The Hot List: 8 Things to Do in Park City, Utah

Photograph courtesy of the Park City Chamber Bureau

While many travelers think of Park City, Utah, as the perfect winter destination, the mountains are wonderful all year round and there's always lots to do. Stick around after the conference to experience some of its highlights on your own, or arrange some of these activities for your attendees.

Go snowshoeing on the mountain. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Park City Chamber Bureau

1. Explore the wonderland

A winter sport for everyone, snowshoeing is a meditative, peaceful way to enjoy the mountains. Plenty of guided tours are available, including the Moonlight Starry Skies tour and the Snowshoe Hike & Geothermal Crater Soak from Mountain Vista Touring.

Eat on Main Street at Riverhorse. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Park City Chamber Bureau

2. Best on the boulevard

Opened New Year’s Eve in 1987, Riverhorse on Main has been a perennial favorite for discerning diners, known for its ever-changing menu that follows "seasonal and creative demands." In a rejuvenated Masonic Lodge, the restaurant livens up the evenings by giving a stage to local musicians.

Get your thrills on a bobsled run. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Park City Chamber Bureau

3. Olympic legacy

Built for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Utah Olympic Park features a host of activities for the adventurous. Get a rush in summertime on the Freestyle and Extreme ziplines, or hurtle down the bobsled track in modified sleds. (You can bobsled in winter, too.) The park's facilities will be upgraded over the next couple of years in preparation for the return of the Games in 2034.

Sample the whiskeys at High West Distillery. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Park City Chamber Bureau

4. Just a wee dram

If you’re lucky when visiting the High West Distillery just off Main Street on Park, A Midwinter Night’s Dram (a blend of four- to 10-year-old whiskeys, finished in ruby and tawny port barrels) won’t be sold out. If it is, there are plenty of other ryes, bourbons and whiskeys to choose from, such as the High Country American Single Malt. Fear not, lovers of other types of spirits: The bar does not serve whiskeys exclusively.

Breakfast is served at the Eating Establishment. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Park City Chamber Bureau

5. Morning meals

Breakfast is served at the Eating Establishment whenever the sun’s up, if you have a hankering for pancakes or huevos rancheros. Full lunch and dinner menus also entice with burgers, pasta, sandwiches, vegetarian dishes and salads.

Hike up to Bloods Lake. Photo Credit: Sarah JF Braley

6. Lakeside paradise

Once you're acclimated to the altitude (Park City's elevation is at about 7,000 feet above sea level), test your stamina with a lovely hike up to Bloods Lake at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon. The trek starts at about 9,000 feet above sea level and you gain less than 500 feet of elevation as you go, but there are some rocky bits and some steep ups and downs. No need to have a car to head up the mountain: A free shuttle leaves from Main Street to drop hikers at various trailheads.

Bring home some tasty cheese from Heber Valley Artisan Cheese. Photo Credit: Heber Valley Artisan Cheese

7. Scenic drive

Rent a car and explore the Heber Valley. Among the fun finds: breakfast at Jade's Cafe in Heber City (try the delicious Breakfast Sando and the yummy Porridge), browsing and buying at the quirky and inviting Folklore Bookshop in Midway, and the allure of delicious cheese from Heber Valley Artisan Cheese on the way out of Midway.

Enjoy the electric atmosphere at the No Name Saloon. Photo Credit: Matt Sullivan

8. Historic watering hole

This year marks the 25th anniversary of one of Park City's most happening bars, the No Name Saloon & Grill, "home of the world-famous buffalo burger." Casual is the vibe, and the menu also features soup, sandwiches, salads, wings and more. Utah beers are available in cans, while many other options have been "imported to Utah" and are served on tap.