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.

The Deer Valley Ski Resort

Deer Valley Resort was rated the #1 ski resort in North America by SKI magazine in 2001 and 2005 and #2 in 2006. This acclaim is based on the beautiful setting, luxury, great Utah snow, and variety of terrain that Deer Valley has to offer. This resort was home to the slalom, mogul, and aerial events of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Skiers at Deer Valley will not be disappointed by the 3,000 vertical feet and 1,750 acres of ski able terrain that is at their ski tips. This is an amazing resort destination for skiers of all abilities.


About 15% of Deer Valley’s terrain is rated beginner. This mountain is famous for its’ smooth, groomed runs which are perfect for beginners or those who just want to cruise. Bald Eagle Mountain and Little Baldy Peak provide plenty of wide-open trails. Favorite runs for families include Navigator and Success. Lessons are available for skiers of all ages and abilities. Another nice touch for parents is the free pagers offered to alleviate concerns of cell phone coverage on the mountain.


For the intermediate or advanced skier, the rest of the mountain is your domain. The challenging skiing along Bald Mountain, Flagstaff Mountain, and Empire Canyon will be sure to please. Runs of note include Know You Don’t (site of the 2002 Olympic slalom events) for narrow rock-lined chutes and Champion (site of the 2002 Olympic freestyle events) for steep mogul fields.

Heli-Skiing in Deer Valley

The beauty of the mountains at the Deer Valley Ski Resort and its surrounding area can be more enjoyed if viewed from the sky.

For the adventurous, powder-seeking skier in the group, an exciting possibility is a heli-skiing trip. This is somewhat expensive but within reason for someone who is serious about finding that untouched powder. Two local companies, Park City Powder Cats & Heli-Ski, Inc. and Wasatch Powderbird Guides, offer heli-skiing services. If you decide to pony up the cash, you can plan on a full-day of skiing with professional guides. Most ski days include 6-7 runs and up to 15,000 vertical feet covered. Heli-skiing guests do not need to be extreme skiers, but they do need to have solid skiing skills and reasonable physical stamina. Contact the outfitter you choose for specific skill requirements and to book a reservation.

Seeing this beautiful Park City area from the sky would be an experience you will never forget. The exhilaration of a 2,000 vertical foot descent is sure to be amazing. Consider the vacation memories you could make high in the mountain sky!

Deer Valley Scenic Air Tour

It is impossible to dispute the beauty of the mountains at the Deer Valley ski resort and the surrounding area, but it is possible to be even more amazed by viewing them from the air. There are several options available to you if you are interested in getting a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking Deer Valley area.

A beautiful, leisurely way to take in the sights is in a hot air balloon. Morning Star Balloons and Park City Balloon Adventures are both local companies that offer balloon tours. You will need to be an early bird to take part in this activity. Hot air balloon flights set out early in the morning when calm winds prevail and you can enjoy the beauty of sunrise.

Another form of scenic air tour is operated by Park City Helitours. For a reasonable price, you can book a seat on a helicopter tour to see this beautiful part of Park City, Utah from the sky. Possible flyover destinations include the 2002 Olympic Venues, Sundance, Bridal Veil Falls, and Mount Timpanogos. Charter flights are available but much more expensive than the tour options.

Whether you enjoy the tranquility of the sunrise in a hot air balloon or visit the flyover destinations of the helicopter tour, this mountainous area is sure to give you a wonderful scenic aerial experience.

Outfitting in Deer Valley

There are a lot of fun activities that Deer Valley’s winter snow provides, for visitors interested in enjoying the area’s pristine wilderness by their own power have several options. Touring the area by way of cross-country ski or snowshoe is a physical, yet relaxing option that is sure to make you feel in harmony with nature. Especially if you are new to backcountry touring, it is a good idea to go with a guide. There are many outfitters in Park City offering these services.

Park City’s Norwegian Outdoor Exploration Center received high marks from Family Fun magazine for their snowshoeing tours. Their programs are available to people of all ages and abilities; this includes willing children as young as five. This is a great way to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of this place. Another great place to snowshoe is the Swaner Nature Preserve. Outfits such as All Seasons Adventures offer additional options including dog sledding.

Deer Valley’s winter snow can indeed get you in touch with nature; more to that, Deer Valley has lots of wonderful things waiting for you.

Fun Winter Activities in Deer Valley

When planning a Deer Valley vacation in the winter, what probably comes to mind is the amazing downhill skiing that awaits you. While this cannot be overlooked, there are a lot of other fun activities that Deer Valley’s winter snow provides.

For those who want to take in the scenery with ease and speed, taking a snowmobile tour is a great option. Deer Valley operates Summit Meadows Adventure snowmobile tours. Tours are held at Garff Ranch which is only five miles from Park City’s historic Main Street. This 7,000-acre ranch is available by guided tour to individuals or groups. This is a way to enjoy beautiful scenery while experiencing the rush of riding a sled machine.

There are other family activities available in winter as well. Park City has its own ice rink nestled in the hills called Park City Ice Arena. Another option is lift-served tubing at Gorgoza Park located just ten minutes from the city. This area’s winter beauty has something to offer every visitor regardless of age, physical strength, or budget. So decide what method of exploration is right for you, bundle up, and head outside!

Eating Out at Park City

Park City’s historic district also offers many attractive eateries. The Eating Establishment serves up a hearty breakfast including a variety of omelets, or their signature “Hungry Miner” smorgasbord of potatoes, mushrooms, onions, and other palate pleasers. Cisero’s is an elegant restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner Italian style. This restaurant is also located on Main Street, and the atmosphere is as great as the food. If you are looking for an affordable option for lunch or dinner; Main Street Pizza & Noodle offers kid-friendly dining at reasonable prices.

This area is also home to several good Mexican restaurants including the Loco Lizard Cantina which is a local favorite. The Baja Cantina at the base of Park City Mountain Resort also has good food at reasonable prices but expect a crowd! There are also chain and fast-food-type restaurants such as Domino’s and Quizno’s available.

After perusing all of the available dining options and eating to your heart’s content; don’t forget dessert. Check out Cow’s Ice Cream or the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, both located on Main Street, to satisfy your sweet tooth. Visitors to this area will not want for great food. Eating out can be a pleasant culinary experience; whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two or a family-style eatery. The choice is yours.

Dining at Deer Valley

A vacation would not be complete without good food and lots of it. The Deer Valley area is home to more than 100 restaurants and bars, so choosing where to eat will be the hard part. There is dining of nearly every style, price, and atmosphere imaginable. The Deer Valley resort itself offers some of the city’s best dining.

Dining options on the mountain include the Silver Lake Restaurant, Snowshoe Tommy’s, and Cushing’s Cabin. The restaurant at Goldener Hirsch Inn offers chocolate fondue as a fun treat. If you are looking for an elegant (and expensive) dining experience; consider the Glitretind at Stein Ericksen Lodge. The setting includes a roaring fireplace in the winter, and there is a wide variety on the menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, but this spot is most well-known for its’ amazing Sunday brunch.

There are lots of great dining places in Deer Valley. A pleasant culinary treat will add more satisfaction to your Deer Valley vacation experience.

Park City Activities for Kids

For visitors venturing into Park City proper, there are many activities offered both winter and summer at the Park City Mountain Resort. For small children, Little Minors Park offers fun such as a merry-go-round and choo-choo train. This little park is a great way to include even the tiniest tot in the fun. This area also boasts the human maze where kids can work their way through a larger-than-life-labyrinth. The daring child can harness up and try his skill at the climbing wall or jump and flip on the trampolines of the Legacy Launcher.

This area also has an Alpine Slide that is open to kids as young as two with an adult. This summer attraction includes a chair lift ride up the mountain followed by sledding down a track to the bottom. It can be a gentle ride or quite fast depending on how liberally you apply the brake. A newer attraction is the Alpine Coaster for those who want the thrill of an amusement park in a beautiful mountain setting. The whole family can also engage in a round of miniature golf on an 18-hole course. For families venturing a little further, just miles from Park City’s center is the Utah Olympic Park with its’ own thrills to offer.

Regardless of the season, this area offers fun for kids of all ages. There are activities available to meet every price range and budget. Hiking and biking in the summer and snowshoeing, sledding, or skating in the winter are fun, inexpensive things to do as a family. The downtown area boasts kid-friendly dining and plenty of places to buy an ice cream cone or sweet treat to top off a day of fun.

Family-Friendly Deer Valley

A vacation in Deer Valley during any season provides opportunities for kids of all ages to have a good time. This is a family-friendly place to visit. Deer Valley Resort operates a Children’s Center where non-skiing children ages 2 months to 12 years can spend a fun day while their parents hit the slopes. This center is licensed and provides activities such as storytelling, crafts, singing, and playtime with toys.

For kids who are ready to ski, Deer Valley offers a variety of runs that are suitable for young skiers. The resort also offers professional lessons to kids as individuals or in groups. Deer Valley instructors are specially trained to work with children, so the experience will be fun and help the child improve her skiing. This is a great way for kids to enhance their skills while their parents challenge themselves on more difficult terrain. Lessons are available for kids as young as three.

Deer Valley offers fun not only to adults but also for kids of all ages, making the Deer Valley vacation fun and enjoyed by the whole family.

Not-So-Ordinary-Shopping in Deer Valley

For the artistic vacationer, there are more than 20 art galleries located in the Deer Valley area. Most of them can be found without ever leaving Park City’s Main Street. Offerings include contemporary pieces, bronze sculptures, and the work of local artists and photographers.

For visitors looking for that unique item or special gift, consider some of the specialty shops located in the heart of Park City. One possibility is Christmas on Main Street where you can feel that holiday spirit any time of year. If you would rather snack than shop; stop in at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a delicious treat. Other local retailers include the Park City Clothing Company, Roots, and Park City Jewelers.

Shopping opportunities are also available at or near both the Deer Valley and Park City ski resorts. Selections include sporting good and souvenir items. For the serious shopper or the leisurely stroller, there is something here for you! Get out and take advantage of the beautiful scenery, the bargains, and the one-of-a-kind items waiting for you.

Fabulous Deer Valley Shopping

A Deer Valley vacation offers shopping ranging from quaint little stores in the heart of historic Park City to retail giants and outlet stores on the outskirts of the city. There is truly shopping available to meet every budget and style. Whether you are in the market for outdoor gear, kid’s school clothes, or vacation memorabilia; you can find it in Deer Valley.

For the serious shopper, Park City’s Tanger Outlets have a lot to offer. This outlet center has more than 60 stores carrying brand-name merchandise ranging from bedding to designer clothing to discount books. Visitors can shop till they drop at outlet stores including The Gap, Banana Republic, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, and the Tommy Hilfiger Company. If you are shopping for kids, you may be interested in The Children’s Place, Gymboree Outlet, Carter’s, or OshKosh. The list of shopping possibilities is endless. This outlet store complex also includes several park/playground areas and a Mrs. Field’s Bakery for pit stops. Enjoy the scenery and the bargains with enough choice to keep the die hard shopper busy all day.