#14 in Best Ski Resorts in the USA
Just outside the former silver mining town of Park City, site of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Deer Valley Resort is often hailed as one of the best ski resorts in the United States.
Deer Valley is unique in that the resort is ski-only and has limited ticket sales to 7,500 a day to keep crowding to a minimum. Add in an award-winning ski school, fine dining, boutique shopping and impeccable resort service, it’s easy to see why Deer Valley Resort is so beloved.
Deer Valley has a vertical drop of 3,000 feet from a 9,570-foot elevation, with 2,026 skiable acres across six mountains. The resort has a lift capacity of 50,470 skiers an hour with 24 lifts – including 13 high-speed quads and one gondola – which is about 50 percent more than the capacity of nearby resorts. Deer Valley enjoys about 300 inches of snowfall annually, with snowmaking across 660 acres. There are no terrain parks at Deer Valley Resort and there is no night skiing. While it may not have the additional features of larger resorts, such as ice skating or tubing, you can find them at the nearby Park City Mountain Resort .
Deer Valley does feature a ski school at the resort, with private and group lessons offered to skiers of all ages and levels. The resort also has its own rental equipment shop, though more affordable options are found in Park City. Deer Valley Resort is an Ikon Pass destination.
While the ski season generally runs from the end of November until the first week of April, the best months of snow are between December to March. Keep in mind that the busiest time in Park City is in January during the Sundance Film Festival, and like most resorts, Deer Valley tends to be crowded on weekends and holidays.
Full-day lift tickets start around $169 for adults and $105 for kids. Peak pricing is implemented during popular ski periods such as the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, as well as Presidents’ Day weekend. You may be able to save by purchasing tickets online or calling the reservations center at 800-558-3337 or 435-645-6528.
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About 27 percent of the runs at Deer Valley are ranked beginner, with 41 percent ranked more difficult and 32 percent set at most difficult. Though the resort caters to all levels, it is known for being most centered towards intermediate skiers. According to senior communications manager Emily Summers, these are the best Deer Valley trails for each level.
Located on Bald Mountain and starting at 9,400 feet. Homeward Bound offers a long, scenic route down to the Silver Lake Base at mid-mountain. Don’t miss the scenic viewpoint at the top that offers sweeping views of all the nearby mountain ranges and valleys.
If you’re looking for a Deer Valley signature groomer, look no further than Stein’s Way. The favorite run of our late director of skiing, Stein Eriksen, this run offers a long intermediate pitch with a more advanced section in the middle as well as stunning views of the Jordanelle Reservoir and Uintah Mountain Range.
A better-kept secret at Deer Valley is that 930 or our 2016 skiable acres are gladed tree skiing. Expert skiers really enjoy Centennial Trees, X-files, Sunset Glade and Triangle trees–make sure to ask a Deer Valley mountain host for tips on how to find these!
Where to stayHotels near the Deer Valley Resort is not for the budget-conscious. Guests pay for convenience and luxury and accommodation here reflects this. The 5-Star Stein Eriksen Lodge oozes European charm with an award-winning spa and gorgeous views from each, some of which feature fireplaces or private decks hot tubs. Nearby, the larger 4-Star Montage Deer Valley also boasts plush accommodations with ski-in/ski-out access and five distinct dining areas. At the foot of the Northside Express lift, The Grand Lodge has three- to six-bedroom residences with access to two outdoor hot tubs, a steam room and a fitness center.
Where to eatDeer Valley has no shortage of restaurants to choose from. At the Empire Canyon Lodge, Fireside Dining offers four-course meals with options that include fondue and roast leg of lamb, as well as a full bar and the option of a pre-dinner sleigh ride. Located mid-mountain, the Goldener Hirsch offers an Alpine-inspired menu with choices of seared meats, Wiener schnitzel and fresh fish. In the plaza level of Snow Park Lodge, the legendary Seafood Buffet has a poke bar, chilled and hot seafood, as well as prime rib and housemade desserts, along with a selection of wine, beer and cocktails.
Après-ski ActivitiesDeer Valley Resort has plenty of après-ski spots to enjoy a drink as the sun goes down. Try Edgar’s Beer and Spirit Lounge in the upper level of the Snow Park Lodge, for a “Rosebud Cosmopolitan” or a “Last Chance Mule”, and nibbles like roasted pepper and goat cheese pizzette. In the Silver Lodge, go to the Royal Street Cafe for a watermelon martini or one of their on-tap brews to accompany street corn guacamole or herb-Parmesan fries. Also in the Silver Lodge, The Mariposa has cocktails made local liquors, like Beehive Distilling Jack Rabbit Gin or High West “Campfire” Blended Whiskey.
How to get thereDeer Valley Resort is 36 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport, a major U.S. flight hub with daily flights arriving regularly. Shuttles and rental cars are available from here. By car, the drive to Deer Valley Resort is about 45 minutes.
Once at Deer Valley Resort, guests have the option of staying and skiing in the self-contained resort area for their entire stay, or venturing into quaint, historic Park City – a 15-minute walk or three-minute drive from Snow Park, the resort’s base. A free transport system also makes regular stops between Deer Valley and downtown Park City. Shuttle services, luxury car rentals and taxi services are also readily available.
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