PARK CITY, Utah — A recent article from Travel + Leisure has designated Park City as the most expensive ski town in the United States, specifically for lodging costs. However, local data from the Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau suggests these claims may not accurately reflect the marketplace. The report indicated that, according to HotelPlanner's analysis of 'winter 2026 booking data', Park City has the highest average accommodation cost at $1,621 per night, surpassing Aspen, Vail, and Salt Lake City. The article notes that the Sundance Film Festival season contributes to heightened pricing. In response to the claims, Dan Howard, the Chamber's vice president of communications, expressed surprise at the reported figures. He highlighted the effectiveness of local marketing in attracting visitors but acknowledged that the average nightly rates reported by Travel + Leisure do not align with the Chamber’s own performance data. Data from Destimetrics, which the Chamber utilizes for tracking lodging performance, reveals that Park City's average daily hotel rate was $931 in February 2024 and significantly lower at $296 in May. This data underscores the seasonal fluctuations in lodging prices, with winter rates generally ranging from the high-$800s to low-$900s. According to the Chamber's statistics, Park Ci's occupancy rate increased by 5.2% year over year, while the average daily rate saw a rise of 15.6%, and revenue per available room grew by 21.6%. The discrepancies between reported rates and local data highlight the importance of understanding seasonal variations in tourism and lodging costs. The Chamber’s Destimetrics chart illustrates that while winter rates peak considerably, there is a stark contrast during the shoulder seasons. This data challenges the notion that Park City holds the title of the most expensive ski town based solely on isolated reports.