Exploring the United States’ Largest Ski Resort
I first visited The Canyons in 1997, when making the junior high Honor Role netted you a free season pass. It was the first Park City resort to allow snowboarders like me, and back then, the majority of their 2,800 acres were extreme and ungroomed, allowing my friends and I to get into plenty of trouble through our years of skiing/riding there for free.
Since then, much has changed at the resort formerly known as The Canyons, including the price of a season pass. This season, for the first time, the new Quicksilver Gondola whisks you up Pinecone Ridge from the Iron Mountain side of Canyons and down the other side, showcasing stellar views before arriving at Silverlode lift and the new Miner’s Camp at Park City…. in just eight-and-a-half minutes.
This feat—part of $50 million in capital improvements—came after Vail’s acquisition of PCMR last year. The gondola’s completion officially joined the two resorts, creating the United States largest ski area with 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, 41 lifts, and over 300 trails, according to Vail Resorts. Whether you’re already a holder of Vail’s Epic season pass or a virgin to the Park City experience, here are a few worthwhile reasons to visit (or revisit).
- Speedy lifts. Riders now experience shorter lines after upgrading Motherlode lift from a fixed-grip triple to a detachable high-speed 4-pack and King-Con from a 4-pack to a 6-pack, both on the Park City side.
- Skip the trek to the car and back. Ride both resorts in a day, and skip the long Canyons Cabriolet, Red Pine Gondola, Tombstone trek to reach Ninety-nine 90 and other great terrain via the Quicksilver Gondola.
- Trek less, ski more. Ride both resorts in a day, and skip the long Cabriolet, Red Pine Gondola, Tombstone journey to reach advanced terrain via the Quicksilver Gondola from Park City. Or vice-versa: parking more easily on the Canyons Village side and ride Park City thanks to the gondola.
- Few crowds. The former Canyons side still is the place to be a few days after a storm as even with the easy access of the gondola, there are plenty of powder stashes hidden in Dreamworld.
- Improved dining options. Miners Camp, an expanded Red Pine Lodge, and Park City Main Street options accessible from the Town Lift mean finding gourmet eats is easier than ever.
On- and Off-mountain Dining
Miners Camp (Base of Silverlode Lift) Houses a pub, ski shop, and cafeteria-style eats with choices like Mediterranean kabobs, soup, salad, and pizza.
Jafflz (Two on-mountain locations: Red Pine Lodge at Canyons Village and The Shack at Park City) This fast-casual sandwich shop specializes in Jaffles, sweet- and savory-filled pocket sandwiches originating in South Africa that you can eat utensil free. Perfect for the chairlift!
Tupelo (508 Main Street) Local ingredients are favored at this restaurant that emphasizes unique, globally-inspired dishes. Great choice for a night out after a long ski day.
Ritual Chocolate (1105 Iron Horse Drive) A small batch chocolate factory with café serving coffee, hot chocolate, and free chocolate samples. Weekly tours.
Park City Brewery (2720 Rasmussen Rd. Suite A1) Enjoy a local beer and grilled cheese sandwich at this brewery on the way back down Parley’s Canyon.
