words by Lauren Steele
When you think of laid-back western mountain towns that have a flair for sophistication, Aspen and Jackson Hole probably come to mind—and for good reason. These destinations have storied reputations of great dining, bustling nightlife, and outdoor recreational access that's nearly impossible tough to beat. The only problem? That storied reputation we mentioned. The year-round population of Aspen is 6,658—but when high-season tourism spikes, that number jumps to 27,000. That’s a lot of people for a town of just 80 restaurants and bars. As these destinations continue to soar in popularity, those seeking a more laid-back and exclusive experience might have to start looking elsewhere.
Which is why we’re about to let you in on a little (best kept) mountain west secret: Red Ledges. 
Red Ledges is a premier private recreational mountain community that spans 2,000 acres in Utah’s Wasatch mountain range (fabled for that light, fluffy perfect powder snow). It’s named for the “is that CGI” beautiful red rock cliffs that frame the property’s view of Mount Timpanogos, Robert Redford’s mountain muse. And that’s just where the goodness begins. The community opened in 2009, and has been in the business of helping people enjoy all that the Utah mountains have to offer year round (and without the crowds) ever since.
Located in the Heber Valley just 15 miles from Park City—and less than an hour’s drive from the Salt Lake City International airport—Red Ledges feels just far enough away to avoid the crowds, but central enough to be a conduit for anything adventurous that you’d want to do, no matter the season. 
A membership means that all year round, you have access to fly fishing, snowmobiling, water sports, hiking, biking, horse back riding (yes, there’s an equestrian center), sleigh rides, swimming, year-round tennis, snowshoeing, and award-winning golf (Red Ledges holds the title for Best Golf Course in the Utah Best of State awards nine years running). There are five miles of private mountain bike trails that link to the Wasatch Trails Alliance trail system, which lead riders to the scenic Jordanelle Reservoir. Additionally, the community is home to two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses—one 18-hole classic and the first ever 12-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Park—both of which have the longest season in the region.
Oh, and we’d be remiss to leave out the skiing. 
Red Ledges offers members the opportunity to join a “Ski Club.” Eric Gingras, head of the ski club at Red Ledges, says that there are usually over 50 members of diverse abilities who participate in the club—so all are welcome. The club’s home mountain is Deer Valley Resort, but they also visit and ski at Park City Mountain, Alta Ski Area, Snowbasin Resort, Snowbird and Sundance Mountain Resort. But if you prefer to take turns on your own time, you’re still in for a treat. Red Ledges members also enjoy privileged access to the private slope-side Deer Crest Club at The St. Regis Deer Valley, plus access to Stag Lodge at Deer Valley.
Altogether, Red Ledges presents a laid-back western mountain lifestyle with a flair for sophistication. Members have countless opportunities to indulge in world-class mountain recreation - golf, tennis, mountain biking, snowshoeing, hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding, dining, and of course, skiing from ski-in/ski-out lounges at top-ranked Deer Valley Resort. And anyone who’s extra adventurous at heart can try to do it all in one day. And you thought Ski-to-Surf was cool.
Curious to learn more about how to become part of the fun-loving outdoor community at Red Ledges? Click here.
Content sponsored by Red Ledges
