Deer Valley, under its original ownership, was a premier mountain resort known for its exceptional snowmaking, top-tier grooming, impeccable service, delicious on-mountain dining, well-trained staff, and its dedication to truly limiting the number of skiers per day. These elements combined to create a luxurious and unparalleled skiing experience.

Since being acquired by KSL/Alterra, however, the resort has shifted its focus towards aggressive marketing, often exaggerating snowfall amounts and quality. They claim an average of 300 inches of snowfall per year, a figure that contradicts data from BestSnow.net. The site reports that Deer Valley’s peak receives only 294 inches annually—similar to Park City and Canyons at comparable elevations. Meanwhile, snowfall at 7,140 feet in Park City is only 150 inches, and by extrapolation, Deer Valley’s base at a lower elevation likely receives around 112 inches. Despite this, Deer Valley markets its snow as exceptional, but in reality, the region’s snow tends to be wetter compared to the drier, more celebrated snow in the Cottonwood Canyons, as detailed in Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth.

While the new management excels at marketing, they have abandoned the exclusivity that once defined the Deer Valley experience. Despite claims of “selling out,” day passes remain widely available through Deer Valley properties, multi-day packages, or Ikon Pass access (which allows you to ski even on days you don’t register). This increase in skier numbers has led to overcrowding and more frequent accidents, exacerbated by poorly placed “slow signs” and inconsistent grooming. Gone are the days of pristine corduroy; now, runs often lack proper grooming even by early morning, and wet snow combined with poor grooming timing creates mogul-filled trails by afternoon—a stark contrast to the resort’s previous accolades for superior grooming.

Snowmaking, once a hallmark of Deer Valley’s quality, has also suffered. Instead of allowing snowmaking “whales” to cure and reduce moisture, snow is rushed onto trails and opened prematurely, leading to a subpar skiing experience. Staff training, another former strength, has diminished, resulting in lackluster lift-line management and a noticeable decline in employee friendliness. Even the resort’s renowned dining has seen some slippage, with baked goods like cookies losing their former appeal.

Overall, Deer Valley has transitioned from an upscale, family-friendly resort to a generic mountain experience. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, resorts like Aspen, Snowbasin, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, or private clubs such as Wasatch Peaks and Yellowstone Club far surpass Deer Valley. For superior snow and terrain, the Cottonwood Canyons, Powder Mountain, Big Sky, and other top-tier destinations are far better options. Deer Valley’s legacy as a world-class resort has faded, leaving a once-great and unique mountain experience to be like all other mediocre resorts. Deer Valley needs to go back to its roots and create an experience that truly does allow skiers to “ski the difference” once again.
See our video here

First time to Utah and very impressed by DV. Service great everywhere. Rented equipment, and process was very positive. Unlike other resorts in the area, DV appears to staff with mature professionals. Hifhly recommend this place
See our video here

We just came home from a weeks vacation in Deer Valley Ski resort and can not say enough great things about it. Short lines, only skiers. Great Their covid guidelines were amazing. The safety and security we felt there was refreshing. I highly recommend the free Mount tour. We had Scott Rhodes as our intermediate guide and he took us on a two hour tour of the mountain. We went from the west to the farthest east of the mountain we got to explore areas we would have missed. Will return to deer valley next year.
See our video here

We didn't experience the "luxury" of Deer Valley. The grooming was good and the skiing was fun, just like a dozen other resorts, but aside from the lift operators, I found most of the staff to be salty and without courtesy. I do not find any value in their exorbitant prices and that they charge a $50 service charge to refund a days lift ticket is appalling.
See our video here

I have been to Deer Valley twice now and I have loved it both times. I am from Ohio and the closest place to Ski is Perfect North. The snow at Deer Valley is so great to ski on. The best part about Deer Valley is that there are no snow boarders allowed! This is so nice because I don't have to worry about crazy boarders coming in from all directions and wiping out in front of me. I did ski school the first time I visited and I really learned a lot and got a lot more confidence on doing the more difficult runs. The line for the lifts were never ridiculously long and the workers always made sure to keep the lines moving. There are a lot of restaurants around the resort and some shopping, but I wouldn't need to spend more than a night or two. I'd much rather hit the slopes. Overall two fantastic trips and I hope to return soon!
See our video here

Christmas skiing trip. skied Deer valley and went into lunch at Main Lodge. Came out after luch to find my skis gone. Discussed with Deer Valley rental people who had no interest. Came back at 5 pm to find a set identical to mine with someone else's name. Discussed with Deer Valley Rental people who took the skis promising to call the skier and check to see if he had them. Talked to them the next day and the day afer that\. always a new person. didn't know about the problem from the day before. In the end did nothing,. Do not rent from Deer Valley Ski rental
See our video here

Deer Valley is a multi-award winner and it’s easy to see why. The service and facilities at Deer Valley are outstanding, which is incredibly appealing to the upscale clientele that the resort caters to. Also, the quality of many of the lodging options is exceptional.

Even though the resort attracts well heeled guests, there is no snobbiness apparent at the resort. Everyone is made to feel welcome ….. except for snowboarders! For many skiers the prohibition of snowboarders is THE major allure of Deer Valley. Just don’t get into a conversation with anyone on the chairlift about why they love the absence of snowboarders, or you might be there for an hour!

Deer Valley suits skiers who love perfectly groomed fall-line runs. The ski terrain is not so appealing for experts, powderhounds or hard-core skiers, as the small amount of challenging terrain is generally ripped up rather quickly. Another slight downside is the lack of après or nightlife (and it’s not just a problem with the Utah liquor laws).

You have to pay a premium for everything at Deer Valley including accommodation, ski lessons, ski rental and food. It is reasonable to pay more for extraordinary quality, but there are some aspects such as the Deer Valley ski rentals where you wonder if you’re just paying for the prestige. Of course there’s no point complaining about the prices. If you have the funds for Deer Valley then enjoy. If not, go somewhere else!

You can see our USA ski resort ratings to see how Deer Valley compares to other resorts.
See our video here

First off, skiing is inherently an expensive sport. However, deer valley is not only insanely expensive, its just way overpriced. Not even worth it, even if you can easily afford it.

Fantastic grooming though, best I've seen.

Good tree runs, good for any level. However, the runs are wayyyy too short. Longest one I believe is less than 5km. I'm a big fan of long runs and for a resort of this size it is slightly bizarre.

I would not recommend it, especially when you have alta, snowbird, park city, solitude and more near by. If you do not go, you will not really regret it.
See our video here

We were super excited bringing our kids out west to ski for the first time and set them up with a very expensive ski school at DeerValley. Wow, were we surprised. They put my 15 year old with my 8 and 12 year old. They received no instruction and learned nothing. It was a glorified baby sitter. My 12 year old had to help my 8 year old on a number of occasions. What a waste of money and a day. I do not recommend DeerValley ski school.
See our video here

Deer Valley is a skier only resort that offers fine amenities, gourmet dining, and beautiful accommodations. It tends to attract an older crowd mainly because of its ban on snowboarding and price point. It has dedicated itself to grooming and you will find cord nearly everywhere. It's upscale and beautiful and gets all that great Utah powder and sunshine. Deer Valley is the kind of resort that really takes care of its guests—tissues and trail maps, expert grooming, great infrastructure. Deer Valley is surrounded by many other great Utah ski areas should you chose to expand your experience.

Pros: For largely untracked terrain, hit the Empire Canyon lift and run the Daly Chutes. You can usually get fresh tracks since it's pretty steep up here and it seems most of the clientele at Deer Valley are busy on the wide open cord. You will find powder stashes in the trees up there for days. It's technical and tight. You will get airtime.

Cons: It's expensive. It's a skiing corporation and it does it very well.
See our video here