My Hometown: Olympic Freeskier Joss Christensen on Park City, Utah

Park City graced the cover of our September 2013 issue when readers voted it the Best Town in America. U.S. Freeskiing Slopestyle gold medalist Joss Christensen, leader of the first American sweep in skiing history at the Olympics, agrees. Here, he talks about life in the “perfect ski town.”

Why you love Park City?
It is big enough to have everything I need but small enough to have room to get away. I am 30 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport, which is huge for me because I travel all throughout the year. I love the mountains, and Park City allows me to play in the mountains no matter the season. 

What is one thing most people don’t know about Utah?
Our state bird is the California Seagull. I find that pretty interesting—and funny.

Best time of year to visit?
I would say anytime in the spring. You can either experience really warm and sunny days for skiing or hiking and biking, or you can be skiing fresh snow. Just depends on the weather. In my opinion, all options are good!

Favorite place to get outside?
I really like to go right behind my house up in Summit Park. There are a few trailheads just a short distance from my place, so I can go jump on my bike or walk up to the trails in only a few minutes. It’s really beautiful up top.

Best restaurant?
Davansa’s! First off, you can practically ski to it, but the pizza and sandwiches are really tasty and affordable. It is quick and fun.

Must-see attraction?
I spend most of my time at Park City Mountain Resort. Between the awesome skiing in the winter and the hiking and mountain biking in the summer, the views and terrain are amazing. 

Best place to stay?
My house. I constantly have friends from almost everywhere staying at my house. So come stop by Joss’s Wonderful B&B! Come ski or bike with me and my friends; you’ll see why I will probably never leave!

Need to Know

Getting there: Park City is 40 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport.

Population: 7,558