“Go big or go home” has always been a phrase tossed around, sometimes seriously, sometimes in a joking manner. This time it was no joke as we packed up and headed to my favorite mountain biking destination, Park City, Utah. This time I was exchanging warm weather, thrilling descents, and heart-wrenching climbs for a chair lift, cold weather, and stepping into a world I haven’t visited in 25 years. Yes, I haven’t skied in 25 years, not because of a lack of interest, but being a Midwesterner, the opportunities around here just don’t pique my interest. So when my daughter expressed an interest, I jumped on the opportunity. While a quick trip, it was perfect for a couple of newbies.

Where is Deer Valley Ski Resort

Deer Valley Ski Resort is located in Park City, Utah, in the Wasatch Range, about 40 miles east of Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). It’s a renowned luxury ski-only resort famous for its exceptional guest service, perfectly groomed slopes, ski valets, and fine dining, easily accessible via major highways from Salt Lake City. I would say Deer Valley is a bucket list resort, especially when the snow is prime.

Deer Valley has recently undergone a major expansion with eight new chairlifts, including the East Village Express, a 10-passenger gondola connecting Deer Valley East Village to Park Peak – in addition to the three chairlifts added last season. These lifts serve nearly 80 new ski runs, of all abilities, including the 4.8-mile-long Green Monster spanning from the top of Park Peak to the Deer Valley East Village base area, including the 20 ski runs added last season.

You can learn more about the Deer Valley expansion and download the latest trail map.

Learning to Ski at Deer Valley

When you think of Utah or any western ski resort, the first thing that comes to mind is big mountains, steep runs, and stories of epic days. A cozy, low-stress ski trip filled with beginner runs and top-notch instructors is not something that one would think of. I mean, if I am going to learn to ski, why not just hop down to my local Midwest resort and learn there? Deer Valley and Park City have more to offer than big mountains—they have the whole experience, and you should be sure to soak it all in.

Pair one of the largest ski expansions in history with epic snowfalls, great food, and small-town charm, and you have a vacation that would make even my beach – and sun-loving wife jealous. There’s something about taking your daughter on a first-time ski trip that feels equal parts magical and mildly stressful. Picture snowy mountain views, hot chocolate breaks (maybe a cocktail for dad), and everyone smiling in matching Smith goggles and fancy Helly Hansen ski apparel.

If you’re learning to ski, Deer Valley makes you feel like a rockstar—you are in great hands. It’s organized, with professional and friendly staff, and is incredibly beginner-focused, and best of all, there is lots of room so you aren’t crowded. You’ll see people on the slopes of all ages, from kids with leashes to adults trying to keep up with their kids.

Lessons are 100% worth it! If you’re debating whether to book a lesson: do it. No question. It doesn’t matter if you are a kid, teenager, or middle-aged man trying to keep up with your kids—lessons are the way to go. We spent about three hours on Friday and a few hours the next morning learning all the proper techniques, such as learning to stop properly, turn, ride the lift, and most importantly, how to get off the lift. And I think there was even a comment or two in there about how to properly fall.

The Deer Valley instructors were absolute pros, and I must say, some of the most patient people I’ve met. With over 28 green (beginner) runs out of over 200 total runs, you will have plenty of excitement and views to check out.

Be sure to check out the “Green Monster” run, a 4.8-mile-long run that begins at the top of Bald Mountain, passes by the Mayflower lift, and ends at the base of the new East Village.

Our Four Days at Deer Valley

Here’s what our week looked like: learning to ski at Deer Valley, hanging out with Mountain Host, staying at Silver Baron Lodge, eating very well (seriously), and spending afternoons shopping Main Street like locals.

Friday

After arriving Friday and getting a car to Deer Valley, we skipped unpacking, grabbed some quick chili, and headed up to get fitted for our rental equipment and day-one lessons. For beginners, renting is the way to go. Deer Valley has some of the latest equipment, and it is kept in top-notch shape. There is the drawback of not knowing your skis, but at the beginner level, that might not be as important.

Lessons lasted around three hours, and things got off to a pretty shaky start. Luckily, our instructor Mark was super patient and worked with us, and even knew when we needed a break. For day one, we stayed near the East Village with a plan of going up to mid-mountain the next morning for a little more practice.

Being up at 4:00 a.m. EST made for a long day, but by 4:00 p.m. and a day of travel and lessons, we were ready to crash out, but not before hitting the Brass Tag. After cleaning up, it was time for a little après-ski. Calamari Fritti, Cutthroat Trout, Braised Lamb Shank, and a Tartufo for dessert—all washed down with a couple of R & R Sours and Shirley Temples.

What is an R & R Sour? A smoked cocktail with High West Double Rye whiskey, raspberry, lemon, egg white, rosemary syrup, orange bitters, and hickory smoke. All presented in a glass smoker. A must-try drink for the bourbon lover.

Saturday

Saturday started where Friday ended, back at the Brass Tag, except this time hotcakes and breakfast was served with a few sore muscles. This time we were smart enough to take the shuttle up to East Village. After getting our ski gear out of overnight storage, we met up with our instructor, and then it was off to the slopes. Well the bunny slope, but just for a bit. After an hour of lessons it was time to hit the runs, have a little more hot chocolate and ski a few more runs. Today went much better.

Lunchtime rolled around and the Royal Street Cafe was on our radar. Located mid-mountain at Silver Lake Lodge, Royal Street Café offers a great lunch menu, fun cocktails and lunch with scenic deck seating and sweeping mountain views. After lunch it was time for a few more runs. As legs tired, it was time to retreat to the East Village (main lodge) and turn in our skis and head downtown.

Park City is unique! It has old time charm with big time shopping, art galleries, restaurants and more. While there is a little something for everyone, clothing and gear stores rules the town. Lululemon, Vuori, Patagonia, Helly Hanson, North Face, Fjallraven, Stio, …. the list goes on.

Dinner that night was at Fireside, and ended up being one of the most memorable meals of our trip. Dinner is served from different fireplaces around the room, each with its own course—fondue, raclette, roasted meats, and desserts and a stellar wine list. It honestly feels like you’re eating in a Swiss ski lodge. If you want a unique, can’t-miss Park City experience, definitely book this one.

Sunday

Back at the Brass Tag for Breakfast, but the buffet menu changed a little, but food was still great. It is so important to fuel up before heading out onto the slopes.

Sunday’s skiing changed things up for as we had a Mountain Guide and his job was to show us around. Mountain Guides pretty much know every trail on the mountain, the short cuts, the best lines, etc. Their job is to ski and make sure you have a good time. John, our guide was also a retired Navy pilot who flew F-18s and had some great stories.

We hit some great runs today and slowly advanced up in difficulty which our guide did an amazing job navigating. Homeward Bound was one of the favorites for the day. It runs off the west side of Mount Bald and the Sterling Express lift. Homeward Bound also connects up with Ontario allowing you to mix up the runs. Both end near Silver Lake.

Lunch today was the Stein Erikson Lodge. Stein’s Sunday Brunch buffet features traditional breakfast items along with a carving station, several hot entrées, a variety of salads and starches, shrimp, sushi, crab claws, salmon, fresh fruit, fresh crêpes station, omelet station, and house-made pastries … the list is endless.

Back to the slopes for a few more runs and taking an obligatory trip down a blue or two. The upper mountain was closing due to weather and high winds so we had to stay below mid-mountain but nevertheless there was still plenty of good skiing. Granted, if we were there for the blacks, we might have been a little disappointed, but all good.

No afternoon adventures today, unless they included our heads buried in a pillow. But dinner brought up an old friend, Shabu. Shabu in Park City is a fun and artful restaurant located on historic Main Street, featuring original brick walls and a warm, upbeat atmosphere. It offers a “freestyle Asian cuisine” experience, specializing in interactive “hot rock” dining and creative sushi. If you are going to eat here for the first time, try the “hot rock.”

The Silver Baron Lodge is prepped for winter with an outdoor heated pool and two outdoor hot tubs. Anytime I can I get into a hot tub outside during the winter months, I am taking advantage of it. Plus it was our last night in Park City and it was just good to relax.

Monday

We mixed up today’s breakfast menu a bit and went to one of my favorite summer breakfast spots, the Deer Valley Café. This small café offers tasty breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and specialty drinks.

For skiing this morning we were on our own, no instructors, no mountain host, just Hannah and I to explore the mountain. Snow had rolled in overnight and the temps had dropped so a few more runs were open. It was time to explore some new trails. I thought throughout the course of the morning we hit 5 or 6 new trails, found a new hot chocolate stand and wrap up the weekend on a good note.

Our time had come to end, we needed to turn in our rental equipment, grab a quick bite to eat at the Snow Park Restaurant and go pack our bags.

Read all about our dining options more in detail below.

Staying at Silver Baron Lodge

Park City has a ton of lodging options, bus services, and Deer Valley has plenty of parking, but staying close is just nice. The Silver Baron Lodge is ideally located maybe a quarter mile from the base of Deer Valley, making it the perfect home base for a ski vacation. Shuttles run constantly throughout the day, whisking guests to and from the slopes in just minutes, so you can maximize your time on the mountain without the hassle of driving or finding parking. The convenience factor alone makes it worth considering, especially after a long day of skiing when the last thing you want to do is deal with transportation logistics.

The Silver Baron Lodge features an upscale rustic feel that blends perfectly with the Park City vibe, blending mountain elegance with modern comfort. Start your day with a stellar breakfast buffet at the Brass Tag restaurant, where you can fuel up before hitting the slopes. After a day of skiing, unwind in the heated pool or soak your tired muscles in the hot tub, or squeeze in a workout in the fitness room if you’re feeling ambitious. The lodge’s thoughtful touches—like free cookies at 3:00 p.m. and a genuinely friendly staff who go out of their way to make you feel at home—create a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to return year after year.

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Downtown Park City

When legs are tired (or the weather isn’t perfect), downtown Park City is such a great backup plan. Downtown Main Street looks straight out of a Hallmark movie or a Backcountry.com website, depending on how you want to look at it. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for furniture stores, restaurants, clothing stores, gear outfitters, coffee shops, or art galleries—it’s easy to spend an afternoon downtown.

High West Distillery

We didn’t make it here this week, but if you’re ever in Park City, be sure to visit the High West Saloon in downtown or the distillery in Wanship. The Saloon, housed in a historic livery stable and garage on Park City’s Main Street, offers a unique dining and whiskey-tasting experience that perfectly captures the spirit of Utah’s mountains. Guests can sample award-winning craft whiskeys distilled on-site in a rustic atmosphere complete with exposed brick and wooden beams. If you can’t make it into the saloon, most High West products are offered in the restaurants. You can read more about High West in our article “3 Days in Park City and Our Agenda.”

Our Favorite Places to Eat in Deer Valley

At Deer Valley Resort, dining is an integral part of the experience and they offer plenty of options. View all the dining locations or call 435-645-6632. Reservations are recommended and required at some locations.