PARK CITY, UT — In Park City, Utah, reinvention is written into the landscape. Once a gritty 19th-century silver mining town, it has transformed into one of North America’s most dynamic four-season mountain destinations – where Olympic legacy, world-class skiing, culinary innovation, and luxury hospitality intersect.

As the 2025-2026 winter season unfolds, Park City is experiencing a renaissance, driven by resort expansions, new hotels, and renewed global attention in the lead-up to the 2034 Winter Olympic Games.

For Canadian travel advisors, Park City’s evolution opens up new opportunities to deliver elevated ski vacations, with seamless access, a wide range of accommodations and year-round appeal.

Located just 50 kilometres from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City is North America’s most accessible major ski destination. That easy access – paired with Utah’s legendary powder and terrain – continues to draw skiers from around the globe.

FROM BOOMTOWN TO SKI CAPITAL

Park City’s rise began in the late 1800s, when silver pulled from the surrounding mountains built fortunes – and hotels, saloons, and theatres followed. When the silver market crashed in the mid-20th century, the town nearly vanished. But then it pivoted.

In the 1960s, old mining claims gave way to ski trails, paving the way for Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. That reinvention set the stage for international acclaim in 2002, when Park City hosted key events during the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Today, the Olympic legacy lives on – and is about to grow even larger.

OLYMPIC LEGACY: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

Few ski towns can rival Park City’s Olympic pedigree. Utah Olympic Park, built for the 2002 Games, still serves as a high-performance training facility for elite athletes. It also welcomes visitors with bobsled rides, ski jumping exhibits, and aerial training showcases.

And the Olympic torch is returning. The 2034 Winter Games are officially coming back to Utah, with Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort, and Utah Olympic Park confirmed as host venues. The countdown has already begun – igniting infrastructure projects, investments and renewed global interest. The 2025-2026 season offers a rare preview of Olympic history in the making.

UTAH POWDER: THE GREATEST SNOW ON EARTH

Park City averages nearly nine metres of snow annually. Thanks to Utah’s high elevation, dry mountain air and the lake effect from the Great Salt Lake, the powder here stays famously soft, dry, and fluffy – earning the moniker ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth.’

PARK CITY MOUNTAIN: BIGGER, FASTER, BETTER

The largest ski resort in the U.S., Park City Mountain spans 7,300 acres with over 330 trails accessed from both its historic Park City base and Canyons Village. For winter 2025-26, major upgrades are enhancing access and improving the overall guest experience.

At Canyons Village, a new 10-passenger Sunrise Gondola will reduce wait times, improve mountain flow, and provide more reliable service in varying conditions.

Families and beginners will appreciate the fully reimagined Ski & Ride School at Red Pine Lodge, which now features new learning zones, two magic carpets, and expanded progression terrain.

As part of Vail Resorts, Park City Mountain remains a top destination for Epic Pass holders globally.

DEER VALLEY RESORT: LUXURY EXPANDS

While Park City Mountain showcases size and variety, Deer Valley Resort is known for refinement – and it’s currently undergoing the largest ski resort expansion in North American history, the ‘Expanded Excellence’ initiative.

Founded in 1981, Deer Valley built its reputation on five-star service, uncrowded runs, and fine dining. That ethos remains intact as the resort expands to 4,300 skiable acres, now including seven bowls and 202 trails served by 10 new lifts.

For the 2025-26 season, seven chairlifts debut, including the East Village Express – a high-speed 10-passenger gondola connecting the new Deer Valley East Village to Park Peak.

East Village becomes the heart of this growth, introducing a new skier gateway complete with base-area amenities and luxury lodging, including the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley.

To preserve its hallmark experience, this ski-only resort continues to cap daily lift ticket sales. It has also been named the U.S.’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards for 12 consecutive years. As part of the Ikon Pass, its expanded terrain is now easier than ever for Canadians to access.

NEW WAVE OF ACCOMMODATION

Park City’s lodging landscape continues to evolve. Westgate Park City Resort & Spa offers ski-in/ski-out access at Canyons Village, with spacious suites, an award-winning spa, exceptional dining options, and complimentary shuttle service.

Opening in winter 2026, The Ascent Park City – part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection – will feature all-suite, slope-side accommodations with direct gondola access to Park City Mountain.

Also in 2026, Park City Peaks Hotel will rebrand as Hotel Thaynes, joining Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio and unveiling a redesigned courtyard for après-ski.

In Deer Valley, The Chateaux Deer Valley has completed major renovations, while Stein Eriksen Lodge continues to refresh its five-star offerings.

DOWNTOWN PARK CITY: HERITAGE MEETS HAUTE CUISINE

Main Street remains Park City’s cultural heart, where preserved 19th-century buildings now house art galleries, boutiques, and award-winning restaurants. A new chapter begins in 2026 with a culinary concept inspired by Park City’s French connection.

Le Depot Brasserie and Union Patisserie will anchor the town’s emerging French Quarter, celebrating its sister-city bond with Courchevel, France. Set in the historic Union Pacific Railroad Depot, Le Depot will serve contemporary French fare in an art deco setting. Nearby, Union Patisserie will offer pastries and coffee by day, then transform into a wine bar by night. Along with Courchevel Bistro, the trio brings a distinct Parisian flair to Utah’s alpine backdrop.

A NATURAL FIT FOR CANADIANS

Canadian travellers remain one of Park City’s most valued markets. “Canadians appreciate quality snow and love Park City’s weather and wide range of lodging options”, says Dan Howard, Vice President of Communications at the Park City Chamber of Commerce.

“Park City is focused on sustainable tourism, and Canadians understand the values at the heart of this initiative and are willing to participate in our initiatives,” says Howard. Canadian visitors tend to align closely with Park City’s sustainability efforts, embracing car-free travel, free public transit, and responsible outdoor practices.

“Canadians are friendly, respectful visitors, and this is the most important quality as we identify with those who will help preserve Park City for future generations,” he adds.

Beyond the slopes, Canadians are increasingly combining their ski vacations with other Utah experiences – such as catching a Utah Mammoth NHL game in Salt Lake City or road-tripping through the state’s famed ‘Mighty 5’ national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands.

And while winter remains the headline act, summer in Park City offers hiking, mountain biking, open-air concerts, and alpine events – ideal for clients seeking four-season adventure.

Getting to Park City from Canada is refreshingly easy, with Salt Lake City International Airport serving as a well-connected gateway just 25 minutes away. Calgary (YUC) enjoys year-round nonstop service on Delta, operated in partnership with WestJet, while seasonal direct flights are available from Toronto (YYZ), Edmonton (YEG), and Vancouver (YVR) services by Air Canada, WestJet, and Delta. Montreal (YUL) travellers can also take advantage of quick one-stop connections via major hubs. Arrivals are made even smoother thanks to Salt Lake City International Airport’s recently completed multi-billion-dollar redevelopment, which introduces a modern terminal with new premium lounges, expanded gates, streamlined security, and an elevated lineup of dining and retail.

THE RENAISSANCE CONTINUES

From silver mines to Olympic milestones, Park City has always been a place of transformation. With major resort expansions, innovative accommodations, and the Olympic Games on the horizon, Park City isn’t just preparing for the future – it’s helping define it. For travel advisors and clients alike, this year is the perfect time to rediscover this ever-evolving mountain icon.

For more information see VisitParkCity.com.