Summer Fun at the Utah Olympic Park

The Utah Olympic Park offers a ride called “The Comet” which goes down the bobsled track used during the Olympics. But during the summer, “The Comet” is equipped with wheels and travels down a concrete track. The “The Comet” during summer is not quite as extreme compared to “The Comet” in winter but still is fun and is less expensive.

Other rides available for the adventurous summer visitor include two zip lines where you can “zip” above the scenery at up to 50 mph and the Quicksilver Alpine Slide. The alpine slide is a relatively new addition to the park and offers fun for kids as young as three accompanied by an adult.

You may see freestyle aerialists practicing their tricks and flips as they hurtle off a ski jump and into a 750,000-gallon-pool. This practice pool is used during the summer to allow freestyle jumpers to perfect their tricks off the slopes. The 2002 Winter Olympics left Utah with an adventure-filled Park not only for winter seasons but also during summer!

Utah Olympic Park at winter

The Utah Olympic Park is set in a beautiful location just minutes from Deer Valley and has something for everyone. During the winter, those willing to pay the price can ride “The Comet” down the bobsled track used during the Olympics. This aggressive bobsled ride goes up to 80 mph and exerts 5G’s on the riders. Once helmet-clad you travel down the track with two friends and a driver, achieving the three-mile distance in less than a minute. This is not for the faint of heart, but it is an amazing experience for the adventurous soul.

Visitors can also take a guided or self-guided tour of the park to see all of the facilities. In addition to the bobsled track, there are six Nordic ski jumps and jumps for freestyle aerials.

For those that feel no need for speed, there are plenty of things to do that don’t require a seat belt or a harness. Located just a few steps from the parking lot is the Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center which houses two museums. One gives visitors a nostalgic look at ski history and there is also a 2002 Olympic Museum showcasing memorabilia from the games.

The Utah Olympic Park has a lot to offer, why slumber in the cold winter? Head out and have an adventure of a lifetime!

Utah Olympic Park – A Must Visit While in Deer Valley

While vacationing at Deer Valley there are so many things to do, but a must is a visit to the Utah Olympic Park. Located just 5 miles north of the Deer Valley ski area; this huge complex was home to the 2002 Winter Olympic bobsled, luge, skeleton, and some ski jumping events. Although the Olympics are over, this park offers fun for the whole family both winter and summer. Be sure to make this a stop on your Deer Valley vacation itinerary.

Whether interested in experiencing a piece of Olympic history, careening down the bobsled track at break-neck speeds, or just enjoying the beautiful scenery; this park has something to offer everyone. Package deals can be purchased for visitors interested in participating in a combination of offered activities.

Music Festivals in Deer Valley

Music festivals in Deer Valley include the Park City International Music Festival. This annual event will be held in July and is in its 23rd year. This event is designed for the connoisseur of classical music and features classical soloists from around the country performing together. This is a chance to see a group of world-class musicians performing in an intimate, mountain setting. For visitors who are more in tune with jazz, Deer Valley Resort hosts the annual Park City Jazz Festival in August. The beauty of the outdoor amphitheater combined with great music makes for an unforgettable event.

Whether or not your vacation coincides with a festival; the area is sure to offer a cultural experience to your liking. Concerts, good food, and artistic expression abound in this charming mountain town. Check out the local papers when you arrive to find out what is available to indulge your palate or your artistic sensitivities.

Sundance Film Festival in Park City

If you are visiting Park City in January, be prepared for the descent of Hollywood on this mountain town as the annual Sundance Film Festival begins. This 10-day event brings out the celebrities, but it is also open to the general public. Film screenings are available at reasonable prices. If you are interested in seeing what is new in independent and international film making including short films, documentaries, and feature-length films; this is a must-see event.

A complementary event is the Park City Film Music Festival which is in its’ fourth year and also takes place in January. A Film Festival in a Ski Resort town during winter is a sure hit! Don’t miss this chance to spend your skiing vacation with a glimpse of Hollywood.

Summer Festivals in Deer Valley

Cultural events in the form of festivals go on year-round in the Deer Valley area. Depending on what time of year you visit; you may be able to attend one of these spectacular annual events. If you are interested in art, music, film, food, or fun; you may want to plan your vacation to include a festival experience.

For the summer visitor to Deer Valley, the Park City Arts Festival is typically held the first weekend of August. This festival showcases the work of over 200 artists. There is usually a variety of art on display and for sale including painting, glass, wood work, fabric, and photography. Whether you are browsing or ready to buy, there is a lot to see. This festival also includes great food, live entertainment, and kid-friendly activities. Be prepared for a crowd. Park City’s Main Street is shut down to traffic but shuttles provide relatively easy access to the event. Summer is indeed Fun in Deer Valley!

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More Skiing Adventures in Deer Valley

Deer Valley offers NASTAR racing for the recreational skier. All skiers are welcome to test their skills against the clock. Deer Valley is also equipped with the Slope Tracker GPS System. The techno-gadget skier can take advantage of this system to keep track of all sorts of statistics such as runs skied and vertical feet conquered.


For the adventurous skier, be sure to check out Deer Valley’s Tricks ‘n’ Turns (TNT) Terrain Park located off of the Little Chief Chairlift. This park boasts fun double-barrel rails and tabletop jumps. No experience is needed—anyone that has the nerve and desire can give it a try!

Remember – no snowboarding is allowed at Deer Valley. Both the nearby Park City Mountain Resort and the Canyons are open to skiers and boarders and offer their own acres of powdery fun.