There are ski trips, and there are ski vacations. These are two very different animals. At Deer Valley, Utah you enjoy a ski vacation—a welcome break from the travails of daily life, from things like schlepping your own equipment and taking care of your own dishes. It’s the little things, but this is what makes a Deer Valley vacation stand apart from the rest.

For starters, nowhere on the continent will you find better customer service and friendlier faces waiting to point you in the right direction. And more often than not, that direction is towards fast and efficient high-speed lifts and wide, well-groomed trails with nary a lift line or a crowd in sight.

Across its 2,026 skiable acres spread over six peaks are the well-coiffed cruisers that skiers have come to know and love, but also Children’s Trails that wind through the forest on family-friendly Flagstaff Mountain, perfectly spaced glades in Triangle Trees on Bald Mountain, and knee-knocking extreme terrain in Empire’s Daly Chutes.

DV fans make much ado about the dining. For good reason: the fish tacos at Empire Canyon Lodge are divine, and Royal Street Café’s Ahi Tuna Tartare just might be unrivaled in the ski space. Ski, eat, sleep … do it all over again. Isn’t that what vacations are all about?

Resort Guide 2022—Deer Valley, Utah

Deer Valley Resort Mountain Stats

Deer Valley Resort Pass Info

Deer Valley is on the Ikon Pass. Ikon Pass holders get 7 days at the resort; Ikon Base Pass holders get 5.

TRIP PLANNING

From the best beds to the hottest tables, check out the SKI Mag editors’ top recommendations in Deer Valley, Utah.

BRAGGING RIGHTS

For a breathtaking challenge, traverse out to the imposing Daly Canyon. Chute 4 will get your heart rate going.

FAMILY ACTIVITY

For a fun evening, snowshoe to a crackling fire with All Seasons Adventures’ Snow and S’mores tour.

LOCAL TIP

Forget parking—take the bus! Three of four base areas are reachable by free transit. Just don’t tell anyone about the #9 purple line to Empire.

DOWN-DAY ACTIVITY

Learn more about Deer Valley Legend Stein Eriksen and ski powder without clicking into skis at the interactive exhibits in the Alf Engen Ski Museum.

FAMILY EXPERIENCE

The new Champion’s Club in Stein Eriksen Lodge features a pub with wings and milkshakes, plus an entertainment center with the world’s largest Pac-Man game.

BEST COCOA

Rich Dutch cocoa makes for an elegant Winter’s Dream hot chocolate by the fire at the St. Regis Deer Valley. Add Amaretto for a kick.

GROOMING

Creating perfect carpets of corduroy is religion at Deer Valley; if you like your carve with a view, head to Morningstar, on Bald Mountain, which serves up lovely views of Jordanelle Reservoir.

SERVICE

Stash your skis overnight at the complimentary Ski Valet “barn” at the Snow Park base. Yep, it’s the little things.

TREE STASH 

Sunset Glades, on Bald Mountain, for perfectly spaced aspens and plentiful pow at a moderate pitch, perfect for those testing the tree-skiing waters.

LATE-NIGHT HANGOUT 

Snag a spot on the patio at the Terrace Café at the St. Regis with a view of the stunning Fire Garden and soak in the sizzling vibes.

APRÈS SPOT 

Hot pretzels with three dipping sauces (the fig mustard is a must-try) and a Squatters Double IPA at The Brass Tag or the Salzburg-inspired Goldener Hirsch offers Austrian Gemütlichkeit in the Wasatch.

DINNER RESERVATION 

The Mariposa—excellent small plates and a thoughtfully chosen wine list in an intimate space in Silver Lake Lodge.

Deer Valley’s Website