Paradise Valley and Park City are both scenic locations immersed in nature. I’m sure I’d be happy to wake up to either mountain landscape each morning. Residents of both towns said they appreciate outdoor activities like golf, hiking, and mountain biking.
But the seasons have completely different weather patterns.
When I visited Paradise Valley in the spring, it was 90 degrees Fahrenheit. I felt perpetually sweaty, and I couldn’t imagine doing any strenuous activities outside in the summertime when it’s often in the 100s. But I’m sure I’d spend all winter in nature, enjoying sunny, breezy days in the 70s.
Winter weather in Paradise Valley is summer weather in Park City. And Park City winters are crisp and frosty. Growing up in Connecticut, I know the challenges of months of snow — bitter walks against the wind, ice soaking my socks, and endless shoveling.
But there’s also something magical about a city feeling like a completely different place for a portion of the year. I loved spending entire days shoveling my friend’s backyard pond in ice skates just to glide around for an hour before sundown and do it all again the next day. And when the snow melted, I was so grateful for the spring and summer months.
I’m sure winter weather would feel even more magical in Park City if I took up skiing or snowboarding. I thought having another hobby I could only enjoy in the coldest months would make me look forward to the winter.
