MTB: Park City

It was 20 years ago that Park City rose to prominence as the epicenter of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Since then, it’s become a destination nearly as well-known for its mountain biking as its skiing.

Park City sits at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, with seven ski resorts all within riding distance. Nowhere in America matches the variety of mountain biking you’ll find here: Hundreds of miles of trails such as Flying Dog, Mid-Mountain and the Crest serve equal portions punishment and exhilaration, the lift-served downhill experience at the Deer Valley resort is unmatched, and the Round Valley skills park eases newcomers into the sport, while allowing expert riders to hone their craft. Underlying it all is a community-wide commitment to stewardship.

The popularity of Park City goes beyond the gorgeous high-mountain views and the quality of its riding: It’s a mere 30 minute drive from Salt Lake City – the fastest-growing city in America, thanks to a rapid shift of tech industry growth away from the Bay Area. Between that, and the fact that the Salt Lake City airport is becoming a major hub for Delta Airlines and Air France, Park City has become both the pre-eminent mountain bike tourism destination in the US, and the corporate headquarters for an increasing number of powerhouse cycling brands.