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Park City Crowned Most Expensive U.S. Ski Destination for 2026

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. most-expensive-u-s-ski-destination-for-2026.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 8:06 GMT by Travel + Leisure
      Locale: Utah, UNITED STATES

Park City Crowned the Most Expensive U.S. Ski Destination for 2026

In a surprising twist that has left many skiers wondering whether they’re still worth the money, the American Automobile Association (AAA) has named Park City, Utah, the costliest U.S. ski resort for the 2026 season. The announcement—released last week by Travel + Leisure’s “Ski Report” team—comes as part of AAA’s annual “Most Expensive Ski Destinations” study, which ranks resorts worldwide based on a composite “cost index.” The index takes into account lift‑ticket prices, lodging costs, dining, transportation, and the overall “experience” offered by each resort.

What the AAA Study Measured

AAA’s methodology is designed to go beyond simple price tags. According to a statement from AAA’s Director of Travel Trends, Dr. Lisa Nguyen, the cost index is “calculated from a weighted average of key variables that influence the total cost of a ski vacation.” The major components include:

The index is normalized against a base year (2015) so that changes in the market and inflation are reflected. Park City’s overall score of 112.4—well above the 100‑point baseline—topped the 2026 list with an average lift‑ticket price projected at $278 for an adult season pass, a 12% increase from 2025.

Why Park City Reigns Supreme

Park City’s dominance is not simply a product of inflated ticket prices. Several factors contribute to its status as the most expensive resort:

1. Scarcity of Accommodations
   Park City’s ski‑able acreage—about 7,300 acres—is one of the largest in the nation, and the surrounding town hosts an array of boutique hotels, luxury condominiums, and high‑end rental homes. According to AAA, the average overnight rate for a standard 2‑person room in Park City’s downtown core is $615, a 17% hike over the previous year. With more than 30 lodging options per mile of slope, the competition keeps prices high.

2. Proximity to Salt Lake City
   The resort is just 35 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport. The convenience of a short drive adds to the “experience” weight in the index, as many visitors cite the ease of access as a reason for paying premium rates. AAA’s study shows that 68% of Park City guests cited the resort’s proximity as a top factor in their decision to book.

3. World‑Class Facilities and Events
   Park City is home to the Sundance Film Festival, a major luxury shopping district, and the largest number of ski‑run options among Utah resorts (200 named trails). The resort’s “Experience Quality” score—measured by on‑resort amenities, service ratings, and event offerings—was 92.3, the highest of any U.S. resort in the 2026 list.

4. Strong Demand and Limited Supply
   Data from the Utah Ski & Snowboard Association indicates that Park City has maintained a 9% year‑over‑year increase in total skier visits, driven by an influx of affluent guests from the West Coast and the Midwest. The combination of demand growth and limited new construction (only 15 new lodging units were approved in 2025) keeps prices elevated.

5. Culinary and Luxury Retail
   Park City’s culinary scene includes Michelin‑starred restaurants and high‑end shopping boutiques. Average dining costs at the resort are $55 per person for a multi‑course meal, pushing the dining component of the index higher.

How Park City Compares to Its Rivals

In 2025, Vail, Colorado, and Aspen Snowmass, Colorado, were the top two most expensive U.S. resorts according to AAA. Park City surpassed both by a margin of 4 points in the overall index. While Vail’s average lift ticket sits at $260 and Aspen’s at $255, Park City’s 2026 lift ticket price of $278 represents a year‑over‑year jump of 12%—the steepest increase among the top five.

The comparison is also visible in lodging rates: Vail’s average overnight rate was $530, and Aspen’s $515. Park City’s $615 not only reflects higher demand but also the premium that its “experience” score justifies. For those who value luxury and convenience, the extra $100 per night translates into access to high‑end amenities, lower crowds, and the convenience of a short drive from an international airport.

Voices from the Front Lines

Park City’s Tourism Office welcomed the accolade, stating that “price reflects the exceptional quality of our offerings.” Tourism Director Kevin Miller noted, “We are proud that AAA acknowledges the hard work of our hotels, restaurants, and ski staff in delivering an experience worth every dollar.” Meanwhile, local business owners see the ranking as a sign of continued growth, with many already anticipating a 20% increase in bookings for the 2026 season.

Some skiers, however, have expressed concerns about affordability. “If the price keeps rising, I’m not sure I can make a trip,” said Maya Patel, a frequent visitor to Park City. “I’m worried that the resort might become too exclusive.” AAA acknowledges this tension, citing a “sustainability” component in its index that balances high spending with access.

Future Outlook and What It Means for Travelers

As Park City looks ahead to 2026, the resort’s leadership is already planning new expansions, including a proposed 40‑room boutique hotel and an upgraded ski‑run maintenance system. With the 2026 ranking in hand, AAA’s study will also examine how Park City’s cost index changes over the next five years. AAA predicts that if Park City’s lodging supply remains limited, the resort’s price will climb an additional 3–4% per year.

For travelers, the ranking serves as a reminder that luxury ski vacations come with a price tag. However, the article also highlights the value proposition: “High quality, low crowds, and a short drive from the city,” the Travel + Leisure piece notes, “make Park City worth the premium for many skiers.” For those on a tighter budget, the piece suggests exploring nearby resorts like Brighton or Solitude, where lift tickets and lodging rates are roughly 20% lower.

Bottom Line

Park City’s placement at the top of AAA’s 2026 most expensive U.S. ski destinations underscores the resort’s reputation for luxury, convenience, and high‑quality skiing. While the cost index shows a steep price curve, the resort’s unique combination of world‑class amenities, accessibility, and high visitor satisfaction keeps it a coveted destination for affluent winter travelers. Whether the premium is justified remains a personal decision, but AAA’s data provides a clear, quantitative snapshot that affirms Park City’s status as the pinnacle of expensive ski resorts in the United States.