Park City, Utah
Park City, Utah is a unique and wonderful alternative to other well-known
and overcrowded ski resorts, offering an interesting combination of accessibility and quiet calm.
Located just 32 miles east of Salt Lake City in the Wasatch Mountains, Park City is the site of the 2002 Winter
Olympic Games for the Giant Slalom, Slalom, Snowboarding, Ski Jumping and Freestyle events.
And, in addition to remarkable outdoor recreation, visitors will enjoy great restaurants and
a delightful shopping experience in a historic and charming downtown district.
History
Park City was originally a mining town. In the early 1860s, soldiers
were stationed in order to protect a federal mail route. Many of these
soldiers were experienced prospectors with vivid memories of the gold
boom in Nevada and California.
When they saw the hills of the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains, they knew
they were on to something big. Word spread quickly and in December of
1868, the first mining claim was filed in Park City. The small western
town thrived until a devastating fire in 1898, which left the city in
ruins. In the aftermath, the people of Park City banded together to rebuild
Park City, taking great care to preserve the style and ambiance of their
beloved downtown area.
When the silver boom finally drew to a close, residents realized that
their exquisite home offered a wealth of recreational activities. A number
of successful resorts emerged, and today Park City is one of the most
desirable vacation destinations in the world.
World-Class Outdoor Offerings
Park City now caters to the thousands of skiers who come to its three
excellent ski resorts -- Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort
and The Canyons. Together they boast 280 runs with more than 40 lifts
and gondolas capable of handling 65,000+ skiers per hour.
Park City Mountain Resort will play host to the 2002 Olympic men and
women's Alpine Giant Slalom as well as several Snowboarding events.
This
resort is a beautiful, expansive ski area within walking distance of dozens
of restaurants, hotels and shops in the heart of Park City. In addition
to its 3,000 acres of runs serviced by lifts, it has 750 acres open bowl
skiing. Deer Valley will host Slalom racing on the alpine schedule plus
Aerial and Mogul events in 2002. It too is located only a few minutes
from town. The Canyons boasts a varied terrain along with majestic views.
After a recent upgrade and expansion, this winter paradise covers 3,700
acres stretching over seven peaks, including the legendary Ninety-Nine
90 and the newly opened Peak 5. No Olympic events will be held at The
Canyons.
On the outskirts of Park City is Utah's Winter Sports Park, which will
host the 2002 Olympic Bobsled, Luge and Ski Jumping competitions.
Visitors
can ride on the bobsled track or try their luck at the luge, with a modified
on-your-back sled ride down the icy track. Lessons, tours and equipment
rentals are available.
If winter sports just aren't your cup of tea, Park City offers a multitude
of summer activities including golf, horseback riding, fly-fishing, mountain
biking, hiking, tennis and hunting. There are scenic gondola rides, a
mountain slide and six championship golf courses within 20 miles of town.
A Wonderful Diversion
Park City has some of the finest shopping in the West, offering a variety
of boutiques and specialty shops. Main Street hosts an array of art shops,
including the Artworks Gallery, a favorite for visitors and locals alike.
For an entirely different experience, try the Park City Factory Outlet
Stores, which include Banana Republic, Liz Claiborne, The Gap and Old
Navy just to name a few. Free transportation is provided to and from town.
And
don't forget to visit Robert Redford's c, an organic working farm and
gift shop offering natural bath and beauty products, hand crafted home
accessories, and specialty food items packaged in an environmentally friendly
way. Tours are offered May 1 - September 31, every Tuesday and Friday
at 10:30 a.m., lasting approximately one hour. Summer hours are Monday
- Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., closed on
Sundays.
Famous Festivals
The Sundance Institute was founded by Robert Redford in the early 1980s.
The goal of the Institute was to support emerging screenwriters and directors
whose unique visions cast them as outsiders of the Hollywood studio system.
Now, the Sundance Film Festival, which premiered in 1985, is one of the
world's most prestigious film festivals, showcasing the best independent
films from around the world to an audience made up of filmmakers, press,
industry, and film devotees.
Other festivals you might not want to miss include the Park City Jazz
Festival in August and the Park City Music Festival, which takes place
from July through the beginning of August.
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