Nestled in Utah’s mountainside is a secluded, luxurious, snow-filled winter skier’s dream — Deer Valley Resort. Seasonal enthusiasts embrace the light powder snow that awaits for a day on the slopes. More than 2,000 acres of skiing terrain and six mountains beckon the brave especially its highest peak, Empire, towering above at 9,570 feet.
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Winter website shoot
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Resort overview from Silver Link
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“We are very lucky at Deer Valley to be able to offer skiing on six different mountains. Our expansive amount of terrain allows beginners to get out and experience more than just the base area, as they would at many resorts, but instead, they can get to the most scenic areas on the mountain while being comfortable knowing there is an easiest way down,” Coleen Reardon, Deer Valley Resort’s director of marketing, says. “We also have endless amounts of intermediate terrain and plenty of expert terrain for those seeking the steep, deep, chutes and bowls. We are also exceptionally well-known for the grooming of our terrain, an average of 65-70 out of 103 runs are groomed each night. Whether it’s your first-time skiing or you’re a seasoned expert, there’s plenty of terrain for everyone.”
A skier-only destination, Deer Valley Resort was established in 1981 by Edgar Stern, and is just one of only three ski-only resorts in the U.S. It was created with the concept of providing the skier the same guest experience one receives at a five-star hotel. “It is because of his (Edgar Stern) vision that we limit our daily skier capacity, provide services such as complimentary overnight ski storage and a dedicated guest services’ staff, uniformed and ready to help at any time,” she explains. “This attention to detail combined with our award-winning grooming, pristine fall-line terrain and unmatched dining are some of the items that make the Deer Valley experience so special.”
An award-winning resort, Deer Valley Resort was most recently bestowed the title of “Best United States’ Ski Resort 2020” by this year’s World Ski Awards for the eighth consecutive year. The winter ski season runs now through April 11, 2021 (conditions permitting).
Following CDC guidelines, Deer Valley Resort remains committed to providing the guest experience visitors expect, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. New protocols are in place for the safety of resort guests. “It will however look very different within lift line and lift loading protocols, queueing to accommodate for physical distancing, enhanced sanitizing procedures, as well as a mask mandate that extends across the resort, dining locations and lodging properties,” Coleen explains. Though the resort will operate a bit differently than in year’s past, she is confident in their ability. “We will be able to provide the experiences we’re sought out for — with a smile on our masked faces.”
Ross Downard Drone skiing photos on Bald Mountain
For those planning to visit and ski Deer Valley this winter, Coleen recommends the complimentary Mountain Host tour. “These are available by reservation and are open to skiers of intermediate or expert ability. Our staff members will help you familiarize yourself with the mountain, while sharing interesting facts and stories about everything that Park City has to offer,” she explains. “And if you’re a beginner skier or are just looking to brush up your skills, we highly recommend taking a lesson. With nearly 500 ski instructors on our staff, many of whom have been here for 10 years or more, we will be excited to help you comfortably and safely learn to ski.”
Fort Myers resident Mandy Garland and her family travel to Deer Valley often for their ski adventures. “I don’t think I’ve waited more than five minutes at any chair lift,” she recalls of the resort’s skier experience, and stresses that she loves the surrounding area too. “Having the variety of things to do in a close proximity makes us go back year after year,” Mandy says. “A huge benefit is that the Salt Lake City Airport is approximately 45 minutes from Deer Valley. After a long day of traveling from Florida to Utah, you certainly don’t want to spend hours driving to your destination.”
Deer Valley has also been a place for her family to advance in skier ability while remaining in a comfortable environment. “My family enjoys Glade skiing which are trails made by others through the woods off the main slopes. Sometimes we like to explore further by making our own trails skiing on untouched powder which is known as tree skiing,” Mandy says. “Skiing in untouched powder and exploring new areas is exciting but can be dangerous. You don’t know what kind of terrain you will come across and considering your alone where ski patrol doesn’t monitor every single area off the typical paths, you certainly would want to be sure you are with a group in case of an emergency.”
To maximize ski time and for the ease of it, Mandy says her family typically rents a ski-in/ski-out condo on the mountain. “I can set a crock pot and head out for some morning skiing and then drop by the condo to eat some lunch,” she explains. “Although, there are little places on the mountain that you can also stop at for a rest or eat a meal. You won’t be dissatisfied with the large variety.”
Winter Website Shoot
For those who prefer ski-in/ski-out lodges, Mandy believes the resorts’ architecture and atmosphere of luxury is a huge attribute. “My family and I stayed a few nights at the Montage Deer Valley one year prior to checking into our condo and enjoyed the amenities when we weren’t skiing,” she recalls. “Relaxing in the hot tub overlooking the ski mountain or enjoying a massage is a great addition to any vacation.”
After a full day on the slopes enjoying those long ski runs, make plans to renourish yourself. “Once you’ve worked up an appetite, we recommend making a reservation at one of our three evening restaurants, Seafood Buffet, Fireside Dining, or the Mariposa for ski-resort dining like you’ve never experienced before,” Coleen adds. “All our indoor dining will require reservations, tables will be physically distanced, and guest are to wear their masks at all times, except when eating or drinking.”
Go further, she says, and indulge in a spa day. “If you’re looking to really round out your luxury experience here at Deer Valley, we recommend visiting one of the spas at Stein Eriksen Lodge, Montage Deer Valley or St. Regis Deer Valley.”
As a veteran skier, Mandy suggests you rest up with a day off the slopes as well. Her family always enjoy another popular winter activity — a snowmobile tour — on their annual visits. “In addition to skiing, our family takes one day to go snowmobiling,” Mandy adds. “It’s nice to give the legs a break one day and go riding.”
For Deer Valley travelers, Summit Meadows Adventures is operated by the resort. This guided snowmobile adventure, with additional COVID-19 protocols in place, offers scenic views of the Wasatch Mountains.
Another attribute to the Park City destination is that even for those who don’t enjoy skiing, there are many surrounding activities for varying interests. “Horse-drawn sleighs with a private dinner is something couples would enjoy for a little romance,” Mandy suggests. “Snow tubing or ice skating for a good old traditional winter activity and plenty of snowmobile excursions to take advantage of as well.”
Mandy also likes that Deer Valley is near Park City where you can browse the quaint little town of shops, taverns and art galleries, and it is home to the Sundance Film Festival which prior to COVID has been held annually.
“My family and I have skied in eastern ski towns and can attest that skiing in the West is a completely different experience. We’ve also skied in Colorado a few times, but Deer Valley, Utah is the one we prefer most out of anywhere,” Mandy says. “I feel at ease there, no hustle and bustle, everyone is always so friendly and welcoming, and the little town decorated with Christmas lights makes me feel like I’m in a Hallmark movie scene. Certainly, makes me forget all about the daily routine of work and school.”