Heather Fielding-Owen
Born and raised in the Adirondack Mountains, Heather learned to love all seasons but she most enjoys the winter. She experienced the four seasons while she was attending college in Missoula, Montana. In addition to earning a bachelors degree in Fine Arts, she become very familiar with the slopes at Snowbowl Mountain. She then soon learned the challenges of having a career in oil painting while living in Seattle. Like many of us, she wanted to be a ski bum for a year. That year turned into 17 winters at Canyons Resort where she has been a full-time ski instructor.
Below are some of Heather’s picks for a “kid-friendly” visit to Park City.
SKI PROGRAMS
Park City is home to three ski resorts: Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons Resort. They all offer ski-school programs. If you’re staying for more than a week, take advantage. The local programs are usually on Saturdays. They are not available during the holidays. Each resort lists its programs on its website.
Deer Valley 2250 Deer Valley Drive S, 435.649.1000
Park City Mountain Resort 1345 Lowell Avenue, 435.649.8111
HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES
Soar up on a hot-air balloon ride to watch sunrise.
ZIP LINES
In addition to the zip lines, the alpine coaster seems to be all the rave.
Park City Mountain Resort Zip Lines 1345 Lowell Avenue, 435.649.8111
HISTORIC MAIN STREET
Park City was founded first as a silver mining town so naturally there is a mining history museum. The Park City Museum is fun for all ages. 528 Main Street, 435.649.7457
Historic Main Street has many dining options and offers a free trolley that can be very handy for tired legs after a full day of skiing!
The Arts
Kimball Art Center is a wonderful art center and it offers youth activities. 638 Park Avenue, 435.649.8882
Skiing
If your family members are all intermediate skiers, head up the Orange Bubble Express and experience the warmth of a heated chairlift ride. This lift will also keep you protected from the elements by using orange plastic shields that can be lowered during your ride.
At the top of the lift, unload to the left where you can warm up on High Meadow. At the end of the run, you will be at the Red Pine area. Two chairlifts exit this area. High Meadow is the first lift, which repeats your last run, or choose SaddleBack Express to “Snow Dancer,” my favorite blue run. You will then return back to the Red Pine area where you can hydrate in the Red Pine Lodge. Pick up a trail map to plan out the rest of your day.
Here are a few more intermediate blue trails: Kokopelli, Upper and Lower Boa, Apex Ridge to EZ Street, Echo, Chicane, Silver Spur, Another World to South Fork, Rhapsody to South Fork, Harmony, Panorama, Alpenglow, and Copperhead.
Play in the snow
When taking a break from the hitting the slopes, tubing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, ice skating, and dog sledding are all wonderful options.
TUBING
Woodward Park City is a must. It’s great for the youngsters because they can play in a beginner’s area. There also is a small outdoor ice-skating rink. 3863 West Kilby Road, 435.658.2648
SLEIGH RIDES
SNOW MOBILING
The Utah Olympic Park is a great place to tour the bobsled track and long-jump arena. There is a free museum that focuses on the 2002 Olympic Games. If you are 16 or older, you can sign up for a pro driver to take you on the Comet Bobsled Ride.
3419 Olympic Parkway, 435.658.4200
Great roundup of things to do in Park City! Park City/Deer Valley is super family friendly.
Also, If you are staying at The Montage, they have a snowtubing hill, arcade and bowling.