The US is home to an abundance of amazing ski resorts, but Park City, Utah is the best US ski resort according to Planet Ski in their Top Ten Ski Resorts of the USA. Research by Koala has examined the offerings of more than 450 ski resorts. It has taken into account factors such as annual snowfall, length of runs, the cost of an adult ski pass and review ratings to create a ranking of the best resorts in America. As America’s largest ski resort, it boasts 348 of trails and over 7,300 skiable acres, meaning you’ll never get bored. Not only home to world-class skiing and snowboarding, the village’s lively main street is renowned for its après-ski, with nightly live music and dancing.

Planet Ski also shares THE EVENING ACTIVITIES IN PARK CITY: Now one of the questions I am often asked is “Can you get a drink in the Mormon state of Utah?” You can not only get a drink, you can go one further and make you own gin in a distillery on Main Street at Alpine Distilling. So, how do you go about making your own gin? Step forward Rob Sergent from Alpine Distilling.

“Sorry James this is known as an ‘explosive area’ due to the flammable and explosive ingredients here and the public aren’t allowed in.” So, I watched her making my gin through protective glass. We were then asked to come up with a name for our gin. There was only one choice for me. “Explosion Gin”. And then the moment of truth.

Travel and Leisure shares Utah's Ski Resorts Have Finally Reopened — Here's Where to Stay, Eat, and Shred Safely, here is everything you need to know before you book your Utah ski trip this winter.

After the longest ski resort closure in Utah’s history, all of the state’s ski areas are now open for everyone to enjoy the "best snow on earth." On March 16 — when Utah resorts closed due to the coronavirus pandemic — ski areas began to carefully establish plans to make the 2020-2021 ski season as safe and socially distant as possible. All ski areas have established cleaning and disinfection strategies, physical distancing guidelines, and strict mask requirements. 

Utah has always been a favorite ski destination — most resorts are within an hour of the airport, the terrain is accommodating to every skier, and each season there’s an average of 40 feet of light and powdery snow. Utah resorts have taken hints from New Zealand and South America’s summer ski season and banded together to create a streamlined safety plan that was presented and approved by state health officials to keep locals and tourists safe and distant this winter. 

Deer Valley Resort is one of three ski-only resorts in the nation. This year, they stand out again by eliminating day-of ski tickets and limiting the number of ski reservations in order to keep the slope and ski village well below capacity. Plus, all dining is reservation only to keep everyone safely distant while enjoying lunch or dinner. Snowbasin has set up warming yurts where skiers can take breaks and warm up and brought in food trucks to allow for outdoor dining.

All the resorts in Utah have similar safety guidelines in place, along with après ski activities that follow CDC and NSAA guidelines and have been carefully designed to ensure the safest experience possible.  

The Washington School House Hotel is a sophisticated and charming historical gem steps from Main Street in Park City. The artfully restored 1889 school house has gone above and beyond to establish COVID-19 protocols that make every guest feel safe. There's hand sanitizer and masks in each room, private room entrances, and upgraded amenities. Upon request, the hotel can set up in-room work stations with a printer, notepads, and even complimentary snack deliveries. There is even the option to have a private dinner prepared by executive chef Ryan Frye in-room or virtually anywhere on the property. But most hotels in Utah have adopted strict guidelines to ensure a clean, safe, and social distant stay — including popular options such as Goldener Hirsch Inn, St. Regis Deer Valley, and Montage Deer Valley.

One of the best places for a bite after a long day on the slopes has long been the High West Saloon — and it still is as they have implemented better-than-recommended guidelines to their indoor dining and will add an Alpenglobe later this month for isolated dining. Also, try Alpine Distilling and the Alpine Pie Bar - Park City's only locally owned distillery. Hearth and Hill quickly transitioned to an awarded curbside program and has a menu that will please the whole family. The Stein Eriksen Lodge is installing four Alpenglobe deck dining additions this winter that will be perfect for après ski. They will be available to reserve for a 90-minute dining experience.  

Plan ahead. Most resorts are operating on a reservation system, so make sure you have reservations for both parking and for your ski ticket. It’s vital to do your part by always wearing a mask and following all marked protocols. Ski Utah has put together a comprehensive list of expectations for all resorts in Utah that will be helpful to review prior to any Utah ski vacation this winter.