Hidden in the scenic mountainside of the Summit and Wasatch counties of the state of Utah is a one of the jewels of the Rocky Mountains--Park City. Famous as both a site for some of the world's best ski resorts, site for many of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games events, as well as home to the most famous independent film festival in the world and the largest in the United States, Park City's growth in recent years has been substantial. Tourists from all over the world make Park City one of their top destinations in order to enjoy the city's many attractions. However, it's not just tourists that enjoy. With its beautiful scenery, excellent dining and shopping, ski resorts, and festivals and events, many people have happily decided to call Park City home.
It has become an upscale resort town, it started as a rustic mining community, originally settled in 1870 after the discovery of metals like silver, gold, and lead. After the discovery of these lucrative metals, began to attract settlers and miners to the area looking for work and sources of income. As one of the few settlements in Utah not established by members of the Mormon faith, it became a prime location for saloons and drinking establishments. As silver prices began to fall and mines became flooded after reaching the water table, mining began to disappear in the town, causing some to think it might become a ghost town. However, the town was saved by its prime ski areas, which began to take off in the 1950s.
Today one of Utah's top two resort town's with three major ski resorts providing enjoyment for both residents, visitors, and tourists. As host to some of the major events in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Park City, as a prime location for winter sports, was thrust further into spotlight. Today, residents can enjoy year-round entertainment as these resorts offer hundreds of prime hiking and biking trails during the summer season. Another benefit to residents is the prevalence of great places to shop. Park City boasts the largest number of factory retail stores in Northern Utah.
But perhaps best quality is its serenity. Tucked into the serene Wasatch mountain range, Park City seems like a haven away from the bustle of daily life, though it is located only thirty-two miles east of downtown Salt Lake City. Residents enjoy the feel and history of a small old mining community with all the luxuries and conveniences of a resort town.
