Park Record: Winter Adventure Guide: A world-class experience at Deer Valley Resort

Wed 06 January 2021

Few names in the ski industry are as revered as Deer Valley Resort’s. Over the years, the ski area has won countless accolades, including being named North America’s No. 1 resort a record eight times by Ski Magazine and several World Ski Awards selections as the top resort in the U.S.

Without running down an exhaustive list of the resort’s accomplishments, it’s fair to say that when you’re skiing at Deer Valley, you’re skiing at one of the best resorts in the world.

The ski-only resort makes its bones on first-class guest service, dining and accommodations — there are a bevy of renowned restaurants and lodging options — and Deer Valley is also known for impeccable on-mountain grooming and capping the number of skiers daily, which gives guests wide-open terrain to enjoy.

Speaking of terrain, there’s no shortage of it. Deer Valley’s slopes cover 2,026 skiable acres, which include 21 lifts and 103 runs. Nothing beats carving first tracks on a bluebird day with a crystal- clear view of Park City to the north and the Jordanelle Reservoir to the east.

Whether you’re planning to spend a week here or just a single day, prepare for a skiing experience that you won’t soon forget.

COVID-19 protocols

After the last ski season came to a premature end due to the coronavirus pandemic, Deer Valley has implemented a number of changes with an eye toward keeping guests and staff safe and the resort operating through the winter. For one, the resort will require guests to wear face masks any time they are near other people, such as when waiting in lift lines or interacting with staff members.

Additionally, chairlifts will be limited to: people from the same party; two willing people from different parties on a three- or four-person lift; or single riders. The resort is also further capping the number of skiers on the mountain each day based on conditions and local health regulations.

More information about the resort’s COVID protocols is available at deervalley.com/about-us/covid-operations.

Ski school

A little shaky on your skis? Not to worry. Deer Valley’s renowned ski school has got you covered. The resort offers private ski lessons that start at $690 per person, as well as a range of group sessions, such as clinics for women, an “afternoon teen escape” and a session aimed at children.

Whether you’re brand new to skiing or just a little rusty, Deer Valley’s instructors will have you cruising down the mountain in no time — but it’s a good idea to book your lesson in advance to ensure there’s a spot for you.

Passes

Deer Valley offers a range of pass options to get you on the mountain. Those who are here for the whole winter may want to opt for a Deer Valley season pass, which provides unlimited access to the mountain. Daily or multi-day lift tickets are also available, though skiers will need to purchase them in advance and online — the resort does not plan to make walk-up daily lift tickets available this season.

Those planning to ski at some of Alterra Mountain Company’s other properties this winter may want to consider an Ikon Pass. The Ikon Base Pass, for instance, allows for up to five days at Deer Valley and a number

of other properties, as well as unlimited access to 14 resorts.

Freestyle World Cup

Every ski season, Deer Valley is the site of one of Park City’s favorite winter events — the freestyle World Cup, where the best moguls and aerial skiers in the world converge under the lights on the Champion and White Owl runs for three nights of thrills, flips and fun. Often, there’s even one or two athletes competing who were born and raised in Park City, giving the thousands of spectators who’ve braved the cold a hometown hero to root for.

The International Ski Federation (FIS) announced in October that it is still planning to hold this winter’s World Cup Feb. 4-6 despite the coronavirus pandemic. In accordance with social distancing, however, spectators will not be allowed on the mountain this year, meaning Parkites and visitors will have to watch the competition on TV. Sure, it won’t be the same as gathering 5,000 strong on the slopes to cheer on the athletes, but it will still be worth tuning in. See deervalley.com for more details.