Rossie Hill 

Rossie Hill Guest Traveler Q&A:

The answers below are tailored for guests evaluating a stay in Rossie Hill, Park City, a neighborhood known for its elevated location above Old Town.

What is the Local Amenity Landscape (Restaurants, Shops, Services)?

The immediate Rossie Hill neighborhood is strictly residential and does not have its own commercial amenities.

Access: All commercial amenities are found down the hill on Historic Main Street. This includes a vast selection of world-class restaurants, bars, art galleries, and boutique shops.

Groceries/Essentials: You will need a car or the free bus to reach a major grocery store (like The Market at Park City), which is typically about a 5-10 minute drive away.

What is the Community Vibe (Primary Residents vs. Second Homes)?

Vibe: Rossie Hill has a vibe of a quiet, upscale mountain community with a mix of full-time residents and high-end second homes/vacation rentals.

Atmosphere: It is less transient than pure resort condo areas and more neighborly. The atmosphere is generally respectful, tranquil, and reserved. The neighborhood is quiet by day, as many full-time residents commute and vacationers are out recreating, and very quiet at night.

What are the Transportation and Parking Logistics?

Transit: Excellent. Free Park City Transit bus stops are easily accessible (often a 2-5 minute walk downhill) at the base of the hill, offering fare-free rides to both major ski resorts, the Canyons Village, and grocery areas.

Parking: Individual properties typically offer private parking (often a garage or dedicated driveway space), which is a huge benefit in Park City where paid resort parking and limited street parking are common. Street parking in Rossie Hill is often restricted and challenging during winter. Our enclosed, private, attached garage can accommodate one small- to mid-sized vehicle. 

What are Shorty's Stairs and Why are they a Short-Cut?

Shorty's Stairs are a historic, pedestrian-only staircase in Park City named after long-time resident Elden "Shorty" Sorensen, and they serve as a crucial, direct vertical connector between the residential Rossie Hill neighborhood and the commercial Historic Main Street below. Used by guests and locals alike, these steps allow for quick and convenient walkable access down the steep hillside from Rossie Hill Drive or Ontario Avenue to the area near the China Bridge parking garage and the top end of Main Street, bypassing the need to drive or wait for the free bus to traverse the elevation change. There are approximately 160 riser treaeds between Main Street and the top of Shorty's Stairs. 

Are there a lot of vacation rentals in the area?

Yes. Rossie Hill is a prime location, and a significant number of properties operate as licensed short-term vacation rentals. These are generally high-end, luxury single-family homes or townhomes, not large condo complexes. This means:

Density: The guest density is lower on Rossie Hill than in a larger condo complexes found dotted throughout the broader resort areas.

Regulations: Park City has strict licensing requirements for nightly rentals, ensuring the properties you book are legal and regulated for safety and noise.

What Category of Visitor Enjoys Staying in Rossie Hill?

The appeal of Rossie Hill is for the discerning, high-end guest who prioritizes both:

• Walkability to Main Street for entertainment and dining.

• Seclusion, space, and quiet at the end of the day.

It is ideal for families, multi-generational groups, or groups of friends seeking luxury lodging that serves as a quiet retreat but keeps the town's social life within easy reach.

What is the Safety and Noise Level Profile of the Area?

Rossie Hill is highly desirable due to its quiet and safe residential profile compared to the areas immediately adjacent to Main Street.

Safety: It is considered a very safe, upscale neighborhood in Park City.

Noise: It is elevated above Main Street. This elevation shields the neighborhood from the noise of late-night crowds, bars, and traffic that can affect properties directly on or next to Main Street. You can expect a quiet, peaceful atmosphere.

Are there Specific Noise Ordinances or Quiet Hours enforced by the Community/HOA?

City Ordinance: Park City has a standard noise ordinance requiring quiet after a certain hour (often 10:00 PM).

Neighborhood/HOA: Because Rossie Hill is an upscale residential area with many full-time residents, enforcement of quiet hours is generally taken seriously, especially concerning late-night hot tub use or loud activities on decks. Your rental agreement will explicitly state the required quiet hours, often between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, to ensure the neighborhood remains peaceful.

What is the Neighborhood's Aesthetic and View Appeal?

Aesthetic: The neighborhood features a mix of beautifully preserved or remodeled historic Old Town homes and modern, mountain-contemporary townhomes. It is generally very well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing.

View Appeal: Due to its elevated position on the hillside, most homes in Rossie Hill offer stunning, panoramic views of the city, Park City Mountain Resort, and the surrounding mountains. Many properties feature decks or rooftop hot tubs designed specifically to take advantage of these vistas.

What is the Accessibility and Winter Driving Requirement (4WD/AWD)?

Access: The streets in Rossie Hill are on a steep hillside.

Requirement: While the roads are maintained by the city, including Rossie Hill Drive, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) is highly recommended (and may be required under Utah's Traction Law during severe storms). If you are relying on private parking or a driveway, the steepness can be challenging without proper winter tires or AWD/4WD. It really depends on the driver's skills & comfort, combined with the weather conditions and the vehicle capabilities.  If in doubt, consider public transportation. Learn more on a our Getting Around page.

Is Rossie Hill Drive a Safe Road to Navigate in the Winter Snow Season?

Rossie Hill Drive is a a steep, winding, paved residential road that serves as the primary year-round artery for several high-end hillside neighborhoods located above Park City's Old Town, including: Rossie Hill Drive; Coalition View Court; McHenry, the Echo Spur neighborhood, and the crest of Ontario.  Especially during inclement weather, including but not limited to snow, ice and heavy rain. As a primary access road for a prominent area, the city actively maintains Rossie Hill Drive and provides reliable snow removal, making it a generally safe road despite its grade, provided drivers use appropriate caution (such as 4WD/AWD) during winter conditions.

What is the Snow Removal Protocol for the Property and Roads?

Roads (City): Park City Streets Department clears roads based on a priority scale (steep, high-volume roads first). Rossie Hill roads are high-priority due to the steep grade. Plowing generally begins when there are 2 or more inches of snow.

Property (Rental Management): For your specific driveway and walkway, the vacation rental manager or homeowner is responsible. Reputable rentals typically have a service contract for timely snow removal after major storms (often before 8:00 AM). Always confirm the specific snow removal schedule with your rental manager.

What is the True "Ski-In/Ski-Out" or Trail Access Level?

Rossie Hill is NOT true ski-in/ski-out.

Access: Your closest on-mountain access is likely the Town Lift on Main Street and the chairs at Deer Valley Snow Park Base area. While some properties advertise "walk to lift," this typically involves a downhill or uphill walk (10-15 minutes) through the neighborhood to the lift base.

Conclusion: Expect excellent access to the lifts, but not the convenience of skiing directly to your door.

How Does Altitude Affect Daily Life and Activity on Rossie Hill?

Elevation: Park City's base elevation is approximately 7,000 feet, and Rossie Hill is slightly higher, at around 7,100 to 7,200 feet.

Effect: This is considered a moderate altitude where some travelers, especially those arriving directly from sea level, may experience mild Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), including headaches, mild nausea, or shortness of breath upon exertion, for the first 24-48 hours.

Mitigation: The primary recommendation is to HYDRATE heavily (4+ liters of water daily), avoid alcohol/caffeine upon arrival, and take it slow on your first day before engaging in strenuous skiing or hiking.

Our experience is that visitors from low elevations will definitely notice the altitude difference. See our Elevate Your Stay page for additional altitude and elevation tips.

Are there Other Year-Round Activities Beyond the Core Attractions?

Yes, nearly all conceivable activities are easily accessible from this central base location on Rossie Hill:

Summer: The same mountains offer exceptional hiking and mountain biking trailheads (often directly accessible from or near the neighborhood's upper roads). The Utah Olympic Park is a short drive away.

Overall: Easy access to golf courses, fly fishing rivers (Provo River), and the many public trail systems that Park City is famous for.

Check out our Things-to-Do and Tours page for more activities tips.

What is the View Exposure and Sun/Shade Profile?

The properties in Rossie Hill generally face west or southwest, offering excellent sun exposure.

Sun Profile: This orientation means you get great afternoon and evening sun. This is ideal for enjoying spectacular sunsets over the mountains and allows snow to melt and clear faster off decks and driveways.

Views: Properties often boast the signature views of the Park City Mountain slopes and the valley below.

What is the Distance to Emergency/Medical Services?

Urgent Care/Pharmacy: Generally a 5-10 minute drive down the hill and onto the main thoroughfares (like SR-224/Park Ave).

Hospital (Park City Hospital): This full-service hospital is located in the eastern part of town, typically a 10-15 minute drive depending on traffic and snow conditions.

What is the Cell Service and Wi-Fi Reliability in the Rossie Hill Neighborhood?

Wi-Fi Reliability: Most luxury and newer properties in Rossie Hill have excellent, high-speed internet (cable or fiber), as reliable Wi-Fi is essential for high-end rentals. Always confirm the advertised speed (Mbps) with the rental manager, but generally, connectivity is reliable for streaming and remote work.

Cell Service: Cell service in the greater Park City area can be variable, especially for carriers other than Verizon and AT&T. Because Rossie Hill is on a steep hillside, there can sometimes be minor dead spots inside certain homes due to terrain and building materials. Verizon is often cited as the most reliable carrier in the mountains. Our rental property has very  strong & fast Wi-Fi, allowing you to use Wi-Fi Calling to mitigate any poor cell signal issues inside the home.

What are the Garbage/Recycling Collection Procedures and Frequency?

Garbage: Residential garbage is typically collected weekly (on Friday mornings) by the city's contracted hauler (Republic Services). Recycling: Recycling is generally collected every-other-week (also on Friday mornings). 

Procedure: Rossie Hill properties often use individual bins and guests, are required to follow specific protocols to dispose of trash and recycling. Your rental manager will provide the exact schedule and location upon check-in.

What is the Local Water Source and Quality (e.g., Well Water vs. Municipal)?

Source: Park City uses a municipal water system, not private well water. The water source combines mountain snowmelt/surface water and groundwater.

Quality: Park City's water quality is generally excellent and safe to drink. It is often cold and refreshing straight from the tap. Some areas may have water with a higher mineral content (harder water), but this does not affect safety.

What is the Quality of the Air (Inversions, Smoke, Allergens)?

Inversions (Winter): Rossie Hill's elevated position is a major benefit here. Winter air inversions—where cold, trapped air and pollution settle in the valley floor—typically sit below Rossie Hill. This means the air quality is almost always better than the lower-lying areas like Prospector or the Salt Lake Valley.

Smoke (Summer/Fall): During dry seasons, wildfire smoke from regional fires can affect all of Utah, including Park City. Your air quality will depend on the wind direction and fire activity, but the higher elevation is generally not an advantage against widespread smoke.

Allergens: Standard high-elevation allergens exist, primarily pine pollen in the spring/early summer.

Are there Public Parks, Playgrounds, or Open Spaces Nearby for Families?

Immediate Area: Rossie Hill itself is residential and does not have its own designated playground. Our Rossie Hill townhouse features a secluded grassy backyard.

Proximity: Easy access to City Park (located near Main Street/Deer Valley Drive) which offers a large playground, open grass, and skate park. The neighborhood’s proximity to multiple trailheads also provides ample open space for walking and exploring the mountain environment directly.

Is there a Local Fitness Center, Pool, or Community Center Guests can Access?

PC MARC (Park City Municipal Athletic & Recreation Center): This is the main public facility. Rossie Hill guests can access the PC MARC, which includes a lap pool, leisure pool, fitness center, and sports courts. Catch a free city bus which will take you directly to the MARC.

MARC Fees: For the MARC recreational center, as a non-resident, guests pay a Visitor Daily Drop-In Fee (currently around $20 for adults, subject to change). Check the current fee schedule on the PC MARC website.

HOA Amenities: Some luxury townhome complexes within the larger Rossie Hill area may have their own small clubhouses or hot tub areas.

Are Bears or Other Wildlife Common, and What Precautions are Necessary?

Commonality: Yes, black bears, moose, deer, and coyotes are common throughout Park City, especially in the hillside areas bordering open space like Rossie Hill. Moose are frequently seen in winter and summer.

Precautions: Guests must be vigilant and adhere to strict wildlife protocols:

• Secure all trash in bear-proof receptacles (never leave it loose outside).

• Never leave food, pet food, or scented items (like coolers) outside, even on a deck.

• Give moose a wide berth; they are powerful, easily agitated, and dangerous, particularly if dogs are present. Keep dogs leashed at all times.

What are the Hidden/Mandatory Resort or Neighborhood Fees?

Unlike large resort villages, Rossie Hill properties do not typically have separate "Resort Fees" added by a neighborhood HOA or master association. Any HOA fees are covered by the owner and factored into the nightly rate. Always ensure the quoted price is the all-inclusive price.

How is Rossie Hill pronounced? Is it Spelled Rossie or Rossi?

Phonetically speaking, Rossie Hill is pronounced "Raw C. Hill"

The correct and historically accurate spelling for the Park City neighborhood is Rossie Hill (with an -e). For property listings, government documents, and the most reliable historical and community references, you will find the spelling Rossie Hill.

While the misspelling "Rossi Hill" has been commonly used by locals, in publications, and even on some maps over the years, the name is officially derived from the town of Rossie, New York.

What is Lilac Hill as it relates to Rossie Hill?

Lilac Hill is a specific, exclusive subdivision located directly within the boundaries of the sought-after Rossie Hill neighborhood, representing one of Park City's premier luxury lodging destinations. It is not a separate neighborhood but a curated collection of high-end single-family homes and luxury residences known for their superior modern design and prime positioning. The historic significance of Lilac Hill lies in its incorporation of several original, late 19th-century miner's cabins from Park City's silver boom era, which were carefully preserved and integrated into the foundation of the modern luxury homes. This unique design approach ensures that while guests enjoy modern amenities and proximity, the site physically retains and honors the architectural heritage of the area's working-class mining past.

Why do Deer Valley and Park City Visitors Book Vacation Rentals Located in the Rossie Hill Neighborhood?

Visitors seeking the ultimate Deer Valley Park City experience choose vacation rentals in the Rossie Hill neighborhood because it offers the coveted "best of both worlds": the tranquility of an elevated residential enclave paired with unmatched proximity to the action. Perched just above Old Town, Rossie Hill provides a quiet, luxury retreat away from the late-night noise of Main Street, allowing guests to relax in privacy, often with private hot tubs and spectacular, panoramic mountain and city views. Yet, the area is supremely convenient, typically providing a swift 5-to-10-minute downhill walk to the vibrant shops, world-class restaurants, and Town Lift access on Historic Main Street, making it an ideal, high-end basecamp for groups and families who value both serenity and immediate access to skiing, dining, and the heart of the town's social life.