Mountains, Privacy, Exclusivity

Empire Pass

The region of Empire Pass is tucked away into the mountains, south of Park City. Home to a selection of luxury condos and townhomes, Empire Pass is most well-known for its more secluded atmosphere and exceptional views of the surrounding Utah landscapes, making this area extremely exclusive. In fact, listings (particularly penthouse units) are incredibly rare and present a unique opportunity for homebuyers. This small community combines high-end amenities with outdoor living, including being just steps away from some of the best slopes around

Exterior of condo balcony with flowers

Empire Pass Real Estate Statistics

Average Price $10M
Lowest Price $2.8M
Highest Price $19.3M
Total Listings 4
Avg. Days On Market 144
Avg. Price/SQFT $2.1K

Property Types (active listings)

Search Empire Pass, Park City Utah Real Estate

aerial footage of Park City, Utah real estate during the winter.

What Life Looks Like In Empire Pass

Empire Pass feels remote without being isolated. You're surrounded by national forest land and Deer Valley's upper mountain terrain, yet still connected to resort services and Park City proper. The pace is quiet and deliberate, attracting families, second-home owners, and year-round residents who prioritize outdoor recreation over nightlife. Most neighbors are accomplished professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees who've earned the ability to live where powder days and trail access define daily routines.

  • Montage Deer Valley anchors the area with a five-star hotel, spa, restaurants, and owner amenities for those who purchase residences within the property
  • Flagstaff Mountain rises directly above, offering hiking, mountain biking, and backcountry access from your driveway
  • Private homesites range from 1 to 5+ acres, with custom architecture designed for mountain conditions and views across the Wasatch
  • Ski access connects directly to Deer Valley's trail system, with some homes offering true ski-in/ski-out and others requiring a short shuttle or drive to lifts
  • Limited commercial development keeps the area residential, with most services and dining located at Montage or down-mountain at Silver Lake Village
  • Wildlife sightings are common, moose, deer, and occasional elk move through the area, especially during shoulder seasons

The elevation here sits above 8,000 feet, so winters are long and summers are cool, perfect for people who actually want four seasons. A local Realtor® can help buyers understand the trade-offs between altitude, access, and the kind of mountain solitude that's increasingly rare in Park City.

Winter real estate in Park City, Utah.

Homes And Market Patterns In Empire Pass

Properties range from Montage-affiliated residences and penthouses to standalone custom estates on large private lots. Most homes are built for serious use, think ski rooms, heated driveways, guest wings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framed around Wasatch views. Architecture tends toward mountain contemporary or refined rustic, with builders who understand high-altitude construction and snow load requirements.

Pricing starts around $3 million for smaller Montage residences and climbs quickly into the $8 million to $15 million range for larger private homes. Top-tier estates with acreage, views, and direct ski access can exceed $20 million, especially if they're newly constructed with high-end finishes and smart home integration. The market here moves more slowly than lower-elevation Park City neighborhoods, but serious buyers recognize the value of location and limited inventory.

  • Montage residences offer hotel services, rental management, and resort amenities, appealing to part-time owners who want turnkey mountain living
  • Custom estates attract full-time or frequent-use buyers building primary or substantial second homes with no rental strategy in mind
  • Lot availability is extremely limited, with most buildable parcels already developed or held by long-term owners
  • Buyer profiles include tech executives, finance professionals, and established families looking for multi-generational mountain properties
  • Days on market can stretch longer than other Park City areas, but quality properties with proper pricing and ski access still move
  • Rental potential exists for Montage owners who participate in the hotel program, though most Empire Pass buyers prioritize personal use

Working with a Realtor® who knows the area helps buyers evaluate whether Montage's services and amenities justify the HOA costs, or if a standalone estate offers better long-term value and flexibility. Understanding your use pattern, full-time, frequent visits, or occasional retreats, shapes which property type makes sense.

Mountain Side

Amenities, Trails, And Nearby Services


Empire Pass delivers immediate access to Deer Valley's upper mountain terrain, with trails like Lady Morgan and Empire Canyon dropping right from the neighborhood. Montage provides the only full-service dining and spa in the immediate area, though Silver Lake Village sits just a few minutes down the mountain with additional restaurants, ski services, and shops. In summer, the area transforms into a hub for hiking and biking, with trails connecting to the broader Wasatch Crest system.

  • Flagstaff Trail starts nearby, climbing to one of Park City's most recognized peaks with 360-degree views
  • Mid Mountain Trail runs along Deer Valley's ridgeline, offering miles of singletrack for hikers and mountain bikers
  • Montage spa and fitness center provides resort-level wellness services for property owners and hotel guests
  • Silver Lake Village sits 5-10 minutes away by car, with additional dining options, grocery services, and ski shops
  • Park City Medical Center is roughly 15-20 minutes down the canyon, handling urgent care and emergency services
  • Main Street Park City offers galleries, restaurants, and cultural events about 20 minutes from Empire Pass depending on traffic

The balance here is real, you get wilderness-level privacy and recreation without completely disconnecting from services. Buyers who value that combination tend to stay long-term, building equity in both property and community ties.

Empire Pass Real Estate FAQs

What's the price range for homes at Empire Pass?

Empire Pass properties start around $3 million for smaller Montage residences and range up to $20 million or more for large custom estates with acreage and ski access. The middle range typically sits between $8 million and $15 million for well-appointed homes on private lots. Pricing depends heavily on square footage, lot size, ski access quality, and whether the property includes Montage services.

Do all Empire Pass homes have ski-in/ski-out access?

Not every property offers direct ski-in/ski-out, though most have convenient access to Deer Valley's trail system within the neighborhood. Some homes connect directly to groomed runs, while others require a short shuttle ride or drive to the nearest lift. Buyers should verify specific ski access for each listing, as terrain and lot location significantly affect how you reach the slopes each morning.

What are the HOA fees like at Empire Pass?

HOA fees vary widely depending on whether you're in a Montage residence or a standalone home within a private HOA. Montage owners can expect higher dues that cover hotel services, while independent homes typically pay for road maintenance, snow removal, and shared amenities. Expect annual fees ranging from a few thousand dollars for basic services to $30,000+ for full resort-affiliated properties with concierge and rental management.

Can you rent out your property at Empire Pass?

Montage residences allow rental participation through the hotel's management program, generating income when owners aren't using the property. Standalone homes have fewer restrictions, though some private HOAs limit short-term rentals to maintain residential character. Most Empire Pass buyers purchase for personal use rather than rental income, given the price point and intended lifestyle focus.

How long does it take to reach Park City's Main Street from Empire Pass?

The drive typically takes 20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions, with winter weather occasionally adding time. You'll wind down through Deer Valley's access roads before connecting to main canyon routes into town. Most residents don't commute daily but make trips for dining, shopping, or cultural events a few times each week.

What type of buyer is attracted to Empire Pass?

Empire Pass appeals to accomplished skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, and high-net-worth individuals who want top-tier slope access without compromise. Many buyers are building substantial second homes or year-round residences, including tech leaders, finance professionals, and families seeking multi-generational mountain properties. The elevation and remoteness filter out casual buyers—people here genuinely want alpine living.

Is Empire Pass accessible during heavy snow?

Yes, the private road system includes professional snow removal and maintenance throughout winter months. Residents should still expect mountain driving conditions and plan with appropriate vehicles, especially during active storms. The elevation means more snow accumulation than lower Park City areas, which is exactly what most buyers want for skiing but requires readiness for winter roads.

Are there building lots still available at Empire Pass?

Very few buildable lots remain available, with most parcels already developed or held by long-term owners. Occasionally a lot comes to market, but inventory is extremely limited compared to demand. Buyers interested in building should work with a knowledgeable Realtor® who can identify opportunities quickly and navigate the approval process for construction at this elevation.

What amenities come with Montage ownership?

Montage owners receive access to the resort's spa, fitness center, pools, restaurants, and concierge services as part of their ownership structure. Many participate in the rental program, allowing the hotel to manage bookings when owners aren't using the residence. Additional services include housekeeping, ski valet, and coordination with Deer Valley's lift operations right from the property.

What makes Empire Pass different from other Deer Valley neighborhoods?

Empire Pass sits at the highest elevation within Deer Valley's boundary, offering more seclusion and direct national forest access than lower neighborhoods. The combination of Montage's five-star services with standalone estate options creates flexibility other areas don't provide. You're also closer to backcountry terrain and summer trail systems, appealing to buyers who want resort access without sacrificing wilderness connection.

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