Exclusive skier-only terrain, phenomenal grooming and capped daily limits… Lisa Wagstaff dons skis to experience one of North America’s most elite resorts.
Deer Valley is so expansive that it is visible from outer space… well, via satellite, that is. And if you were to ‘zoom in’, you’d see me gliding along North Star, just one of the resort’s perfectly groomed runs, cascading down from one of seven snow-laden peaks
For the first time in 10 years, I’ve swapped my snowboard for a pair of skis, ready to fully immerse myself in the lifestyle of the rich and famous who flock to Deer Valley each winter. On pristine corduroy, I ski past impressive holiday homes owned by celebrities and oil tycoons, and learn of a US$50 million chalet with its own private gondola to this coveted resort. Perhaps they’d like an Australian lodger next season?
Expanded terrain
Deer Valley is undergoing a colossal increase of its skiable terrain. The original 948 hectares will increase to 2,317 – almost double the size of Perisher. The 2024/2025 season saw the addition of 121 hectares of terrain and three chairlifts, including the Keetley Express, a six-seater complete with heated seats, bubble and an automated bar. From Keetley, I ski down the 7.6-kilometre-long Green Monster, the longest ski run in Utah, taking in the views of the snow-surrounded Jordanelle Reservoir from the slopes.
The new terrain will also have state-of-the-art, energy-efficient snowmaking equipment, a necessity with increasingly warmer winters. And don’t be misled into thinking that man-made snow is icy. Deer Valley does not simply blow snow onto runs; it is left in piles for days to dry out in Utah’s high desert conditions, before being spread across pistes.
Ski school
Deer Valley has one of the largest ski schools in the United States and employs more than 600 instructors, whose emerald green jackets stand out like jewels across almost every slope.
The number of available instructors is music to my ears as I’m feeling a little wobbly on my skis after my hiatus. I’m paired up with ski instructor Chris Pierson, who is incredibly passionate about the resort and doubles as my knowledgeable guide. After a refresher on the bunny hill, we set off to explore as much of the 2,121 hectares of terrain as we can in one day.
Of the resort’s 34 lifts, we manage to ride five – and we never encounter a lift line. It’s just one of the many perks of the resort’s capped lift ticket sales. Deer Valley is steeped in Olympic and World Cup history and, fittingly, my lesson with Pierson wraps up beside the precipitous slopes being prepared for the 2025 Freestyle International Ski World Cup, which is being held during my visit. The resort also operates a ‘ski with a champion’ program, where you can ski with the likes of Freestyle Aerials Olympic gold medallist Ashley Caldwell for the day.
World Cup and 2034 Olympics
Deer Valley Resort will be an official venue for the 2034 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, hosting moguls and aerials. I get a taste of the excitement during the FIS Freestyle World Cup mogul event. From the VIP tent, alongside oysters and Deer Valley’s famous turkey chili, we watch mogul skiers launch themselves into the air, landing in the extremely difficult mogul course and finishing with a breathtaking somersault at the end. Perhaps after a day spent skiing alongside Caldwell, I could be doing the same. The following evening, Australian aerial skiers Laura Peel, Danielle Scott and Abbey Willcox sweep the World Cup podium in an historic all-Aussie win. Go the flying kangaroos.
Located in Park City
The historic town of Park City, Utah is home to both Deer Valley Resort and the eponymous Park City Mountain. Founded in 1868, Park City was originally a prosperous silver mining town but was plunged into poverty in the 1960s when the United States stopped using silver for the production of coins. Fortunately, the town was revived by the ski industry shortly after, with the very first ski lift turning at Park City Mountain in 1963, followed by the opening of Deer Valley Resort in 1981.
Park City’s colourful Main Street pays homage to its mining history, and today is bustling with boutiques, galleries, bars and restaurants, as well as the fascinating Park City Museum, where you can step back in time and immerse yourself in the town’s heritage.
A taste of Park City, Utah
Not every ski town has its own brewery, distillery and winemakers. However, Park City is an innovator on the libation front, as I learn on an après-ski drink tour with Delicious Cities. While we just stop for a tipple at Alpine Distilling Social Aid & Pleasure Club, budding distillers can book a two-hour gin-making experience, replete with a personalised bottle of gin. Though I don’t have an alcoholic momento to take home, I do have a renewed love of skiing. If every resort was like Deer Valley, I could be convinced to hang up my snowboard for good.
Getting to Park City
American Airlines flies to Los Angeles daily with connecting flights to Salt Lake City. Park City is 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport. Kilimanjaro Transport offer private transfers and daily shuttles.
This article originally appeared in volume 38 of Signature Luxury Travel & Style magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue today.
