Last month, I found myself standing at the top of Prospector — a black-diamond run at the Park City Mountain Resort In Utah. I’d just sailed down the first part of Parley’s Park, a straightforward blue, and it was absolutely dumping snow. A fairly new skier for someone who grew up in Seattle (it was late 2017, and I was 31 the first time a friend convinced me to strap two sticks to my feet and throw myself down a mountain), I had never before experienced a “powder day,” where the snow is soft, fluffy, and loosely packed. Here in the Northwest, we’re used to the Cascade Concrete, which is wetter and heavier and a lot more work to get through. 

I’ve skied a fair bit over the past eight years, and become a strong intermediate skier, but the conditions in Park City were a game-changer. The best way I can explain it is that when it came to the technical act of skiing, the powder made things easier — and very fun — but the whole process felt more physically demanding.  

As I followed my Slovenian guide, Uris Gril, past that black diamond sign, I felt nervous. Blues are my go-to. I’ve followed friends down some black runs at Steven’s Pass, and although I am able to handle them, they generally aren’t my favorite, especially if there are moguls involved. The run wasn’t hard, Gril assured me — he’d been watching me ski all morning and was confident I could handle it. One thing I’ve learned is that for the most part, the only way off a mountain is down, so with a deep breath I aimed my boots and followed my guide, who joked that he was “born with skies strapped to feet.” 

About halfway down the run, I loosened up — I could do this. And it was exhilarating. Sure, the light was flat, and the wind was blowing snow directly, and sharply, into my face, but I was used to that kind of thing from home. What I could not get over were the way my skies absolutely floated over the snow. I may have even given a little whoop of joy as I navigated my way around other mountain-goers, feeling the confidence to go a little faster for the second half of the run. 

By the time our group reached the bottom, I was so jazzed up about my experience, I immediately wanted to do it again — and so we did, skiing a few more runs, until the wind picked up and visibility became questionable, at which point we decided to head in, meeting the rest of our group at the Mid-Mountain Lodge, a cozy abode originally built in 1896, for espresso martinis and a cafeteria-style lunch (the pesto grilled cheese and tomato soup was the perfect post-slopes meal). 

The slopes are diverse and welcoming, with runs for every skill level and plenty of room to explore.

Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts

We had a mix of skill levels in our group, as well as both skiers and snowboarders, and yet everyone was able to ride together for part of the day or easily break off into smaller duos and trios based on experience and athletic ability. According to John Plack, director of communications for Vail Resorts (which owns Park City), and an avid skier, that’s the beauty of the resort and, aside from world-class conditions, it’s one of the things that draws guests — from families with first-time skiers to bachelorette parties to locals who have been skiing the mountain for years. 

“This is one of my favorite parts about Park City Mountain,” Plack says. “Skiers and riders of mixed abilities can ski all day together without separating. It allows the entire group to pick a zone and lap the same chairlift together, creating a more memorable experience that everyone can share, regardless of ability level.”

A good tip to kick off any trip is picking where to stay. Park City has two distinct base areas: Mountain Village and Canyons. The two connect — you can ride between them via the Quicksilver Gondola — and there are numerous quick and easy shuttle options. Depending on your vibe (are you looking to hit the bars at night or call it an early evening and watch movies with the kids?) there’s a base that will best suit your needs. 

“If  you’re looking to party on Park City’s incredible Main Street, you will want to home-base out of Mountain Village,” Plack says, citing High West Distillery as a must-stop for dinner and a craft cocktail, and the 25-year-old No Name Saloon for an after-meal beer. “If you are looking for a more relaxed and luxurious resort-style ski trip (especially with the little ones), plan your trip out of Canyons Village.”

We stayed at the Pendry Park City, located in Canyons Village, which provided a laid-back luxury stay (no stuffiness or over-the-top formality, but the contemporary décor and all-around service felt high-end) just steps away from the gondolas. Amenities such as equipment rental and ski valet make gearing up a breeze, equating to more time on the mountain. A rooftop pool, the only one in Canyons Village, and full-service spa are great ways to unwind and ease sore muscles. We ate at the hotel’s restaurant, Kita, a Japanese-inspired steakhouse with creative cocktails and a standout ssam platter made for sharing, but another option is Après Pendry, which offers a casual and cozy atmosphere with fireside seating and live music. 

The only rooftop pool in Canyons Village is perfect for unwinding after a day on the mountain.

Kita is a Japanese-inspired steakhouse with creative cocktails and a sharable ssam platter.

Photo courtesy of KITA Restaurant

With its stylish, contemporary vibe, Après Pendry at Pendry Park City offers fireside seating, live music, and handcrafted cocktails.

Photo courtesy of Pendry Park City

Some of the draws include comedy shows, fine dining, hiking, the annual 4th of July parade, and snow activities outside of skiing, including snowmobiling, dog sledding, hiking and fat-tire biking. And with flights clocking in at less than two hours from Seattle to Salt Lake International Airport, and Park City a mere 35-minute drive from there, it’s easy to head out on a Friday, enjoy a full weekend of activities, then return home in time for work on Monday — but no one would blame you if you wanted to call in “sick” and sneak in an extra day on the slopes.