With its decorative Main Street, snow-covered ski slopes, and hometown feel, Park City creates the perfect recipe for a Hallmark movie. Located a little under an hour from Salt Lake City, Utah, this cozy town has become a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. However, as I am not much of a skier, I wanted to write a blog on what to do in Park City if you don’t ski.

My purpose for visiting this homey town was to unplug, enjoy a snowy birthday, and embrace the cozy Christmas atmosphere. While my trip here took many individuals by surprise when they learned I wasn’t planning on skiing, I enjoyed experiencing a different side of Park City and discovering alternatives to the typical reason for traveling here. 

If you find yourself tagging along on a trip with skiers and snowboarders and don’t feel comfortable hitting the slopes yourself, consider doing some of these activities while you wait for them to return. Additionally, check out my blog on the best ski resorts to stay at even if you won’t be participating in this sport.

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What to Do in Park City If You Don’t Ski

Explore Main Street

Main Street looks like a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie, with the warm glow of its Christmas decorations lighting up the town after the sun sets each night in the winter. This is when the streets start buzzing with activity. Groups of people returning from the slopes add a newfound energy to the town. 

While Main Street itself doesn't take very long to walk through, I recommend stopping into the many shops making up the town. There are also various restaurants to choose from.

I also recommend checking out the schedule for the historic Egyptian Theater, nestled in the heart of Main Street. This iconic venue often hosts shows and events, especially around the holidays. Be sure to catch a performance if it aligns with your visit!

Visit the Utah Olympic Park

You may have come to this blog post looking for what to do in Park City if you don't ski, but that doesn't mean you can't watch others ski! A visit to the Utah Olympic Park is an absolute must for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympics. 

This iconic site showcases the spirit of the games and includes a free museum preserving unforgettable Olympic moments. 

What sets the Utah Olympic Park apart is its role as a global training ground for winter sports competitors from around the world. The park is a hive of activity throughout the year, with athletes honing their skills in preparation for various competitions. 

Upon arrival, approach the front desk to ask what activities are going on for the day. This question revealed that there was a skeleton sledder competition going on. As soon as we heard this, we headed in the direction of this competition and watched this unique sport in person, with each competitor whizzing past us while going up to 80mph.

We were then surprised when an intimate awards ceremony unfolded outside the main building, providing a close-up view of the celebration among the competing athletes. The diversity of participants from across the globe—Korea, Ireland, Canada, and beyond—further emphasized the international allure that we weren't expecting to find.

We later had the privilege of watching bobsled teams in action and meeting some of the coaches, individuals who had once competed in the Olympics themselves.

The park also allows spectators to watch skiers, and visits in the summer months could mean that you'll be able to witness ski jumping, as I remember from the first time I visited. 

This free activity deserves a spot on everyone's Park City bucket list, especially as you never know what spectacle you'll be treated by!

Do a Jewelry Workshop at Gem Studio

One truly unique activity you can partake in during your trip to Park City is a jewelry class at Gem Studio. You can choose from one of three workshops: silversmith workshop, charms workshop, or permanent jewelry.

During your three-hour workshop, you’ll work alongside Gem Studio’s talented silversmiths to design and create your own jewelry from scratch. From rings to bracelets, even to pet collars, the choice of what you will create is up to you!

These classes cost between $125-150, which includes the guidance of skilled artisans and a take-home piece of jewelry that reflects your style and personal efforts. Because of the personalization of this entire experience, reservations are required in advance.

Snowga (Snowshoe and Yoga)

This unique Utah adventure is a fun way to spend the day while your crew is on the slopes! During this tour, you'll strap on snowshoes for a trek to the mountain's summit and roll out your yoga mats on the snow to experience "Snowga." 

You'll participate in meditative yoga practice amid the serene winter landscape with a warm beverage beside you. Snowga transcends traditional yoga classes and is an unforgettable way to spend your morning!

Look at prices and availability below!

Dine and Shop at Gardner Village

Closer to Salt Lake City, Gardner Village is a cute destination for shopping and dining. 

During the Christmas season, the village transforms into a festive scene with humorous elves scattered throughout. Engage in a scavenger hunt to discover these mischievous characters if you're visiting over the holidays!

Visit the Real East High

Located closer to Salt Lake City is the iconic East High, the real-life setting of the High School Musical movie. 

When Can I Take a Tour of East High? East High is open to the public for self-led tours from Monday to Friday (3:30-5:30pm).

How to Tour East High: You'll find convenient parking in visitor spots right outside the entrance. Upon entering through the main doors, turn right to discover a treasure trove of information. Attached to the front office doors, you'll find a map of filming locations to help guide your adventure through the halls. 

The map leads to key spots, inviting you to capture moments at iconic locations. Sharpay's pink locker, frozen in time, stands as a testament to the movie's enduring legacy. The self-led tour provides the flexibility to absorb the charm of East High at your own pace.

Keep in mind that as you explore the school, students will still be present, as the visiting hours commence shortly after the school day ends.

Visiting East High is not glamorous by any means, but it provides an opportunity to step into the scenes that left a lasting imprint on popular culture and the oldest members of Gen Z like myself. 

Even though you likely came to this blog looking for what to do in Park City if you don't ski, it's worth making the longer drive to East High if you're a fan of High School Musical. Go Wildcats!

Park City Resort Center Ice Skating Rink

Take an hour or two to get some activity in at Park City's Resort Center Ice Skating Rink. This outdoor rink, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and alpine architecture, is a fun way to spend your time if you want to get some physical activity without embarking on the slopes.

Take a Baking Class

Cozy winter trips wouldn't be complete without complementary foods to warm you up. This immersive baking class in Park City focuses on sharing the rich heritage of Slovak and Eastern European pastries. 

Lenka warmly welcomes participants to a 1.5-hour hands-on experience. In this intimate setting, learn more about Eastern European cuisine as you bake two distinct pastries from scratch – the sweet and savory. The menu features traditional kolaches, delightful breakfast pastries, and babka bread, a sweet braided creation with Jewish origins. 

Check availability below!

Take a Day Trip to Antelope Island to Spot Bison

Enjoy a wallet-friendly day trip from Park City by heading to Antelope Island, with a mere $10 entry fee giving you access to preserved lands. During our day trip, our end goal was to see at least one bison. Much to our surprise, one of the first things we saw was a herd of bison leisurely grazing on the grasslands. With our goal being accomplished so early, we set out to see what else Antelope Island had in store.

While the bison steal the show, the island's expansive landscapes offer a tranquil setting to connect with Utah's untamed wilderness. Although other wildlife sightings were minimal during our visit, the occasional group of horseback riders added a touch of equestrian grace to the scenery.

It was especially useful to have our own car in order to visit Antelope Island. Start your search for car rentals below!

Snow Tubing at Woodward Park City

One way to embrace the thrill of winter without hitting the slopes is by going snow tubing at Woodward Park City. For those wondering what to do in Park City if you don't ski, this fun activity provides the perfect answer. 

The tubing park caters to all ages and skill levels, ensuring that everyone, skier or not, can partake in the winter festivities. It's an ideal way to check out the winter sports scene without signing yourself up for gliding down steep slopes.

Visit the Utah Ice Castles in Midway

Midway's Utah Ice Castles comprise intricate tunnels, archways, and caverns made entirely of ice. A visit here will introduce you to the artistry of ice sculptors who skillfully craft this frozen masterpiece each winter.

A visit to the Ice Castles offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of winter in a truly spectacular setting. This is a family-friendly activity that offers a different winter scene than one would experience on the slopes.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a unique winter activity best enjoyed on a guided tour. Booking a tour will allow you to experience Utah's high country, accessible only by foot, taking you through deep forests and vantage points that offer breathtaking panoramas of Park City's mountains and valleys.

Book your tour below!

Dog Sledding

I'll be honest - dog sledding was not in my budget. Had it been cheaper, booking this experience would have been a no-brainer! However, I wanted to include it in this blog because I believe it is an experience worth mentioning. 

Dog sledding in Park City takes you through untouched scenery and allows you to witness the teamwork between mushers and their canine team.

I would have loved to experience this and am still in hopes that I'll be able to someday when the budget allows!

Take a Winter Sleigh Ride to the Viking Yurt for Dinner

Visitors to Park City can book a cozy 25-minute sleigh ride through a scenic winter route. This ride brings you to the Viking Yurt, a warm and rustic setting where you'll be treated to an intimate six-course Nordic-inspired dinner. Spend your evening enjoying dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients and soaking in the cozy atmosphere!

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Park City if you don’t ski. While this destination boasts an entirely different set of activities in its warmer months, it is worth considering as a winter destination!

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