If you haven’t noticed, Summer in Park City is all but over.

For this couple-of-surf-bums who came to PC from Kauai, it’s been the magical summer of our lives. We couldn’t just experience the warmest and fuzziest times of our lives and not share, so here are the ingredients we feel will mash-up and make the……..

BEST

SUMMER 

EVER

I’ll start this off by saying that we are pretty addicted to athletic type events so this list of ingredients will be laden with sweat but we did do lots of other fun stuff that didn’t require pain and punishment.

We got to see some concerts and other events at the High Star Ranch including David Blaine which was a mind-bender. We also went and watched the MLS Soccer team which was fun and pretty affordable. We also got to go down to Vivint to see the Jazz (more like Fall but was still super beautiful to see the remodeled arena). Ok, without further ado, here’s the recipe for a perfect summer in PC.

 

One cup of Get Fit

This place they call “Park City” is appropriately named because the whole place is a park! But get ready for a challenge because even the easier races are challenging due to the altitude and the competitiveness of the world class athletes who inhabit PC. It’s all to-the-good however because it really forces you to be F I T. Come early, spend a week before your first event (if you can afford it) and work on your hill training.. This place is rarely flat. We came early and kept strong on the trails and used the Basin Recreational Center often. It’s a first class community type training center where you’ll commonly see Olympic athletes from many countries training.

 

Two scoops of Planning

Plan ahead. Races here in PC fill up so don’t just assume that you are going to come out and get into every single event you want to participate in. Some events that are pure fun like “Slip and Soar” and the “Red Bull 400” sell out almost immediately. So plan your attack and then… ATTACK!

 

Suggested Toppings For Runners

Mountain Trails Events

A trifecta of races that vary from a solid training event around round valley, the vertical challenge of the Jupiter Peak steeplechase and finishing with the epic mid mountain marathon that is probably the most fun event I’ve ever ever done.

Search:

Round Valley Rambler
Jupiter Peak Steeple Chase
Mid Mountain Marathon
Discrete Peak Series. These are shorter but steeper races that you can use to truly test your skills as a mountain runner. These are not for the faint of heart but surely for the hard core.
Salt Lake Events. Most people who come up here to PC don’t venture down to Salt Lake to race but we found some really fun events down there including the Wahsatch (yea with the second H in there) Steeple Chase. It was a very very grueling event that crushed the quads worse than any event we’ve ever attempted. Give it a try but don’t say we didn’t warn you about the steepness of the descent! And make sure to bring your camera.. The views from Black Mountain are epic and rugged and super exposed.

 

Sprinkles for Cyclists

Sunday Church at Ritual Chocolate. The local “Stay Park City” Club rides outta Ritual every Sunday at 10am and it’s a MUST if you want to get in and meet some of the local hammers.
Mountain Velo. Don’t miss this shop. It’s home of the legendary Max Testa and his partner Tim. These guys are the real deal. You also might bump into Peter Sagan or Richie Porte (like I did) on one of the Wednesday night Worlds rides that starts at 5:30-6pm. Check with the shop on the exact departure time. Warning! If you show up to this ride bring your A+ game. These guys drop you and enjoy doing it. This ride is for hammers only. However, if you have the legs you could totally fall in love with this crew. They are super sweet people that have a passion for riding (hard).
Jans on Park Ave. If you are in need of a rental bike or some gear this place is the best around. They also have a sister store called White Pine touring over in the Prospector part of town. White Pine is home of the Thursday afternoon (5:45) MTB ride that has about 6 groups who go out all over town. Thursday night MTB offers all levels of abilities from pro racer peeps all the way out to chatty-Kathy types who just wanna spin.

 

A Dash of Splash

Even if you are a die-hard runner or rider, we totally suggest spending a rest day up at the Utah Olympic Park watching the crazies ski jump into the pool. It’s a great place to get a little sun, relax and giggle when the people belly flop or cheer when they crush a complicated trick. Also check the web for an event called “Slip and Soar”. That’s where they let the public dress up and slide down the jumps (without skis or boards) and allow us to pretend to fly.. It’s a riot and the epitome of good clean fun. Bust out that mankini you’ve been hiding from the wife and give it a whack.

 

A Pinch of Bird

Just because you are in PC doesn’t mean you should flip the bird to Snowbird 😉 during the summer in Park City. Those steep hills make for amazing running and riding and the summer room rates are cheap. We like to head out there for White Pine adventuring (just below the resort) as well as big loops from the lodge up to the top of the Gondola and over to Alta and back. If you are up there for a few days go in search of Sunset peak and Catherine’s Pass. The whole area is crazy amazing so ensure you get a little Snowbird time in over the summer. Don’t miss the wildflowers near Alta. They might be the most beautiful thing we saw all summer.

 

Let Rest for 8 hours

Last but not least…. You need a good place to sleep. We stay with ParkCityVacationRentals.com every single time we are in town. They have tons of options from castles to condos and everything in the middle. Moral of the story is: Sleep is King in PC. If you can rest well you can adventure well too. If you end up staying with these guys mention this article and they may even be able to get you some local pricing or a discount ;).

Hope you enjoyed this little ditty. It’s an absolute wonderful place to spend “the offseason”. We like it so much we purchased a home here that we will rent out during the ski season and come back for more summer adventures. So stay tuned. We will keep adventuring and sharing every year!

As the summer is coming to a close, the air becomes chilly and the leaves change into new brilliant shades, this is the time to come out and enjoy what the locals call the “off-season.” This is really a misnomer, because the city and surrounding areas do not really shut down. Take a look at some great summer activities in Park City and see during late summer/early fall.

 

Enjoy Fewer Crowds

During this wonderful time of year, the crowds thin out a bit, letting you enjoy strolling Main Street and dining at your favorite restaurants with just a bit more elbow room. We know that the crowds can get hectic during special events such as Sundance, so this season has become a perennial favorite among locals and visitors!

 

Hit the Trails

With more than 400 miles of trails, Park City is a hiking and biking mecca. Rent a bike or bring your own and take the chairlift up at either Deer Valley or Park City Mountain Resort. There are also numerous exhilarating trails dotting the entire area. And for those on foot, grab a mountain trails map and go out and explore some new areas!

 

Play Some Golf

The end of summer is one of the best times to get in some golf. Many of the area courses are ringed with trees and foliage that are sporting their autumnal finest. Enjoy a round or two surrounded by red, yellows, and golds. And of course, the cool crisp mountain air will be spectacular as well!

 

Take to the Skies

Nothing is better than a fall balloon excursion. Float high above the magnificent landscape in a hot air balloon and experience the area in a completely different light. You’ll be able to gaze down on the colors and maybe even some snow-topped mountains.

 

Get the Best Lodging

The end of summer is one of the best times to come out and visit. Park City Rental Properties has all sorts of available properties, from condos to mansions where you can enjoy these great summer activities in Park City. During this time of year, we also offer many discounts to make your stay even better. Call us today to reserve a property to stay in style and luxury while you enjoy this truly phenomenal time of year!
 

Summer is almost here with its wonderful weather and along with it comes a generous supply of fun activities. While many think Park City is a winter destination, the summer offers some great activities – some of which you may never have even thought about doing!

 

Paddle Boarding and Kayaking

Local lakes such as the Jordanelle State Park, Rockport Reservoir and Echo Reservoir offer all sorts of great fun. You can rent paddle boards or kayaks at Jordanelle. Also, at the Jordanelle Marina you can find jet skis for an exciting ride around the lake.

 

Boating on the Lakes

If you really want to experience the lake take advantage of Park City Vacation Rentals’ Ultimate Boat Experience! With the all-inclusive package you’ll ride aboard a new 2013 Malibu Axis A22 Ultimate Wakeboard and Surfing boat that seats up to 12 people. The package includes all the fun toys you’ll need including wakeboards, skis, knee boards, giant tubes and more.

 

Visit Sundance Resort

Just a short drive from Park City, you’ll find the gorgeous Sundance Resort – yes, the one founded by Robert Redford. Enjoy scenic lift rides, including a full moon lift ride. Sundance offers great activities such as horseback riding, river rafting and hot air ballooning. And, look for one of the longest zip lines in the country to open this spring!

 

S’mores and More at the Montage

So, who doesn’t love games and s’mores? Enjoy a wonderful night of both at the Montage in Deer Valley. Gather around the fire pit and toast up that tasty treat. You can then take the family to Daly’s Pub and Rec for darts, billiards, bowling and arcade games.

From this featured property, you and your family can enjoy all that that the Montage and Deer Valley offers!

This wonderful rental, located in Upper Deer Valley in the prestigious Lookout Community, was built in 2014 and is professionally decorated in a mountain contemporary décor. It features 4,317 square feet and can sleep up to 11 guests. You’ll love the views of the Deer Valley and Park City ski slopes, Empire Canyon and historic Park City.

 

Mountain Town Music Free Concert Series

Catch a fun outdoor concert with Mountain Town Music. This organization offers plenty of live music concerts throughout the Park City area including the Canyons, Kimball Junction, Deer Valley, Main Street and more. Check out the venues and events here!

 

Park City Golf Course

The Park City area is full of great golfing experiences. From luxurious private courses to pristine public courses, any golfer will find a challenging course that is just right! One of our favorites is the municipal Park City Golf Course. This course is located in the heart of Park City and is a golfer’s dream.

 If you want a course-side property, this Park City Chalet is perfect!

The Park City Chalet at the Marriott Hotel Park City is a townhome-style home featuring two bedrooms / two and a half baths.This professionally decorated home is situated on the 18th green of the Park City Golf Course. Do you like fishing?  The small lake adjacent to this home is stocked to the hilt with brown and rainbow trout and can be fished daily with a Utah fishing license! Perfect for kids and big fish for the angler in you!

 

Tubing the Rivers

Imagine floating down a river atop a tube – it’s a very unique way to experience our gorgeous rivers. There are several area companies that offer tubing trips – just ask our friendly concierge to help you find the best tubing adventure for you and your group. Tubing the Lower Provo River or Weber River is a fantastic way to see the Utah scenery!  You can paddle board on them too!

About Jim Bizily

I am an outdoor enthusiast, parent of two awesome boys, and Property Manager in beautiful Park City, Utah. After years in engineering and entrepreneurial projects, I decided to move to Park City Utah to start a business managing lodging and vacation rentals.