Discover Two Sides of Park City Mountain: The Canyons vs Park City.
Park City Mountain Resort, encompassing both the Park City Village and Canyons sides, is a skiing destination known for its larger-than-life ski terrain, modern amenities, and historical charm. The Canyons Side of Park City, officially known as Canyons Village at Park City, offers adventure and luxury, making it a standout choice for skiers and visitors. The Park City Village, on the other hand, carries the historic charm of the old mining days, woven throughout the mountain.
Expansive view from the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort, overlooking the distant Park City downtown area.
The Quicksilver Gondola links Park City and The Canyons, allowing you to explore the largest ski area in the U.S. easily. This feature offers a unified skiing experience while maintaining each base area's distinct character.
Let’s explore what makes the Canyons and Park City sides unique
What Makes the Canyons Side Unique?
The Canyon’s side is about luxury and adventure, creating an upscale but welcoming atmosphere. Here are the highlights that make it a favorite for many:
Canyon Village:
Canyons Village at Park City Mountain offers a luxurious touch to your mountain getaway. It's a bit more upscale but keeps things friendly and welcoming. It is ideal for those who like a touch of class in their mountain adventure without the feeling of being over the top. It’s an excellent spot to start your ski day, chill after the slopes, or hang out and enjoy the scene.High Meadows Park
High Meadow Park at Park City Mountain is the perfect spot for skiers and snowboarders to build their skills. This area is thoughtfully designed with various runs that help you progress and prepare for more challenging slopes higher up the mountain.Mellow Moose: A beginner-friendly glade area with a groomed run ideal for smooth turns and easy navigation. This was my favorite.
Alley Cat: A playful run for practicing turning skills in a fun, low-pressure setting.
What I loved most about High Meadow Park is its mini variety—it’s like a sampler of the more considerable challenges higher up the mountain. It’s the perfect place to build confidence and taste what Park City Mountain has to offer.
Orange Bubble Lift
Orange Bubble Lift starts at the base of Canyons Village. The Orange Bubble Lift is known for being the first heated chairlift in North America. Its heated seats and weather-protective orange bubble cover offer a cozy ride up the mountain.
The Orange Bubble Lift at Canyons Village, featuring heated seats and its signature orange bubble cover.
Skiing Terrain
The Canyons side offers diverse skiing terrain, from greens to double blacks. My personal favorites include Kokopelli, Pine Draw, and Snow Dancer off Saddleback Express. Another standout is Chicane to Chicane Express, which features a tree-lined detour to Tombstone Express.
Cabriolet Lift
The Cabriolet Lift is an open-air gondola that provides a scenic ride from the parking area to the Canyons Village base. It’s a unique and fun way to start your ski day, offering convenience and great views.
Cabriolet Lift at Canyons Village offering a scenic, open-air ride from the parking area to the village base.
Tombstone Express and Tombstone BBQ
Tombstone BBQ is a must-stop for beer, barbecue, and some of the best people-watching on the mountain. It’s a true mecca for soaking up the sun and enjoying the lively atmosphere. This spot has an unbeatable vibe with Adirondack chairs, oversized picnic tables, and even skiers sprawled out on the snow like it’s a summer park day. Refuel with some Q, grab a drink, and relax before hitting the slopes again.
A refreshing beer at Tombstone BBQ, set against a backdrop of skiers relaxing in the snow on a sunny blue-sky day in Park City.
What Makes the Park City Side Unique?
The Park City side is steeped in history, with its roots in the mining days evident both on and off the slopes. From historic landmarks to the town’s rich heritage, skiing here feels like stepping back in time.
If you’re curious about this history, check out our blog: Discover the History of Park City, Utah.
Historic Mining Artifacts on the Slopes
The Park City side is a living museum, with ski trails weaving through old mine shafts, machinery, and buildings. If you’re into history like me, this adds a unique charm to every run.
Kelly posing by one of the many historic mining artifacts along Homerun on the Park City side, blending skiing with a touch of history.
Silver to Slopes Historic Mining Tour
This free tour for intermediate skiers is a highlight for history buffs. It takes you through landmark mining sites and offers a deep dive into Park City’s transformation from a mining camp to a world-class ski destination.
Skiing Terrain
The terrain here is as diverse as The Canyons, with options for all skill levels. Some of my favorite runs include Powder Monkey, a hidden glade trail that’s fun to explore, and Georgianna, a scenic blue run off McConkey’s Express.Pro Tip: The wind at the top of McConkey’s Lift can be intense, but don’t worry—it eases up as you start your descent.
Top of McConkey’s Lift: Skiers preparing to tackle black, double black, or blue runs on a clear day.
Powder Monkey
Take McConkey’s Express to one of the best views in Park City. From there, pick your poison: black, double black, or Georgianna, the only blue. Off of Georgianna to the right is a treat called Powder Monkey. Swing through the trees on your skis.Want to see what it’s like? Check out our YouTube video: Park City's McConkey's Express to Georgiana with a stop through Powder Monkey and Powder Monkey in Park City: Swing through the trees on your skis.
Historic Old Town
Start your day at Atticus for coffee on Main Street, across from the Town Lift. From there, ski down to the historic area, then explore shops, dining, and bars dating back to the late 1800s.Viking Yurt
The Viking Yurt is a cozy and welcoming spot to take a break during your ski day. Whether you’re in the mood for warm cookies, a cold beer, or hearty eats, this yurt has something for everyone. Personally, the warm cookies are why I always stop—they’re just too good to pass up
Skis stacked outside the Viking Yurt, left by guests enjoying the cozy atmosphere inside.
The Viking Yurt on the Park City side is a cozy stop on the ski run or a hike in the summer where you can indulge in delicious warm chocolate chip cookies, beer, and hearty eats, all within the unique setting of a yurt. It’s a perfect spot to warm up and refuel during your ski day.
Is The Canyons Connected to Park City Village?
Yes! The Quicksilver Gondola links Park City and Canyons Village, creating the largest ski area in the U.S. in one seamless experience.
Which Side is Best for Beginner Skiers?
The Park City side has more green runs, but The Canyons’ High Meadow Park is an excellent area for beginners. With a great foundation system for learning, both sides are beginner-friendly and offer plenty of progression options.
Après-Ski Options
Après-ski is where the day’s adventure continues, and both sides of Park City Mountain Resort have their unique vibe to offer.
The Canyons Side:
After a day on the slopes, head to Tombstone BBQ for a casual atmosphere with great food and people-watching. Picture Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, and skiers relaxing in the snow like a summer park day. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the sun and unwind.The Park City Side:
For a more historic and lively après-ski experience, take the Town Lift down to Old Town Park City. Stroll along Main Street and enjoy a mix of cozy cafes, unique shops, and local bars that date back to the late 1800s. The historic charm here makes it an unforgettable way to end the day.
Pro Tips for Parking
Getting to the slopes is easier when you know where to park:
The Canyons Side:
Park at the Cabriolet Lift lot for a convenient and scenic ride to the Canyons Village base. The open-air gondola whisks you straight to the action, and it’s a fun way to start your ski day.The Park City Side:
Arrive early to snag a spot in the Mountain Village parking lot close to the base. We learned this tip from a frequent flyer to Park City. If you’re heading to Old Town, parking can be a challenge, but the China Bridge parking structure is a reliable option and is just a short walk from Main Street and the Town Lift.
Conclusion: The Canyons vs. Park City.
The regulars to the mountain often have strong opinions on which side they prefer. I recommend checking out both if you have the time. The Canyons side was easier to navigate, with well-marked trails and luxurious touches like the Orange Bubble Lift. On the other hand, I loved skiing past the historic mining artifacts on the Park City side—it added a sense of adventure and nostalgia to my day.
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