John and I have gone skiing every year since we started dating. Neither of us had really skied much since we were in early high school, so we aren't out to find the best double black diamond bowls. Mostly what we look for is a great mountain with a lot of run variety, and a fun village for tasty eats and amazing après-ski.
This year, my good college friends Sam and Diana suggested going to Park City, UT. Growing up in Idaho, Sam was just a short drive from this ski and snowboarding oasis, so he reassured us it was just the type of winter trip we were looking for.
My sister, Marissa, and her boyfriend, Adam, were not far behind in committing to our February plans. John and I were thrilled, as skiing is way more fun with a big group of friends. Not to mention after travelling only the two of us for several years... we were more than ready to have others join us on an adventure.
The Pad
Adam spent many nights researching (thanks Adam!) where to stay and we ended up at an adorable VRBO. It was a fantastic 3 bedroom condo with numerous amenities (community hot tub, whoop whoop), and a keypad on the door to come and go as we please. As your classic millennials, we love a good rental where you don't have to talk to the owners! Cole Sports Rentals and the bus to the base of Park City were just a short minute walk away that really gave us the ski-in ski-out vibe we wanted. Normally we have gotten Airbnbs in the past, but VRBO seems to give a more luxurious and sophisticated vibe, if you're deciding between home sharing companies.
The Food
There are some incredible restaurants right at the base of Park City mountain in the village. Main Street is where all the action happens, with classic ski-town stores like Patagonia and Helly Hansen and small-town shops like Cake Boutique and Flight Boutique.
Main Street also boasts some of the best restaurants in Utah.
We were lucky enough to snag reservations for Chimayo and Handle, though we did eat at about 9pm... but well worth it. If you're looking for some great meat like elk and lamb with a southwestern spin on their menu, Chimayo won't disappoint.
Handle was the hardest restaurant to get in to and it was obvious once we got inside why. The specially - curated menu for the night featured hot apps like buffalo cauliflower and celery soup, and cold dishes like eggplant hummus and kale salad. The few entrees listed showed how particular the chefs were with their dishes. We left full and slightly drunk, per usual.
The Wine
We had reservations for a private wine tasting with Cognition Winery which was just a short walk down the road from our place. The owner was there to greet us and explain his business and wines. Cognition also has a place on Main Street, but the tasting room is where the real magic happens. We did a classic tasting menu, and ended with some of their signature mulled wine. They sell it to local restaurants and vendors, and it was surprisingly delicious. The whole group chose to stick around and have another glass.
The Liquor
Before we arrived in Park City, we knew we wanted to check out High West Distillery.
Boy, were we in for an experience.
What's unique about HW is that there is a waiting list for a table AND a waiting list to just stand near the bar. On any given night, even in the winter, there are anywhere from 40-80 people waiting outside near fire pits and patio heaters. It seems absurd when you walk up, why anyone would sit out in the cold just to get into a bar, yet here we were, waiting. Luckily a bar is stationed among the shivering groups, with a bundled up bartender selling tasty (albeit, pricey) whiskey ciders. This was a sneak peak of what we were hoping to see inside.
After about an hour wait, Diana's name was finally called. A hostess hustled us upstairs to one of their two bars and we stood behind bar stool sitters to look at the impressive menu of whiskey drinks, all from their own stash. Drinks like the Molly B'Damn with their double rye whiskey, gin, creme de violette, pamplemousse, and lemon were brewed up from impressive staff, who clearly knew their way around the back of a bar.
I never drink whiskey, but these were some of the best drinks I've ever had.
Well worth the wait.
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