Deer Valley

The Ultimate Guide to Deer Valley Resort: Utah's Premier Ski Destination

For a crème de la crème ski vacation, Deer Valley Resort is the standout. The only thing that tops the extraordinary skiing experience is Deer Valley’s dining. Incredible on-mountain and off-mountain options, including Mariposa, Seafood Buffet, Stein Eriksen Lodge’s Giltretind Restaurant and J&G Grill at the St. Regis are just a few examples.

The resort boasts lavish bathrooms, countless floor-to-ceiling fireplaces to curl up next to, a chic lodge atmosphere, and an incredible list of services and amenities, like a free ski valet, free parking shuttle and complimentary tissue handouts in the lift line—all of which make a Deer Valley ski vacation feel truly personalized. And Deer Valley is conveniently located in Park City, and just 38 miles from Salt Lake City Airport.

How to get to Deer Valley

Deer Valley is part of Park City, Utah, one of the West’s most celebrated ski towns. The resort is roughly 36 miles—about a 45-minute drive—from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), making it one of the easiest major U.S. resorts to reach. You can get from the airport to the lifts faster than almost anywhere else.

Getting around once you’re in Park City is straightforward. Deer Valley’s base areas, like Snow Park Lodge and Silver Lake Lodge, are easy to find and a short drive or shuttle ride from downtown. The resort is designed with connectivity in mind, so moving from your lodging to the lifts is typically seamless.

Getting around

Navigating Deer Valley is convenient with complimentary shuttle services that connect the resort’s lodges, lifts, and village areas. Lyft and Uber are alos readily available.

Skiing in Deer Valley

This skier’s-only mountain has been annually ranked by SKI Magazine as one of the top resorts in North America for good reason: personal experience is king at this high-end ski resort. The resort limits the number of lift ticket sold daily to just over 7,000, while its actual uphill capacity tops out near 50,000. So you can bet that crowded slopes and long lift lines won’t be an issue during your Deer Valley ski vacation.

You’ll feel like you have the whole mountain to yourself while you explore Deer Valley’s 2,000 skiable acres of bowls, glades, wide open groomers, and the trails which hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic mogul, slalom and aerial events. Deer Valley’s terrain is perfectly divided up, 27 percent for beginners, 41 percent for intermediates and 27 percent for experts, so every type of skier in your family or group will find plenty of terrain to explore.
“Note: Deer Valley Resort requests “no snowboarders please.”

Beginner Skiing in Deer Valley

With 27 percent of the terrain rated green and several designated “slow skiing” zones, the Deer Valley beginner skiing is at the top of the list, much like every other experience to be had there. Beginner skiers have tons of options from “learn to ski” areas to easy, breezy groomed runs perfect for meandering down and taking in the magnificent Wasatch views.
Deer Valley beginner terrain comprises a significant chunk of the total skiable acres. At many resorts “slow skiing” zones are designated to “learn to ski” areas, but all beginner or green circle runs are marked as “slow skiing,” perfect for novices looking to explore the mountain and feel comfortable doing so. Beginner skiers at Deer Valley don’t have to worry about advanced to expert skiers zooming by at high speeds, which can be common at other mountains where beginner trails are scattered throughout the mountain.

For long, easy cruisers check out Bandana off of Ruby Express lift, Ontario off of Quincy Express lift and Success of Silver Lake Express. For a windier, playful trail,head to Homeward Bound from the top of Sterling Lift which snakes around looker’s right side of the resort and provides some incredible vistas.

A whopping 41-percent of Deer Valley terrain is designated as intermediate. Trails are groomed daily, and it’s safe to say that snow conditions are generally as perfect as they can possibly be. If you’ve recently progressed to skiing intermediate runs, Little Baldy is a great zone, with shorter, wide intermediate runs that lead to easier green runs to give your legs a break. Just don’t take Jordanelle, which is a double-blue or advanced intermediate. The blues off of Silver Lake Express lift also intermingle with beginner runs, providing new intermediate’s with rest and the perfect opportunity to advance their skiing in a comfortable way.

Expert Skiing in Deer Valley

As host of the 2002 Winter Olympics events in freestyle moguls, slalom and freestyle aerials you can bet that Deer Valley packs a memorable punch for expert skiers. There are steep groomers, moguls, chutes, glades and several bowls scattered throughout 27-percent of Deer Valley’s 2,000 skiable acres. Plus, don’t forget Deer Valley prides itself on keeping the crowds under control by limiting daily ticket purchases, plus, the vast majority of Deer Valley skiers are intermediates, so expert skier’s will truly feel like they have the mountain to themselves.
Naturally, you’d assumed that the best expert skiing is at the top of the mountain, and there certainly is plenty of that at Deer Valley, but don’t miss a run one of the 2002 Winter Olympic venues, which are located off of Carpenter Express. Champion run featured the freestyle mogul competition, the slalom event was held on You Don’t Know and White Owl held the freestyle aerial event.

Expert skiers should head to looker’s left side of Bald Mountain, there you’ll find black and double black terrain. Ruins of Pompeii into Triangle Trees is a great run featuring steeps and expert glades. Be sure to ski Perseverance Bowl for wide, open skiing or Mayflower Bowl, which is a little further down the ridge from Perseverance.

Mayflower also features double-black diamond chutes for expert skiers looking for some extreme terrain. From there you can take Morning Star to the Mayflower lift. Expert skiers should be sure to head to Empire Bowl for double black bowl skiing. Those looking to get a little “gnarlier” should head to Daly Bowl and Daly Chutes, which are sure to get the adrenaline pumping.
Lady Morgan Express lift also features a slew of world-class black diamond terrain, including Argus, Magnet and Hillside. Double-black Centennial Trees are also a great option for steep, well-spaced glade skiing.

Ski Schools and Tours

Deer Valley is all about personalized attention, from their complimentary ski valet and parking shuttle to their plush amenities, so it’s safe to bet that learning to ski at Deer Valley will not only be enjoyable, but you’ll feel at ease.

Deer Valley ski school instructors provide an incredible customized experience in both their acclaimed private lessons and “Max 4” lessons, which never exceed four people, so you can learn the basics at your own pace. And once you’ve learned to make wedge turns and stop, Deer Valley has impeccably groomed easy runs all over the resort so you can explore the whole mountain

Family vacations in Deer Valley

The decision to book a Deer Valley family ski vacation is a no brainer thanks to its varied, well-dispersed terrain, which accommodates skiers of all ages and ability, and its numerous family-friendly services− including a state-licensed children’s center. Kids and parents, alike, will truly enjoy skiing at Deer Valley.

The Deer Valley Ski School offers group lessons, so you won’t miss a minute with family and friends. While you’re enjoying these activities, leave the little ones at the Children’s Center, which provides childcare services, beginners skiing lessons, and assorted activities. Families can also partake in seasonal snowshoeing and cross-country sessions, ensuring engaging experiences on and off the slopes.

For those looking to explore more, Deer Valley offers unique experiences like guided snowmobile tours through the scenic Wasatch Mountains and the exclusive "Ski with a Champion" program, where you can ski alongside Olympic athletes. Enjoy complimentary Mountain Host Tours, where friendly hosts provide an enchanting ski tour of the resort, sharing insights on terrain, history, and hidden powder stashes. 

Off the slopes, discover Deer Valley's diverse retail offerings for stylish apparel and essential gear, as well as its variety of top-scale restaurants. With these extensive activities, Deer Valley Resort promises an unforgettable family vacation.