Undoubtedly one of the best ski destinations in the world, Park City is home to magnificent hotels, restaurants, and, of course, the snowy Wassatch Mountains. As a fervent lover of Park City, I have ventured to find its hidden gems; those amazing experiences that are off the beaten track, beyond what I would usually do in this destination, and that are definitely worth it.
1.- Cognition Winery
Park City’s first winery is an innovative and adventurous project. Dramatic mountain landscapes, world-class ski resorts and America's premier film festival seem like unusual bedfellows for a winery, but Cognition has turned this into a reality.
Cozy and chic, Cognition Winery’s Boutique Bistro is the perfect setting for a wonderful experience for wine lovers. Dennis Romankowski, who unleashed fine craft wine upon Park City, Utah, receives you with a warm welcome. And then the magic happens: a small tasting menu paired with the extraordinary Cognition wines. Their magnificent chef, inspired by Dan’s wife’s cooking adventures around the world, prepared us amazing dishes.
I had the pleasure of trying three with wines and three reds, with original names like Progeny, Main Street, and Silvertown. Cognition was born of a love of wine and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Made with select Napa grapes, Cognition Winery's first wines are ready to delight us.
2.- Stein Erisken Spa
At Utah’s only Forbes Five-Star spa, what can we expect other than perfection? Stein Eriksen Lodge is a heaven of luxury, good-taste, and cozy mountain atmospheres. Its Spa is no different; a sanctuary for our senses, this is a place to enjoy deep relaxation after a fun day of skiing in Deer Valley.
The Spa accommodations include a sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge baths, and couple treatment rooms. Additional specialty rooms include two Vichy wet treatment rooms, manicure/pedicure stations, and a hair and makeup salon. Amazing masseurs cater to our every need, submerging us in a world of pleasure and tranquility. Tailor-made, I definitely recommend the Stein Signature Massage.
Stein Erisken t is an authentic European style ski lodge located in the heart of the alpine beauty of Park City, Utah and surrounded by spectacular views of Deer Valley Resort. For anyone visiting this destination, the Lodge is a must – whether we come here for its amazing Glitretind resturant, its magnificent Spa, or for an awesome ski-in, ski-out hotel experience!
3.- Fondue at the Goldener Hirsch
Park City is a gourmet destination, with amazing restaurants and bars from all over the world. The vibrant scene at Main Street is home to most of them – and here we can find many different types of cuisines. But in a very different setting, in the mountains of Deer Valley Resort, we find another culinary gem: Goldener Hirsch.
The Hotel Goldener Hirsch is small, cozy, Austrian-themed, and home to one of the very best fondues of Park City. Sitting next to the chimney and enjoying a glass of mulled wine, nothing fits the mood better than a cheese fondue – followed, in my case, by an equally delicious chocolate one!
The posh, alpine-style ski-in/ski-out Goldener Hirsch hotel beside Deer Valley Resort is warm and elegant. I had the great pleasure of sharing this delicious meal with the lovely Marilyn Stinson, Senior Tour and Travel International Manager of Deer Valley, whose passion for this wonderful destination invites one to fall in love all over again with it.
4.- Ski Butlers
A game changer, Ski Butlers has transformed the ski experience for me into one of absolute comfort. Skiing no longer includes carrying our skis around, struggling into the heavy ski boots, and fidgeting with our equipment. During my stay at Stein Eriksen Lodge I did not touch my own skies – not once!
Ski Butlers deliver your skies to your hotel, fit you in your own room (on in the beautiful new ski room of the Lodge!), and come pick them up when you are done. They equipment is the best there is; weightless, brand-new, comfortable, and high-tech.
The experience goes something like this: hot-chocolate in hand, I would go down to the ski room at Stein Erkisen. There, the amazing staff would put on my ski boots for me. Then I would walk towards the snow, where my skis waited for me, set down on the ground for me to simply slide my boots in and ski away!
