Your Guide to Park City Mountain’s Ski Runs
Ski Your Heart Out On Park City Mountain
Skiing the world-famous powder at Park City Mountain Resort is an unparalleled experience. From the feeling of the fresh winter air in your lungs to the rush of adrenaline you’ll get on those fierce slopes, there’s something truly unforgettable about Park City Mountain. But if you’ve never been before, planning out your skiing itinerary can be somewhat overwhelming–that’s why we’ve crafted this guide for you.
Today, we’ll dive into Park City Mountain’s ski runs and give you a rundown on some history and statistics, the best easy slopes, as well as featuring some of the best intermediate and expert runs down the mountain.
Park City Mountain History and Stats
Park City Mountain Resort’s history stretches back to the days of silver mining, when the town was first incorporated in 1884. Although silver mining brought much prosperity to the region, by the 1930s most of the ore had dried up. The mountain resort, in turn, owes its existence to the last remaining mining company in the area, which opened up the property as Treasure Mountain back in 1963. In the years since, it has become a world-class destination that boasts many accolades, including hosting events for the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Today, Park City Mountain Resort has firmly established itself as one of the top ski resorts in North America, with 348 total trails spread across 7,300 acres of terrain and 8 mountain peaks. There are also a total of 4 terrain parks on the property, offering patrons a chance to try out their skills and hone them to perfection.
Best Ski Runs for Beginners on Park City Mountain
Although beginner ski runs take up the smallest proportion of Park City Mountain’s trails, there’s still quite a few options available for novices to choose from.
First Time
If you’ve never set foot on a ski slope before, there’s no better place to start than on the First Time trail. Aptly-named for its beginner-friendly terrain, this run features a gentle slope and is generally considered to be one of the best “bunny hills” on the entire property. Just catch the First Time lift from the base to access this fun and novice-friendly route.
Raptor Way
For beginner skiers who are interested in working on form, Raptor Way is a great bunny hill to get your feet wet on, offering another gentle slope that will help you learn to carve the powder more easily. Access this run by taking the Sunrise Lift to Red Pine Gondola and the Orange Bubble Express. Be aware that during busier times of the day, it can get a bit busy, so practice safe skiing.
Home Run
Looking for a longer ski run that’ll help you get the lay of the land and enjoy some amazing alpine views? Check out Home Run, a 3.5 mile long trail that’s one of the longest green trails in the entire state. To find this spacious trail, just hop on the Town Lift in Park City, or, if you’re coming from the base of the mountain, just take the Pay Day Express lift and then board the Bonanza.
Intermediate Runs for Thrills
If you’re not a novice to skiing and are looking for something more of a challenge, you’re in luck at Park City Mountain Resort, where there’s more intermediate terrain than anything else.
Mel’s Alley
Skiers who are just on the cusp of the intermediate level will enjoy Mel’s Alley, which can be paired easily with a run down Homerun as well. To get to this trail, take the Bonanza chairlift and turn down Home Run, before making your first left onto this well-trodden blue trail that will leave you feeling windswept and alive.
King Con Run
The King Con Express area has tons of great blue runs for intermediate skiers, but easiest among them is the namesake of the lift–the King Con Run. After conquering your first run in this area, test your skills and challenge yourself by working your way through the rest of the trails around to truly get the Park City Mountain Resort experience.
Expert Ski Runs on Park City Mountain
It can get boring skiing down greens and blues when you’ve had a lifetime of skiing experience under your belt already. That’s why we’re recommending some of the top expert ski runs on Park City Mountain.
East Face
Skiers looking for the ultimate adventure will fall in love with the East Face ski run, which requires a sizable hike to the top of Jupiter Peak in order to obtain access. But if you’re not into the groomed mountain experience and have a craving for plenty of fresh, untouched powder with challenging terrain that borders on terrifying, East Face is the perfect place for you.
Molly’s
Want to stay on the chair lifts without having to sacrifice getting in some expert-level runs? Take a look at Molly’s, which can be found by taking McConkey’s Express chairlift. This steep and evergreen-packed run is a dream, especially since one of its gulleys holds snow perfectly after storms, leaving tons of fresh powder depending on your line.
Find Even More Adventures in Park City
Park City is not just a skier’s paradise–it’s a winter wonderland that offers endless activities to travelers. Everything from dog sledding to a dinner in a peakside yurt is available at your fingertips in this wonderful mountain town, and it just takes a little exploration to find it.
Want to discover even more magic in Park City? Check out our recommendations for the best nature spots in the area or discover the best hot springs near Park City.