Park City is a pretty little ski town slash winter wonderland best known for hosting, one, some of the Winter 2002 Olympic events and two, the Sundance Film Festival.  But leave it to me to visit a place known for its ski resorts and do everything except, well, ski.

I booked this trip a couple months back with my friend Courtney and her grandparents (who have also been like a set of second grandparents to me and all of Court’s other friends from high school).  We were looking for a cozy, snowy getaway to someplace new and in visiting Park City, that’s exactly what we got!  We seriously had the best time.

None of us had done much skiing or snowboarding before so for that reason (along with the fact that it can be pretty pricey), when we were planning our itinerary we decided to keep it more low-key with the activities.  Every day, we had one or two fun activities planned, then filled in the rest of our time with yummy restaurants and relaxation in the condo we rented on AirBnb.  As fun as the snow is to play in, after a while it’s just as fun to watch it fall from inside while snuggled up in a blanket, hot cocoa in hand.

If you’re also looking to plan a trip to Park City but don’t want to break the bank, check out some of our favorite things we did while there below—some of these were free and none of them were more than $40!

5 FUN (AND CHEAP) THINGS TO DO IN PARK CITY

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1. MIDWAY ICE CASTLES

As you can see from the photos below, the Ice Castles are absolutely breathtaking!  Located about 30 minutes outside Park City, this attraction is built using thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional artists.  The result is an enchanted maze of glaciers that will leave you feeling like you just stepped into Disney’s Frozen (and I’ll bet you can’t make it through without bursting into one of the movie’s songs.  The best part?  It’s only $15.95 to get in (or $10.95 if you go on a weekday like we did).

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2. TUBING AT SOLIDER HOLLOW NORDIC CENTER

Located in the Wasatch Mountain State Near Park near Midway, Soldier Hollow boasts the longest tubing lanes in Utah at over 1,200 feet.  It also has a lift service that tow people up the hill (praise).  While we were there they were had music playing on speakers, which made it all the more fun!  Maybe it’s because I hadn’t been since I was one, but something about tubing made me feel like a little kid again, and it was so much fun.  All four of us agreed this was a trip highlight—and at $25, the price really can’t be beat!

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3. PARK CITY MAIN STREET

Fun fact: Park City is rumored to have more restaurants per capita than any other city in the world.  That’s what Google says, anyway.  Many of those restaurants are located on the city’s Main Street, which literally could not be more adorable.  Strolling it, it feels like you’ve stepped right into a Hallmark movie!  This is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.  Even once you’re filled up on food, there are plenty of shops to shop.  Just be sure to stop by Atticus Coffee Books & Teahouse before you leave, and order the Goblets of Fire Tea Latte with oat milk—you won’t regret it!

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4. TEMPLE SQUARE, SALT LAKE CITY

Located 30 minutes outside Park City, Utah’s capital is worth a visit if you’ve got a half day or so to spare.  We visited Temple Square, a 10-acre complex run by the LDS church which is home to the famous Salt Lake Temple.  It was very interesting to learn more about the Mormon faith and how their history continues to impact the state.  The best part by far though was getting to spend the afternoon with my friends Erica and her husband Jonathan.  I knew Erica from my church back home before she moved out to Utah, so it was fun to see them both and catch up!

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5. RED PINE GONDOLA

This was the most expensive activity we did while in Park City but even so, it was only $38—and that includes as many trips up the mountain and back as you can fit into one day!  We rode the gondola up and down the mountain twice, and it was so beautiful.  It offers panoramic views from 8,000 feet of the Wasatch Mountains, Park City Mountain, and Park City itself—and it’s so fun to watch the skiers and snowboarders make their way down the mountain below.

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Park City was pretty, snowy, cold, wintery perfection—a destination I’d definitely recommend.  Snow chance I could feel my face the entire weekend but had an ice time nonetheless.

Have you ever been to Park City?  What were your favorite things to do or your favorite places to eat?  Let me know in the comments below!