The New Aspen

From its powdery slopes to its hipster après-ski scene, Park City is an oasis of cool in the US Bible Belt, writes Jordyn Christensen

- Jordyn Christensen

Think of Utah and it’s natural to imagine a highway cutting through a Thelma & Louise-esque desert. But there is more to “the beehive state” than red earth and roguish outlaws. Namely Park City, a ski town with the snow quality and fine dining of Aspen, minus the crowds (most of the time). The area is home to the renowned Sundance Film Festival – attracting A-list celebs from all over the world – and is loved for its young, vibrant social scene and progressive mentality in the middle of an overwhelmingly conservative state.

Case in point: my snowboard instructor Josh. Once a northern beaches of Sydney local, Josh has spent eight years at Park City and is proof of the allure this town has. Converting someone from Collaroy Beach to the state of Utah … Park City must be doing something right.

And while the obvious appeal comes from great snow and facilities, having a day or two off the slopes to eat, drink and shop your way through Main Street (and nearby outlets) is non-negotiable. From Moncler ski jackets at Gorsuch and Rag & Bone jeans at Cake Boutique, to Burns Cowboy Shop and the biggest range of cowboy boots this side of Texas, the town well and truly caters for everyone.

TIPS

The US is a tipping based country – 15 per cent for food, drinks or services like taxis and ski lessons is appropriate.

SNOW SCENE