Visiting Park City Utah during the famous Sundance Film Festival (Jan. 21-29th) was not intentional, but it became a very enjoyable coincidence. It was a trip planned to visit a friend for the first time since he moved to Utah, and the film festival was both a positive and negative situation. The negative being that the traffic was horrific, finding places to park was impossible, and restaurant reservations was even more of a challenge. In spite of it all, it was a great time, in a beautiful area, and full of life and energy only a small town full of film enthusiasts and serious skiers could provide.
The setting of Park City Utah is a postcard perfect surrounding of the Rocky Mountains, valleys, and landscapes that are beyond description. It is a land of snow capped mountain peaks and clear blue skies. How unique to walk up and down the wonderful Main Street, and in between two store fronts, and catch a ski lift to one of the many slopes that is part of the city—how charming. Skiing down and then having lunch in a great cafe, makes it just perfect.
Besides the street being wall to wall people, cars, trucks, film equipment, tents, and displays featuring the Sundance Film Festival makes it even more exciting. You may walk into a famous actor or director, or even an unknown filmmaker full of excitement of showing his film for the first time. It is a week long event, and the films are being shown at different times and places, including Salt Lake City. The tickets have to be bought in advance, but a few tickets are put aside so the locals may catch a glimpse of a film also.
We did not see a film because it was so nice just to be located in a beautiful multi-level modern home, high on one of the hillsides, and overlooking both Park City valley and Deer Valley Resort. Three fireplaces and views through numerous glass walls and windows, made it an occasion of sheer relaxation and enjoyment. Walks, and eating in with supplies from the local "Wild Oats" health food stores, made a nice refuge from all the hecticness in town. We did, however get reservations two nights in a row at Adolfe's Restaurant, listed as the number two best restaurant in Park City. A very lucky break.${QuickSuggestions} If you want to ski and attend the Film Festival, this is a perfect time to visit Park City, Utah. The skiing is some of the best packed powder you can find. And the environment is primarily is for skiers and snowboarders. Sporting goods shops, and ski repair, lodging, and restaurants geared for the outdoor person are all abundant. Yet, you can also have a luxurious time as a bystander also. Plush hotels and places to eat, and great places to shop. Sightseeing is at its best with many other locations around to see. Including the original Sundance Valley, Heber, Promo, etc.
Both summer and winter are good times to visit Park City. Summertime has the hot air balloon adventures, a great way to feel one with nature, and step out of the ordinary. Also you can enjoy a ride on the Town Lift from the bottom of Main Street to the top of the Mountain. If you drive outside of town a bit, you can ride the famous Alpine Slide in the summer. The museum on Main Street gives you the transformation of Park City changing from a mining town, to a world-class ski resort and destination.
It also has outdoor concerts of bluegrass, jazz, classical, and rock in the summer that are free. ${BestWay} Rent a car (preferably SUV) at the airport and take advantage of touring Utah, a beautiful state with natural wonders surrounding the area from deserts, to mountains. Of course, I recommend Park City, a skiers Paradise and the location of the 2002 Winter Olympics for the skiing events.
From journal Park City...Film Fest & Skiing Resort