Convincing Reasons Why Two Generations Love Deer Valley.
We recently returned from our annual January family trip to Utah, with our 20-somethings joining us. Utah is currently experiencing record snowfall with more than 300 inches and more on the way. Aside from snow, here are reasons why two generations love Deer Valley, ranked consistently as one of the top ten resorts in the country.
- Utah powder gets dried out and fluffed up on its way over from the Pacific Ocean, so it’s easy turning for both old and young knees.
- Free valets greet you and put your skis in ski racks, more energy for powder skiing.
- Free overnight boot and ski check, less schlepping, even more energy saved for skiing.
- The number of feet you have to walk from a base lodge door to a lift might be written into the area’s mission statement. See previous energy statements.
- Truly varied and sophisticated food, always with a few extra special ingredients for the piece de resistance, fosters lingering, providing rare commodity of uninterrupted family time. WiFi is available.
- The Rossignol High Performance Test Center located next to the Empire Canyon Lodge gives you two hours of free ski trials, as many as you want. Match your boards to conditions and try out new Rossignol technology. Both old and young stretch comfort zones in moguls and powder.
- At the posted trail maps, very upbeat, green-uniformed hosts tell “guests” where they are and where to go. You never have to be lost on the area’s six mountains, six bowls, and 2,000 acres
- Stein’s Way, a black diamond off Bald Mountain’s right shoulder, overlooks Jordanelle Reservoir and is a popular first run groomer with the senior set. And the 20-year-olds, who will do a couple of warm-up runs on Stein’s then switch to the more gnarly Mayflower Bowl.
- The less expensive IKON base pass gives you five days at DV, plenty of time to play out the equation between willing spirit but flagging body. If you still have vacay time, the IKON base pass lets you ski five days at Alta/Snowbird, five at Brighton and unlimited at Solitude. Blackout dates apply.
- No snowboarders. Yup, even the 20-something-year-olds who ski with us do not like the sound of a thundering snowboarder coming up from behind. That rule does preclude skiing with some of our favorite people.
- The sharing economy. Our AirBnB in Park City was roomy and tucked away, but just steps from a stop on the free town bus system. Millennials support public transportation.
- Ski instructors are everywhere leading their charges, often in semi private lessons. Eavesdrop to pick up a few pointers on powder days.
- Limited ticket sales —7,500 a day—ensure quick moving lift lines, enhanced by 21 chairlifts (12 are high speed detachable quads,) and one gondola.
- A well protected, well staffed learning area with magic carpets helps make DV one of the best places for the little guys, generation 3 TK.
Why go anywhere else?
Lift Ticket Rates: Senior (65 plus) Daily Lift Ticket Rates start at $120 when prepaid online. Senior Season Pass: $1,236. IKON pass no longer available for 2019-20: Check prices here. https://www.deervalley.com/plan-your-trip/tickets-and-passes
Find Out More: Click Here For the Deer Valley website
Trail Map: Click here
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Credit: Tamsin Venn
Yes, Deer Valley is a treasure with its wonderful snow, interesting, diverse terrain and runs, and even steeps on its Bald Mountain..
There have been criticisms of the fine resort, criticisms which are easily countered. One criticism is the cost, but if you simply look at the quality of the experience at Deer Valley, you see that it”s a very special place. Even the lockers are well designed in a clean area with plenty of space; the bag check room is well managed if you don’t use the lockers (I use the bag check). The lodge is designed with ample space for skiers. It’s all carefully catered to the skiing experience.
One time we were taking the Ski Utah Interconnect Tour, and a guide wryly remarked about the pampered conditions at Deer Valley. But if you look at the cost of any other resort, you’ll see that you get less at other ski areas; the enjoyable food at Deer Valley is a cut above pizza and a Coke, and not much more in price, if at all.
The valet at the drop-off area is not only nice, it’s an immense help. And Deer Valley has people aiding you in parking your car, another useful service. It all fits in with the friendly atmosphere that the resort fosters. Staff is very friendly, which creates friendly skiers. You’ll meet someone with a cheery story. Anyone I ski with, no matter their ability, always has the highest regard for Deer Valley… and memorable experiences there.
Years ago I met Stein Eriksen at Deer Valley and skied its intricate runs, exploring the different trails on the mountain. I’ve always returned.
What’s the big deal about snowboarding at Deer Valley? I switched to snowboarding in the late 90’s and now as a senior I consider it much safer then downhill skiing..
Good question. As beautiful & fun as snowboarding is, it ruins the surface conditions by plowing the loose surface snow off, or gouging deep grooves in firmer snow, because all weight can only be on one edge, not divided between 2 edges as in skiing. Snowboards also ruin the moguls, changing their shape, from rhythmic & rounded to elongated & pointed… eye-shaped w/ the long axis oriented up & down the slope & a sharper, steeper crest. Bummer. Skis are more nimble, leaving less trace of their lighter passing, & they create the more navigable, smooth, rounded moguls. Thanks for asking.
Don’t forget the “beach” in the list of fun things at Deer Valley. Great spot for a few drink!!!
I agree, Deer Valley is a wonderful skiing venue but it also epitomizes the outlandish costs that have crept into the ski industry. Skiing is fast becoming an elitist sport which discourages young skiers and families to take up the sport. With $100+ lift tickets, travel, housing, clothing, equipment rental/purchase, lessons, etc. the costs quickly become prohibitive for people with modest resources. Maybe, even for seniors?????
My son is a snowboarder, an excellent boarder, and so we cannot go to DV. He is 30 years old, and is currently on an 8 week adventure visiting many mountains of the American West. I am an very strong intermediate skier, and not one of those annoyingly slow, easy to hit skiers. The ONE TIME I was hit on the slopes was at DV–by a small group of young men, skiing and racing each other, and I went flying–total yard sale. So, it is not the snowboard, nor the skiis, but whomever is out of control. Sorry, no DV for us–we all go together.