There’s one thing about an actual trip that resets every part. Not the type the place you scroll by way of emails from a seashore chair, however the variety the place you really disconnect, do one thing new, eat one thing nice, and are available again feeling like a special individual.
Final yr, that reset got here courtesy of Isla Mujeres, a sleepy little island off the coast of Cancun. Whereas Cancun is all in regards to the get together, Isla Mujeres is its laid-back, beautiful youthful sister: beautiful seashores, unbelievable ocean views, and the sort of informal island power that makes you overlook what day it’s. Driving the size of the island in a golf cart and wandering among the many Mayan ruins at Punta Sur was a type of experiences that sticks with you. It’s the quiet little moments like that which make journey so value it.
So when it got here time to plan my subsequent recharge, I wished one thing fully totally different. Sand and sea are nice, however I used to be craving snow. I wished to calm down with out being bored, have some genuinely memorable experiences, take pleasure in wonderful meals, and perhaps take pleasure in a bit of luxurious alongside the way in which. For those who’re within the temper to discover a weekend getaway, a winter mountain escape is tough to beat. After some looking out and a whole lot of studying, I landed on Park Metropolis, Utah, a part of the Vail Resorts household of mountain locations.
So, What Precisely Is Park Metropolis?
Nestled excessive within the Wasatch Mountains, Park Metropolis is a historic western mining city that dates again to the 1860s. What began as a silver rush settlement finally grew to become one of the beloved ski cities within the nation. As we speak it’s house to the biggest ski resort in the US, with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, plus subtle eating, boutique buying, and world-class occasions just like the Sundance Movie Competition. However right here’s the factor: regardless of all of that, Park Metropolis nonetheless has its genuine small-town really feel. The mining heritage is in all places if you recognize the place to look, and that’s a part of what makes it particular.
It’s Not like Wherever Else
Right here’s one thing that genuinely stunned me: Park Metropolis is the one ski resort within the nation with elevate entry on to its historic Important Road. Which means you possibly can actually ski all the way down to the retailers, eating places, and galleries that line the center of city. Simply step off the mountain and right into a world of boutiques and nice meals. For somebody who will get bored simply, that sort of flexibility was a giant draw.
The Meals Is The place It’s At
I’ll be trustworthy: I’ll completely journey for meals. And Park Metropolis didn’t disappoint. The culinary scene right here punches effectively above its weight for a mountain city, with eating places that would maintain their very own in any metropolis.
The Farm
Certainly one of Park Metropolis’s standout eating places, The Farm is constructed on a farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing elements from native farms and artisans inside 200 miles. The menu modifications seasonally to rejoice what’s contemporary and native. It’s the sort of place the place every part on the plate feels intentional. Reservations are a should.
Viking Yurt Dinner in Park Metropolis: The Finest Night time Out on the Mountain
If there’s one expertise that defines a Park Metropolis winter journey, it’s dinner at The Viking Yurt. This isn’t your common evening out. Your night begins with a 25-minute sleigh trip up 1,800 vertical ft, with sweeping views of the evening sky, the twinkling lights of Park Metropolis, and the encircling mountains. Once you arrive on the yurt, you’re greeted by a heat hearth and a mug of scorching glögg, a spiced berry cider. Then comes a six-course gourmand dinner, all served over 4 hours with a reside piano efficiency. Solely 40 visitors are seated every evening, so it by no means feels crowded or rushed.
The Viking Yurt was named Better of State Utah in each 2024 and 2025, and after one evening there, it’s straightforward to see why. Pricing runs $225 per individual throughout common season and $295 per individual over the vacations (alcohol and gratuity not included). For those who’re planning a visit to Park Metropolis this winter, guide this one first. It fills up quick. It’s the sort of cozy, indulgent night that pairs completely with a great scorching chocolate whenever you get again to the lodge.
On the Mountain: Guided Ski Experiences
I’m going to be upfront: I’m not a assured skier. In any respect. And with over 300 trails throughout 7,300 acres, the thought of simply displaying up and figuring it out sounded fairly daunting. That’s the place Park Metropolis’s Guided Mountain Expertise is available in. An skilled information takes you on a customized tour throughout the resort, half sightseeing, half ski lesson. Your information helps you sort out terrain you’d by no means attempt by yourself, you really be taught one thing alongside the way in which, and also you’re grouped with different adults at your stage. You additionally skip the elevate line wait, which implies extra time really on the mountain. For somebody like me, it was value each penny.
See additionally
And Then There’s Snowshoeing
I’d by no means been snowshoeing earlier than this journey, however consider it as snow mountain climbing, and it would simply be my new favourite factor. Park Metropolis has seasoned out of doors guides who take you off the crushed path, by way of aspen and evergreen forests and as much as snow-covered alpine lakes. It’s an effective way to find mountain wildlife, soak within the views, and quietly shake off some stress. There are many native information corporations to select from, with choices starting from leisurely walks to critical exercises. An ideal technique to spend a day without work the slopes.
Getting There Is Straightforward
Top-of-the-line issues about Park Metropolis is how accessible it’s. It’s solely a few 35 to 40 minute drive from Salt Lake Metropolis Worldwide Airport, and you’ll guide elevate tickets, classes, and eating reservations on-line forward of time. Much less planning, extra having fun with the mountain. And for those who’re nonetheless determining what to pack, take a look at our packing ideas earlier than you head out.
The Backside Line
Park Metropolis has every part I used to be on the lookout for in a winter getaway: beautiful surroundings, nice meals, memorable experiences, and a relaxed mountain city vibe that by no means feels rushed or touristy. Whether or not you’re an skilled skier or somebody like me who simply desires to benefit from the mountain with out the strain, there’s a spot for you right here.
Park Metropolis Mountain is among the standout locations throughout the Vail Resorts assortment. For those who’re able to plan your personal mountain getaway, begin at parkcitymountain.com. And for those who’re on the lookout for extra winter getaway concepts nearer to house, we’ve acquired you lined there too.
Disclosure: This submit was initially created in partnership with Vail Resorts and has since been up to date with present info. All opinions are my very own.
Higher Dwelling makes use of affiliate hyperlinks. For those who make a purchase order by way of them, we might obtain a small fee (for which we’re deeply grateful) for free of charge to you.
