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Sunset over the colorful houses of Old Town, Park City

Where to stay in Park City (and Deer Valley)

Main Street, Canyons, the Park City base or mid-mountain at Deer Valley: which area suits the way you travel.

Photo: White Peak in Park City

By Tomás, founder of White Peak. Updated October 30, 2026.

Where is the best place to stay in Park City?

It depends on which mountain you'll ski most and how much town you want:

  • You want town and restaurants on footMain Street and Old Town.
  • You'll mostly ski Park CityCanyons Village or the Park City Mountain base.
  • You'll mostly ski Deer ValleySilver Lake or Empire Pass, mid-mountain and ski-in/ski-out.

In Park City, location changes the trip more than hotel category does. Stepping out with your skis on is nothing like waiting for a bus in ski boots, and dining a block from Main Street is nothing like driving at night in the snow. Here are the areas we use and who each one suits.

The areas of Park City, one by one

Main Street and Old Town

The historic heart of the old mining town

Best for

Couples and groups who want to walk to dinner, galleries and nightlife. The Town Lift runs from here up to Park City Mountain.

Not for

Families with young kids who want ski-in/ski-out: the streets are steep and you have to get to the base.

A hotel we like: Washington School House, a boutique property in a former schoolhouse just off Main Street.

Canyons Village

The base on the Canyons side of Park City Mountain

Best for

Skiers who'll spend most of their time at Park City and want newer hotels right at the gondola, with shorter lines than the main base.

Not for

Anyone after the historic town: Main Street is about 15 minutes away by car or bus.

Hotels: Pendry Park City and Waldorf Astoria Park City, both close to the gondolas.

Park City Mountain Village

The main base of Park City Mountain

Best for

Families who want to be next to ski school and the lifts, a few minutes' walk from town.

Not for

Anyone looking for quiet: it's the busiest base on the mountain.

Slopeside condos are plentiful here, a good option for groups.

Deer Valley: Silver Lake and Empire Pass

Mid-mountain and ski-in/ski-out

Best for

People who'll ski mostly Deer Valley and want maximum comfort: ski out of the hotel in the morning and back in at the end of the day.

Not for

Anyone who wants to walk to dinner: getting to town means a drive or a shuttle.

Hotels: Stein Eriksen Lodge and Goldener Hirsch at Silver Lake, and Montage Deer Valley at Empire Pass.

Deer Valley: Snow Park and East Village

The Deer Valley bases

Best for

Snow Park, close to town: those who want Deer Valley with Main Street at hand. East Village: those who want to be first on the mountain's new side.

Not for

East Village is still under construction: its lodge with ski school opens in winter 2027-28.

Hotels: The St. Regis Deer Valley, reached by its own funicular, and the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in East Village.

What does ski-in/ski-out mean?

That you can ski out of your lodging and ski back, without walking in boots or taking transport. But watch out: plenty of listings say "ski-in/ski-out" when you actually have to walk a few minutes or cross a road. Before you book, confirm exactly how you get to the snow.

Tomás among snow-loaded pines in Park City
Tomás among snowy pines in Park City. The closer you sleep to the snow, the more hours like this you get each day.

Home or hotel?

For a couple or a small family, a hotel usually wins: service, spa, breakfast and someone to look after your skis. For big groups or several families, a home or large condo usually works better: everyone together, your own kitchen, and the option of a private chef. Either way, the same thing matters most: how close it is to the snow.

The most common lodging mistake

Looking at a map and thinking half a mile is close. On a mountain, half a mile can be an icy hill in ski boots while you carry your kids' skis. That's why we always ask the same thing: who's skiing, for how many days, and at which mountain? The area follows from that. If you're not sure of the mountain yet, start with Park City vs. Deer Valley.

If you're traveling at Christmas, New Year's or Presidents' Day, the best lodging books up 10 to 12 months out. We explain it in when to book your ski trip.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Park City?

It depends on your plan. Main Street and Old Town for town and restaurants; Canyons Village or the Park City Mountain base to ski Park City; Silver Lake or Empire Pass for ski-in/ski-out at Deer Valley.

Is it better to stay in Park City or Deer Valley?

Sleep near the mountain you'll ski most. They're ten minutes apart, so the other one is an easy visit.

What hotels are ski-in/ski-out at Deer Valley?

Among others, Stein Eriksen Lodge and Goldener Hirsch at Silver Lake, Montage Deer Valley at Empire Pass, The St. Regis Deer Valley, and the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in East Village.

Do you need a car in Park City?

Usually not. A private transfer from the airport and the town's free public transit are enough. A car helps if you want to take trips outside Park City.

Tomás, founder of White Peak, on a snowy mountain

Tomás founded White Peak to plan custom ski trips in the mountains of the US. He and his team ski every mountain they recommend and book every part of the trip on time.

Sources

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