Family Ski Resort Guide | Deer Valley Resort

The elegant mountain ambiance and meticulous attention to detail are what earn Deer Valley Resort top honors year after year. Deer Valley is most renowned for the quantity and quality of its painstakingly groomed runs but the powder and tree skiing for expert and advanced skiers are also superb. The proximity of Deer Valley to Park City’s vibrant dining and nightlife make it a worthwhile weekend or vacation destination. Note that Deer Valley is a skier’s resort and snowboarding is not permitted.

Service and amenities are what define Deer Valley. For example, a Ski Valet will help guests unload their skis and complimentary ski storage is offered. The dining options and delicious food tempt many skiers off the slopes. Ski trails are well-groomed, lifts are high-speed and the experience at Deer Valley can best be described as seamless. The number of ticket sales are capped daily so the slopes seldom feel packed. Take this fact into account and purchase tickets early (or complete a reservation with your IKON pass) if you plan to visit on holiday weekends or peak periods.

Just over two thirds of Deer Valley’s terrain is rated for beginner or intermediate skiers. For this reason, it is the perfect mountain to learn or gain confidence on skis. The well-groomed snow and lovely, winding groomers are fun for beginners and advanced skiers alike. Whether it’s a fancy day out with the family or a romantic weekend getaway, the luxe atmosphere of Deer Valley is unique to this corner of the Wasatch Mountains. Deer Valley's ambitious expansion plan means guests will have even more space to spread out, book a vacation and make timeless memories in the years to come.

Expect to see higher prices at Deer Valley when compared to other resorts in Utah. While costs for food, lessons and tickets are higher, it’s a worthy place to splurge and the experience justifies the expense. 


DEER VALLEY'S LOCATION
Deer Valley Resort is a 3-minute drive or free bus ride east of Park City’s historic Main Street. Approximate driving times (in favorable driving conditions) and distances are listed below:  

Salt Lake City: 33 miles – 45 minutes
Provo: 47 miles – 1 hour
Ogden: 73 miles – 1 hour, 15 minutes 
Logan: 114 miles – 2 hours
St. George: 310 miles – 4 hours, 30 minutes





In a 5th Grader’s Words:
“If you’re looking for a fun day in the powder, come to Deer Valley. It is so fun and there are runs for everyone. From Wide West to The Chutes; there are so many hideouts. Everyone is so nice and the food is amazing!” - Bailey, Age 11

Skiable Acres: 2,026 Acres (with an expansion coming)
Vertical Drop: 3,000 Feet
Number of Runs: 103
Average Snowfall: 300"
Terrain: 27% Beginner, 41% Intermediate, 32% Advanced
Chairlifts: 21, 5 Conveyor Lifts, 1 Gondola
Night Skiing: No

DEER VALLEY'S TERRAIN

 

Huge changes (and we mean big) are coming to Deer Valley in the next few years with the resort's plans to add a new base village, 16 new chairlifts and 3,700 more acres of skiing. Learn more about the Expanded Excellence upgrades here. In the meantime, Deer Valley made massive capital investments in 2023 to improve and enhance the experience for beginners and access for the Deer Valley Ski School. The new Burns Express chairlift and the extension of the Snowflake chairlift complemented regrading and a reconfiguring of the area's best beginner terrain. For this reason, Deer Valley is a fine choice for beginning skiers.

 

Of Deer Valley’s six mountains, five of the peaks offer terrain for learners. This means families of different ability levels have an easier time skiing together at Deer Valley. Below is a breakdown of each peak and its surrounding terrain. 

LITTLE BALDY PEAK
Little Baldy Peak is serviced by the Jordanelle Gondola and the Mountaineer Express chairlift; it is most easily accessed via the Jordanelle base area. Little Baldy has a number of blue and green groomed trails that lead to the Snow Park base area and the lengthy, blue-rated Jordanelle trail that returns skiers to the gondola base. There are a handful of black-rated ski runs that face west beneath the Mountaineer chairlift. 

 

Bald Eagle Mountain soars above the Snow Park Base area. It is riddled with great learning areas, former Olympic ski venues, ski-in-ski-out residences and steep groomers. True beginners should head to the newly regraded Wide West area behind the Snow Park Lodge. This gentle terrain is separated from the more trafficked runs and serviced by the Burns Express and Snowflake chairlifts and three conveyer lifts. Start out on Wide West and graduate to blue-rated Solid Muldoon, which are both designated learning areas. 

Learners who want more vertical can board Bald Eagle Mountain's Carpenter Express lift and try out Last Chance or move along to the steeper pitch of Big Stick. The Silver Lake Express conveys skiers from the Snow Park Lodge up to the mid-mountain Silver Lake village and the majority of Deer Valley's terrain. To return to Bald Eagle Mountain from the Silver Lake Lodge, skiers will use the Homestake Express chairlift.

 

BALD MOUNTAIN
You can only spy a fraction of Bald Mountain from the Silver Lake Lodge—Deer Valley's mid-mountain village—but this peak is a hub of activity that offers blue ribbon terrain for intermediates and thrilling steeps and gladed trees with views of Jordanelle Reservoir for strong skiers. Bald Mountain is serviced by 4 lifts: Sterling Express, Wasatch Express, Sultan Express and Mayflower (not always running). There is only one green, Homeward Bound, from Bald Mountain's summit so this zone is suited to strong intermediate and expert skiers. Sample some of Deer Valley's best and steepest groomers here, Nabob, Keno, or Tycoon. Deer Valley's famous glades can be enjoyed in Sunset Glade and Triangle Trees. 

 

 

Families arriving at Silver Lake Lodge are recommended to head for Flagstaff Mountain which harbors more green-rated terrain than neighboring Bald Mountain. The Judge and Viking chairlifts can be used by beginners looking to practice on gentler slopes. Otherwise, Quincy Express, Red Cloud, Northside Express or Ruby Express are all great options to locate blue and green-rated terrain. There are a number of fun Children's Adventure Areas around this zone of the resort (more on this below) but Bluebell to Silver Buck are great choices. Lucky Star is a blue-rated crowd pleaser that leads down to Northside Express where a number of awesome blue-rated groomers can be lapped. Some of Deer Valley's best gladed tree skiing can be found in Ontario Bowl.

 

Advanced and expert skiers will want to spend some time exploring the steeper terrain, chutes, bumps, trees and glades sprawling from the peaks of Empire and Lady Morgan. Empire is an expert skier's paradise as there are no green runs off the 9,570-foot summit. Deer Valley's most challenging run, the infamous Daly Chutes, is accessible via a traverse from the top of Empire Express, but keep going if you prefer to sample perfectly pitched tree skiing in X-Files. You can often enjoy sculped mogul runs down Conviction or upper Solace. 

Lady Morgan offers green, blue, and black-rated terrain but the majority of these runs are rated black or double-black. The Centennial Trees off the summit of 9,000-foot Lady Morgan are steep and exciting! Dakota to Pearl offers the easiest way down with stunning views of the resort and beyond.

 

CHILDREN'S ADVENTURE AREAS 
Be sure to pick up a Children’s Area Adventure Map that showcases the 14 children’s trails scattered across the mountain. These high-octane trails feature curving paths through treed terrain, banked turns to foster speed control and fun surprises like a miniature cabin complete with a teddy bear tea party hidden in the woods.

PUBLIC TRANSIT
Public transit in Park City offers FREE and convenient transit around town and to Deer Valley Resort. For current routes and timetables, visit High Valley Transit. There are 8 bus lines that whisk riders directly to the slopes at the Snow Park base area. Look for inbound busses displaying  "Deer Valley" on their sign. The majority of bus routes stop near a good amount of the area's lodging properties. Many lodges will also offer a complimentary shuttle directly to the resort. 

 

 

PARKING AT DEER VALLEY
The bulk of parking for the resort is located in 5 lots adjacent to the Snow Park Lodge. Note that limited parking is available at the Jordanelle Express Gondola. Up at the Silver Lake Lodge there are a small number of paid sites inside a covered garage. There is no day-skier parking at the Empire Canyon Lodge. On crowded weekends or holiday periods, consider arrival around 1PM when a good number of guests are heading home and parking slots are more readily available. 

PRO TIP: Download the Deer Valley app which offers a live parking lot tracker to plan your day.

Overflow parking on holidays or weekends is located at the Richardson Flat Park & Ride, accessible via the Park City exit on US 40. Guests may park here and catch the free Brown 8 Express bus that runs every 20 mins to Snow Park village from 6AM to 6PM. 

PRO TIP: Parking at the Jordanelle Gondola on US 40 is limited; the lot here typically fills by 8:30AM on most days.

CARPOOLING
On weekends, cars with 3 or more guests will be rewarded with reserved parking in Lot 2 at Snow Park.

 

BASE AREAS
Deer Valley has a total of 3 base areas. Jordanelle is best for those traveling to the resort via Highway 40 from Heber or Midway. The Silver Lake Lodge is located mid-mountain and though it can be accessed by car, the paid covered parking is limited. Most skiers use the Snow Park Lodge as basecamp. This is where the main Ski School office and the Children’s Center for childcare are located. Dining, shopping, lodging, free ski storage, and rentals are located at both Snow Park and Silver Lake.

The Empire Canyon Lodge is found high on the mountain beneath Empire Peak and adjacent to the splendid Montage Deer Valley. The Empire Canyon Grill and Rossignol High-Performance Test Center are stationed here.

 

With nearly 600 ski instructors on hand Deer Valley Resort Ski School is one of the largest in the nation; it's renowned for its fantastic instructors and small class sizes. There are private and group lessons as well as clinics. Programming for children is modeled around developmental stages and lessons include fun activities to keep kids engaged and interested in skiing such as a mascot spraying contest, crafting snow cones, snowman building, hula hooping and themed activities. The ski school provides a large variety of lesson options and formats and Deer Valley prides itself on a Gold Standard of instruction. 

PRO TIP: Lesson pricing will increase during the high season and holiday periods. Book a lesson during the 'Regular Season' to save a few bucks.

 

Intro to Skiing 
The 1-hour Intro to Skiing lesson provides a friendly introduction to skiing for true beginners in a private lesson setting for 1-2 skiers.

Private Ski Lessons
Customize your learning experience at Deer Valley with one-on-one instruction. Private lessons can be tailored to skills you'd like to focus on whether that be skiing powder, hitting the bumps or carving perfect turns on the corduroy. Three-hour morning or afternoon lessons are available in addition to all-day lessons. You must call to book private lessons as they cannot be booked online. Private lessons are for ages 2 and up. 

Max 4 Adult Group Ski Lesson
With no more than 4 students, this small group lesson allows beginning and experienced skiers to fine tune their techniques with personalized instruction. Max 4 classes should be booked in advance and are intended for ages 18 and up. Students are grouped according to experience level and lesson goals in 3-hour AM or PM time blocks.

 

Teen Escape
For teenagers aged 13-17 years, Deer Valley offers an all-day (10AM - 3:45PM) Teen Escape to teach students the thrill of skiing and a love for the sport. The Teen Escape is for all ability levels and classes will consist of 6-8 students and an instructor specially trained in successful techniques to connect with teens. Lessons are offered in blocks throughout each month so be sure to check date ranges. 

Adventure Club
Built for ages 7-12 years, Deer Valley’s Adventure Club is an all-day program (10AM - 3:45PM) with a maximum class size of six students. Children enjoy personal instruction, fun games, themed activities, snow cone parties, races and scavenger hunts. Students are organized by ability level so it typically takes about 20 minutes to organize classes each morning. Advance reservations are highly recommended. 

Reindeer Club
For children 5-6 years in age, the Reindeer Club is an all-day program (10AM - 3:45PM) with a maximum of four students. Ski safety, fun, and progression are highlighted while children participate in scavenger hunts, interact with Deer Valley’s friendly animal mascots, and enjoy plenty of breaks for hot chocolate or snow cones. Deer Valley's beloved mascots will help children learn the secrets of safety and fun skiing. 

Bambi Club
For children 4 years in age, the Bambi Club features a mix of indoor and outdoor fun to keep youngsters entertained all day (9AM - 4PM). Skiing sessions are mixed up with outdoor snow play and indoor activities including story time, art projects, lunch and music time. Discounted equipment rental packages are offered. Children must be fully potty trained to participate. 

 

Fawn Special
The Fawn Special program is for ages 3 and up with morning or afternoon ski lessons at a student to instructor ration of 1:1. Entertaining and stimulating off-snow activities include story time, arts and crafts, imaginative play, and more. Equipment rentals are offered at a discount. Children should be willing to ski independently with an instructor.

 

For children ages 3-12 Deer Valley offers ongoing multi-week programs for children to hone their skills. Programming is offered in January and February on Friday afternoons, Saturdays, or Sundays. 

Clinics, Camps & More

Deer Valley offers a host of specialized clinics ranging from 3-day women's camps, to boot camp with Olympian Ted Ligety, Women's mindfulness and empowerment courses, skiing with Olympic champions, adaptive instruction, and more. Visit Deer Valley's website for information, pricing, and dates.

 

Deer Valley operates two rental shops at Snow Park and Silver Lake Lodges. Retail shops around the resort also offer demos, equipment, clothing and accessories. A variety of packages are offered and can be customized or tailored to your equipment needs. Demo rental packages, performance, sport rental or junior rental packages are all available with the option to add a helmet or ski poles.

Don’t forget the Rossignol High Performance Test Center located at the top of the Ottobahan ski run on Bald Mountain. Free for passholders or $50 for 2-hour demos, this amenity allows you to find your dream set of skis by testing the latest and greatest technology from Rossignol!

Pro Tip: If you want the ultimate service and a premium ski rental experience we love Ski Butlers!

Lodging at Deer Valley

Deer Valley Resort Lodging and Reservations (DVRLR) manages over 450 units at 44 properties, 65% of them offering ski-in-ski-out access to the slopes. Call the Lodging and Reservations Office to speak with on-site vacation planners to identify the ideal fit. There are also a good number of economical lodging options in Park City proper or Kimball Junction.

Deer Valley’s luxury accommodations range from hotels to condominiums and townhomes, as well as grandiose private homes located slopeside. The conveniences of staying at a Deer Valley property include picking up lift tickets at the front desk, complimentary shuttles to the slopes or Park City, plush concierge services and Deer Valley’s accommodating and friendly staff. Connect with Deer Valley’s Reservations Office to consider the options and book a Deer Valley Property.

Of the many lodges at Deer Valley, the Silver Baron Lodge stands out as a great option for families and is conveniently located at the Snow Park base area. This lodge is a family-friendly favorite with a water slide, s’mores kits and kid’s après ski activities like cookie decorating or meeting the ski patrol avalanche dogs.

Deer Valley also has fantastic four and five star hotels that are not owned by the resort but are ski-in/ski-out. Choose from Stein Eriksen Lodge, St. Regis and Montage which collectively represent some of the most luxe lodging available in Utah.

When it comes to food, nothing compares to Deer Valley’s quality and variety of offerings. While dining at Deer Valley doesn’t come cheap, the resort features some of the best fare that can be found at a ski area. If there is ever a time or place to indulge, Deer Valley is the spot. 

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the legendary chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies, which are freshly baked and served throughout the day.

 

A summary of the many dining options is as follows with a few recommendations for families highlighted below:

SNOW PARK BASE AREA
• Cast & Cut Steak | Seafood – Dinner
• Deer Valley Etc. – Grab and Go Breakfast, Lunch
• Deer Valley Café – Breakfast, Lunch, Après-ski
• Fresh Tracks Kitchen – Breakfast, Lunch, Après-ski
• The Brass Tag – Dinner

EMPIRE CANYON AREA
• Cushing’s Cabin – Lunch, Snacks
• Empire Canyon Grill – Breakfast, Lunch
• Fireside Dining - Dinner

SILVER LAKE MID-MOUNTAIN AREA
• Daly Lift – Coffee, Pastries
• Royal Street Café – Lunch
• Silver Lake Restaurant – Lunch
• Silver Lake Express – Grab and Go Lunch
• Sticky Wicket – Lunch, Dinner, Bar (21+)
• Snowshoe Tommy’s – Snacks 

For the quickest and easiest lunch option for kids, there is upscale cafeteria-style dining at the Snow Park Lodge, the Silver Lake Restaurant and the Empire Canyon Grill located at the Empire Canyon Lodge. Savor selections from the large salad bar, hot specialties, sandwiches, grilled items, carved roasts, soups, fresh baked goods, and Deer Valley’s famous turkey chili. To-go food is also available. 

Pro Tip: Head down to the Snow Park Restaurant during the 12:00-1:30 PM lunch rush. It is typically less crowded than the Silver Lake or Empire Canyon lodges.

Children will love the snack stops of Cushing's Cabin and Snowshoe Tommy's. Here you can expect piping hot chocolate, snacks and sweets.

Royal Street Cafe at Silver Lake is a favorite among locals for sit-down lunch or dinner and scenic patio dining. Sample fine wines, Deer Valley's famous turkey chili, fresh salads, cocktails and a diverse menu with enough appealing dishes to delight the pickiest eater. This is also a casual après option for thirsty parents and there is seating both indoors and outdoors.

If parents are looking for time to kill before their kiddo's afternoon lessons conclude, the new 21+ Sticky Wicket bar is a riot. There's fun, nostalgic ski decor, a tempting menu of comfort food and delectable cocktails and beer. 

For dinner, consider the brick oven comfort food at The Brass Tag located inside The Lodges at Deer Valley. Peking duck ragu, creamy hazelnut pasta chips and customizable pizzas are crowd favorites. Accommodating staff is happy to provide alternate options for picky eaters or children. 

Childcare at Deer Valley

Childcare is available for children aged 2 months to 12 years in a state-licensed facility from 8:30AM to 4:30PM daily during the ski season. Children will be kept busy with storytelling, art projects, imagination activities, singing, quiet time and plenty of playtime with toys. Children of similar ages will be grouped together and the option for indoor or outdoor activities is available. Reservations for half or full-day care can be arranged and lunch is included for full-day guests. Evening childcare can be arranged with Baby’s Away or directly through any of the Deer Valley lodging concierges.

 

Professional Ski Patrollers are onsite at Deer Valley to provide general information and emergency first aid. Patrollers are stationed at the top of the Sterling Express, Empire Express, Lady Morgan Express, Carpenter Express, Northside Express, and Mountaineer Express chairlifts and Jordanelle Express Gondola. Ski Patrol can transport injured guests to one of three basic medical clinics across the resort's property. Intermountain Ski Clinics are located at Snow Park, Silver Lake, and Empire Canyon. A Trauma III hospital with an emergency department is located nearby at the Intermountain Park City Hospital. 

Points of Interest

For a memorable visit, consider these unique points of interest when planning a trip to Deer Valley Resort.

Mountain Host Tours
Deer Valley’s hospitable Mountain Hosts will offer 4 guided complimentary tours daily for both intermediate and expert riders. Tours leave from the tops of Carpenter Express and Homestake Express chairlifts and are sorted based on skiing ability. Info here for times and tours.

Rossignol High-Performance Test Center
Demo the latest in Rossignol’s ski technology, a complementary service from Deer Valley and Rossignol for passholders or $50 for a 2-hour demo for those with a lift ticket. Swap your skis for changing conditions and discover the skis of your dreams at the center located atop the Ottobahn ski run on Bald Mountain.

Nastar Race Course
Test your need for speed on the NASTAR-sponsored race course. It's complimentary to take a timed lap down Bald Mountain to get a thrilling peek at what it's like to dodge around alpine racing gates. Races take place daily on the race course from 10AM to 3:30PM (weather and conditions permitting). Info here

RELATED ARTICLES
Stein Eriksen: The Father of Freeski - Click Here
Ski Utah Resort Histories | Deer Valley - Click Here
Guide to Park City's Main Street - Click Here