Park City Town Series Returns with Community Races, Family Events

Park City Ski & Snowboard will kick off its 2026 Park City Town Series on Friday, Jan. 23 at the Utah Olympic Park, offering four evening races for Alpine and SkiMo competitors on Feb. 13, March 13 and a finale April 4. The series is open to racers age 6 and up and allows entrants to compete individually or as part of teams under updated team rules. Alpine training sessions are scheduled the Monday before each race to help athletes prepare.

The April 4 finale will expand beyond competition with Ski the Peak access on West Peak, a Pond Skim, final races and community activities, along with raffle prizes. Organizers expect the mix of family-friendly events and competitive racing to draw local residents to the resort and encourage day and evening participation across age groups.

For Summit County residents, the series represents more than recreation. Regular outdoor activity contributes to physical and mental well-being, especially during winter months when sedentary behavior tends to rise. Evening races create opportunities for working families to participate after school and work hours, helping integrate physical activity into weekly routines. The Monday training sessions aim to lower injury risk by improving skills and preparedness before race nights.

At the same time, access and equity remain important community considerations. Participation costs, equipment needs and transportation can be barriers for lower-income families and for new skiers. Local leaders and organizers can expand benefit by coordinating fee assistance, equipment loan programs and transit options to ensure broader participation. Increased investment in youth sports and recreation programming would help reduce long-term health disparities tied to limited access to safe, structured physical activity.

Public safety and health services are also part of the picture. Evening events require coordinated emergency response and medical coverage on site to address potential injuries. Preparedness benefits athletes and helps protect emergency resources across the county. Organizers’ inclusion of training sessions is a positive step toward reducing preventable injuries, and local health providers may view the series as an opportunity to promote injury prevention education and safe-sport practices.

Registration is open through Park City Ski & Snowboard, and entrants may sign up as individuals or teams. Alpine training sessions are offered the Monday before each race night to help competitors get ready. As the season begins, the series offers Summit County a chance to gather, stay active and support local recreation-focused economies while highlighting the need for policies and programs that expand equitable access to winter sports.