Both Zermatt and Park City Mountain offer excellent skiing experiences, but cater to slightly different priorities. Zermatt excels in providing vast, high-altitude terrain and a classic European ski village atmosphere. Park City Mountain stands out for its accessibility, extensive snowmaking, and family-friendly amenities. The choice depends on whether you prioritize expansive terrain and high altitude skiing or ease of access and family-oriented facilities.
| Attribute | Zermatt | Park City Mountain |
|---|---|---|
| Skiable Terrain (acres/hectares) | Approximately 79,532.80 acres / 323 kilometers | 7,300 acres (29.5 square kilometers) |
| Average Annual Snowfall (inches/cm) | 414 cm (13-14 feet) | 355 inches (902 cm) |
| Number of Lifts | 54 (some sources say 40) | 41. Other sources cite 40 or 42. |
| Types of Lifts (gondola, chairlift, etc.) | Includes gondolas, chairlifts, T-bars, funiculars, cable cars, and surface tows | Includes gondolas, high-speed six-packs, high-speed quads, quad chairs, triple chairs, double chairs, and surface lifts. |
| Vertical Drop (feet/meters) | 2,279 meters (7,477 feet). Other sources claim 2,337 meters (7,667 feet) | 3,226 feet (980 meters). Other sources cite 3,190 feet (972 meters). |
| Number of Trails | 149 | Over 330. Some sources say 348. |
| Difficulty of Runs (beginner, intermediate, expert) | Beginner: Approximately 75 km of slopes; Intermediate: Approximately 220 km of slopes; Expert: Approximately 27 km of slopes. Some sources say 47km. | Beginner: 8-15%, Intermediate: 42-54%, Expert: 31-50%. |
| Snowmaking Capability (percentage of trails) | Up to 80% of the trails | 500 acres (2.0 km2) |
| Lift Ticket Price (daily adult) | From CHF 59. Prices vary depending on the season and area. | Not available |
| On-Mountain Dining Options (number of restaurants/cafes) | Numerous mountain restaurants are available. | Variety of on-mountain dining options. Two main base areas, Park City Mountain Village and Canyons Village, provide diverse dining experiences. |
| Apr és-Ski Scene (nightlife, bars, activities) | Zermatt offers a vibrant apr és-ski scene with many bars and unique venues. Most shops, bars, and restaurants are found on the Bahnhofstrasse. | Extensive options for apr és-ski and nightlife, with bars and clubs within walking distance of slopeside hotels and condos. Options range from casual to lively, with many venues featuring live music and DJs. Historic Main Street offers a variety of bars and restaurants. |
| Accommodation Options (hotels, condos, rentals) | A wide range of hotels, apartments, and chalets are available in and around Zermatt. | Lodging options include hotels, condos, and private homes, many with ski-in/ski-out access. Accommodations are available in Park City town, Canyons Village, and Deer Valley. Most accommodations are upscale, but some moderate budget options exist. |
| Accessibility | Not available | Easily accessible, only 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) |
| Family-Friendliness | Family-friendly, offering ski schools and activities like Wolli Park for children | Family-friendly, with an on-mountain daycare program and an excellent accredited ski school |