The Hamptons may indisputably be the Summering capital of the jetsetting elite, but adventurers seeking a new scene will find a lively social calendar in an unlikely mountain destination: Park City, Utah. Best known as home of the Sundance Film Festival and world-class ski resorts, Park City is also a scenic summer oasis, filled with culinary festivals, cultural events and jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring scenery.
Park City’s summer enthusiasts often rent villas near Main Street for a month or longer to enjoy dozens of upscale lounges (SILVER and High West are favorites), local pubs and nightlife venues, including Downstairs, a bar co-owned by actor Danny Masterson that brings in talent like Samantha Ronson and DJs from the SKAM Artist roster. Solitude seekers retreat to the higher altitudes of Deer Valley for mountaintop views and intimate soirees at homes like King’s Estate in the gated community of Deer Crest, which boasts a theater, wine cellar and fire pits overlooking Lake Jordanelle – not to mention easy access to afternoon drinks at the St. Regis Deer Valley.
Many city dwellers are also taking advantage of Park City's accessibility without a season-long commitment. The highlight of summer, the Park City Food & Wine Classic, takes place over four days in July, drawing hundreds of vintners, sommeliers, distillers and executive chefs. In a decidedly alpine way to enjoy the epicurean experience, the Classic pairs tasting events with outdoor activities like mountain biking, road cycling and even stand-up paddle boarding. This year, jetsetters can spontaneously enjoy the festivities no matter where they plan to summer. Private jet company Magellan Jets and villa company Resorts West are presenting a four-day vacation package that includes private air travel, luxury home accommodations, a private concierge and tickets to select events while available. The Classic, now in its ninth year, benefits the People’s Health Clinic, an all-volunteer medical center for Park City’s uninsured.
With private jets available in as little as 10 hours’ notice and villas available for as little as three days at a time, spontaneously jet-setting to Park City’s premier summer events, from the Opening Night Gala at the Kimball Arts Festival to outdoor screenings presented by Sundance Institute, has become surprisingly easy. Of course, with performances by Jewel and world-caliber sporting events like the Tour of Utah (a multi-stage cycling race known as the first international event to follow the Tour de France), it might be difficult to leave.
Lear Jet 85 interior by Magellan Jets
King's Estate great room
