This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Ski resorts often offer one of the great bargains for Utah travelers looking to enjoy a close-to-home vacation. Great resorts that fill during the winter often offer huge discounts in the summer.
CheapTickets.com recently released its survey for top mountain destinations for off-season travel and ranked Park City first.
"It's easy to forget that some of North America's top skiing destinations are also great summer and fall retreats," said CheapTickets.com travel expert Justine McDonald. "Our latest data reveals that the budget-minded traveler will find off-season travel to key mountain towns a true bargain. Not only are hotel prices lower, but crowds are lighter, and a wealth of summer and fall activities are sure to appeal to every generation."
While Colorado dominates the list, occupying four of the top 10 spots, the website said the greatest savings can be found in Park City, where travelers opting for a trip in the late summer or early fall can save, on average, over 50 percent compared to peak season.
A few years ago, I had a chance to tour and stay at some of Park City's five star resorts including the Waldorf-Astoria, Montage, St. Regis, Stein Eriksen Lodge and Main and Sky.
We had a great weekend of lodging and dining at rates that most families could afford.