Hidden Gems of Park City: Deer Valley

Nestled in Park City is the Deer Valley Resort. Most people will never make it here in their lives, but those that do are in for ski heaven. Here’s why you should consider making the trip.

It Has Awesome Skiing

Many people who come to Deer Valley book a room with Park City Utah lodging. it’s a decent place to stay and affordable. Then, they make their way to the ski slopes. Deer Valley is known for its diversity in slopeage with hills for beginners, intermediates, and some advanced. It’s sort of an upscale place, so everything is groomed. Bring your best skis.

Hiking and Chairlifts

When it’s not snowing, there’s hiking to be done here. You need excellent hiking shoes, no sneakers. Adult hiking is $23 per day, seniors and children six to 12, $18. Children 5 and under are free.

The resort offers both guided tours and “freestyle” hiking. The guided tours are worth it. You’ll learn all about the mountain, the native flora, and you’ll get the opportunity to ask the guide just about anything you could ever want to know about the area.

The Outdoor Amphitheater

Here’s where parties happen. The Deer Valley Event Calendar lists all of the events for this year. Mostly, they hold concerts here, but you get everything from local musicians to some nationally-known stuff.

Horseback Riding

This is the perfect place for horseback riding. You choose from riding by the hour to full-day options. Try a chuckwagon or western BBQ dinner. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back into the wild west and are headed off to a dude ranch for fun and relaxation in the mountains.

You’ll see some of the most amazing scenery you’ve ever seen, and when you’re done with the horse, you can try standup paddleboarding or paddleboard yoga.

Typical Snowfall Here

When the snow flies here, it flies. Snowfall is approximately 300 inches per ski season, and Deer Valley grooms its slopes, so you’re all but guaranteed the best skiing experience of your life. Unfortunately, if you want a drink when you’re done, your options are limited. Utah’s laws make it so that the state controls the liquor stores. But, beer, wine, and liquor are available at many restaurants.

Snowboarding Not Allowed

One of the drawbacks of Deer Valley is that they do not allow snowboarding. If you’re a snowboarder, you will have to mosey on down the road to The Canyon.

The Altitude and Attitude

Some people like this resort, some don’t. It definitely has a different atmosphere from the other two major resorts (The Canyon and Park City Mountain) in the area. It feels more upscale and “posh.” There are a fair number of 5-star restaurants, and the staff are very ambitious about making sure you’re taken care of. Of course, all of this costs, though the actual skiing itself is comparable in price with the other two resorts.

Altitude here is 6,570 at the base. The mid-mountain area has an altitude of 8,100 feet, and the summit is 9,570.

Photo Credit: Flickr via Creative Commons

About the Author

Gary Harper works as a vacation consultant and travel agent. He enjoys sharing his insights online. Look for his posts on many vacation and travel blogs.

Have you ever been to Deer Valley in Park City, Utah?

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