Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah, is a top-tier ski destination in the West in part because of its wide-open terrain and rugged peaks, some of which stand at more than 11,000 feet tall. Despite the abundant winter activities available, Park City truly is a year-round destination. In warmer months, bright blue lakes welcome boating and water sports, while miles of hiking and biking trails lace the picturesque mountains.

Park City lies in the Wasatch Range where three geologically distinct regions meet: the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Plateau, and the Basin and Range Province. As a result, you’ll find craggy canyons with massive granite walls; gorges with purple and green shale; and valleys covered in greenery. Although Park City is an adventurer’s paradise, there’s enough here to satisfy culture buffs as well, including the annual winter Sundance Film Festival and a lively music scene. Foodies can enjoy ski-in, ski-out distilleries and eat everything from poutine to lobster rolls. Who knew the former mining town packed so much action?