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Top 5 Reasons to Travel to Park City Utah during Shoulder Season
Traveling is one of the greatest gifts you can buy for yourself. Whether it be a relaxing getaway or an action filled adventure, getting out there to experience what the world (or even places nearby) has to offer is truly a treat.
One of the most common misconceptions I hear is the 'moan and groan' that summer has come to an end, and thus, so have vacations. The warm weather is gone, and if you can’t lounge on a beach, is there really anything else to do? Yes, my friend! There is plenty to do and see that do not revolve around summer months!
I know all of the snow bunnies are out there shaking their heads in agreement. You may be thinking,”well, yeah, but what about peak season for winter getaways? What about skiing and snowshoeing, and sledding?” Good news - I am here to advise you on this, too!
I just enjoyed a wonderful week in Park City, Utah, and I could not get over how beautiful both the town and surrounding mountains were! There was plenty to do, and the weather was perfect - even in “Shoulder Season”!
The shoulder, or off season, typically refers to traveling during non-peak times to your desired destination. In the case of Park City, Utah, after Halloween, but before Thanksgiving is shoulder season, and the perfect time to visit!
I just had to share my Top 5 Reasons to Travel during Shoulder Season to Park City, Utah!
1. Smaller Crowds. Remember the naysayers I mentioned above who think you can only travel in peak times to enjoy what your destination has to offer? Well, guess what -- that leaves more elbow space for you! The shoulder season is great for smaller crowds, which means less wait times, fewer circles you have to drive in to search for a parking space, and more time doing what you really love. After all, you can wait around in your living room, but you can only enjoy Park City skiing while you’re there! Take advantage of spending your vacation the way you dreamed it would be.
2. Lower Prices. The only thing I love better than traveling itself, is to travel without paying exorbitant peak season prices. I’m a firm believer that you can still have great getaways without breaking the bank! The same goes for Park City. With world-class skiing, you can imagine the prices come February, when peak season hits. After all, this is the home of the Utah Olympic Park and host of the 2002 Winter Olympics...it is quite a popular place! You can still ski (or enjoy other winter sports) without the high cost by visiting in November. This leads me to my next point...
3. Optimal Weather. When visiting in the shoulder season, you can still get the snow, but without the absolutely numbing temperatures! The weather in November is great for hiking or cycling, as well. Get outside and take in the colors of the last of the leaves on the trees, or local wildlife like moose or elk (...with enough distance between you, of course!). There are nearby state parks that offer up a ton of activities to partake in, and that are just as easily enjoyed in shoulder season, compared to the rest of the year. The weather can make or break a trip, and it’s rare to find such a great climate during shoulder season!
4. Last-Minute Friendly. We’ve all been there -- whether you’re at your wits end and need to get away, or you just plain and simple forgot to book your hotel for your upcoming trip, being able to book a last minute deal is a necessity. But, nothing is worse than getting jazzed up for a last minute vacation, only to find everything within a 30 mile radius is booked, or you’re left with sketchy options. Have no fear! In shoulder season, you can usually find a reasonably priced room, sometimes as late as the week of your trip. Remember, there are less crowds, so the hotels drop their rates to help fill vacant rooms. Personally, I love the St. Regis Deer Valley for the amenities, views, and location. Plus, it’s less than an hour from the Salt Lake City Airport, so you know that after a long flight, affordable luxury awaits you soon after landing.
5. All the (Local) Feels. Shoulder season is also great for the locals. Sometimes during peak season, the waitstaff is stressed, the traffic seems more impatient, and it’s hard to sit and catch your breath. However, shoulder season allows for the pace to slow a bit, and for those cities like Park City to show you what all of the fuss is really about. You get better service, and can enjoy more of the local culture the city has to offer. You may even get to take in a local festival or some of the arts. After all, the local experience really helps to make your trip one to remember!
Shoulder season really opens up travel opportunities year round, and makes travel more affordable with smaller crowds of people. That sounds like a win to me! What about you? Do you enjoy traveling during "off" or "shoulder" season?
I have been truly blessed in my life to be able to step foot in seemingly every corner of the globe—beginning my travels as a young child with my father serving our country. This ignited my love of travel and experiencing cultures of the world. I specialize in providing best-in-class service to clients seeking memorable vacation experiences.
