Packing excitement and relaxation into a small window of time is part of the beauty of a Utah ski-cation. Sure, spending an entire winter in Park City skiing then thawing out après-ski with haute cuisine and nightlife would make you the envy of the water-cooler crowd. But for those of us that have to selectively use vacation days, making a Park City plan of attack to get the most bang for your vacay buck is a must.
Treat Yo’ Self…to Mobility
Now’s not the time to learn to drive in fresh snow, so skip the rental car kiosk. Knox Transportation Services can get you to your resort from Salt Lake City International in luxurious style. If your villa doesn’t offer a free shuttle to groceries and boutiques on Main Street, they’re doing it wrong.
The Après Advantage: If you’ve still got the horsepower itch, strap on a GoPro and let it rip on a snowmobile tour at Thousand Peaks. The two-hour run is the most popular and affords you spectacular views, weaving up to their log cabin at 9,000 feet.
Outfit at the Right Place
Park City Sport is the cure for ski equipment buyer’s remorse. They rent standard gear from top brands like Völkl and Rossignol, but they’ll also lend you jackets, pants and other apparel that’s easy to spend way too much money on. They’re a great option if you spend more time sipping Baileys at the lodge than you do shredding the back bowls.
The Après Advantage: If your wardrobe looks like you swiped it from the ’90s-riffic set of “Ski Patrol,” upgrade your look at Cole Sport. They specialize in hot fashions from designers like Neve and Ugg.
Get Schooled on the Slopes
It’s always the guy that smirks at the thought of taking a lesson that ends up pouting on the bunny slopes while you gear up for blues and blacks. Even self-proclaimed experts can expand their horizons at White Pine Touring. Nordic ski lessons sure to test your cross-country skills start at $35, or book a private lesson with a certified coach for $60.
The Après Advantage: If you gave it the old college try and found out skiing just isn’t your thing, a four-hour ticket at Gorgoza Park runs $38. Seven lanes of lift-served tubing are a blast regardless of skill level.
Down Time Must-Do’s
To take full advantage of Park City, Utah, after skiing hard all day, make reservations at Chimayo. The rustic wrought iron and tile of the cozy space are reminiscent of a Spanish mission, but the southwestern fare is downright sinful. Start with cheesy queso fundido, then order the crown roast of barbecued spareribs. The caramelized chipotle glaze is sweet, smoky decadence.
The Après Advantage: Main Street is where everyone comes together after a day on the slopes to pop the tab on a Boogie Water Brown Ale. O.P. Rockwell is where they go to catch live music in an intimate setting. Be there.
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