From the Olympics to presidential visits and from epic accolades to Epic passes, the last 25 years in Park City have been marked by progress, evolution and remarkable growth. All of which, have been covered in the pages of this magazine. As Mountain Express celebrates its 25th anniversary, here’s a look back at the events, fun facts and newsmakers that have filled our pages over the years.

1993
Utah Olympic Park completes construction and is dedicated on January 9th.

1994
A true “perfect storm” hits the state, with a series of snowstorms and blizzards that dumped over seven feet of snow at Park City resorts.

1995
The International Olympic Committee awards the 2002 Winter Games to Utah on June 16th, a key turning point in the town’s future.

1996
Utah’s first high-speed six passenger chairlift debuts at Park City Mountain Resort.

1997
The Spur Bar and Grill opens on Main Street and quickly becomes an iconic watering hole for locals and visitors.

1998
The Egyptian Theatre reopens after a $1.5 million reconstruction and refurbishment project by “Save our Stage.”

1999
Park City marks over one million skier days for the first time in history.

2002
Park City plays host to the XIX  Winter Olympic Games, with Park City Mountain Resort hosting the men’s and women’s giant slalom, men’s and women’s snowboarding parallel giant slalom, and both men’s and women’s snowboarding half pipe events. Deer Valley Resort hosted the freestyle moguls and aerials, and alpine slalom events.

2003
Park City records only its third murder in the previous 20 years when Erik Low shoots and kills Michael Hirschey.

2004
Hi Ute Ranch is saved. The iconic barn, nearby ponds and surrounding 200 acres are preserved as open space when Utah Open Lands and the ranch’s owners agree to protect the property and place it in a conservation easement.

2005
KPCW celebrates 25 years as Park City’s public radio station.

2006
High West opens its distillery and saloon on Park Avenue becoming Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870 and the only ski-in, ski-out whiskey distillery in the world.

2007
Temple Har Shalom, Park City’s first synagogue opens.

2008
Forbes Magazine names Park City one of the 20 “Prettiest Towns in the USA”.

2009
Park City gets its first hospital since the Miner’s Hospital closed in the 1950s. Park City Hospital quickly became nationally recognized for its orthopedic program and high patient satisfaction.

2010
While somewhat protected from the pains of the rest of the nation, Park City still felt the bite from the recession. Th e average sold price for Park City real estate was a ‘mere’ $720,473 (compare to $1,750,000 today).

2011
Park City Community Foundation launches Live PC Give PC, now an annual day of giving that’s raised nearly $6,000,000 for local nonprofits. (2017 fundraising numbers not included.)

2012
Deer Valley celebrates five consecutive years of being ranked the #1 ski resort in the world by readers of Ski Magazine. The resort has been ranked in the top three since 1998.

2013
Outside Magazine names Park City “Best Town Ever,” citing our award-winning trail system, access to outdoor recreation and focus on healthy living as its top reasons.

2014
Vail acquires Park City Mountain Resort and merges it with Canyons Resort to become the largest ski terrain in the United States.

2015
Deer Valley announces purchase agreement for Solitude Mountain Resort.’

2016
After months of protests and public pressure, Vail agrees to drop its pursuit of trademarking the name Park City.

2017
The city and county collect more tax revenue from tourism than ever before and announce the purchase of open space at Bonanza Flats for $38 million.

2018
Mountain Express Magazines CELEBRATES 25 YEARS!!

While there’s no way to know what the next 25 years will bring, if they’re anything like the last, we’re in for memorable ride.

Previous articleBret Webster Images – Journey of a Photograph
Next articleSkiers Subway