The local saying is: “I came for the winter but stayed for the summer.” Once you experience Utah’s Park City it’s difficult to go anywhere else. What makes Park City special? It’s big enough yet small enough. I am originally from the East Coast but I have lived in Park City for 23 years. I delight in the fact that you will always see someone you know or recognize as you are either enjoying the outdoors or running around town doing daily chores. I’ve come to learn that a smile and hello each day keeps the doctor away!
Heidi Voelker was a 12-year member of the U.S. Ski Team and competed in the Olympic Games three times. She has six top-10 World Cup finishes and was the 1994 Champion in Giant Slalom. As Deer Valley’s Ambassador of Skiing, she skis with corporate groups, members of the media and VIPs, and attends special events. She can frequently be seen shredding up the slopes with her signature oh-so-smooth style. She is married and has two sons.
Below are Heidi’s must-dos in Park City!
Brunch and Lunch
Royal Street Café
7600 Royal Street
435.645.6724
My pick for lunch, whether it be summer or winter, is easy: Royal Street Café, located at Silver Lake, mid-mountain. During the summer you can hike, bike or drive to Royal Street Café. In the winter, you can ski in! The menu is casual but it’s the “quintessential” Deer Valley food. My favorite and regular order is the crab tower, tuna tacos, a glass of Chardonnay and a house-made ice-cream cookie sandwich. After you finish your meal, take in the beautiful vistas before you hit the trails again.
Stein Eriksen Lodge
7700 Stein Way
888.705.8961 or 888.705.9052
If you’re lucky, you might even see the great Stein Eriksen himself! Again, this is at Deer Valley, mid-mountain. There is beautiful outdoor seating during the summer. The buffet has so many choices that you might want to try it all! Enjoy a piece of quiche and a drink as you breathe in the crisp mountain air.
Out on the Town
Although it would be fun to be “out on the town,” it doesn’t happen much for me. I am the mother of two! When I am out, it’s most likely for dinner with my husband and friends.
There are many fun spots, but if I had to pick…the Boneyard. We had dinner at the Blind Dog (see next entry) then walked next door to a new bar called Boneyard. This will be a good spot year-round because it has a patio and a rooftop bar! We love the atmosphere: a city feel in the mountains. Enjoy a meal while you pick out your ski run for the next day. This is also a nice spot because it’s not on Main Street but in Bonanza Park in Park City.
Dinner
There are so many good dining spots to enjoy with your spouse, significant other or with girlfriends. There are plenty of fancier places to dine on Main Street but if you want the local feel, visit the restaurants below. I can’t possibly pick only one, but these are at the top of my list:
Blind Dog
1251 Kearns Boulevard at the Yard
435.655.0800
High West Distillery & Saloon
703 Park Avenue
435.649.8300
Kid-Friendly
Flying Sumo
838 Park Avenue
435.649.5522
This is my go-to spot. If your children don’t like sushi then Fuego is it! Best pizza in town.
Fuego Bistro & Pizzeria
2001 Sidewinder Drive
435.645.8646
For a scrumptious after-dinner treat:
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
510 Main Street
435.649.0996
It’s in the center of Main Street. Your kids are happy and you get to take in “old town.” And, of course, you must sneak in a little shopping.
Shopping
It’s my favorite subject! If I looked at my receipts they would say:
Cole Sport
1615 Park Avenue
435.649.4806
Cole Sport is a great sport shop that has the perfect merchandise for all four seasons.
Another favorite is Safonova located at Redstone. I would be surprised if you didn’t find something you like. Laura, the owner, is extremely helpful.
Day Trips
It’s hard to pick a day trip because there is so much to do in Park City but it’s also close to Salt Lake City. So here goes:
Summer
Sundance Resort
Enjoy the views, hiking, and lunch.
Winter
Ski Utah Interconnect
You can start at Deer Valley Resort and ski five mountains in a day. Be advised: This isn’t for those who haven’t skied for years or are beginners. This is a guided backcountry tour.
Weekend Getaways
It’s hard to leave Park City but if you’re compelled visit Las Vegas. The airport is close and the flight is less than an hour. This fulfills the craving (if you have one) to take in some winter warmth. And Las Vegas is saturated with real city life.
Another option is to drive to Moab in southern Utah. It’s about a four-hour drive to reach the desert. This is why Utah is so unique—we have the mountains to the north and desert living to the south.
In the mood to relax? Schedule a massage, a quick facial energizer, or a routine up-keep. I like these places because they are small and owned by locals. And they all are centrally located.
Saltz
1820 Sidewinder Drive
435.655.6612
Align Spa
1792 Bonanza Drive
Building C, Suite 130
435.647.9300
The Art Scene
You don’t have to visit a big city to enjoy fine art. Park City offers the perfect environment for smaller venues that present educational opportunities and exquisite exhibitions and events.
Kimball Art Center
638 Park Avenue
435.649.8882
The Egyptian Theater
328 Main Street
435.649.9371
Deer Valley Music Festival
During the summer, Utah Symphony/Utah Opera offers a wonderful concert series in the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater.
For Skiers: The Ultimate Runs
Deer Valley Resort
My favorite runs depend on that day’s conditions. On a crisp and sunny day, I enjoy Nabob off of Bald Mountain. On a powder day, I opt for Ontario Bowl. I won’t tell you how to get into Ontario Bowl because I want to keep the secret!
Any ski run with your kids is a good one. The kids love the ski-race program at Park City Mountain Resort and they ski with me at Deer Valley. I love to ski behind them and watch them glide.
Thanks …I heard about interconnect but didnt realize it was backcountry skiing
good to know