First chair is easy when it’s mere steps from your coffee pot.
No snowboarders. Sorry shredders, the dark side not allowed here. I know, I know, I even gave birth to one of you but I really hate that sound of you scraping off all the powder just behind me while I hold my breath hoping you actually know how to turn that thing, because often, you don’t.
No lift lines. Deer Valley limits the number of tickets they sell during peak ski times. In the spring they don’t need to. It would seem many of you are already headed to the Caribbean to work on your tans. Suckers. You can get a tan right there on Lucky Star.
Hero snow. Never heard of it? It’s the kind of groomed perfection that could make Clark Griswald look like Ted Ligety. Also, you can get fresh cord at 10:00 am. Seriously.
MOMMMM! I’ve never skied fresh cord before!!!!!
This kid HATES skiing. That’s how good the hero snow is.
Ski valets. The first time I skied Deer Valley was 17 years ago. When the guy started to take my skis I thought he was trying to steal them. So yes, there is such a thing as “ski valet” where they help you with your skis. I know, right?
Deer Valley Montage-where they will almost ski for you
Gourmet on mountain cuisine. As a kid we ate frozen pb&j’s on the picnic bench. I thought only fancy people ate hot food. I think Goldener Hirsch or the Stein Eriksen for lunch might have blown my young mind. Both restaurants are steps from the lifts, offer you cozy slippers to wear during lunch (only barbarians dine in their ski boots) and serve up dishes like cheese fondue and lamb stroganoff.
Notice the slippers? So civilized.
Access. Deer Valley is quick 30 minute drive from Salt Lake International Airport. Literally, you can fly and ski the same day.
Accommodations. Deer Valley has some of the best ski in/ski out lodging around. The Grand Lodge allows you to almost roll out your door and land on a chair lift. At the uber luxe Montage they will put your boots on for you. For once, I am NOT exaggerating.
The fire pit outside our condo back door-within steps of the chair lift.
The views, the birds, the sunshine. In the spring you can hear the birds singing in the trees as you ride up the lift. Some runs smell of pine because the trees are as warm as you are. Many days are jacket less days. Jacket less – on a ski mountain.
Shot while skiing alone in the sun-with no jacket on. I know.
Park City. The charming town of Park City makes Deer Valley special. The shopping, dining and drinking can’t be beat.
Did I mention the shopping?
No snowboarders. I know I already mentioned that but it’s so awesome it bears repeating.
My family and I were the guests of Deer Valley for review purposes. The supplied us with accommodations, skis and lift tickets. We paid for our own airfare. The Montage gave us a one night stay. I have written about Park City many times but had never covered Deer Valley. I was clearly missing out. And to be clear, my love can be bought with sunshine and powder.