It’s been encouraging to see snow on the rooftops, shovelers on the sidewalks, and skiers on the mountain this past week. Even though Mother Nature has been stingy with the snow this season, we can be grateful for a gradually accumulating base and the lifts spinning at Park City Mountain, Deer Valley and Woodward.

As we kick off the new year with optimism, activity and a full calendar, we’re also grateful that Park City shines well beyond the slopes, with plenty for visitors and locals to do both on and off the mountain.

We’ve placed our updated events page in a prominent position at VisitParkCity.com, giving thousands of web visitors immediate access to the dozens of activities that keep Park City vibrant all winter long. Recently, we added a tempting, free “shwag bag” for guests booking a three-night stay through April 20.

From live music and sporting events to arts, culture and an ever-evolving dining scene, the events page showcases dozens of memorable experiences. If you’re entertaining guests — or simply looking for something new to try — visit VisitParkCity.com, and be sure to share it with friends.

Next Tuesday is day one of the Utah Legislature’s 2026 session, and once again the chamber will there advocating for a strong local economy and a healthy business environment.

Our board-approved legislative priorities, many with long-term implications for our region, include:

  • Promoting planning and policy related to the 2034 Olympic Games that emphasizes regional investment, community benefits, and long-term sustainability.
  • Advocating for commercial property tax policies that treat all properties fairly, based on constitutionally required fair-market values for all types of properties.
  • Close examination of the updates to new alcohol ID laws with an eye toward practical solutions for businesses and consumers.

Review the full legislative policy agenda at ParkCityChamber.com.

Just days later, on Jan. 22, we’ll be loading up on popcorn and helping make this year’s Sundance Film Festival a memorable experience for visitors, filmmakers, residents and local businesses.

This year carries special meaning as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Egyptian Theatre — one of Park City’s original Sundance venues — and offer a Mountainkind au revoir to the festival, as it relocates to Colorado in 2027. Sundance will always hold a permanent place in the Park City story.

On a broader scale, Utah’s film industry continues to deliver significant economic benefits locally and statewide. Since its inception, the Utah Motion Picture Incentive Program has generated $630 million in film and television production, including $268 million in rural areas, and has created more than 38,000 film-related jobs. Film tourism alone has infused an estimated $6 billion into Utah’s economy over the past decade.

Park City maintains a strong presence in this industry through the Park City Film Office, operated by the chamber. We provide high-quality video for location scouts and connect producers with our growing pool of local technical crews, talent and services. Residents and business owners can even register their properties as potential film locations at parkcityfilmoffice.com.

I’ll conclude by congratulating newly sworn-in Mayor Ryan Dickey. As Park City enters the new year with a robust events calendar, continued investment in community and recreation infrastructure, and steady progress toward the 2034 Olympic Games, we’re excited about a prosperous, four-season 2026 — on the mountain, in town, and across our entire business community.

Jennifer Wesselhoff is the president and CEO of the Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.