Getting around Park City couldn’t be easier, if you don’t rent a car that is. As the ski resorts close for the day and workers head home, the roads get busy. Add in a snowstorm, and you get the idea. But there’s a solution: there’s plenty of free, public transportation. You won’t have to drive in snow, find a place to park, or find your way around. Many people who rent cars find out later that they left it parked the whole time.

The Bus

The Old Town Transit Center behind Main Street is your ticket to ride (though there is no fare!). You can find a bus to Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons Village, Deer Valley, and Kimball Junction. There’s also a free trolley up and down Historic Main Street.  You can even download the myStop Mobile application and receive real-time information about your bus. The new Kimball Junction Circulator will even get you around so you can get your shopping done. You can even catch the PC Connect bus for a ride into Salt Lake City too.

Parking

If you do drive, or rent a car, here are a couple of parking tips. For the first year the covered China Bridge parking structure (in Swede Alley behind Main Street) is pay parking, but there is some free parking still. The upper level of the Gateway Center garage is free with four-hour limits. The Sandridge and North Marsac lots are also free, with 24-hour limits. Most of the Old Town residential areas though are restricted for, well, residents, and a special pass is required. Of course, during the Sundance Film Festival things are much more restrictive. You don’t want to drive then anyway.

Parking on Main Street is through a pay-and-display system, which is simple, though maybe a bit unusual. Find a parallel parking spot (sometimes not so easy), locate a nearby electronic kiosk, purchase parking time with a card or cash (it’s $1.50 per hour with a three-hour limit), then put the receipt on your dashboard, and you’re on your way. Flag down the Main Street Trolley anywhere along the street and take a load off your feet, and get a lift up the hill too. To make it even easier, download the app Go Park City, available both on iOS and Android, which will show you available parking in town. It’s easy and free, and make sure you create your profile before you get to your destination so you aren’t stuck typing in the cold.

Pedestrians

There are also lots and lots of trails and sidewalks that are kept plowed during the winter, so getting out and walking is sometimes a great and healthy option. Underpasses and special crossings put pedestrians first, and it’s safe and easy to get around.

For more information, bus schedules and parking information visit parkcity.org

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Maybe you are able to live the dream, or you would like to dream about living the dream, so while you’re here take a look at the homes and condos for sale. Imagine stepping inside your own place with your own stuff. Your skis are where you left them and your slippers are waiting for you.

Of course, Park City has become a very desirable place to visit, live and invest. Taxes are low, schools are great, and the lifestyle is enviable. And while you think you may be out of your price range, it’s worth a look, isn’t it? Sure, the real estate market is hot but not overheated; there are deals to be had out there. You may be surprised.

Park City’s Main Street and Historical District is an authentic gem with roots in the past. It’s quaint, filled with resurgent businesses. Visitors dine and shop, and residents check their mail and socialize, all on Main Street. A place in Old Town is just steps away from the action.

Deer Valley homes and condos rise above it all with views, amenities, and higher price tags. But there are a number of homes for sale that were someone else’s dream.

There are fixer-upper homes in the Park Meadows and Prospector areas. Older condos are turning over and being renovated as well in Old Town and at Park City Mountain. 

To the north, the Canyons Village and Kimball Junction area is booming, with condos down low and homes up high, in neighborhoods like Jeremy Ranch, Pinebrook, and Summit Park. Theatres, restaurants and shopping are just down the hill, and it’s a fifteen-minute drive into Park City; 25 minutes into Salt Lake City. It’s the best of both worlds.

In neighboring Wasatch County to the south, the Jordanelle area is seeing exponential growth, with new developments such as Deer Mountain, Black Rock Ridge and Victory Ranch, some with golf courses. There’s anything from one-bedroom condos to luxury homes on acreage. Ski in the winter and golf and boat in the summer.

The horsey set has found a home further afield in the Kamas Valley. The grass is greener in these pastures, at the base of the Uinta Mountains, with large lots and animals. The towns of Oakley, Kamas and Francis are seeing new development, as are the Woodland and Marion areas. It’s more laid back there, but with anytime access to all the action in Park City.

So, dream a little, and look around. Choose from hundreds of realtors; they’ll give you the straight scoop, and help you find that vacation home you’ve been aching for. Dreams do come true, you know.

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There’s so much to do in Park City, it’s almost more than you can do in one ski vacation. But there are some other options close by that are different, unique, and a bit less hectic. The Heber Valley to the south is an alpine paradise, evident by the Swiss immigrants that settled the town of Midway a hundred years ago. The eastern wall of Mt. Timpanogos, at 11,752 feet, overwhelms the western skyline, as locomotives smoke, hot springs steam, and cross-country skiers climb. To the east, 15 miles away, the Kamas Valley is another rising star worth exploring.

DeJoria Center

The DeJoria Center (pictured above) sits on the hills above the verdant Kamas Valley, with the snowy Wasatch as the background. It’s hosted musicians such as Sam Bush and coming this summer, Clint Black, in the 2,000-seat concert hall with its superb sound system.

Just 16 miles from Park City, this 1,100-acre ranch is about refined country living, with equestrian facilities, public mountain bike trails, and two restaurants. The State Road Tavern slow cooks in its custom smoker, with cocktails and 20 brands of beer to quench your thirst. It’s worth a few minutes’ drive to the High Star Ranch and the DeJoria Center.

The Homestead Resort

Dating back 127 years, The Homestead is a hot springs resort and more. In the summer it’s golf, but in the winter, it’s all about getting out in the snow, then warming up in the natural springs. And the Homestead Crater is a must see. This geothermal spring is hidden beneath the 60-foot-tall cone. The hole in the top lets in sunlight and fresh air, while you swim, snorkel, or dive in the 96-degree water. Then, cool off in one of the pools, before you dine at Fanny’s in a relaxed atmosphere before you turn in for the night.

Soldier Hollow

Cross-country ski on the same tracks used by the 2002 Winter Olympians (pictured on below), participate in one of the many winter programs, or spend some time in a tube at Soldier Hollow. Just 30 minutes from Park City, it’s unique and beautiful.

For more information visit UtahOlympicLegacy.org.

The Heber Valley Railroad

Go back in time with a 90-minute train ride through the alpine Heber Valley and along the shores of Deer Creek Lake. You will marvel at the Immense Baldwin steam locomotive as it huffs and puffs its way along the tracks. For more information visit HeberValleyRR.org, or call 435.654.5601.

Sundance Resort

In 1969 Robert Redford bought this land and created a special community of art and nature. Twelve years later he founded the Sundance Institute, attracting filmmakers from around the world.

Just 35 miles away from Park City, the Sundance Resort is tucked under the massive bulk of Mt. Timpanogos (pictured above). It’s an alpine wonderland of waterfalls, deep forests, wildflowers, and snowfields. In the winter you can ride a zip line, take a lift ride, ski the bowls, cross-country ski or just unwind. Come for the day, or stay in the rustic but refined lodging, eat a fine meal at the Foundry Grill, or tip a few in an authentic log cowboy bar. It’s a world away.

For more information visit SundanceResort.com, or call 801.225.4107.

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Utah’s a desert, but it’s not dry. Besides the dozens of drinking establishments in town, you can purchase strong beer, wine and spirits from one of the three Park City state-run liquor stores or hotel outlets, and 3.2 percent beer in any grocery store. That is if you can prove you are at least 21 years old.

There’s beer; then there’s BEER!

Beer stronger than 3.2 percent alcohol is classified as liquor and must be purchased from a Utah state liquor store, or an establishment with a full liquor license. Beer in restaurants with limited service liquor licenses (wine, and heavy beer, which is over 3.2 percent) may be served from 11 a.m. to midnight, but they may not sell flavored malt beverages or distilled spirits.  Beer-only licensed restaurants may only sell 3.2 percent beer from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m.

Full-strength beer is limited in Utah law to “bottles and cans not exceeding one liter,” and Utah forbids it to be sold in kegs, so any draft beer you order while in the state will be of the low-strength variety. Make no mistake, however, Utah’s local breweries produce lots of great full-strength beers; you just need to look for them beyond the taps.

‘Will you be dining, or drinking, with us tonight?’

Beginning this year, all establishments post a sign stating whether you are entering a bar or restaurant. Licensed restaurants also have to have a clearly-marked buffer where minors are not allowed. Restaurants can serve liquor from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and bars can start serving at 10 a.m.

Don’t drink and drive; you might spill it

Beginning next year, Utah will become the second state in the Union to reduce the level at which a person is considered legally drunk, from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent. That’s roughly equivalent to one drink depending on body size and metabolism. However much you imbibe, make sure you have a safe way to get back to your lodgings. Take the free bus, call a cab, or walk back on the snow-cleared pathways. It’s also forbidden to consume a beverage in a public place.

In Private

Individuals and organizations hosting private social, business, or recreational events or functions are not required to obtain a permit from the state if the event is not open to the general public, and alcohol is provided to invited guests without cost.

BYOB

This refers to the practice of bringing your own alcoholic beverages into an establishment that is open to the public, for consumption on the premises. This practice is generally prohibited, however, there are three exceptions:

1. A person may bring bottled wines onto the premises of a full service, or limited service restaurant or a club liquor license (at the discretion of the licensee) and consume the wine.
2. Alcoholic beverages may be brought onto and consumed in limousines and charter buses under certain restrictions.
3. A person may bring any alcoholic beverage at a privately hosted event (private party) that is not open to the general public.

Liquor stores

Aside from a restaurant, bar, or other facilities with a liquor license, the only place to purchase wine, liquor or full-strength liquor is from a state-operated liquor store. Think ahead, as they are not open on Sundays or holidays. The good news is that prices are the same statewide. There are three state liquor stores in Park City, and a number of convenience outlets inside some hotels and lodges:

Utah State Liquor Stores

• 1550 Snow Creek Drive, 435-649-7254
• 460 Swede Alley, 435-649-3293
• 1612 Ute Boulevard (Kimball Junction), 435-658-0860
• High West Distillery, at 703 Park Ave is the only place you may purchase a bottle of liquor on Sundays.

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When you ski hard all day, then you’re going to have a good appetite, and Park City will satisfy any cravings you might have. From Brazilian to Mexican, Asian to American, it’s all here. Go for pizza or sushi, fine dining or burritos, steaks or seafood. You won’t go away hungry. There are salad bars and seafood buffets, beef seared over flames and legs of lamb roasted in front of massive fireplaces. Appetizers and baked treats will make you wish you’d stopped earlier, but you won’t, and you’re not sorry.

It’s a great time to try some of the best restaurants anywhere, with innovative chefs, great service, and unparalleled ambiance. Watch the fat flakes fall as you linger over chocolate decadence and a cup made of fine beans, while your kids go nuts over the chocolate fountains.

“This is an exciting time for dining options in Park City,” says Katie Eldridge of Panic Button Media. “The market has grown substantially in the past few years, with so many options in Old Town to Prospector to Kimball Junction.”

As the town has grown the options have spilled north, east and south into Kimball Junction, Wasatch County, and the Kamas Valley. “Park City” is a region now, not just a town.

Take a sleigh up to a high-mountain yurt or grab a pepperoni slice in a historic home with hundreds of beer cans lining the walls. If you want wine with dinner you can choose from keg wine or a cellar with 13,000 bottles. Order a beer from the source, or choose one of the dozens on tap. There are harder spirits too, some made locally, and well worth a try.

You’ll run out of time before you run out of places you want to try, so you’ll just have to come back again. You can get anything you want at Park City’s restaurants.

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Park City Library

The Park City Library is a community gem. Newly renovated in the old Carl Winters High School, it’s a multi-level, 20,000 square foot celebration of books, film and computers. There are reading cubbies, computer areas, a video and sound studio, 3D printing facility, magazine reading room and kids area. It’s a great place to spend a snowy afternoon.

They also offer weekly children’s programs, such as Baby and Me, 3D Printer Pen Hour, Lego Club, and Toddler Time, as well as special programs such as Digital Circuit Training, and Improv at the Library. There’s a computer club, Adobe InDesign class, and even a Minecraft Club. Partnering with the Park City Film Series, the library presents the Books 2 Movies, Foreign Cinema for Kids and other free films.

Schedule

Books2Movies Series

January 6 Hidden Figures

February 3 Emma

Foreign Cinema for Kids

January 13, and February 10 4 p.m.

Park City’s 2002 Olympic Experience

February 5 7 p.m. With Myles Rademan

For more information, class and event schedules, visit ParkCityLibrary.org.

Summit County Libraries

Three branches of the Summit County Library serve the community, in the Sheldon Richins building at Kimball Junction, Coalville Public Library, and the brand-new Kamas Branch facility. A bookmobile still serves scattered areas within the county as well.

All branches provide free Wi-Fi and public computer access. Temporary residents can get a library card for a $25 refundable deposit. The Kimball Junction and Kamas Branch libraries host preschool Storytime hours, Baby Rhyme Time, Bookclubs, and a Mother-Daughter Book Group among other events.

For more information visit TheSummitCountyLibrary.org.

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Just because the temperatures have dropped and there’s ice on the lakes and along the rivers doesn’t mean the fish have gone anywhere. Take an excursion to the Weber River or the Provo River, a Blue Ribbon Fishery. Or sit in the sun on the ice on Deer Creek, Echo and Rockport reservoirs while the trout pounce on your lure. Either way, it’s a great way to get outdoors, and scratch the fishing itch you may have during these short days.

If you need some help getting to, and finding the fish, this winter, contact one of these guide services.

Adventures at the Stillman Ranch – Oakley

RockyMtnRec.com, 435.645.7256

All Seasons Adventures

AllSeasonsAdventures.com, 435.649.9619

Jans Mountain Outfitters

Jans.com, 435.649.4849

North Forty Escapes Upper Weber Canyon

NorthFortyEscapes.com, 435.640.3239

Park City Anglers

ParkCityAnglers.com, 435.658.3474

Park City Fly Shop

ParkCityFlyshop.com, 435.645.8382

Park City On the Fly

ParkCityOnTheFly.com, 435.901.1639

Park City Outfitters

ParkCityOutfitters.com, 435.647.0677

Provo River Guide Service – Kamas   

ProvoRiverGuides.com, 435.783.6559

Rocky Mountain Outfitters

RockyMtnOutfitters.com, 435.654.1655

Trout Bum 2

TroutBum2.com, 435.658.1166

Utah Pro Fly Fishing

UtahProFlyFishing.com, 801.376.0626

White Dog

GoWhiteDog.com, 435.645.5366

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The sight of a deer, elk and or moose can be a highlight on a winter morning, but it’s important to remember that these are wild animals. They need some room, and respect, or you might have an unfortunate interaction. It’s not that unusual to see moose wandering down Park City’s Main Street, or munching on some pricey landscaping as the temperatures drop. They’re beautiful and majestic, but not always friendly. There are others out there it’s best to avoid as well, including skunks, badgers, porcupines, cougars and foxes. Local black bears are usually down for their naps.

Grab your binoculars or spotting scope and watch the bald eagles fishing for their breakfasts along the Weber and Provo rivers or the herds of elk on the barren ridges.

Here are a few pointers from Wild Aware Utah, a local educational program that will let you go back home with photographs, not bruises.

• Be alert at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.
• Never approach, feed, or try to touch wildlife.
• Always jog, hike or bike with a companion.
• Stay on designated trails. Wildlife usually stays clear of areas humans frequent.
• Make noise to alert wildlife of your presence.
• Refrain from wearing headphones, which can block out the sounds of nearby animals.
• Keep kids in the center of the group.
• Do not leave litter on the trail.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it properly.
• Keep dogs leashed and do not let dogs “play” with wildlife. It is against Utah law to allow dogs to harass wildlife.
• Stay clear of animal carcasses near trails. They could be kills that are being guarded.
• Avoid placing yourself between a mother and her offspring. Give wildlife a lot of space.

PET TIPS

Some wild animals know that humans have food, and even mistake your pet for prey. Dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits and goats can be at risk from larger predators like coyotes, foxes or cougars. To keep them safe:

• Keep pet vaccinations current.
• Supervise pets when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk.
• Keep housecats indoors, especially at night.
• Keep outdoor pets and small livestock in fully enclosed pens, coops or barns at night.
• Install heavy duty latches or locks on barn or pen doors. 
• Use motion activated lights to deter wildlife from entering your yard.
• Install fences around your property.

For more information visit WildAwareUtah.org.

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The Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter, in partnership with Utah State University, has weekly nature tours, classes, and lectures. Just north of Park City at Newpark at Kimball Junction, its mission is to preserve the land and human connection, educate the community about nature and nurture the ecosystem. Inside its 10,000-square foot building are interactive exhibits, a climbing wall, and gift shop. Head to the top of the tower and look out over the 1,200 acres of high meadows, and you might see coyote, elk, fox, and who knows what else. It’s a great outdoor laboratory and attracts photographers, bird watchers, and families.

In 2015 Swaner taught over 2,000 students about the natural world, restored one mile of East Canyon Creek, planted 40 acres with native seeds, and removed invasive species from 75 acres. It has also hosted traveling exhibits, including the Utah Wilderness 50 photography show, and Mountain Lion! and has sponsored talks from leading naturalists. 

Take a turn on the climbing wall every Sunday throughout the winter, or take a guided snowshoe tour out into the preserve. Learn about the hidden natural world within, or let a naturalist explain how every life form depends on each other. It’s Craft Sunday for kids throughout the winter, and Little Naturalist classes on every other Monday. It’s a wonderful outdoor laboratory. 

For more information visit Swanerecocenter.org.

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It’s quiet, beautiful, and exciting: a hot air balloon ride above the snowy meadows and mountains. It’s a great way to start the day. Rides go from one to several hours in these family friendly aircraft, with their colorful envelopes, handcrafted baskets and roaring flames. It’s the only way to fly.

Morning Star Balloons

A one-hour flight will cost $250, but you’ll get photographs, and a champagne celebration afterwards. For more information visit MStarBalloons.com or call 435.645.7433.

Park City Balloon Adventures

A one-hour sunrise mountain adventure will cost $250, and they can accommodate groups up to 30 people. For more information visit PCBalloonAdventures.com or call 435.645.8787.

Skywalker Balloon Company

Take a sunrise balloon ride over the snowy landscape, while keeping warm in a hand-woven basket. Cost is $250 for an adult, $150 for children.

For more information visit SkyWalker.at or call 801.824.3934.

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