up for a day on the slopes or winding down from an evening of cultural experiences, Park City has no shortage of award-winning restaurants to satisfy your hunger. Head to Freshie’s Lobster Co. for a quick lunch and try what was dubbed the World’s Best Lobster Roll in 2017. You can’t go wrong with a crab roll or clam chowder, either.

Meanwhile, more carnivorous travelers will thoroughly enjoy Riverhouse on Main. While the menu features ample options for seafood-lovers and even vegetarians, the meat offerings are particularly noteworthy. Try the 20-ounce ribeye with cheddar grits and mushrooms or the wild boar with sweet potato apple mash.

For one of the most elegant dining rooms in the area, there’s Powder, the signature restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Park City, serving dishes inspired by mountainous regions around the world. Elevated comfort food is the star of this seasonally rotating menu with dishes like grilled peach burrata salad and squash blossoms stuffed with ricotta cheese and roasted pepper romesco. Complement your meal with handcrafted cocktails and an expertly curated wine list.

Tucked away in a scenic mountain range, Park City is a destination where small-town charm meets art, adventure, high-end cuisine and ultimate relaxation — all the ingredients for a perfectly curated getaway.

Jessica Poitevien is an international storyteller with more than a decade of experience in writing and editing. Born in New York, she caught the travel bug throughout multiple moves that brought her to California, Spain, Colombia and her current home base in South Florida. She has visited over 40 countries (and counting!), including several solo trips, and also considers herself an expert in destination weddings and unique honeymoons — her own was two months long. When she's not traveling, she enjoys making social media content, trying new food and acting as a travel agent for friends and family.

Waldorf Astoria Park City

Stay and play year-round at the only luxury hotel with slope-side access to Park City Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States. Ride Frostwood Gondola, steps from our door, to a full day of mountain thrills before warming up by the fireplace in your cozy quarters.