Planning a Park City Ski Trip: Budget Tips for Families
How to experience Park City without breaking the bank - from affordable lodging to free activities and smart ticket strategies.
Park City on a Budget
Let's be honest - ski vacations aren't cheap. But with smart planning, you can give your family an incredible Park City experience without maxing out the credit card. Here are our best money-saving strategies.
Lodging
Skip the slope-side luxury hotels and look at vacation rentals in Kimball Junction or the Canyons Village area. You'll get a full kitchen (huge savings on meals), more space for the family, and rates that are often half the price of Main Street hotels. Book early - the best-value properties go fast.
Lift Tickets
The Ikon Pass is your best friend if you're planning 3+ days of skiing. Buy it in the spring for the following season when prices are lowest. Kids 5 and under ski free at most resorts. Also check for multi-day ticket packages directly from the resorts - they're almost always cheaper than single-day rates.
Equipment
Rent skis from shops in town rather than at the resort - you'll save 30-40%. Jans, Cole Sport, and Park City Sport all offer family packages. For items you'll use repeatedly, buying can save money long-term. A quality pair of ski goggles lasts multiple seasons and beats rental quality.
Free and Low-Cost Activities
The Rail Trail is free and beautiful for walks or fat biking. Park City Museum is free admission. Many of the hiking trails are accessible in shoulder season. The Farmers Market (Saturdays in summer) is free to browse. Sledding at Rotary Park is free if you bring your own sled - grab a foam sled before your trip.
Food Hacks
Eat a big breakfast at your rental, pack lunches to eat on the mountain (locker rentals are cheap), and save restaurant meals for dinner. The Eating Establishment has generous portions at reasonable prices. Cafe Rio in Kimball Junction offers fast, filling meals for the whole family under $50. Make sure everyone has a good water bottle - staying hydrated is especially important at altitude. Always pack a compact first aid kit - with kids, you never know when you will need it. Toss some hand warmers in your pockets - the kids will thank you when the temperature drops. A good pair of kids headphones will keep everyone happy during travel days.
What to Pack for Ski Season
Here are our tried-and-tested picks for this trip: