7 Days in Utah’s Park City: Girls Ski Trip 2024.
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Welcome to our recount of seven incredible days in Park City, Utah. This isn't just another travel diary; it's a snapshot of our ski trip—a week where fresh powder, bluebird days, and lots of snow made for an unforgettable trip. From challenging ourselves on the slopes each day to the relaxing evenings that followed, our trip was as much about celebrating our friendship as it was about skiing. So, if you're curious about what makes Park City a standout ski destination or are gathering ideas for your group getaway, you're in the right place.
Day 1: Arrival
Day one was our travel day, and we got there, settled, and organized. Our flights left Chicago early in the morning with me on Delta and Kelly on Southwest. We were back together around noon, ready to start the week in Utah!
We rented a car through Turo. It was our first time, and I’m glad we took the leap. The rental rates were lower than the more prominent folks, and we got to pick the car that worked for our trip - a brand-new Ford Bronco Sport. The experience was excellent - the car was parked in the hourly garage, and directions were straightforward. After picking up our rental, we headed to the EVO campus SLC to check it out. We are both enormous fans of EVO, and they have this hotel campus in Salt Lake City that is super cool. You can check it out here. The locals there recommended a pizza spot around the corner for lunch called Slackwater. O.G. stamp of approval.
Eye candy at Evo in Park City
After time at Evo, we headed to Park City, a short drive from Salt Lake City. We checked in, got settled, had some groceries delivered, and headed to Main Street to check it out.
Historic Main Street in Park City is a must. We had dinner at High West Saloon, where we had a burger and excellent cocktails. They make their own whiskey, so I had an Old Fashioned.
Pro tip: Order groceries for delivery! We got our usual favorites from Whole Foods for a $10 delivery fee because we are Prime Members. Can you ski without a pack full of Brown Butter chocolate chip cookies? Probably. Should you? Probably not!
Day 2: First Ski Day on Canyon Side
The first day of skiing at Park City was exciting. We skied the Canyon's side since we were staying on that side. Park City has an excellent bus system that takes you to the base ski lifts. This day, we rode the buckets up to the Red Pine Gondola. From there, we took the Meadows Express to the beginner area to get warmed up. I highly recommend doing the Hidden Bear trail, a beginner glade area that is fun and gorgeous.
Now, it was time to hit some serious trails. We took Saddleback Express, which takes you out on many great blue trails. We started with Snow Dancer. Then, Kokopelli to Chicane takes you to Tombstone Express. Tombstone BBQ is here, and we took a break for a beer. They have tons of seating, and we always get a seat on the chairs in the snow rather than on the tables. It is a great area for people-watching.
Pro Tip: Off of Chicane trail is a bypass called Chicane Bypass. It is super fun and gorgeous through the pines. O.G. highly recommends it.
After our beer break, we took the Tombstone Express Lift and made the following trails: Another World, Ripsaw, and Rhapsody. We ran a few more, then headed to the Orange Bubble Express. Kelly was dying to ride in the orange bubble. Over here, we planned to do Echo but bailed after a bit and took Sun Lodge Lift back up. We had an excellent first day at Park City.
Orange Bubble Express
Day 3: Canyon Side, Again.
The cluster of blues in the forest in the middle is a pretty area to ski.
For our second day of skiing, we skied more of the Canyon side and drank more beer at Tombstone. It was a great day indeed. It is interesting how you learn more about the mountain as you go. Today, we went left at the top of the Tombstone lift. This direction takes you more into the forest and multi-million dollar homes. These trails are labeled blues, but we sometimes found ourselves cross-country skiing. It is gorgeous back in that area, but greens folks, don’t be fooled; you can do it. Trust me.
View of what the trails look like through the forests and multi-million dollar homes.
Pro tip: To return to the village from Tombstone base, take the Over and Out Lift. It is super slow, but the view is gorgeous. This lift drops you at Raptor Way trail, where you can ski down to Canyon Village. The last bit is a steep drop.
Day 4: Park City Side
When you are in Park City, you have to ski on both sides, right? Instead of taking the bus or parking at Park City, we decided to take a chair lift and ski there. The Park City side is different from the Canyon side. For one, all these historic artifacts are sprinkled throughout from the mining days, which is incredible. As we did a few times, you can get lost on that side, so stay sharp. It was a total POW day as it was snowing. It was our first time skiing in powder, something to get used to but so much fun.
The Viking Yurt off of HomeRun is a must. They have the best homemade chocolate chip cookies and excellent food. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and very yurt-like. You can view their menu.
Day 5: Powder Mountain
We have the Epic Pass and the Indy Pass. Powder Mountain is on the Indy Pass. As we discovered, it is about an hour and a half drive. The last bit in the snow can be a bit shady. Snow on a 14% grade incline is never ideal, but we made it.
But first, coffee. After some research, I found a great coffee shop on Main Street where I could grab a cup before the trip to Powder Mountain. Atticus is the name. I am a coffee snob, and I found this coffee excellent. They also have a well-rounded selection of eats too. View their menu.
Powder Mountain got hit with lots of snow. We could not see the trails and, at times white-out conditions. It was awesome. At times, we were the only ones on the trail. You see, Powder Mountain limits the number of people on the mountain, so there are no crowds. The staff is excellent, friendly, and more down to earth than the Park City vibe. Their bar, Powder Keg, is a good time, too, and a great beer selection on tap. I highly recommend checking out Power Mountain. It is worth the drive from Park City. Please read our article, What Makes Powder Mountain in Utah Stand Out, to learn more about POW MOW.
This sign says everything about Powder Mountain.
Pro tip: After our trip, we learned that it is best to take the bus from Ogden or Eden, as the road to the mountain can be rough at times. Here is the bus schedule. If you drive, park at Timberline Lodge.
Day 6: Park City Side
On our sixth and final day, we are pooped. We decided to do a little skiing, but overall, it was a super chill day. We got a tip from a guy in the hot tub at our place to park on Main Street and take the Town Lift. This is an O.G. high recommend. Yes, the parking will cost you, but you have parking all day into the evening. But it was so easy and relaxed. Here is how it played out:
View from the Town Lift in Park City, Utah
We were parked in the garage, which is right next to the Town Lift. The garage is Town Lift garage by Burton and the lift.
Coffee and breakfast at Atticus. (The line for the lift was long, so this worked out great)(I love this place)
Got onto the Town lift right away, no more line. (no one likes waiting in line…. in the cold)
We took the Town Lift to Bonanza Express. The ride-up is slow but gorgeous. Later, you can ski down Main Street.
Skied
Took the Town lift back down
Enjoyed Main Street
That play-by-play was a great day. Our goal for skiing was to get to the top of McConkey’s Lift. We heard the view at the top is the best. And it was pretty great. This lift services black and double black runs. They have one blue called Georgianna. That is the one we took. Once we got off the lift, it was windy. You can watch this play out on our YouTube video, Park City's McConkey's Express to Georgiana, with a stop through Powder Monkey.
Pro tip: Be brave and take Powder Monkey the rest of the way down. It is off Georgianna before you make a right that returns you to Bonanza Express.
Day 7: Travel Home
With a very early flight, we headed back to Chicago. We like Park City so much that on our trip, we started to plan our 2025 trip. What would we do differently? We would try to book a place on Main Street. I say try it because it is super pricey.
See you on the slopes in 2025 unless you are in Colorado in a few weeks.
