Family Circle
Known for world-class skiing and riding, Park City also offers an abundance of non-alpine activities to channel your inner child.
Snowshoe Photography: Douglas Burke
Skim the Surface
Channel your inner figure skater (or hockey player) at Park City Mountain Resort, the only outdoor ice-skating rink in town. While small, the oval here is sure to bring back childhood memories of gliding across icy surfaces bundled in winter gear. Recently installed refrigeration and shade upgrades extend the rink’s season from mid-November to mid-April. All-day admission includes complimentary skate walkers for beginners. On the other side of town, the Park City Ice Arena provides a full-size ice sheet to practice spins, jumps, or just plain speeding around the rink. Open year-round, the arena is home to Park City’s figure-skating club and numerous hockey leagues. Daily “cheap skate” sessions offer discounts on both skating and rentals. Resort Center Ice Skating Rink, 1415 Lowell Ave, 435.615.8165, resortcentericerink.com; Park City Ice Arena, 600 Gillmor Way, 435.615.5700, parkcityice.org
Burn Some Rubber
Remember the thrill of sledding as a kid? Park City has its own version, and you don’t even have to hike back up the hill. Gorgoza Park, located just off of I-80, offers lighted tubing seven days a week from midafternoon to 8 p.m. A new 390-foot conveyor belt with easier off-loading whisks smaller tubers (under 42 inches tall) up the hill to the beginner tubing lanes. The traditional rope tow services the four advanced lanes, where thrill seekers can link tubes for an even faster ride. An inside tip: don’t embark on this outing when it’s snowing. Fresh snowfall can slow lanes down, making tubes stick like peanut butter rather than sliding rip-roaring fast. The on-site yurt offers snacks and hot chocolate to keep tubers on a sugar high ... as if catching some serious air weren’t enough. Gorgoza Park, 3863 Kilby Rd, 435.658.2648, gorgozapark.com
Be Your Own Bigfoot
Walking in a winter wonderland: that simple premise of snowshoeing explains its appeal for little tykes and adults alike. The 28-mile Rail Trail, just off Bonanza Drive, is the best local place to give the sport a try. Forget the flimsy wooden snowshoes of old; today’s aluminum, spring-loaded versions attach easily to your boots, and crampons underneath the toes help you walk up or down hills. Whether you want a leisurely stroll or a traction-packed run, three local retailers offer snowshoe rentals for as little as $18 a day, including trekking poles. Dress in light layers, but deck yourself out in snow boots, hat, and mittens. If it’s a bluebird day, don’t forget the sunglasses and sunscreen. And if it’s snowing, catching snowflakes on your tongue is de rigueur. Cole Sport, 1615 Park Ave, 435.649.4806, colesport.com; Jans Mountain Outfitters, 1600 Park Ave, 435.649.4949, jans.com; White Pine Touring, 1790 Bonanza Dr, 435.649.8710, whitepinetouring.com
Refuel
Twin brothers help Parkites get their double shot of caffeine goodness. For more than 15 years, Rob & Ray Hibl have been providing Parkites with a great cup o’ joe at Park City Coffee Roasters. What started as a roasting business in a tiny blacksmith building has grown to include two retail locations and statewide distribution. Selling organic, Fair Trade–certified coffee and offering dairy-free alternatives including almond, soy, and coconut milks, the brothers do only small-batch roasting. The resulting coffee stands alone in both freshness and quality; a local favorite is the Great Salt Latte, made with caramel sauce and sea salt and served macchiato style. You also won’t want to miss the white chocolate, mixed-berry muffins, but come early: these yummy treats sell out daily. Park City Coffee Roasters, 1680 W Ute Blvd, 435.647.9097 or 638 Park Ave, 435.649.0051, parkcitycoffeeroaster.com
Recharge
Soothe tired muscles with treatments of Olympic proportions.Owned and operated by massage therapist Harriet McEntire, Align Spa is known for its customized “freestyle” massages. This local secret has been discovered by sports celebrities including the US Ski and Snowboard Team, professional cyclists, and renowned yogis.
Align’s Dermasound treatment, a high-frequency ultrasonic facial, soothes dry, wind-chapped skin by providing deep exfoliation for product penetration. And don’t forget your feet: after being stuffed in ski boots all day, they need some TLC, too. Align’s “Ski Boot Revenge” package includes a foot soak followed by a hydrating paraffin dip and invigorating foot and leg massage. While you’re there, keep an eye out for past and future Olympians. Align Spa, 1792 Bonanza Dr, Building C, Suite 130, 435.647.9300, alignspa.com
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