8 Fun Winter Things to Do in Park City (That Aren’t Skiing)
No Skiing Lessons Required
Park City is more than just a haven for skiers and snowboarders–it is a destination that offers fun for any personality, from the biggest history buffs to the classiest food connoisseurs. For visitors hoping to inject their time in “Winter’s Favorite Town” with a little more oomph, we’ve put together 8 fun things to do in wintertime while you’re visiting this snowy mountain town.
#1: Sleigh Into a Delightful Dinner
Wintertime is magical in Park City, and what better way to get a taste of that magic than taking a snowy sleigh ride to a fancy dinner on the mountain? This four-hour excursion starts with a short sleigh ride up Park City Mountain. At the end of your journey, a fine dining experience awaits you at The Viking Yurt, where you’ll enjoy a 6-course gourmet meal surrounded by the dulcet tones of a baby grand piano.
Dubbed by the Today Show as “one of the most romantic places to propose in America”, this sleigh ride and dining experience is a memorable one for couples looking to up the romance on their next Park City vacation.
#2: Standup Paddleboard Yoga in Homestead Crater
Standup paddleboarding is typically a summertime activity, but in Park City you’ll be able to experience this adventure year-round, and from a very special spot: the inside of a crater fed by geothermal hot springs. Park City Yoga Adventures organizes regular standup paddleboard yoga sessions in this otherworldly crater. Because it is entirely encased in stone and protected from the elements, the tranquil turquoise waters remain at a balmy 95 degrees year-round.
#3: See the Exhibits at Kimball Art Center
Looking to feed your artsy side? Housed in a sprawling 9,000 square foot former warehouse, the Kimball Art Center has a variety of rolling exhibitions for visitors, all free and open to the public. This important center for culture and art was founded in 1976 by Bill Kimball, whose mission was to catalyze creativity and community dialogue in the Park City region. If you’re hoping to get a bit more hands-on with the artists in residence and work on your own projects, there are also an array of educational programs available year-round for both children and adults.
#4: Try an Escape Room at Escape Room Park City
When the weather outside is frightful, many visitors to Park City are on the lookout for indoor activities to try with their families. One of the most popular ways to pass time in town is to try out an escape room at Escape Room Park City. This mom-and-pop operation boasts four different rooms for visitors to find their way out of, filled with interactive puzzles that will encourage your team to use wits and problem-solving skills to score one of the fastest escape times.
#5: Take a Wine-Fueled Painting Class at The Paint Mixer
Wine and painting go together like peanut butter and jelly, and at The Paint Mixer, you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of both. Each class at The Paint Mixer lasts about two hours and is led by a local artist, with all supplies (including aprons) provided for you. There are a plethora of different options available for workshops, including canvas painting, watercolors, mandala rocks, and ski signs. Knock a few glasses of wine back as you explore your creative side in this popular year-round activity.
#6: Get a Bird’s Eye View in a Hot Air Balloon
The only thing better than seeing Park City from the mountain heights of a gondola is to go even higher, and with a hot air balloon ride above the city, you’ll be afforded more views than you ever thought possible. Your hot air balloon excursion begins in the quiet tranquility of dawn, where you’ll be greeted by the colorful panels of your balloon transport, before ascending gradually to 1,000 feet above the ground.
In the wintertime, the snow-capped mountain peaks and frost-coated land will unfold before you as you rise into the air, affording a view of the scenery that typically only birds get to see.
#7: Bobsled at Utah Olympic Park
Park City is known worldwide as the host of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, and echoes of that athletic glory are still felt throughout the region. Visitors who want to experience the thrills of bobsledding have an opportunity to do so at Utah Olympic Park, which features bobsled rides along the same track that the winter athletes used back in 2002. Each bobsled ride is guided by a professional pilot who will take you on the most thrilling ride of your life. Be warned, however, this experience is not for the faint of heart–you’ll experience up to five times the normal force of gravity, so we don’t recommend this activity for those prone to motion sickness.
#8: Get Some Deals at Outlets Park City
Shopping is an all-American pastime, but if the shops and boutiques along Historic Main Street are a bit too pricey for your tastes, you’ll better appreciate the deals available at Outlets Park City. This sprawling outdoor shopping center is home to a variety of outlet stores, featuring popular locales like Gap and Coach with much lower prices than you’d find in most retail locations. Spend a few hours window shopping or pick up some much-needed winter clothing while you’re in town–Outlets Park City has everything you need to make your shopping dreams come true.
The Fun Never Stops in Park City
Park City is a winter destination that has it all, even if you’re not big into skiing or snowboarding. No matter whether you decide to bobsled at Utah Olympic Park or take a standup paddleboard yoga class inside of Homestead Crater, it’s easy to find activities for any personality while you’re visiting this Utah ski town. For those adventurous folk looking for a way to spice up their next vacation to Park City, we’ve also put together a list of our favorite winter hikes. Or, if you’re feeling like getting a bit more high-end with your dining experience, check out our list of the best fine-dining restaurants in the area.