by Orrin Konheim

Created on: August 21, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

It's becoming less and less of a secret around the Rockies that Park City, Utah is becoming the new Sun Valley, Idaho. Sun Valley, long considered America's original and most elegant ski resort, had its reputation enhanced by being the vacation spot of choice for presidents, world-class skiers, and Hollywood's elite. Thanks to the growing importance of the Sundance Film Festival and the increased visibility resulting from the 2002 Winter Olympics, Park City is on its way to becoming the most glamorous city in the Rockies.

In terms of skiing, Park City is moderately unique in that it is surrounded by ski resorts that offer the best of three completely different types of ski resorts. Park City is the classic grade-A resort with 100+ trails, the most modern of amenities, and a calendar full of high-profile competitions and fun activities. Deer Valley, on the other hand, is all about class. The costly ticket price keeps the crowds small, the dcor is elegant, snowboarders are not allowed, and the runs are well-groomed. The newest of the three resorts, The Canyons is a haven for skiers looking for wide open expanses and undiscovered territory as it has the largest acreage of any ski resort in the state. Accessibility between peaks tends to be a problem, however.

There are also plenty of opportunities for less strenuous winter sports as well, including snow shoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Outfitting companies such as Beyond Limits (435-640-6435) and All Seasons Adventures (435-649-9619) provide guided snowshoe tours and cross-country skiing, complete with equipment and transportation.

The recent Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and Park City also has led to other unique attractions here. Park City is home to the Utah Olympic Park (435-658-4200) where one can see the Olympic museum free of charge and watch the US Olympic ski jumping, bobsledding, and luge teams practice. For $200, one can even go on a bobsled ride themselves.

Another main attraction of Park City is the Sundance Film Festival, which takes place every January. Founded by Robert Redford (the name of the festival comes from the Redford film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid") in 1981 to promote independent cinema, the Sundance Film Festival has grown to the point where only Toronto and Cannes can rival it in prestige. Films like "Napoleon Dynamite", "Hustle and Flow", "Junebug", "Little Miss Sunshine", and most recently "American Teen" got their start here and if you're lucky you meet be present when the next big hit is discovered. In addition to the movies, there are question and answer sessions, parties and the very definite possibility of meeting one of your favorite movie stars. Tickets go online in mid-October and some events tend to sell out quickly, so it is encouraged to buy in advance.

Lastly, Park City has a very nice downtown where one can find upscale restaurants, sushi bars, clubs, art galleries, and high-end retail. Park City has a rich history as one of the largest silver mining districts in the nation, and the Park City Historical Society on Main Street is dedicated to preserving that heritage. Their museum will be closed for renovation until the spring of 2009, but they offer tours provided one remembers to call in advance (435-649-7457).

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