Park City has become a world-class summer and winter destination since it was established 135 years ago. Perched in the Wasatch Back mountains, Park City ranges from 6500′ to 10,000′ and is 7000′ at Main Street. The population is about 8,000 in Park City proper with the population of Summit County 36,000.
Park City was founded in 1868 as a silver-mining town by prospecting Army soldiers who discovered rich silver veins in the hills above the town. By 1900, it was booming with 10,000 residents and 100 saloons.
The Royal Street Land Company acquired the rights to develop Deer Valley in 1975 and within a year unveiled a proposal for a six-phase project to accommodate 12,000 skiers. The development not only included the original Snow Park, but also Bald Mountain, Flagstaff Mountain, and Empire Canyon. Deer Valley resort opened in December 1981 with five chairlifts and thirty rails. It included the Snow Park and Silver Lake lodge along with the “Burns” and “Carpenter” lifts. By the late 1980s, Deer Valley ski area was recognized as one of the country’s elite skiing areas.
In March 1985, Park City Ski Area held its first World Cup ski race on Willy’s run when another resort cancelled. Craig Badami, the lively son of the then-resort owner, pulled out all stops. He featured rock bands, street dances, speed skiers, skydivers, and – oh yes – world class ski racing. The first event drew 12,000 spectators – a North American record.
In 2002 both Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley became a field of dreams for American athletes at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. In the fall of 2014, Vail purchased Park City Mountain Resort and will be managing it in conjunction with Canyons. The town of Park City has never looked back!
