The Perfect Three Day Weekend in Park City

Helloooo, magical mountain land!!

Our first time in Park City, Utah was an absolute dreamboat. There’s something so comforting and homey about the chilly air, the laid back atmosphere, and the sky high mountain views out West that just grounds me. I surprised Jeff with a long weekend ski trip to Deer Valley Resort as an anniversary present knowing that we both could use a few relaxing days away from the chaos.

And guess what? You don’t have to be a skier extraordinaire to enjoy Park City. I’m very beginner (last year in Telluride was my first time!) but I had a blast on the slopes nonetheless.

It was clear by the first night why Deer Valley Resort has been ranked the #1 ski resort for four years in a row. The food was phenomenal and customer service was equally outstanding. We felt cozy and welcome and right at home.

Instead of doing my typical travel guide where I tell you where we stayed, ate, and played, I thought it would be fun and different to share how to make the most of three days in this historic mountain city. Grab a mug of coffee and let’s hop to it!

Day One

Park City is a quick 45 minute drive from the Salt Lake City airport so taking a shuttle into town is easy peasy. Head to The Lodges at Deer Valley Resort, a super cozy and rustic condominium-style accommodation with the warmest, most delightful staff you’ll ever meet.

The Lodges provides a free shuttle to just about anywhere in town—major perk. We didn’t have to Uber anywhere. After you’ve settled in grab a late lunch or snack on historic Main Street at High West Saloon for top notch western mountain food and whiskey. Don’t miss the three bean chili, shishito peppers, and house pretzels!

Next, relax at The Grocery Cafe for a famous Deer Valley chocolate chip cookie the size of your face and a steamy hot latte. If you have time, you can stop by the rental equipment shop located right inside The Lodges and reserve your gear so you’re ready to go in the morning.

Known for their yummy brick-oven cuisine, dinner at The Brass Tag is super convenient on the first night since it’s right in the hotel. We loved the miso glazed Verlasso salmon with shitakes, snap peas, and coconut ginger jasmine rice. If you’re not cookied out, they have a mean cookie skillet with vanilla ice cream for the perfect night cap.

If you’re looking for a drink or two and willing to brace the cold, head to No Name on Main Street, a dive bar loved by the locals.

Day Two

A stay at The Lodges includes a lovely breakfast each morning. My favorite dish was the Belgian waffles with banana butter, Vermont maple syrup, and berry compote. Crispy waffle perfection! Drink plenty of hot java before getting your ski gear on and hitting the Wasatch Mountains.

If you’re feeling like venturing a wee bit farther for breakfast, The Grocery Cafe has the most fabulous wild smoked salmon plate with an everything bagel, chive cream cheese, caper berries, pickled red onion, and micro greens. Another excellent choice is the beet hummus toast with goat cheese, black salt, and micro greens. The local food scene in Park City is stellar.

Deer Valley has six different mountains with slopes for all levels just a quick drive or walk from from the hotel. As I mentioned earlier, I’m a pretty beginner skier so I’d be lying if I said I didn’t spend mooooost of my time on the first green. No shame!

The good news is that Deer Valley Resort is known for their ski school program so don’t hesitate to take a lesson if you’re a newbie or if you’re just rusty. We had an awesome instructor who helped us loosen up and also showed us around the mountain. Maybe next time I’ll be up to skiing the runs skied by the Olympians in the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games…HA.

Let’s talk mountain eats! The on-mountain food at Deer Valley is not your typical ski food, and I mean that in the best way possible. Take the lift to Silver Lodge Restaurant and prepare yourself for a satisfying meal including their famous turkey chili, the best salad bar of your life, endless baked goods, tacos, cheese, olives, and more. The Italian vegetable soup was notedly delish.

Ski a bit more before heading back to the room to relax for a bit. Grab a bottle of wine or craft beer from the store in The Lodges and soak in the hot tub for a serious treat. It’s the best version of après-ski in my book!

Shower up, nap, sit by the fireplace, and get ready for dinner at the most drool-worthy sustainable Seafood Buffet in Snow Park Village. Endless crab legs, shrimp, oysters, poke, clam chowder, king salmon, carvery specials, butternut and sage gnocchi, salads, desserts…the list is endless! I’ll admit I was skeptical when I heard the word “buffet” but we were blown away by our meal and service that night. It was such a unique and fun experience trying so many different foods. It’s not to be missed.

Day Three

Rise and dine! Head to Main Street for a wholesome Aussie brunch at Harvest. Our favorites were the house-made muesli with coconut yogurt, the smashed avocado on sourdough with poached eggs, and plenty of hot java.

Stroll around Main Street and check out the art, home, book, and clothing boutiques. If you’re ready for a mid morning smoothie or matcha latte, stop in to Atticus and unwind.

Hit the slopes before enjoying a sit-down mountain lunch at Royal Street Cafe in Silver Lake Lodge. You’ll have to take the ski lift to get there, so get ready for some insane Utah views. Start with the black bean hummus with feta and harissa while you sip on a hot toddy. For your main meal, try the wild salmon taco special with mango slaw or the baby kale, apple, and farro salad with cranberries, pecans, local cheddar, and ginger pear vinaigrette. It was a salad for the books.

Stay and ski near the lodge or head back down to Snow Park. When you’ve had enough, walk to the beautiful St. Regis for a cocktail on the heated patio and one of the best views in town.

Head back to the hotel for some R&R or another soak in the hot tub with a glass of wine before getting ready for an elegant dinner at The Mariposa, Deer Valley’s premier restaurant rated #1 in Utah by The Zagat Restaurant Guide for food and service. Did I mention in also has an award winning wine list? Vinoooo!

To start, the Maine lobster chowder is an absolute must. It was easily one of the best soups I’ve had to date, with buttery lobster, rich cream, and chives. Such a delight for the taste buds!

Then enjoy the tomato tart with burrata, aged balsamic, micro basil, and olive oil. For the main course, I went to town on the scallops with corn risotto and smoked paprika hollandaise. Jeff enjoyed the Bison fillet with triple cream brie, yam-yukon potato gratin, and rainbow chard.

Insanely hospitable and kind service, delicious dining experiences, a gorgeous mountain backdrop, and powdery slopes fit for a queen…it’s no surprise that people of all ages flock to Deer Valley Resort in Park City each year.

I hear it’s just as beautiful in the summer, so perhaps I’ll have to go back in a few months?!

The only question is…where to next?

For more travel adventures, check out:

What to Do and Eat in Denver

Telluride Travel Guide

What to Do and Eat in Nashville

5 Days in Harbour Island

8 Things I Learned in Italy

Disclosure: Deer Valley Resort hosted me while visiting Park City. I was not compensated to write this post and all thoughts are my own.