Deer Valley, Utah

• More about your oliver guide: Jennifer Bartle
• Trip type: Family, Mountains
• Activity level: moderate
• Ideal length of trip: 5-7 nights

to & from

Frequent direct flights from Bay Area to Salt Lake City. Once you are there you won’t need a car, so car service or Uber from the airport is easiest.

Where to Stay

Our favorite place to stay in the mid-mountain area called Silver Lake Village. We found great ski in/ski out condos through Silver Lake Accommodations. All units have hot tubs, washer/dyer, great kitchens, and daily maid service.

The property manager, Ron Krieger, provides concierge services, local transportation (including Park City), and will pre stock groceries upon request. He and his team are the best!

• Deer Valley Resort also manages many properties that can be found here.
• If you decide to go for a hotel instead of a condo, there are lots to choose from! Stein Erickson, Montage and St Regis are all right on the slopes.

Where to Eat and Drink

There are many great options eat lunch and dinner, or apres the day away!

Here are a few of our favorites:

 

• Empire Canyon Grill - good spot for a quick lunch on the Mountain. Have the famous Deer Valley turkey chili or burger with all the fixings.
• Stein Erickson - Famous for their elaborate Skiers Buffet, a great spot for a leisurely lunch or a cozy dinner in the bar.
• For apres, the Veuve Clicquot yurt next to the Montage is a must. The beautiful Gorsuch-designed space will help you forget the price of the bubbly.
• Goldener Hirsh - great for fondue and a glass of wine. The front room is first come first serve with a great causal Alpine vibe.
• Snowed Inn Sleigh Company: Don't miss this festive horse-drawn sleigh rides up to a lodge for western style dining with live music. Kids especially love using the tin dinner plates to sled down the mountain while the adults enjoy a warm drink by the fire.
• Park City is about 10-15 minutes from Deer Valley and has a charming main street with many restaurant options. Some favorites include Cafe Terigo, Grappa, Firewood, and the No Name Saloon.

What to Do

Ski! Deer Valley’s size and terrain make it a great mountain for families. There is something to keep all levels of skier happy, and the relatively small size of the mountain makes it easy to meet up if you decide to divide and conquer.

• The Ski School is amazing, with great student/instructor ratios, especially at the younger ages.

inside scoop

Deer Valley is Ski only, so no snowboarding allowed. If someone in your group prefers to Snowboard, Park City and Canyon resorts are close by and make an easy day trip.

• They limit the number of lift tickets sold, so if you go over a holiday, be sure to book tickets in advance.
• Book ski school early for holiday periods as well! It sells out earlier than you think!

skip it

The Fireside Dinner at the Empire Canyon Lodge. Overpriced (especially for kids), and there are many other great dining options.

What to Pack

Pack your best ski gear and some fur (faux or real) for night. While not as swanky as somewhere like Aspen, Deer Valley definitely has an Alpine-chic feel.