The following content is created in consultation with Park City. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC Los Angeles's editorial staff. To learn more, visit Visitparkcity.com.
Quick quiz: Where is the closest big mountain skiing to Los Angeles?
If you answered Mammoth, try again. Ditto for Lake Tahoe.
Angelenos looking for a short escape to ski big mountains and deep powder should head to Park City, Utah. Located only 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City puts three of America's most acclaimed mountains--Canyons Resort, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley--virtually in your backyard. Hop a quick, two-hour flight out of LAX, and you'll be carving turns through Utah's unrivaled snow in no time.
But beyond the pitch perfect skiing and snowboarding, Park City's winter wonderland offers the complete mountain town getaway, from world-class dining and plush accommodations to boutique shopping and vibrant nightlife.
To get you started on your winter escape, let's take a closer look at each of these distinct resorts.
Park City Mountain Resort
Celebrating its 50th year of skiing, Park City is as iconic as they come. Lined with steep runs that attracted the world's best ski racers at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, Park City also boasts beautiful glade skiing, back country-style bowls, fabulous groomed intermediate cruisers and plenty of learn to ski zones perfect for first timers. In the mood for an adventurous day off the slopes? Check the famed Alpine Coaster, a fun thrill ride that sends you zipping through the trees and down the mountain. Add an authentic western town with a picturesque and historic main street, countless restaurants (from gourmet to comfort food), bars, hotels, boutiques and galleries, and you've got the ideal ski destination on and off the hill.
Canyons Resort
Thanks to nine summits, 182 trails and 4,000 acres of skiable terrain, Canyons Resort ranks as America's third largest ski area. And the amenities are just as staggering. The Orange Bubble Express (just one of the resort's impressive array of high speed lifts) whisks skiers to the top in a fully enclosed, heated bubble, while the mouth-watering dining options in the luxurious base village are highlighted by Farm, a renowned restaurant serving local "farm to fork" cuisine. The lodging is equally plush thanks to the Hyatt Escala Lodge, a beautiful, ski-in, ski-out property at the foot of the mountain.
Deer Valley Resort
Ski resorts don't come posher than Deer Valley, where pampering guests is all part of the experience. Ski valets place your equipment on the show, a network of high speed lifts deploy you to its summits, and perfect groomed corduroy runs undulate in front of you. It's no wonder that the experts at SKI magazine ranked Deer Valley the second best ski resort in the country, as well as the top for Guest Service, Family Programs, Dining and Grooming, plus much more. You'll love the convenient ski-in, ski-out access offered by the St. Regis Deer Valley and the Montage Deer Valley, two of ski country's most luxurious addresses.
To learn more about Park City and to start booking your memorable trip, head to visitparkcity.com
