Has it been too long since you've had a white Christmas? Are you tired of spending an entire holiday season without so much as a small nose nibble from Jack Frost? If so, this might be a great year to spend the holidays in Park City, Utah. Park City has much to offer visiting families during the holidays. The world-class ski and snowboarding slopes of Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, and The Canyons Resort draw snow bunnies to Park City throughout the winter months. Why not start a new holiday tradition of belting out Christmas carols while dashing through the snow on skis?
If sliding down a mountain at breathtaking speed is not your cup of holiday cheer, a variety of other outdoor adventures await. Try walking in a winter wonderland on snowshoes; it's great exercise, and it's easy to enjoy the landscape when it plods past at a reasonable pace. A similarly peaceful experience can be had on cross-country skis. Gear for either of these activities can be rented from a number of shops in Park City, and some companies provide guided tours.
If you want a bit more speed and less chance of the outrageously sore quadriceps that plague most beginning snowshoers, try a dog sledding tour. There is nothing quite like feeling the wind in your face as a yelping pack of dogs gleefully hauls you and a sled through the snowy landscape. Attach some sleigh bells and bring a bag of toys and you might just pass for Santa Claus as the dogs fly across the frozen ground!
Park City can also keep the less-athletically inclined members of your family entertained over the holidays. A stroll up Main Street provides a chance to view the town's quaint Victorian architecture all dolled up for the holidays. Boutiques and fine restaurants cater to winter visitors, allowing for some unique last-minute gift buying opportunities and the chance to put on those extra holiday pounds in style.
Park City features some holiday traditions that can whip the young or the young at heart into a true frenzy of holiday excitement. In mid-December, Santa Claus descends into town via ski lift, complete with sleigh, reindeer, and presents. Visitors are invited to come see the jolly old elf and enjoy some hot cocoa and snacks.
Come Christmas Eve, Santa hits the slopes once again as he leads the torchlight parade down the PayDay ski run. The flowing, sparkling lights of this parade are sure to set visions of sugar plums dancing into the most humbuggy hearts.
However you plan to spend your Park City holiday, be sure to be prepared for sub-freezing temperatures and snowy conditions. Pack plenty of warm clothing, and make sure to wear layers that you can peal off as you work up a sweat on the slopes or in the shops. With its great variety of activities and its glorious natural scenery, Park City can offer holiday cheer to everyone in your family.
This guide to a Park City winter holiday was brought to you by Geraldine Bivens.