Sometimes all you need in life is a getaway with your best friend, your four-legged best friend that is! And a winter getaway to Park City is exactly the joy-filled trip you both deserve. Who doesn’t love watching their pup frolic in the snow? The childlike wonder of it all, the pure bliss, the tongue-out happiness - it really rubs off on their human companion as if you were the one diving headfirst into snowbanks yourself. 

Park City, otherwise, known as Bark City, has been established as a destination for dog lovers with our dog-friendly culture, from off-leash dog parks to dog-friendly bars and restaurants, canines are welcomed with open arms during all seasons! 

There is no denying the feel-good factor of water. The wild frothy ocean, swimming in lakes and rivers, the first dips of summer, soaking in a hot spring or hot tub. Even hot showers on cold days and vice versa. It’s a surge of adrenaline, balm for the soul, and the feeling of absolute calm and freedom. So when you put yoga and water together you get quite a healing and relaxing combination. 

I was recently looking for a way to decompress from all of the stressful events in 2020 and the hectic holiday season when I came across Park City Yoga Adventure’s (PCYA) Snowshoe + Yoga in Silks experience. I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with yoga as I truly enjoy the benefits of yoga, mindfully moving my body, stretching, slowing down, but my ADHD will usually kick in and won’t let me just sit and relax. Yoga … in aerial silks, however, really piqued my interest as I thought it must have a playful and fun element to it. 

Park City is a mecca for mountain biking. We have 450 miles of mountain biking trails in and around our charming mountain town kept in pristine shape. This is thanks to the Mountain Trails Foundation, which is dedicated to building, maintaining, and preserving trail access in the area. But with so many options, how do you know which is the right trail for you? Thankfully, that’s where White Pine Touring comes in! Located close to Main Street, White Pine Touring offers guided mountain biking tours based on your ability level and the kind of terrain you’d like to ride. Their guides are happy to show you around and give you a great day out on some brown pow. And for those of you concerned about the pandemic, this is an especially great activity right now as it allows you to explore our wide-open spaces while socially distancing. 

I’ve always been inspired by skateboarders, their style, skills, persistence, and sense of freedom. They make skateboarding look effortless, almost zen-like, and I’ve been a fan and a semi-passive bystander for a while. I own a couple of boards that I mainly use for cruising around the neighborhood, but I’ve never taken a lesson to really hone in on those fundamentals. Like with any sport, having a good mastery of the basics to build on is key to staying safe and having fun when you’re out getting after it. 

In Park City, skiing and snowboarding are known as the winter sports of choice, but snowshoeing is another great way to get outside, enjoy nature, and get your body moving in the mountains. For those who might not want to glide downhill but are still winter enthusiasts, a snowshoe tour is a magical way to be active and enjoy our winter playground. 

Fall may not be the longest season in Park City, but it’s nothing short of spectacular. As the sunlight begins to wane, the trees begin to put on a show for us, and this special season presents itself in a display of color that one must revel in. A great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of these mountains in the fall is to head out on some of our most spectacular hikes.

When you think about fly fishing, what comes to your mind? Is it a romantic vision of Brad Pitt casting a fishing rod bathed in the warm glow of the sun? While that is a beautiful daydream, and “A River Runs Through It” is a great film, it doesn’t quite help one grasp what to expect when it comes to fly fishing. 

Interested in trying my hand at another outdoor activity, I booked a half-day guided fly fishing trip with Park City Fly Fishing Guides, who have over 40 years of experience in the Park City area. They are locally owned and operated by Layne Edwards and Erik Hufnagle, and take great pride in providing the best possible fly fishing experience for their guests. Their home waters include the Provo River, the Weber River, and many small & remote streams in the North and South Uinta Basins.

Park City is a mecca for outdoor activities and adventures. Beautiful hiking and biking trails are abundant, for all ability levels, that make this “ski town” a genuinely world-class summer destination. Having just moved to Park City this summer, I am surprised and delighted by all the options, especially when it comes to mountain biking. From wide dirt roads and beginner singletrack to scenic cross country trails, and heart-pounding downhill options, there really is something here for everyone.If you’re feeling adventurous, there is even a bike park with multiple features that include flow trails, tabletops, and pump tracks, With so many options, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, new locals (like me!), and even returning guests who are looking to explore some new areas. Thankfully, White Pine Touring helped me get the lay of the land and connect with some great people to ride with.