Park City for Less: Trip Ideas for Under Ten Bucks

Name of activity: Park City Museum
Location: Park City, Utah
Price: Adults are $10, youths (7-17) are $5, and children are free
Description: After a $9 million renovation and a two-year closure, the Park City Museum reopened its doors in October 2009. The newly remodeled museum provides locals and visitors a hands-on experience with Park City's historic mining past. Take a peek at a 30-foot diorama of the old Park City mine shafts and buildings, test out what it was like to use a jackhammer or dynamite to dig through the tunnels. Or, spend some time in Utah's only remaining territorial jail cells (in the basement of the museum, naturally).
Dates open/available: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, 12-6 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Website: www.parkcityhistory.org

The Canyons: Park City's Best-Kept Secret

Despite the fact that The Canyons sports 3,700 skiable acres, 17 lifts, and 152 trails across eight mountains, along with six natural half pipes, five bowls, and two terrain parks, the resort largely remains one of Park City's best-kept secrets. But combine those stats with some of the world's lightest spring powder and its status is certain to change. Get there before the word really gets out.

Photo credit: Powder day at The Canyons, Park City (The Canyons Resort)

Park City Skiing: How It All Began

When the Treasure Mountain Resort (now Park City Mountain Resort) opened in Park City, Utah, in 1963, its claim to fame was the world's first underground ski lift. Electric mine trains and fabricated cars would carry skiers and their skis three miles into the mountain through an old mining tunnel, and then a mine elevator would lift them 1,800 feet to the surface.

Photo credit: Park City skiers, Utah (courtesy, Park City Mountain Resort)

Cheap Family-Friendly Cities

Check out these four great destinations to get the best bang for your family travel buck.

Salt Lake City
Nestled at the base of a stunning mountain range, near miles and miles of shimmering salt flats and the Great Salt Lake, not to mention some of the country's best skiing. Cultural attractions include the Family History Center and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Stay in one of the city’s many hotels, or venture out to a nearby resort or campground.

Salt Lake City Escapes: Rafting Canyonlands National Park

Arguably the best rollercoaster ride in the country can be found in May on the Colorado River and its famous stretch of 30-plus rapids between Canyonlands National Park and Lake Powell. Float down the Green and the Colorado rivers for up to six days with Red River Adventures, gazing upon the area's crimson buttes and mesas and riding its screaming whitewater. Afterwards, retire to Moab, where balmy breezes and dry trails lure mountain bikers, climbers, and hikers out of their wintry shells.

Photo credit: Canyonlands National Park (National Park Service)