Ski resorts have become a staple of the American vacation experience. From Vail, Colorado to Mammoth Mountain in California, ski resorts offer a variety of activities that draw millions of visitors each year.
Park City, Utah is no exception. Located in the Wasatch Mountains just east of Salt Lake City, this picturesque town has been a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders since its inception in the late 19th century.
The area now known as Park City was first developed by prospectors during the silver-mining boom that hit Utah’s Wasatch Mountains in 1868. Soon after, entrepreneurs began building lodges and hotels to accommodate miners and others visiting the area.
As time went on, these same entrepreneurs realized that the deep snow and steep terrain of the Wasatch Mountains were perfect for skiing. In fact, some historians argue that Park City was one of the first organized skiing areas in North America.
In fact, it wasn’t until the early 1950s that Park City truly became an official ski resort. During this time period, two separate ski areas were built: Treasure Mountain Ski Resort (now known as Deer Valley Resort) and Park West Ski Resort (now known as The Canyons). Both resorts boasted chair lifts and other amenities that made skiing more accessible to visitors from around the world.
Over the next few decades, additional ski areas were built in Park City including Snowbasin Resort and Sundance Resort (owned by Robert Redford). Today, Park City is home to some of the best ski resorts in North America. Ski Magazine recently ranked it #1 on their list of Top Ski Towns due to its diverse terrain, world-class restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
In conclusion, when did Park City become a ski resort? The answer is that it was first developed by prospectors during the silver-mining boom in 1868 but didn’t officially become a ski resort until 1950 with construction of Treasure Mountain Ski Resort and Park West Ski Resort. Since then multiple other ski areas have been built making it one of North America’s top destinations for skiing with diverse terrain, world-class restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
