There’s one thing about an actual trip that resets the whole lot. Not the type the place you scroll by means of emails from a seashore chair, however the sort the place you really disconnect, do one thing new, eat one thing nice, and are available again feeling like a special individual.

Final 12 months, that reset got here courtesy of Isla Mujeres, a sleepy little island off the coast of Cancun. Whereas Cancun is all concerning the celebration, Isla Mujeres is its laid-back, attractive youthful sister: beautiful seashores, unbelievable ocean views, and the sort of informal island vitality that makes you overlook what day it’s. Driving the size of the island in a golf cart and wandering among the many Mayan ruins at Punta Sur was a kind of experiences that sticks with you. It’s the quiet little moments like that which make journey so price it.

So when it got here time to plan my subsequent recharge, I wished one thing fully totally different. Sand and sea are nice, however I used to be craving snow. I wished to chill out with out being bored, have some genuinely memorable experiences, take pleasure in superb meals, and perhaps take pleasure in a bit of luxurious alongside the best way. For those who’re within the temper to discover a weekend getaway, a winter mountain escape is difficult to beat. After some looking and a whole lot of studying, I landed on Park Metropolis, Utah, a part of the Vail Resorts household of mountain locations.

So, What Precisely Is Park Metropolis?

Nestled excessive within the Wasatch Mountains, Park Metropolis is a historic western mining city that dates again to the 1860s. What began as a silver rush settlement ultimately turned one of the vital beloved ski cities within the nation. Right this moment it’s residence to the biggest ski resort in the USA, with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, plus refined eating, boutique buying, and world-class occasions just like the Sundance Movie Competition. However right here’s the factor: regardless of all of that, Park Metropolis nonetheless has its genuine small-town really feel. The mining heritage is all over the place if you recognize the place to look, and that’s a part of what makes it particular.

It’s In contrast to Wherever Else

Right here’s one thing that genuinely stunned me: Park Metropolis is the one ski resort within the nation with carry entry on to its historic Fundamental Road. Which means you may actually ski all the way down to the retailers, eating places, and galleries that line the center of city. Simply step off the mountain and right into a world of boutiques and nice meals. For somebody who will get bored simply, that sort of flexibility was an enormous draw.

The Meals Is The place It’s At

I’ll be trustworthy: I’ll completely journey for meals. And Park Metropolis didn’t disappoint. The culinary scene right here punches effectively above its weight for a mountain city, with eating places that might maintain their very own in any metropolis.

The Farm

Considered one of Park Metropolis’s standout eating places, The Farm is constructed on a farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing substances from native farms and artisans inside 200 miles. The menu adjustments seasonally to rejoice what’s recent and native. It’s the sort of place the place the whole lot on the plate feels intentional. Reservations are a should.

Viking Yurt Dinner in Park Metropolis: The Finest Evening Out on the Mountain

If there’s one expertise that defines a Park Metropolis winter journey, it’s dinner at The Viking Yurt. This isn’t your common evening out. Your night begins with a 25-minute sleigh trip up 1,800 vertical toes, with sweeping views of the evening sky, the twinkling lights of Park Metropolis, and the encircling mountains. If you arrive on the yurt, you’re greeted by a heat hearth and a mug of scorching glögg, a spiced berry cider. Then comes a six-course gourmand dinner, all served over 4 hours with a reside piano efficiency. Solely 40 visitors are seated every evening, so it by no means feels crowded or rushed.

The Viking Yurt was named Better of State Utah in each 2024 and 2025, and after one evening there, it’s simple to see why. Pricing runs $225 per individual throughout common season and $295 per individual over the vacations (alcohol and gratuity not included). For those who’re planning a visit to Park Metropolis this winter, guide this one first. It fills up quick. It’s the sort of cozy, indulgent night that pairs completely with a superb scorching chocolate if you get again to the lodge.

On the Mountain: Guided Ski Experiences

I’m going to be upfront: I’m not a assured skier. In any respect. And with over 300 trails throughout 7,300 acres, the concept of simply displaying up and figuring it out sounded fairly daunting. That’s the place Park Metropolis’s Guided Mountain Expertise is available in. An professional information takes you on a customized tour throughout the resort, half sightseeing, half ski lesson. Your information helps you deal with terrain you’d by no means attempt by yourself, you really be taught one thing alongside the best way, and also you’re grouped with different adults at your stage. You additionally skip the carry line wait, which suggests extra time really on the mountain. For somebody like me, it was price each penny.

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And Then There’s Snowshoeing

I’d by no means been snowshoeing earlier than this journey, however consider it as snow climbing, and it would simply be my new favourite factor. Park Metropolis has seasoned out of doors guides who take you off the overwhelmed path, by means of aspen and evergreen forests and as much as snow-covered alpine lakes. It’s a good way to find mountain wildlife, soak within the views, and quietly shake off some stress. There are many native information firms to select from, with choices starting from leisurely walks to severe exercises. An ideal solution to spend a time without work the slopes.

Getting There Is Straightforward

Among the best issues about Park Metropolis is how accessible it’s. It’s solely a few 35 to 40 minute drive from Salt Lake Metropolis Worldwide Airport, and you may guide carry tickets, classes, and eating reservations on-line forward of time. Much less planning, extra having fun with the mountain. And if you happen to’re nonetheless determining what to pack, take a look at our packing ideas earlier than you head out.

The Backside Line

Park Metropolis has the whole lot I used to be in search of in a winter getaway: beautiful surroundings, nice meals, memorable experiences, and a relaxed mountain city vibe that by no means feels rushed or touristy. Whether or not you’re an professional skier or somebody like me who simply desires to benefit from the mountain with out the stress, there’s a spot for you right here.

Park Metropolis Mountain is among the standout locations throughout the Vail Resorts assortment. For those who’re able to plan your individual mountain getaway, begin at parkcitymountain.com. And if you happen to’re in search of extra winter getaway concepts nearer to residence, we’ve received you coated there too.

Disclosure: This put up was initially created in partnership with Vail Resorts and has since been up to date with present data. All opinions are my very own.