Is the Utah Olympic Park Worth Visiting in the Summer?
The park offers warm weather experiences that you can’t have elsewhere, but most of them come at a steep cost. Is the Utah Olympic Park worth visiting in the summer?
Is the Utah Olympic Park Worth Visiting in the Summer?: Things to Consider
1. What is it?
2. Where is the Olympic Park?
3. When Can You Visit?
4. How Long Do You Need?
5. How Much is Utah Olympic Park?
6. You Can Find Olympic Park Discounts
7. What Can Kids Do at the Utah Olympic Park?
8. There Are Ways to Maximize Your Time
9. You Can Try an Airbag Jump
10. You Can Ride the Utah Olympic Park Alpine Slide
11. There is Extreme Tubing in Utah Olympic Park
12. You Can Use Ziplines at Utah Olympic Park
13. There Are Ropes Courses
14. You Can Ride in a Bobsled at Utah Olympic Park
15. You Can Take a Tour of the Property
16. There Are Free Museums
17. You Can Hike for Free
18. There is a Free Playground
19. You May Be Able to Watch Athletes Train
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Is the Utah Olympic Park Worth Visiting in the Summer?
1. What is Utah Olympic Park?
The 400 acre park was built for the 2002 Olympic games. Rather than leaving the property abandoned and ripe for haunting (I’m looking at you, Berlin), the city has turned it into a seemingly profitable tourist attraction.
What is there to do at Utah Olympic Park? The property offers free hiking trails, play areas, museums, and the opportunity to watch Olympic athletes train.
It also offers several paid experiences for thrill seekers, including bobsleds and ziplines. All activities require you to be relatively fit, most require a ride on a chairlift, and some require you to step on a scale (to make sure you won’t die).
2. Where is Olympic Park in Utah?
The Olympic Park address is 3419 Olympic Parkway in Park City, Utah. You can reach it from Salt Lake City in less than an hour. There are plenty of nearby hotels from which to choose.
There is no onsite dining, but you can reach several restaurants within minutes.
Pro tip: There is free onsite parking.
3. When Can You Visit?
The property is open year round, but the activities are only offered from mid-May through the end of September.
There are multiple sessions throughout the day. Check the Utah Olympic Park schedule at the time of your visit.
Pro tip: There isn’t much shelter from the sun. Don’t forget sunscreen.
Bonus pro tip: Check the weather before you go. If there is lightning or strong wind within five miles of the property, everything will be shut down for at least 30 minutes. That is a lot of time when you are in the middle of a session with limited time. You cannot get a refund.
4. How Long Do You Need?
If you plan to participate in activities, plan to be there for at least half of a day. If you just want to walk around, see the museums, and watch the athletes, you can easily be done in two hours or less.
5. Is Utah Olympic Park Free?
The property is free to enter. There are several things you can do free of charge, including enter the museums, hike, and watch Olympic athletes train. The best things to do at Utah Olympic Park, however, come at an extra charge.
6. There Are Ways to Save
You Can Do Several Utah Olympic Park Rides with One Unlimited Pass
You can purchase tickets for Utah Olympic Park summer activities individually, or you can buy a pass that grants you unlimited access for a window of time. Unless you are sure you only want to do one thing, the unlimited passes are the way to go.
Note: Individual tickets can only be purchased in person, while unlimited pass sessions can be booked ahead of time.
Utah Olympic Park cost: As of the time of this writing, 3.5 hour summer sessions cost $85 per person and 2.5 fall sessions cost $65 per person. Check the options at the time of your visit.
Check for Utah Olympic Park Groupon Deals
You can sometimes find deals on passes on Groupon.
Costco
Costco periodically offers deals on Utah Olympic Park passes.
Salt Lake Connect Attractions Pass
Visiting multiple tourist attractions? The Salt Lake Connect Attractions Pass gets you a free ropes course at Utah Olympic Park, as well as discounts at a bunch of other places, including Clark Planetarium.
Travel with a Group
Groups of 20 or more get discounts as of the time of this writing.
Note: You must request a discount at least 14 days in advance. Walking up the day of your visit will not work.
7. What Can Kids Do?
Is there anything for kids to do at Utah Olympic Park? That depends. How tall are they?
Young kids will be able to be bored walk through the museum, watch the athletes train, and hike if you don’t mind that it will be a very steep drop down the side of the mountain if they fall. They will not, however, be able to enjoy the best this property has to offer.
Elementary-aged kids who don’t mind heights are good to go. They can participate in the majority of the activities at Utah Olympic Park.
8. How Can You Maximize Your Day?
Participation in the activities is generally done on a timed basis. You won’t have open access all day. Don’t waste time.
Before You Arrive
There are several things you can do to prepare for your visit. Purchase your package and sign the online waiver ahead of time to save time when you arrive. You should also check out an Olympic Park map to familiarize yourself with the area.
There are no lockers, and bags are not allowed on any of the activities. Don’t bring anything that you aren’t willing to leave in the car. Remember that you must have close toed shoes to participate in most of the activities. It would be a real shame to need to make a Target run during your session.
Is Utah Olympic Park dog friendly? You can bring them to the outdoor areas, but not in the buildings or around the activities. Don’t bring your pet if it will ruin your day.
Check-in
Arrive early. Even if you purchase your Utah Olympic Park tickets ahead of time, you will need to check in and get a wristband.
You will have a bit of a walk from the parking area to the activities. If you’re strapped for time, friendly men on golf carts will take you for free.
During the Activities
Wait times for the attractions are posted. If you see a long line, do something else and circle back later. If you’re still not sure where to go, ask an employee. They will direct you.
The Extreme Zipline tends to have a long line at opening. Don’t go there first.
If you are in line for an activity when your session ends, you will get to go. They won’t kick you out.
9. You Can Try the Utah Olympic Park Airbag Jump
The Airbag Jump lets you jump from a platform onto a big bag of air (think bounce house). You will need to weigh in to participate.
Minimum age: 5
Weight requirement: Between 35 and 275 pounds
Cost: $15
Included with an unlimited pass: Yes
10. There is an Alpine Slide
The Alpine Slide is a long ride down the side of a mountain on a cart. You steer the cart and control the speed. There are signs warning you to slow down as you are approaching curves. While it’s possible to fly off the track, it is unlikely to happen if you aren’t acting like a clown.
Note: This experience is single rider only for everyone that is 48″ and up. Your tall seven year old cannot ride with you. He or she has to drive down the side of the mountain alone.
Utah Olympic Park height requirement: 48″ to drive
Cost: $25
Included with an unlimited pass: Yes
11. Utah Olympic Park Extreme Tubing is Not for the Faint of Heart
Utah Olympic Park tubing. Is. Crazy.
Really.
The hills are so steep. You cannot fully appreciate the insanity without seeing it in person.
The hills are Nordic ski jumps in the winter. In the summer, they send people zipping down on tubes at approximately 50 miles per hour. An employee stated that this was one of the safer activities on property. I don’t see how that’s possible. It seems like a miracle every time an occupant does not fly off.
Note: You must wear a helmet during this activity.
Minimum age: 10 years old on the lower hill, 13 years old on the upper one
Cost: $25
Included with an unlimited pass: Yes
12. There Are Ziplines at Utah Olympic Park
The property offers several ziplines. You will need to step on a scale to gain access.
Utah Olympic Park Extreme Zipline
The Extreme Zipline is a ride down the side of the mountain in a chair at 50 miles per hour.
Pro tip: This line builds early during the unlimited sessions. Do not start here.
Weight requirement: Between 100 and 275 pounds
Cost: $25
Included with an unlimited pass: Yes
Utah Olympic Park Freestyle Zipline
The Freestyle Zipline is a smaller version of the Extreme Zipline. This is a good option for kids under 100 pounds who can’t get on the bigger one.
Weight requirement: Between 50 and 275 pounds
Cost: $25
Included with an unlimited pass: Yes
Utah Olympic Park Drop Tower
The Drop Tower is an experience that starts with a zipline ride and ends with a 65 foot free fall when you step off of a platform.
Note: This experience is only offered during the summer sessions. It is closed at the end of August and the entire month of September.
Weight requirement: Between 45 and 260 pounds
Cost: $20
Included with an unlimited pass: Yes
There is a Utah Olympic Park Zipline Package
The Utah Olympic Park Zip Line Tour takes you through seven towers.
Note: Guests under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Weight requirement: Between 100 and 275 pounds to ride alone, at least 50 pounds to ride tandem (the combined weight cannot exceed 275)
Cost: $70
Included with an unlimited pass: No
13. There Are Utah Olympic Park Ropes Courses
The ropes courses require you to weigh in to participate. If heights aren’t your thing, these courses won’t be either.
Utah Olympic Park Discovery Course
The Discovery Ropes Course was clearly designed with kids in mind, but most average-sized adults will be able to navigate it without an issue.
Pro tip: There is a free playground in this area. You don’t need to weigh in or pay to enter.
Weight requirement: Between 35 and 225 pounds
Height requirement: 46″ to go alone
Cost: $20
Included with an unlimited pass: Yes
Utah Olympic Park Canyon Course
The Canyon Course is a larger ropes course. The park recommends that you try the Discovery Course first.
Note: This experience is only offered during the summer sessions. It is closed at the end of August and the entire month of September.
Weight requirement: Between 45 and 275 pounds
Cost: $20
Included with an unlimited pass: Yes
Summit Course
The Summit Course is for advanced climbers. It goes higher and has harder obstacles to navigate.
Note: Kids under age 13 must complete the Canyon Course before they can try this one.
Note: This experience is only offered during the summer sessions. It is closed at the end of August and the entire month of September.
Weight requirement: Between 45 and 275 pounds
Cost: $25
Included with an unlimited pass: Yes
14. You Can Participate in a Utah Olympic Park Bobsled Experience
The park offers a Bobsled Experience. You can’t drive, because, Cool Runnings. A professional takes you around at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
Minimum age: 13
Minimum weight: 100 pounds
Cost: $85
Included with an unlimited pass: No
15. You Can Take a Park Tour
The property offers tours that include a shuttle ride to the top of the world’s highest Nordic ski jump. I would not do this instead of one of the activity passes, but it is a decent add-on if you really want to get to the top of that mountain.
How long is the Utah Olympic Park tour? It lasts about an hour.
Pro tip: If you want to do this, book ahead of time. These tours sell out.
Cost: $15 per adult, $12 per senior and child age 12 and under
Included with an unlimited pass: No
16. There Are Free Utah Olympic Park Museums
There are two museums located within the Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center (the building you enter to obtain your wristbands). The Alf Engen Ski Museum is located on the first floor, and the George Eccles 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum is on the second.
This small building is certainly not the highlight of the property, but you can entertain yourself for a short amount of time (think one hour) before or after your experience.
The ski museum’s stated mission is to preserve rich people’s ski history. Exhibits include skis over the years, medals, and some interactive areas that will be entertaining to children.
The Winter Games’ Museum features memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Your child will like the first floor better.
Note: I would not visit the property solely to see the museums. They are not worth an extra trip.
17. You Can Hike the Utah Olympic Park Trails for Free
Can you walk around Olympic Park? Yes, it is open to the public.
There are Utah Olympic Park hiking trails on the side of a very steep mountain you can hike for free. When I say very steep, I mean very steep. I would not do it with young kids.
18. There is a Free Playground
There is a small playground located near the ropes course. The ropes course costs money, but the playground is free.
Pro tip: Do not waste time on the playground during an unlimited pass session. Go back after your time runs out.
19. You May Be Able to Watch Athletes Train
Olympic athletes train at the property throughout the year. During the summer, athletes practice ski jumps on a slip and slide of sorts and land in a pool. These practices are free to watch.
Final Thoughts – Is the Utah Olympic Park Worth Visiting in the Summer?
Is the Utah Olympic Park worth visiting in the summer? If you aren’t traveling with young kids and are into the activities, it definitely is. I would not hesitate to visit. Be sure to buy an unlimited pass, arrive early, and maximize your time. You will not regret the experience.
This seem fun and definitely worth the visit. Thank you for the pro tip that will help a lot.
Great article with many quality pictures (I especially like that). I don’t mind taking a tour during the summer. Obviously so many exciting activities in that period. And for kids too.