The weeks when the chairlifts are closed between our two seasons are often called “shoulder season” at the resort.  Sometimes, on very snowy and wet years, they are more likely to be referred to as “mud season” by the locals.

This year we have been blessed with an early and fairly warm spring offering us plenty of opportunities to get outside while we wait for the lifts to start spinning again. (Deer Valley opens for our summer season on Friday, June 14, which includes lift-served biking, hiking and scenic rides, deck dining and Royal Street Café and concerts in the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater.)

While we wait for the resort to open, there are plenty of ways Park City locals keep busy.  Here are a few of my favorite ways to spend my weekend.

Trails, Trails, Trails:  The town of Park City has over 400 miles of trails for hiking and biking!  Many of these trail systems are maintained by Mountain Trails Foundation and are already accessible.

My first hike the season was the The Lost Prospector Loop, a very popular, mild trail that has expansive views of the resorts, Historic Main Street and Old Town.

Last weekend, I did the Iron Mountain trail behind the iconic White Barn on Hwy 224.  This is a shorter hike with a steady, steep incline. This trail is a great option for anyone looking for a good workout.

Printed copies of the Park City summer trail map are available at:

• Visitor’s Center
• Museum on Main Street
• ZB Sports
• White Pine Touring
• JANS Mountain Outfitters
• Cole Sport
• Pearl Izumi
• Silver Star & Ski
• Sports Authority
• Dolly’s Bookstore
• Starbucks

*A suggested donation of $5 is requested

Yoga at The Shop:  This is the perfect place to practice yoga for visitors.  This Anusara inspired studio encourages drop-in students and every class is donation based (suggested $7 minimum).  The space is a huge and beautiful place to practice with high ceilings, barn doors and wall-to-wall windows.  Don’t worry about brining your own mat, they provide everything including blankets, blocks and straps.  A complete class schedule can be found at http://parkcityyoga.com/classes.html  (Hint: If you can’t decide which class to try, my favorite instructors are Tiffany Wood and Sherri Russell)

Stand Up Paddleboarding on the Deer Valley Ponds: This is a new activity offered in the Snow Park area at Deer Valley, so new in fact, that I have yet to try it!  Stand Up Paddle Boarding has been coming increasingly popular and I can’t wait to get out and try it. (Future blog post?)  Rentals and demos are currently offered on weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Starting in June, SUP yoga and paddle Pilates will also be offered seven days a week at 9 a.m. More info on SUP offerings and pricing can be found at http://pcsupcup.com/Home/About

City Park: On any sunny day, you will find half the town hanging out in Park City’s City Park.  With free access to grills, pavilions, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, a softball field and expansive lawns, you will find an array of activities to participate in.  Many area hotels may have lawn games or volleyballs for you to check out during your stay. (Hint: There are local softball leagues that utilize the field every night from 6 to 10 p.m.)

Fly Fishing on the Provo River:  I grew up fishing in Michigan and I can say I had one of my best catches on this river last August (the stretch in Provo Canyon).  I spent a half day with a guide and two girlfriends and caught 6 whitefish and this gorgeous Brown Trout.  We are so lucky to have such easy access to the Provo and Weber Rivers which offer Blue Ribbon Fly Fishing!  I highly suggest hiring a guide from Jans Outfitters as they can provide all the gear and knowledge to get you catching fish like this in no time. http://www.jans.com/park-city-fly-fishing-trips

Park City Municipal Golf Course:  An 18-hole course and driving range in the heart of Park City.  This is where I learned to golf thanks to their amazing Twilight Deal.  Tee off after 6 p.m. (no reservation needed) and it is just $9 per person!  The course is nestled alongside Park City Mountain Resort, providing for gorgeous views of the ski resorts. http://www.parkcity.org/index.aspx?page=171

Main Street: A well-known “secret” is that many restaurants on Park City’s Historic Main Street offer Local’s Discounts during shoulder season.  Luckily, these local’s only deals are available to everyone.  Check the ads in the Park Record newspaper for tips on where to find these deals or just ask your fly fishing or SUP guide, a local in City Park or your favorite bartender for their favorites. We all have our recommendations on where to find the best deals.  I’m a huge sushi fan, so I will always direct you to Yuki Arashi or Oishi for 50% off rolls.  Wrap up your night on main by visiting the rooftop deck at the The No Name Saloon.

Enjoy your fun-filled visit to Park City this spring!