Featured Article
[Sponsored by Deer Valley]
Deer Valley Resort lies in the Wasatch Mountain Range in Park City, Utah. Known for its attention to grooming, gourmet meals, and exceptional service, this resort stands out amongst the rest year after year. The ski-only resort offers 21 chairlifts, 103 ski runs, six bowls, 14 restaurants, an average of 300 annual inches of powder, three elegant day lodges, 2,026 skiable acres, hundreds of luxury accommodations, and a renowned Ski School and Children’s Center.
There are several reasons Deer Valley® belongs on the bucket list. The service at Deer Valley is similar to what you would receive at a five-star hotel. There is a wide array of food and beverage options ranging from café treats to brick-oven inspired cuisine. Luxurious lodging awaits after a long day of skiing. Speaking of skiing, the resort is also known for its meticulously manicured groomers and beautiful glades. Deer Valley offers the highest quality in every aspect of your vacation, making it an easy pick this season. Whether you are there to carve the corduroy, ski Utah’s cold, bottomless powder, or just there for the spa, Deer Valley has you covered.
The Service
From the moment you arrive, the Deer Valley staff is there to give you the most memorable experience. Ski Valet staff offer to carry your skis to the lift from your car. Mountain Hosts offer complimentary tours around the resort. Join a Mountain Host and discover powder stashes and runs you may have never found on your own. This resort is truly all about the guest experience.
One thing that sets Deer Valley apart is the capping of daily ticket sales on the mountain. With a limited number of guests allowed on the mountain, the guest to resort staff ratio is quite balanced. There is always someone there to help you and point you in the right direction. The lift lines are short and the lodges spacious, making it easy to explore the mountain and enjoy the amenities seamlessly.
Deer Valley was awarded the United States’ Best Ski Resort for the sixth straight year in the 2018 World Ski Awards. It is easy to see that Deer Valley puts considerable effort into both their service and guest experience.
The Food
After cruising groomers and exploring glades, it’s time to refuel and unwind. Deer Valley offers a wide array of dining options for every appetite. Whether you need a midday break on the mountain or are looking to experience fine dining in the evening, there are choices for you throughout the resort.
Take a break on the slopes and enjoy grilled tuna tacos, locally raised pulled pork sandwiches and more at the Royal Street Café, located in the Silver Lake Lodge. When it’s time to check out après-ski options, check out the brick-oven cuisine at The Brass Tag, Deer Valley’s newest restaurant. For a memorable dinner, Fireside Dining offers favorites from the European Alps such as raclette, fondue, hearty stews, and leg of lamb.
The Lodging
Luxurious accommodations span from the Snow Park Area (base area) to the Empire Canyon Area (upper mountain). Staying in the heart of Deer Valley Resort means direct access to the lifts, convenient après options, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Located high on the slopes above Park City and just steps from the ski runs of Deer Valley Resort, the Goldener Hirsch Inn is home to a European environment in an unparalleled natural setting, featuring award-winning ski-in/ski-out luxury accommodations, personal five-star service, and the renowned Goldener Hirsch Restaurant and lounge.
Goldener Hirsch Inn this year resumed their title of ‘Best United States’ Ski Boutique Hotel‘ by the World Ski Awards for the third time in six years. In addition, Goldener Hirsch Inn was recognized in the top three for the ‘World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotels’.
The Skiing
On top of the outstanding service, great food, and cozy accommodations, the skiing at Deer Valley Resort also contributes greatly to their reputation. The resort is known for pristine groomers that reach across six mountains, Little Baldy Peak, Bald Eagle Mountain, Bald Mountain, Flagstaff Mountain, Empire Mountain, and Lady Morgan. They are also known for numerous powder stashes tucked in the glades. The resort offers 2,026 acres of skiable terrain ranging from easy beginner slopes to challenging steeps. If you are new to skiing, spend your days in the trees, or rip groomers like a racer, Deer Valley has it all.
The Deer Valley team is constantly working to maintain the terrain for which they are known. Each night, they send out a large fleet of snow grooming machines. After 17 consecutive hours and two shifts, the groomed runs are in tip-top shape for skiers the next day. During the summer, a resort crew spends hours “glading” the forest runs. They take out dead trees, broken branches, and overgrown brush to create a better tree-skiing experience for their guests.
From the five-star service to the fun terrain, it’s easy to see why Deer Valley has been at the top of the rankings for so long. Next time you have your eyes set on Utah, this gem will bring out the best in your vacation. This winter, see what the “Deer Valley Difference” is all about.
