Elevate Your Stay 

"Upgrade your Vacation... Elevate Your Stay!"

Maximum Relaxation: The Altitude Advantage

Park City and Deer Valley are renowned not only for world-class skiing but also for providing a uniquely favorable mountain experience due to optimum elevation and accessibility. The town of Park City sits at approximately ~7,000 feet (2,134 meters) above sea level, placing it in the "sweet spot" of moderate altitude that encourages a natural physiological boost, enhancing red blood cell production over an extended stay. That's why so many international athletes train here year-round. This elevation, coupled with the resorts' proximity to the major transport hub of Salt Lake City offers exceptionally convenient access for travelers. While the resort summits are much higher, the base areas for lodging and initial adaptation are at a manageable level, striking a balance that promotes potential long-term health benefits without exposing visitors to risks of extremely high altitudes.

Our Rossie Hill townhome is situated just a hundred feet above Park City in Lower Deer Valley at an approximate elevation of  ~7,100 feet above sea level. Lodging at this base altitude offers the same balanced health benefits, making it a generally safer and more manageable elevation for temporary stays and initial adaptation. Our elevation is within the range where the body starts to adapt to lower oxygen concentration (hypoxia), meaning an increased likelihood for visitors to be able to successfully avoid severe symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS), allowing for better sleep and more comfortable general daily activities compared to those staying at higher elevations. Irrespective of where you  choose to stay, always hydrate regularly to boost your body's natural altitude adaptation abilities.  Stay hydrated!

Is Park City's Thinner Air Noticeable?

Is the thinner air at 7,000 foot elevation noticeable to visitors to Park City & Deer Valley Utah?

Yes, the thinner air at Park City's base elevation of approximately ~7,000 feet is noticeable to many visitors, particularly those arriving directly from sea level or lower altitudes.

While Park City's altitude is considered moderate, the reduction in available oxygen and the dry mountain air can easily trigger symptoms of "mountain sickness".  The effects are highly individual, but many visitors may experience one or more of the following, especially during the first 24 to 48 hours:

Shortness of Breath: This is the most common and immediate sign. You may feel winded or out of breath doing simple activities that wouldn't normally tire you, like walking up a flight of stairs or crossing a parking lot.

Headache: Often the earliest and most frequent symptom of mild altitude adjustment.

Fatigue and Insomnia: Feeling unusually tired or having a harder time falling or staying asleep is a common reaction as your body works harder to compensate for the lower oxygen.

Nausea or Loss of Appetite: Some people experience mild stomach upset.

Increased Heart Rate: Your heart beats faster to circulate oxygen more efficiently.

The risk and severity of these symptoms increase significantly if you engage in strenuous activities (like skiing or hiking the mountain summits, which exceed 9,000 feet) or consume alcohol during your first day.

Every individual is unique. So for complete peace of mind, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions, or are concerned about how the altitude may affect you, a consultation with your doctor is recommended.  Jump to the bottom of this page for tips about managing adjustment to altitude.

Beyond the aforementioned elevation factors, there are other ways to help dramatically upgrade your ski vacation experience. Here's a thoughtful list of general ideas & suggestions, organized by category.  In most cases, these tips are practical and applicable regardless of where you stay or which resort(s) you visit.

The Logistics Upgrade

• Pre-Book All Rentals & Passes (Early): Don't wait until arrival. Rent skis/boards online and pick them up the evening before your first ski day. Purchase lift tickets well in advance—many resorts offer significant discounts 7+ days out.

• Book Your Base Camp Dining: Secure reservations at highly-rated restaurants weeks ahead, especially for peak dinner times or large groups. Leave the ordinary "walk-in-and-wait" approach behind.

• Order Groceries for Delivery: Arrange for a grocery service (like Instacart or a local provider) to deliver and stock your fridge right before or shortly after your arrival. You'll skip the crowded first-day market run and get straight to relaxing.

The Gear & Gadget Upgrade

• Pack Smart, Not Just More: Don't rely on the rental for everything. Bring your own high-quality essentials: a portable Bluetooth speaker for après-ski tunes, a power strip/charging hub for all the devices, and your favorite plush slippers for ultimate cabin comfort.

• Invest in Technical Base Layers: Upgrade your comfort foundation. Wearing premium, moisture-wicking base layers (merino wool or high-tech synthetics) will keep you warmer and drier than old cotton tees, dramatically improving your day on the slopes.

During Your Stay: Enhancing Comfort and Flow

These actions turn a standard rental into a personalized, five-star retreat.

The Home Experience Upgrade

• Create a "No-Clutter" Gear Zone: Immediately upon arrival, establish and commit to a designated drying area (the garage). Hang up all jackets, gloves, and separate your wet boots. This prevents moisture and clutter from taking over the main living space.

• Set the Mood Immediately: Before you unpack, use the house features. Start the fireplace, put on your pre-selected playlist (via your portable speaker), and lower the lights. Instantly transform the space from a rental unit to your personal mountain escape.

• Designate a Coffee/Cocktail Altar: Turn the coffee station into a ritual. Buy high-quality local beans, specialized syrups, or cocktail ingredients. Make the morning and evening drinks an event, not an afterthought.

The Mountain Flow Upgrade

• Adopt the Early Bird Strategy: Skiing is best between 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM. Get on the first lift to enjoy fresh corduroy and empty slopes. An early start gets you the best snow and lets you hit the spa or hot tub before the evening rush.

• Take a Strategic Mid-Day Break: Instead of a chaotic base lodge lunch, pack a small, gourmet trail lunch (think elevated sandwiches, charcuterie, and warm thermos drinks) and find a scenic, quiet spot on the mountain to recharge.

After Your Trip: Extending the Memory

These actions solidify the positive memories and set the stage for your next seamless journey.

• Conduct a Full Photo Backup: Don't let those amazing shots languish on your phone. Back up all photos and videos to the cloud and a secondary drive within 24 hours of returning.

• The "One-Load" Laundry Rule: Upon arriving home, commit to washing all ski gear and base layers immediately. It prevents post-vacation fatigue and ensures all your gear is clean, packed, and ready for your next adventure.

• Create an Elevated Trip Summary: Write down your top three favorite moments, the best restaurant, and one thing to improve next time. This elevates the experience from a transient trip to a curated memory and gives you a blueprint for an even better "Elevated Stay" next year.

 Choose Lower Deer Valley ~ If You Know, You Know 

FREE "Elevate Your Stay" Suggestions:

Park City offers many fantastic experiences that are completely free of charge, allowing visitors to enjoy the town's history, culture, and stunning natural beauty without spending a dime.

Culture & History

Stroll Historic Main Street:

• Walk the length of the iconic Main Street to soak in the atmosphere of the old mining town.

• Enjoy window shopping at the over 200 unique boutiques and galleries.

• Take a free ride on the charming, historic-style Main Street Trolley, which runs from the bottom to the top of the street.

Explore the Free Art Scene:

• Kimball Art Center: Visit this cultural hub which offers free admission to its rotating exhibitions of local, regional, and national artists.

• Park City Gallery Stroll: On the last Friday of every month, the galleries on Main Street open their doors for a free evening Gallery Stroll, often with refreshments and artist meet-and-greets.

• Self-Guided Public Art Tour: Hunt for the numerous permanent and temporary public art installations, including beloved sculptures like Franz the Bear and Loosey the Moose, throughout town and along the trails. Also, keep an eye out for the pieces by street artist Banksy that remain in town.

Utah Olympic Park (UOP) Visitor Center:

• Admission to the park grounds is free. You can walk around the stunning facility built for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

• Visit the Eccles 2002 Winter Games Museum and the Alf Engen Ski Museum, both located at the UOP, which offer free admission and interactive exhibits detailing the area's rich skiing and Olympic history.

• In the summer, you can often watch current and aspiring Olympic athletes train on the ski jumps and sliding track (bobsled/luge/skeleton) for free.

Outdoors & Scenic Views

Hike Park City's Extensive Trail System:

• Park City is a gold-level ride center with over 400 miles of public trails. You only need a pair of sturdy shoes and water.

• Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park: A 28-mile, non-motorized, flat trail perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride (if you bring your own bike) through scenic landscapes.

• McPolin Farm (White Barn): Walk the surrounding nature trail for a fantastic, free photo opportunity with the iconic white barn, one of Park City's most recognizable landmarks.

• Hiking at the Resorts: Many trails that wind up the ski mountains are free to hike during the summer and fall seasons. Be sure to check trail maps and stay on marked paths.

Enjoy the Free Park City Transit System:

• The entire Park City bus system, including the electric buses (often called the "Electric Express"), is completely free to use.

• Use it to hop from Main Street to the Utah Olympic Park, Canyons Village, or the Outlets at Kimball Junction. It saves on parking and is a great way to see the town.

• Visit the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter (Free Trails) - The 1,200-acre nature preserve offers free public access to its walking trails for wildlife viewing and a tranquil escape.

Seasonal & Hidden Gems

Park Silly Sunday Market (Summer Only):

If you are visiting on a Sunday between June and September, Main Street transforms into an eco-friendly street fair. Walking through the market, enjoying the live music, and people-watching is completely free, even if you don't buy anything.

Stargazing:

Due to the high elevation and clear air, Park City is an excellent place for observing the night sky. Head away from the Main Street lights to a spot like the Empire Pass Lookout (seasonal access) or one of the quiet trailheads for a beautiful, free view of the constellations.

So - do you see anything above that catches your eye?

Which of these items and suggestions can you incorporate into your vacation to upgrade your stay?

Leave the ordinary behind, Craft your mountain escape.

Elevate your stay! 

How to Deal with Altitude Sickness in Park City, Utah?

The most common tips for dealing with or preventing altitude sickness in Park City, Utah, revolve around giving your body time to adjust and staying well-nourished and hydrated.

Here are the most frequently recommended tips:

• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: This is the single most important piece of advice. Drink plenty of water (4-6 liters per day is often recommended) starting before you even arrive. Higher altitudes have drier air and lead to faster dehydration. Consider adding electrolytes to your water.

• Take it Slow (Acclimate Gradually): Avoid strenuous activity for the first 24-48 hours. Give your body time to adjust before engaging in demanding activities like intense skiing or hiking.

• Limit or Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics and can worsen dehydration, which in turn can intensify altitude sickness symptoms. It's best to save the cocktails and excessive coffee until you are fully acclimated.

• Eat a High-Carbohydrate Diet: Carbohydrates are easier for your body to metabolize with less oxygen compared to fats and proteins. Focusing on complex carbs (like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) can help your body get the energy it needs.

• Rest and Prioritize Sleep: Give your body time to recover. Adequate sleep is crucial for your body's acclimatization process.

• Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help alleviate common mild symptoms like headaches.

• Consider Supplemental Oxygen: Small cans of portable oxygen are widely available in Park City stores for immediate, temporary relief of symptoms.

• Talk to Your Doctor: If you are prone to altitude sickness, you may want to discuss a prescription for preventive medication like Diamox (acetazolamide) to start taking before and during your trip.

If symptoms worsen significantly (severe headache, confusion, difficulty walking, or shortness of breath at rest), you should descend to a lower altitude immediately and seek medical attention.