Climate & Weather
How Elevation Affects Weather: A Complete Guide
Discover the fascinating relationship between elevation and weather patterns.
Elevation of Park City, Utah
2103 meters elevation
Sea Level (0m)Mount Everest (8,848m)
-13.7°C
Temperature Drop
78.5kPa
Air Pressure
77.5%
Oxygen Level
Quick Facts
Elevation2103 meters
Everest Comparison23.8% of Everest
Altitude Risk✅ Low RiskBelow altitude sickness threshold
RegionUtah
Highest PointJupiter Peak (3000 meters)
Notable Landmarks
Jupiter Peak Summit
3000 meterselevation
Historic Main Street
2103 meterselevation
Park City Mountain Summit
2961 meterselevation
Deer Valley Summit
2916 meterselevation
Empire Canyon Lodge
2499 meterselevation
Geographic Features
Park City sits in a natural bowl within the Wasatch Range at 2,103 meters, surrounded by peaks reaching 3,000 meters. The town occupies the convergence of several canyons, including Empire Canyon and Thaynes Canyon, which were carved by both glacial action and mineral-rich waters. The landscape reflects its location along the Wasatch fault zone, where the mountains meet the Basin and Range province. The underlying geology includes complex sequences of sedimentary rocks, particularly the Park City Formation, rich in silver, lead, and zinc deposits that drove the area's early development. The town's position on the eastern slope of the Wasatch Range creates a unique rain shadow effect, while the bowl-like topography influences local weather patterns. The surrounding peaks, including Jupiter Peak (3,000m) and Flagstaff Mountain (2,892m), create natural boundaries that have shaped the town's development and recreation areas.
Climate Impact
At 2,103 meters, Park City experiences a highland climate moderated by its position in the Wasatch Range. The elevation creates significant temperature variations, with summer highs rarely exceeding 28°C and winter lows frequently dropping below -15°C. Annual snowfall averages 355cm in town and 480cm at the resort summits, enhanced by the lake effect from the Great Salt Lake. The elevation difference between the historic district and surrounding peaks (nearly 900 meters) creates distinct microclimates, with temperature variations of up to 8°C between the town and summit elevations. The bowl-like topography can trap cold air during winter inversions, while the canyon configurations channel mountain and valley winds. The atmospheric pressure is approximately 79% of sea level, less severe than higher Colorado resorts but still affecting both human physiology and engine performance. The growing season extends approximately 90 days, longer than higher-elevation Rocky Mountain towns but still limited by the altitude.
Historical Context
Park City's relationship with elevation dates to its founding as a silver mining camp in 1869. The vertical rise from Main Street to the surrounding peaks determined mining operations, with aerial tramways constructed to move ore down from mines like the Silver King at 2,682 meters. The town's transition from mining to skiing began in 1963 when the first ski lift was installed on what became Park City Mountain Resort, utilizing the same steep terrain that had challenged miners. The development of Deer Valley Resort in 1981 took advantage of the varying elevations to create distinct skiing zones, while the Utah Olympic Park, constructed for the 2002 Winter Olympics at 2,150 meters, required precise elevation calculations for competition venues. The restoration of Historic Main Street preserved the town's unique step-like architecture, adapted to the 30-degree slope it climbs. Modern Park City continues to balance development with elevation constraints through strict building codes and sophisticated snow management systems. The town's position as a high-altitude training center was enhanced by the construction of the USSA Center of Excellence at 2,073 meters, specifically designed for athlete conditioning at elevation. The development of the world's first ski-in distillery at 2,103 meters required specialized processes to account for the effects of elevation on distillation.
Cities with Similar Elevation
FAQs: Park City's Elevation
What is the elevation of Park City?
Park City has an elevation of 2103 meters, which influences its climate and environment.
How does Park City's elevation affect its weather?
The elevation of Park City (2103 meters) significantly impacts its local climate, affecting temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric pressure.
What are the highest points near Park City?
The highest point in Park City is Jupiter Peak (3000 meters), providing unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
