Deer Valley Ski Resort

The Deer Valley Ski Resort in Park City Utah is a ski resort in the truest sense, because snowboarding isn’t just frowned upon, it’s prohibited. For some skiers, the ban on snowboarders is a major allure of the Deer Valley Resort. Just don’t get into a conversation with anyone on a chairlift about why they love the absence of snowboarders, or you might be there for a while!

Deer Valley Utah has an upscale and elegant ambience and has carved out a fabulous niche in the ski market. The ski resort unashamedly caters to discerning guests who desire exclusivity and don’t mind paying more dollars for the privilege of outstanding service.

Pros and Cons of Deer Valley Utah

Pros

• If you want the ultimate in luxury then this upscale resort is definitely for you.
• There are lots of deluxe to luxury ski-in ski-out accommodations.
• Deer Valley Resort includes lots of off-slope niceties such as lovely dining and day spas.
• Deer Valley Ski Resort offers perfect terrain for intermediates (and it used to have the best grooming in the country although of late the resort doesn’t groom enough of the blue runs).
• The proximity to the vibrant town of Park City is a big plus for the Deer Valley ski resort.
• Deer Valley is rather family oriented and has a highly regarded ski school.
• Like various other Utah ski resorts, it’s very close to a major airport and readily accessible.

Cons

• Even though the lift ticket sales are supposedly limited each day, the place gets crowded, and the slopes that are groomed can get congested.
• The villages are very spread out, so whilst it’s easy to get between the various areas via skiing, exploration in the evenings takes a bit of effort.
• As such, the nightlife is very quiet, but Park City is close by if you need a bit of action.
• DV probably isn’t the best place to go if you’re a hard-core expert skier.

Pro or Con Depending On Your Perspective

• You have to pay a premium for everything at the Deer Valley Resort and this includes the lift tickets, food, ski school, and lodging. Of course there’s no point complaining about the costs. If Deer Valley is within your budget then enjoy the exclusivity of it, and if not, go elsewhere!
• Snowboarding is banned.
• There is no terrain park.
• Deer Valley is partially accessible off the Ikon Pass which takes the sting out of the costs of skiing Deer Valley yet it has increased skier traffic.

Deer Valley Ski Terrain

The Deer Valley skiing consists of 2,026 acres (820 hectares) of terrain spread across six mountains. The size is about average for a Utah ski resort, and much smaller than the nearby Park City Resort. So whilst Deer Valley Resort will provide enough variety in itself, day trips to the nearby Park City Mountain Resort will provide a massive amount of terrain diversity (if you’re happy to mingle with those snowboarders!).

The Deer Valley Ski Resort has terrain for all ability levels, although it is particularly well suited to intermediate skiers considering the abundance of fabulous fall line runs. The beginner terrain is also good, and there are glades, moguls, and a few bowls for advanced skiers. There is limited expert terrain in the form of a couple of chutes and steep trees, and any fresh powder here tends to get ripped up rather quickly.

Deer Valley Snow

Deer Valley Utah receives an average of 300 inches (7.6 metres) per season of “the Greatest Snow on Earth”, as well as copious amounts of manmade snow. This volume of snow is pretty remarkable on an international scale, although this is the lowest of the Utah ski resorts. Those cruising around on the groomers definitely don’t mind, and in any case, Deer Valley Resort has tried to differentiate itself in other elite ways. One example is the very good lift infrastructure. The placement of lifts has been well planned and there are lots of high-speed quad chairs and a gondola.

Where is the Deer Valley Ski Resort?

Deer Valley Park City is only two miles from downtown Park City Utah, which is located only 37 miles (59km) east of the Salt Lake City Airport. Access to DV from the SLC airport is quick and easy, and there are lots of options for shuttles or private transfers.

The main base of the Park City Mountain Resort is only 3 miles from DV. There is a free bus system that provides transport between the two ski resorts and downtown Park City.

Deer Valley Lodging

The accommodations are spread around the ski resort such that much of the Deer Valley lodging is superbly ski-in ski-out. The majority of the lodging sits in the luxurious to opulent range, and includes 5 star hotels and lots of condos (apartments).

Alternatively there are lots of Park City lodging options. Park City is just a quick shuttle bus ride from the Deer Valley ski resort, and the town provides a wide range of accommodations for different budgets.

Deer Valley Accommodations Listings

Deer Valley Resort Facilities and Service

Whilst service levels have slipped a little (there used to be the DVD – the Deer Valley Difference), service remains a standout feature of the Deer Valley Resort. Attention to detail for most aspects of the skiing experience remains. Ski valets still lift skis off car racks and carry guests’ ski gear, and complimentary overnight ski storage is provided. The Deer Valley ski school also goes above and beyond, and considering the popularity of lessons at DV, you’ll need to book these well in advance.