TORONTO — Expanded ski terrain, refreshed hotels and a new January competition are among Park City’s selling points for winter 2026–27, as the Utah destination builds on its dining credentials, expands accessible travel initiatives and looks ahead to the return of the Winter Olympics.

“Park City is very much a year-round destination now,” said Courtney Ryan, communications manager for Visit Park City, highlighting developments that extend well beyond the slopes.

MORE TERRAIN OPENING SOON

For ski clients there is plenty happening on the mountains. Deer Valley Resort is scheduled to open Dec. 5, with the new Hail Peak Express chairlift adding 200 skiable acres and seven runs this winter. The ski-only resort’s winter offering includes 32 chairlifts, 4,500 skiable acres and seven bowls.

The changes are part of Deer Valley’s Expanded Excellence initiative, which includes a new arrival point at Deer Valley East Village with 1,200 day-skier parking spaces, the reimagining of the Snow Park base area and improvements to on-mountain infrastructure. The resort also continues to limit daily lift ticket sales.

At Park City Mountain, the other ski resort in the area which does welcome snowboarding, opening day is targeted for Nov. 20. The resort offers more than 7,300 acres, two base villages and ski access to historic Main Street, approximately 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport.

THE SNOW LEAGUE JOINS JANUARY’S LINEUP

January will also bring a change to Park City’s events calendar. Shaun White’s The Snow League makes its Park City Mountain debut Jan. 21–23, 2027, bringing halfpipe snowboarding and freeskiing competition to the destination as The Sundance Film Festival departs.

“It’ll be something fun and unique, and it will be sort of filling the gap of what was the Sundance Week,” Ryan said.

The following week, Deer Valley will welcome elite moguls and aerials competitors for the FIS Freestyle World Cup, Jan. 28–30, 2027.

Downtown Park City, Utah

EXPANDING ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL

Accessibility is another priority for Visit Park City. In July 2026, 30 local businesses received Accessibility Verified designation from Wheel the World, covering hotels, attractions, restaurants, transportation and community services. The initiative provides verified accessibility information to help travellers with disabilities plan their visits.

“That’s something we’re really proud of,” Ryan said.

She outlined plans to bring another 30 businesses into the program in the coming year. Visit Park City’s winter update sets a goal of reaching at least 60 participating businesses in 2027.

MICHELIN RECOGNITION AND NEW DINING OPTIONS

Park City’s dining scene has also earned new recognition. Handle, Matilda and The Nelson Cottage by High West were named Michelin Recommended restaurants in the inaugural Michelin Guide Southwest selection in August 2026.

Other culinary additions include Le Depot Brasserie and Union Patisserie, both led by James Beard Award-winning chef Galen Zamarra. Le Depot occupies the historic Union Pacific Railroad Depot building on Main Street, while Union Patisserie offers coffee, pastries and light French fare before transitioning to a wine bar in the evenings. Together with Courchevel Bistro, the businesses form an area described as Park City’s “French Quarter.”

NEW IDENTITIES FOR FAMILIAR HOTELS

For travel advisors reviewing accommodation options, several familiar properties have new identities.

The former Park City Peaks hotel became Hotel Thaynes, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio property, in January 2026. Its 128 guestrooms are complemented by a redesigned lobby and courtyard, with lounge seating, hammocks, fire pits and a gathering pavilion. 

The DoubleTree Yarrow is slated to become Outbound Park City in early 2027. Plans include reimagined guestrooms and suites, refreshed lobby and common spaces, redesigned courtyards and updated food and beverage outlets.

The Albion Park City, formerly Main & Sky, offers 33 luxury suites and penthouses, most with patio hot tubs and outdoor decks. 

Meanwhile, the former YotelPad became Canyon Haus in October 2025, under the management of All Seasons Resort Lodging, in Canyons Village.

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 2034 WINTER GAMES

Longer term, preparations continue for Utah’s 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Winter Olympics are scheduled for Feb. 10–26, 2034, with Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain and Utah Olympic Park among the venues selected to host events.

“We hosted it in 2002, so we’re very excited to bring the games back to Utah,” Ryan said.

Lead image caption: Park City, Utah ski lift