If you’re a skier or snowboarder, then you know that picking the right resort can make all the difference in your experience. One question that often comes up is, “Is Park City the biggest resort?”
The answer is not as simple as yes or no. Let’s explore this in detail.
What do we mean by “biggest”?
When we talk about the size of a ski resort, we could be referring to a few different things. Here are some of the most common metrics:
Skiable Acres
This is probably what most people think of when they hear “biggest.” Skiable acres refers to the amount of terrain that’s available for skiing and riding. The more skiable acres a resort has, the more varied its terrain can be.
Lifts
Another way to measure a resort’s size is by counting its lifts. More lifts means more access to terrain and less time spent waiting in lines.
Vertical Drop
Vertical drop is the difference in elevation between a resort’s highest and lowest points. A bigger vertical drop can mean longer runs and more varied terrain.
So, is Park City the biggest?
The short answer is no, Park City is not the biggest ski resort in terms of skiable acres or vertical drop. However, it does have one claim to fame: it has the most lifts of any ski resort in North America.
According to Ski Magazine, Park City has 41 lifts spread across its two mountains, Park City Mountain and Canyons Village. This beats out other big resorts like Whistler Blackcomb (37 lifts) and Vail (31 lifts).
In terms of skiable acres, though, Park City falls short of some other resorts. Its 7,300 acres put it behind several other resorts, including Big Sky in Montana (5th largest in the US with 5,850 acres), Powder Mountain in Utah (4th largest in the US with 8,464 acres), and the two behemoths of North American skiing: Whistler Blackcomb and Vail.
As for vertical drop, Park City’s 3,226 feet puts it in the middle of the pack. It’s higher than some resorts like Breckenridge and Keystone, but lower than others like Snowmass and Telluride.
Does size matter?
So, if Park City isn’t the biggest resort, does that mean it’s not worth visiting? Absolutely not.
Size isn’t everything when it comes to ski resorts. Park City has plenty of other qualities that make it a top destination for skiers and snowboarders.
For one thing, its location can’t be beat. Park City is just a short drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, which makes it easy to get to from anywhere in the country. And because it’s located in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, it boasts some of the driest powder snow you’ll find anywhere.
Park City also has a great mix of terrain for all skill levels. Beginners will find plenty of gentle slopes to learn on, while experts can challenge themselves on steep chutes and tree runs.
And let’s not forget about the town itself. Park City has a charming historic district with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore when you’re off the mountain.
The Bottom Line
So, is Park City the biggest ski resort? No.
But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time. With its unbeatable location, dry powder snow, varied terrain, and charming town atmosphere, Park City is definitely a resort worth visiting – whether you’re looking for big mountains or not.