Big changes are coming toDeer Valley Resort this season. The resort is adding 100 ski runs, 10 new chairlifts, and a new 10-person gondola from the ever-expanding East Village. If you haven’t visited this world-class resort in a few years, you’re in for a few surprises. However, amid all the attention on the new features, savvy skiers can seek out and savor some of its overlooked or somewhat hidden treasures that remain on the “OG” side.
There’s More Than Turkey Chili on the Menu
People do get fanatical about the Turkey Chili at Deer Valley. The resort finally packaged up the dry ingredients along with the recipe several years back, in part to stop visitors from trying to get buckets of it through airport security. But, as a connoisseur of both the traditional and vegan versions, there is more to munch on the mountain than the hearty stew.
At the top of the Jordanelle Gondola and top of the lunch list are the Lobster Rolls at Rime Seafood and Raw Bar. Not only are these seafood sammies basted in butter and wrapped in a brioche-style bun, but paired with a glass of sparkling wine, they ooze boogie. Most importantly, they are delicious! Housed inside the tiny cabin next to the Gondola, it’s easy to miss, but these rolls are impossible to forget. No reservations are required at Rime, but avoid the noon crowd to grab a spot on the patio with reservoir views.
For those who skip meals in favor of desserts, the Milkshakes at Royal Street Cafe are what you’ve been sacrificing for. Off to the east side of the Silver Lake Lodge, the patio obscures the entrance to one of the resort’s best sit-down bistros. But put aside the selection of gourmet appetizers and sandwiches. You just skied all day and deserve the biggest, richest milkshake, handmade with ice cream from Deer Valley’s own creamery and served in a classic tall glass. But there’s more! Depending on the season and selection, it’s topped with a giant slice of cake, a cookie cake, or whatever else the chefs/wizards in the back conjured. Finally, the glass edge is coated on the outside with a thick layer of icing and sprinkles. Grab a straw or a spoon, but ditch your friend or family, because there is little chance that you’ll want to share.
Groomers Aren’t the Only Reason Skiers Love the Place
Here’s a secret: Locals who wake up late (or have to work) on a powder day use their Ikon or Wasatch Benefit days and head to Deer Valley. Why, you might ask, when there’s plenty of powder in those Cottonwood Canyons? Yes, everyone knows about the epic pow there, and they are all there, tearing it up! But the same storm likely dumped a foot on the Wasatch Back, as well, making it a great time to discover, among the off-piste gems, Lady Morgan Bowl at Deer Valley.
Here’s another secret: If you like the groomers on Stein’s Way, you’re going to love the powder in Lady Morgan Bowl. Yes, yes, yes, powder is different (reserve a lesson and some wider skis), but it’s why people from all over the world come to Utah to ski. If everyone knows about the powder, why is this stash overlooked? Well, while most come to Utah for the pow-pow, Deer Valley has a reputation for the chow-chow (see prior section). The other reason Lady Morgan Bowl is overlooked is that people pass it by.
As you exit at the top of the Empire Express chairlift (no, not Lady Morgan Express), turn right onto Supreme. This blue cruiser takes you along the western ridgeline running adjacent to Park City Mountain Resort. About 50 yards down, there is a sign high on the left that reads, ‘Lady Morgan Bowl.’ Confoundingly, it’s not at all clear where the sign is pointing; there’s no obvious trail. Follow the resort boundary line, traversing and occasionally, sidestepping around the bend until you see the bowl to the right. Stop before the trees (or you’ll be hiking out), pick your line and enjoy a dozen turns or more to the bottom. Follow the flagged traverse out. There are powder stashes visible along the left of the traverse; fun, but you will have to hike out of the runout back to the lift.
Another underappreciated feature at Deer Valley is its tree runs. “I don’t ski trees,” said…just about everyone. Before committing to that, dip your toe into the gently sloped glade beneath the traverse to Daly Chutes. From the top of Orion, look to the right about 20 yards down for tracks. Like hunting in the woods, you’re hunting for the woods. As you enter, it goes dark and silent except for the skiers on the right, buzzing along the traverse above or those on the left continuing on Orion. But look ahead. Spruces standing in contrast against the fresh snow illuminate the way, and it gently carries you downhill like a moving walkway gliding around trunks of the giant evergreens.
Swap Mountaineer for Stein’s Way
There must be a list of things people share before heading to Deer Valley, because it is confounding why people repeatedly request to ski one run (just one; explanation forthcoming) on Stein’s Way but never mention Jordanelle, which is the better choice on most days. Stein’s Way is run just off the summit of Bald Mountain, accessible from the Sterling Express (with a little push), Wasatch Express or Sultan Express chairlifts. It runs down the ridgeline along (what used to be, before expansion) the resort's southeastern boundary, with fantastic views of Jordanelle Reservoir.
But there’s a sacrifice for all this beauty. Isn’t there always? Because of the run's exposure, aspect, and elevation, it gets windblown, sunbaked, and icy… often on the same day. Oh, and it’s steep, dropping 1,300 vertical feet over 4,500 linear feet. If you’re doing the math, most of the run is blue, except for the wee 70-degree double-black diamond drop just after the very popular bypass to Perserverence.
Instead, head down the mountain to Jordanelle. Located at the top of the Mountaineer Express chairlift, this double-blue “hero run” begins next to Rime. Yes, the Lobster Rolls place! After you’ve wined and dined (ok, before is a better idea), pop into those skis, grab your friends, and…tell one of them to go down the run to shoot video. Someone has to be the Designated Director. After the cutoff to Mountaineer run, the view of the eponymous reservoir emerges. Have the DD plop down on the opposite side of the run, looking uphill and start taking video.
To do it again, take a left on Keetley for a quick shortcut back to the top, or keep heading down and catch more glorious views of the reservoir.
The best part of the new expansion at Deer Valley is that fewer people will be frequenting some of the resort’s best hidden gems. From food to fun, this resort has so much more than what first meets the eye. Go exploring!
