Park City debuts: Grand Summit Hotel and Washington School House

Thanks to some recent upgrades, Park City is primed for pleasure.

Whether you’re in town for the Sundance Film Festival or just out to catch some incredible Utah powder, the season is looking really solid in beautiful Park City.

No stone was left unturned in the recent $15 million renovation of the iconic ski-in/ski-out Grand Summit Hotel. Located in the heart of Canyons Village, at the largest ski resort in America, the Grand Summit is steps away from the mountain. Natural textures and a soothing color palette reflecting the hotel’s stunning alpine locale create a modern yet understatedly elegant ambience throughout this distinctive property—now part of Vail Resorts’ premium RockResorts lodging collection.

L to R: Enjoying fresh powder on the slopes; an appetizer from The Farm

Highlights at the Grand Summit include the also revamped RockResorts Spa, perfect for unwinding after a full day on the slopes and The Farm, the hotel’s in-house dining venue preparing from-scratch, sustainably-raised fare from local farms and purveyors.

4000 Canyons Resort Drive, 435-615-8099, parkcitymountain.com

An elegant sitting room at the Washington School House

If you’re looking for something in town and more of the boutique variety, you can’t do better than the incredibly stylish Washington School House. As the name implies, the structure was built as a school in 1889 and has since graduated to a fine hotel. With only 12 rooms/suites, it offers guests a heated pool and terrace surrounded by aspens and a roaring fire in the nicely appointed lounge. The hotel regularly serves a delicious breakfast menu in addition to a lively après-ski gathering for wine and relaxation.

543 Park Avenue, 800-824-1672, washingtonschoolhouse.com

While both properties will be more than happy to assist you with your day of skiing, there’s plenty besides fresh powder to enjoy in Park City Town. The bustling Main Street is packed with retail—from fashionable winter and recreation wear to jewelry, art and trendy home design. On the dining side, options abound, so you’ll never get bored. Some standouts from a recent visit include Firewood on Main, featuring New American heirloom cuisine, and Riverhorse on Main, one of the oldest and most distinguished restaurants in town.

306 Main Street, firewoodonmain.com and 540 Main Street, riverhorseparkcity.com.

Of course you can’t beat Atticus Coffee, Books and Teahouse for your morning cup, and a visit to Park City wouldn’t be complete without a tasting at High West Distillery, a popular saloon and happy hour hangout.

738 Lower Main Street, atticustea.com and 703 Park Avenue, highwest.com