That's what some people say about this mountain mining town. Others bemoan its bizarre liquor laws, but what do you expect from a state whose laws are made by non-drinking Mormons? And what's with the private clubs? Relax... that's just a way to scare you into thinking that you need to either know someone or cough up a whole lot of cash to get into a dance club.
Truth be told, a few bucks buys you a temporary membership to most so-called private clubs. That's no different than any other type of 'cover charge' at most nightclubs. But why are we still talking about drinking and partying? For a spring break skiing destination, Utah is known as the place with the Greatest Snow on Earth, so that's the number one reason to play your spring ski vacation in Park City. The high altitude environment is conducive to light and fluffy champagne powder, making it the equivalent of Disneyland for winter sport lovers. Even better, in Park City, you have access to at least two great ski resorts-- three if you're a two-planker.
While Park City Mountain Resort and the Canyons allow knuckle-draggers (a.k.a snowboarders, to you square folk), the upscale and elegant Deer Valley is a skier's only resort. However, it's a great place to go if your spring break aspirations include meeting a wealthy snow sport enthusiast. If you don't ski, you can still have lunch at one of the base area restaurants. Just remember to lose the baggy pants.
Dudes with an affinity for older gals might meet one of the cougars that frequent the Deer Valley bars and restaurants, but keep in mind that the Big Love thing is only a TV show, so one to a customer, please. Sweet young college females might find their sugar daddy in Deer Valley. If this happens, you're set for the rest of your Park City spring break vacation. However, there are other ways to have an affordable spring break vacation in Park City.
First off, consider the fact that Park City is just a short ride from the Salt Lake City airport. Most airlines have pretty affordable flights to SLC. Even the town of Park City will make you an offer that you'd be a moron to refuse: Fly into Salt Lake City and show your same-day boarding pass at any Park City resort. This gives you a free lift ticket for your first day.
Your next step is to purchase a Costco membership. Costco (with several locations in Salt Lake City) offers some sweet deals on multi-day lift tickets to the Park City Resorts. You can also get cheap gas for your rental car, as well as inexpensive groceries. If you decide to rent a condo in Park City with friends, as opposed to an expensive hotel room, you can save a considerable amount of money by cooking some meals at "home."
When the lifts close, Park City becomes a non-stop party town. However, this need not put too much of a dent in your budget. Half the fun comes from walking down Main Street, stopping in the galleries and people watching. Enjoy yourself, but get a good rest. You don't want to miss first tracks!
This tidbit of ski town know-how is brought to you by a card carrying member of skiers anonymous, Lisa Marie Mercer.
Gather your posse of grads and undergrads, and plan your spring break ski vacation in Park City now. Find sick deals on slopeside condo rentals or, if your credit cards aren't maxed by tuition, snag an entire Park City vacation home for rent, and fill it with 15 of your closest friends. Just make sure to keep it somewhat (clean) so you can get your security deposit back in full!
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