Discover Two Sides of Park City Mountain: The Canyons vs Park City.
Park City Mountain Resort, encompassing both the Park City Village and Canyons sides, is a skiing destination known for its larger-than-life ski terrain, modern amenities, and historical charm. The Canyons Side of Park City, officially known as Canyons Village at Park City, offers adventure and luxury, making it a standout choice for skiers and visitors. The Park City Village has the historic charm of the old mining days peppered throughout.
View from Park City side of the mountain resort.
The Quicksilver Gondola links Park City and The Canyons, allowing you to explore the largest ski area in the U.S. easily. This feature offers a unified skiing experience while maintaining each base area's distinct character.
In this article, we will discuss the Canyons Side and Park City side of the resort.
What Makes the Canyon Side Unique?
The Park City side of the mountain has a historic charm, with historical landmarks peppered throughout. And with exceptional skiing conditions, you get a unique blend of adventure and history. Here's what sets it apart from The Canyons:
1. Canyon Village
Canyons Village at Park City Mountain offers a luxurious touch to your mountain getaway. It's a bit more upscale but keeps things friendly and welcoming. It is ideal for those who like a touch of class in their mountain adventure without the feeling of being over the top. It’s an excellent spot to start your ski day, chill after the slopes, or hang out and enjoy the scene.
2. High Meadows Park
High Meadow Park at Park City Mountain is the go-to place for skiers and snowboarders ready to build their skills. It's designed with different areas that help you progress, making moving on to more challenging slopes easier. There is Mellow Moose, which is a beginner glade area. Mellow Moose is a groomed run, and Alley Cat is a fun area to practice turning skills.
3. Orange Bubble Lift
Orange Bubble Lift at Canyons Village: The Orange Bubble Lift with its distinctive heated seats and orange protective bubble cover.
Orange Bubble Lift starts at the base of Canyons Village. The Orange Bubble Lift is known for being the first heated chairlift in North America. Its heated seats and weather-protective orange bubble cover offer a cozy ride up the mountain.
A cluster of blue runs, Another World, Rhapsody, and more, takes you through narrower tree-lined trails in a more wooded area among larger-than-life mountain homes. I find this group of trails less on the blue side and more green.
5. Skiing Terrain
There is a wide range of terrain diversity for all skill levels, from greens to double blacks. My favorite runs are Kokopelli, Pine Draw, and Snow Dancer off Saddleback Express. Another favorite is Chicane to Chicane Express. Chicane Express is a beautiful detour off of Chicane through a tree-lined section. Chicane takes you to Tombstone Express. Another World is another favorite run-off of this lift.
6. Cabriolet Lift
Cabriolet Lift at Canyons Village: The open-air Cabriolet Lift providing a scenic ride from the parking area to Canyons Village base.
The Cabriolet Lift at Park City is an open-air gondola, similar to a bucket lift, that offers a scenic ride from the parking area to the Canyons Village base. It’s a unique and convenient way to start your day on the slopes and provides easy access to the mountain.
7. Tombstone Express and Tombstone BBQ
Beer and people watching at Tombstone BBQ.
Soak in the sun, and people watch at the base of Tombstone Express. Grab a beer in between runs or some Q.
What makes the Park City side unique?
The Park City side of the mountain has a historic charm, with historical landmarks peppered throughout. And with exceptional skiing conditions, you get a unique blend of adventure and history. Here's what sets it apart from The Canyons:
1. Historic mining artifacts on the slopes.
The Park City side of the mountain is a living museum, with ski trails weaving through and around remnants of its rich silver mining history. As you navigate the slopes, you encounter old mine shafts, machinery, and buildings. If you are into history like me, this is neat. These sites offer a glimpse into the lives and works of miners who once lived and worked in these mountains.
2. Silver to Slopes Historic Mining Tour
The Silver to Slopes Historic Mining Tour is a must-do for anyone interested in Park City's historic past. This free tour for intermediate skiers showcases landmark mining sites and explains how Park City transformed from a mining camp to a world-class ski destination.
3. Skiing Terrain
There is a wide range of terrain diversity from greens to double blacks for all skill levels. My favorite runs are Kokopelli, Pine Draw, and Snow Dancer, off Saddleback Express. Chicane to Chicane Express is another favorite. Chicane Express is a beautiful detour off of Chicane. Chicane takes you to Tombstone Express and Tombstone BBQ.
4. Powder Monkey
Top of McConkey’s Lift: View from McConkey’s Lift with skiers choosing between black, double black, or blue runs.
Take McConkey’s Express to one of the best views in Park City. From there, pick your poison: black, double black, or Georgianna, the only blue. Off of Georgianna to the right is a treat called Powder Monkey. Swing through the trees on your skis.
Watch YouTube: Park City's McConkey's Express to Georgiana with a stop through Powder Monkey and Powder Monkey in Park City: Swing through the trees on your skis.
5. Historic Old Town
Historic Old Town Main Street: Main Street is Park City's Historic Old Town with shops, cafes, and the Town Lift in the background.
Start your day at Atticus for coffee on Main Street, directly across the street from the Town Lift. Take the Town Lift to ski the Park City side, then ski back into town on the Town Run. Then, enjoy Main Street with lots of shopping, dining, and Apres-Ski at a local bar that dates back to the mining days of the late 1800s.
6. Viking Yurt
The Viking Yurt on the Park City side is a cozy stop on the ski run or a hike in the summer where you can indulge in delicious warm chocolate chip cookies, beer, and hearty eats, all within the unique setting of a yurt. It’s a perfect spot to warm up and refuel during your ski day.
Is The Canyons Connected to Park City Village?
The Quicksilver Gondola links Park City and Canyons Village, allowing skiers to explore the largest ski area in the U.S.
Which Side is Best for Beginner Skiers?
The map shows that the Park City side has more green runs. However, Canyons has High Meadows Park. Overall, Park City Mountain Resort has a great foundation system in place for beginners to learn and challenge themselves. Get your ski legs going at High Meadows Park, then move on to the green runs on the Park City side.
Conclusion: The Canyons vs Park City.
The regulars to the mountain have strong opinions on which side they prefer. I recommend checking out both sides if you are there for a bit. The Canyon’s side was easier to navigate, as the trails were well-marked. But I also loved the historic artifacts throughout the Park City side. Some of the lifts took on a mining aesthetic.
