With the numbers stating that the tourist industry like every other aspect of the economy is slowing even in premiere locations like Park City, you might think the outlook from the residents and business owners there might be a little gloomy. Nothing could be further from the case.

Take Peter Curtis’ aptitude for example. In the latest issue of the LATimes.com, the president of the Park City Mountain Resort acknowledges that while the economy is a concern, he still predicts that the slopes and resorts will stay active.

“They’ll ski,” he says, ” but they’re going to find ways to save money.”

And the numbers do show some cause for concern as the bookings overall are down anywhere from 15% to 25% from last year. Still, it’s the town’s diversity that generally keeps the mood upbeat despite any economic news.  The Sundance film festival always keeps the town busy and adds a necessary shot to the sagging bookings.

Of course there are real deals for those looking to join in on all the winter fun. One of the latest arrivals on the scene, The Newpark Resort, offers a flat fee right through until March in an attempt to bring people to the area.

When you go to a place like Park City for the first or twenty third time, you’ll be amazed at the lengths that the people there go to find new exciting ways to make your vacation something that you’ll never forget.

And some of this best most interesting things that you’ll find happen after the skiing is done for the season because the people who put together the vacation philosophy at Park City know that the cold weather doesn’t last for ever and the sun and warm weather can be just as much fun.  

That’s why the Park City Mountain Resort has come up with two different rides that are guaranteed to give the riders a thrill they won’t soon forget. The Alpine Slide has become a tourist attraction on its own by allowing people to get the feel of the Olympic bobsled by with a ride down a fixed track .

If you’re interested in something a little more exotic, why not try the ZipRider that is a zip line rushing its passengers over the tops of the trees at speeds of up to 45 miles a hour.  

In keeping with their fine reputation, Park City has something for all the seasons.

With all that’s been written about the outdoor life and rustic lodgings in and around Park City, you might get the idea that there’s no old fashioned luxury in town but that’s not the case at all.

Located only one mile from the Park City Mountain Resort the Park City Marriott has all the luxury that you’ve come to expect from this chain. As well as having many features that are sure to impress the tired winter vacationer, this hotel also has the distinction of being the headquarters for the Sundance Film Festival.

Recently the hotel has undergone a complete remodel and is now smoke free and some of the features here are just as upscale as the ones that you’d find at any other Marriott anywhere else.

If the indoor pool is not what you were looking for as recreation, then there  are a list of other activities near the hotel that include,

-Horseback riding

-Rock climbing

-Sailing

And if you’d rather stay right on site, there are a variety of different equipment options that you can take advantage of like weights and cardiovascular bikes so you can get a great work out without ever leaving the hotel.

When you stop to think about it, what better place to have your wedding than a one of the premiere winter vacation resorts in the United States? Park City offers all the top notch amenities for that special day including a mountaintop wedding that’s sure to be something that neither of you will ever forget.

There are a variety of traditional establishments in town where you can have your ceremony whether your preference is a church or a synagogue. For the more adventurous, there’s even the possibility of getting married in a natural setting like beside a stream.

And of course an adventurous place like Park City offers some unusual and exciting ways to get married as well. It’s even possible to rent a hot air balloon or a hut where you can ski in to say your vows and then leave the same way. Park City has always been known as a place that caters to the desires of its visitors and there’s something here for every taste when it comes to those who want to get married.

There are even several resorts in Park City for those who prefer a more traditional approach, but of course there’s always the slopes as a major attraction for the newlyweds as well.

Innovation is the stuff that turned Park City from a mining town into one of the best winter vacation hotspots in the world. So it should be no surprise that right in the middle of one of the worst recessions to hit in years, it’s a Park City company that’s making waves.

Funding

At a time when it’s next to impossible to get funding, Park City’s Skullcandy is doing so well they just got a round of funding from a private equity shop. The five year old homegrown business has a weird twist on a traditional accessory. Check out any of the company’s line of headphones and you’ll be amazed at the innovative style that uses fake alligator, foil and rhinestones.

Business Gurus

The local business gurus were number 10 in their market three years ago. Since then they’ve been able to move up to number three and have their eye on the number one position for the near future.

 Fashion Accessories

The difference here is that these headphones are designed to be fashion accessories and not just disappear into the background like the ones other companies like Sony make.

Of course when you’re setting out on a trip to a top notch ski destination like Park City, you’re not always going to be looking to cut corners and prices once you see all the luxurious accommodations the place has to offer. But when you do see some of the great package deals available at places like the Park City Mountain Resort, your resolve will be cemented to making the place your number one holiday destination for the future. Here’s what they’ve got to offer if you book by January 1.

-Pay for four nights and get the fifth one free plus 15% off multi-day lift tickets.

-Some packages start at under $200 with four days worth of lift tickets.

And while you’re there, you can get a taste of the history of Park City as well. The daily tours where you can ski past some of structures that date back to the town’s historic mining past start daily at 10 a.m.

Keeping That Outdoor Vibe Alive

As you might have already guessed the emphasis in Park City is all about outdoor fun and there’s so much of it available you might find it hard to stop skiing or snowboarding long enough to take the time out to eat.

Prospector Square

Well, as you might have already guessed, Park City has that angle covered as well with several restaurants that have outdoor seating and one of the best places where you’ll want to be in Prospector Square enjoying the fine European cuisine at Adolph’s. Here’s a place that’s brings a bit of the Continent to America with its fine selection of Swiss Continental food.

Two Levels

For something that provides the best of both worlds there’s Café Sabor that provides two levels of indoor and outdoor seating.   The large windows and fireplaces add to the Mexican food that’s offered there and you can also get steak and pastas as well.

Many of the dining establishments in Park City know that you’ve just spent the day outside and in most cases aren’t ready to come in just because you’re hungry or thirsty.