Both Zermatt and Park City Mountain Resort offer excellent skiing experiences, but cater to different preferences. Zermatt provides a unique, car-free village atmosphere with a vast vertical drop and diverse dining, while Park City offers easy accessibility, meticulously groomed slopes, and a vibrant apr s-ski scene. The choice depends on budget, accessibility preferences, and desired terrain difficulty.
| Attribute | Zermatt | Park City Mountain Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Skiable Terrain (acres/hectares) | 200 km (79,532.80 acres) | 7,300 acres (29.5 km2) |
| Average Annual Snowfall (inches/cm) | Ranges from 263 cm to 414 cm (103 inches to 163 inches). Some sources state 3-4 meters (13-14 feet). | Averages around 355 inches (902 cm). Some sources mention up to 365 inches (930 cm). One report from 2024 mentioned that the resort surpassed 400 inches of snowfall that winter. |
| Number of Lifts | 53-54 | 41 |
| Types of Lifts (gondola, chairlift, etc.) | Gondolas, cable cars, funiculars, chairlifts, T-bars, and a cog railway. | Gondolas: 4, High-speed six-packs: 6, High-speed quads: 9, Quad chairs: 5, Triple chairs: 8, Double chairs: 4, Surface lifts: 2-3 (including magic carpets) |
| Vertical Drop (feet/meters) | 2,279 meters (7,477 feet). Biggest pisted vertical drop in the world: over 2,356m. | 3,226 feet (980 m). Other sources cite 3,100 feet (945 m) |
| Number of Trails | 149 | 341-348 |
| Difficulty of Runs (beginner, intermediate, expert) | 22% Beginner, 60% Intermediate, 18% Advanced. Other sources state: 19% blue, 46% red, and 35% black. | Beginner: 7%-15%, Intermediate: 41%-54%, Advanced/Expert: 31%-44% |
| Lift Ticket Price (daily adult) | From CHF 88 (Zermatt only, Winter 25/26) | Single-day lift tickets can be $200+ |
| On-Mountain Dining Options | Over 40 restaurants, many independently run with distinct charm. | Lookout Cabin, Tombstone BBQ, Miners Camp restaurant, and The Farm restaurant in Canyons Village. |
| Apr s-ski Activities | Lively scene with bars like Papperla Pub, Hennu Stall, and Broken Bar. Other activities include curling, ice skating, and a museum. | Historic Main Street in Park City has bars and restaurants. Other activities include the Utah Olympic Park, sleigh rides, and spa treatments. |
| Accommodation Options (hotels, condos, etc.) | Hotels (including luxury and budget options), chalets, apartments, and ski-in/ski-out accommodations. | Hotels, condos, and private homes are available in Park City town, Canyons Village, and Deer Valley. Examples include Waldorf Astoria, Hotel Park City, and St. Regis Deer Valley. |
| Accessibility (airport proximity, transportation) | Car-free village. Closest airports are Zurich (ZRH), Geneva (GVA), and Milan Malpensa (MXP). Accessible by train from these airports, with a change in Visp. Driving requires parking in T sch and taking a shuttle train or electric taxi to Zermatt. | Approximately 35-45 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport. |