There’s nothing quite as magical or memorable as spending the holidays in the heart of Park City, Utah. From the snow-covered ski slopes to the lineup of festive gatherings on the calendar, it’s a picture-perfect place to enjoy on your own, as a couple, or in the company of family and friends. That said, if you’re not someone who enjoys crowds this time of year, there’s just as much to enjoy here before the holidays officially get underway. The following are five ways you can explore Park City before high travel season comes to town once again.
1. Make It a Pre-Holiday Arts and Culture Journey to Park City
A little inspiration can certainly go a long way when you’re hoping to create memorable fun on vacation. For those looking to enjoy Park City before the holidays this year, we suggest making plans to travel here a bit earlier in the season to pursue an arts and culture-focused adventure.
Your pre-holiday stay can revolve around time well spent on Main Street, learning more about the area’s rich history, and checking out art-inspired stops of all kinds as well. The historic architecture here is always a treat to admire, and at the Park City Museum, travelers can learn more about Park City’s mining history while touring the original jail, too. Don’t miss out on quality time at Gallery MAR, where you can experience the work of emerging local artists, or head over to the Kimball Art Center and take a painting class of your own after touring the gallery.
2. Head Here in the Shoulder Season to Focus on Health and Wellness
Sometimes, the best way to prepare for the busy holidays ahead is to plan a trip to Park City during the shoulder season of travel. This is a wonderful opportunity to focus exclusively on discovering the destination through health and wellness activities.
At Align Spa, travelers can invest in a session that combines holistic therapies with traditional massage and facials. Opportunities to pair a serene alpine setting with upscale, luxury treatments are also available year-round at The Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge.
If you choose to partner with the team at Park City Yoga Adventures, you’ll find that your options for new experiences expand. Here, you can be a part of guided meditation sessions hosted in a yurt, participate in a paddleboard yoga class held at a local geothermal spring, or even try a silks class for something new and exciting right at their studio in Park City.
3. Take to the Local Trails at Your Own Preferred Pace
If you’re looking to explore Park City’s incredible terrain without having to contend with holiday crowds, arriving earlier in the season is a terrific way to hit the local hiking trails at your own preferred pace. If you get here before the snow falls, you’ll have a wide variety of hiking trail options to pick from that are fit to your preferences and skill level.
Experienced hikers won’t want to miss out on time on the Mid-Mountain Trail, which features gorgeous open meadows and runs through alpine forests, too. In total, this single-track route spans more than 20 miles of terrain west of Park City, and those with an adventurous spirit will love that it sits at the 8,000-foot elevation level.
If it’s a moderate uphill climb you’re after, routes like the Armstrong Trail are sure to please, and this trek is particularly beautiful when the fall foliage is at its peak. When you’re hoping for no more than a gentle walk with scenic views, we would suggest adding Jenni’s Trail to your pre-holiday Park City getaway this year.
4. Dine Your Way to Pre-Holiday Fun
As travelers head into Park City in droves over the holidays, it can inevitably be difficult to make reservations at some of the top-rated restaurants in town. Fortunately, those who plan to explore Park City before the holidays arrive will have plenty of time to savor the moment at all their favorite eateries. Places like Riverhorse on Main are fantastic for upscale dining in the heart of town, while Handle is loved by patrons for its welcoming vibes and menu designed around locally sourced ingredients.
5. Make It a Ski Getaway to Park City Without Long Lift Lines
The opportunities for downhill thrills are equally inviting before the holidays, and the benefit for early-season travelers is that the lift lines are much shorter! Places like Park City Mountain Resort often open for the season by mid-November. That means if you can plan to arrive in town before Thanksgiving, there’s a good chance you’ll be first on the slopes when the early-season fresh powder falls. Planning to visit this time of year also often comes with discounts on ski rentals, easy access to the best après-ski stops, and plenty of reasons to add follow-up activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing to your itinerary.
Book Your Park City Stay Today
When you’re ready to beat the holiday crowds to Park City and enjoy a one-of-a-kind stay, the team at Luxe Haus will be here to make sure you have the luxurious accommodations in place to match upon arrival. Reach out to learn more about our impressive portfolio of Park City vacation rentals and to start planning your pre-holiday getaway to Utah soon!
