This U.S. Ski Resort Quietly Opened Almost 100 New Runs This Season—With No Snowboarders Allowed

Every time I’m requested about my favourite place to ski within the U.S., I at all times have the identical response: Deer Valley. The Park Metropolis, Utah, resort—neighbor to Park Metropolis Mountain—made it simple for me to fall again in love with snowboarding as an grownup. Every winter, I stay up for planning a visit out to the Wasatch Mountains, wanting to spend all day on its well-groomed pistes, have a low-key après second at a slopeside five-star lodge, and get my fill of snow, solar, and buying in downtown Park Metropolis. This yr, I’m much more excited to get out on its trails—dozens of which I’ve by no means skied earlier than. 

That’s as a result of Deer Valley is within the midst of what it’s advertising as “the biggest enlargement in ski resort historical past.” And this season, says James “Jamo” O’Reilly, Deer Valley’s mountain host supervisor, is a “milestone” for the resort. 

“We’ve added 10 new chairlifts and almost 100 new runs as a part of our multi-year enlargement. Friends can now begin their day within the new Deer Valley East Village, trip the brand new gondola to Park Peak, and ski the brand new 4.8-mile Inexperienced Monster run,” he tells Journey + Leisure. “I’m particularly enthusiastic about how related the mountain feels. Whether or not you’re a newbie or an professional, there are new routes, new views, and much more methods to discover the resort.”

Whereas the climate has barely delayed the beginning of the season for a number of ski resorts within the Western U.S., together with Deer Valley, issues have now formally kicked off on this nook of Utah. And in case you wanted another reason to guide a visit—moreover the truth that Deer Valley was named one among T+L’s greatest locations to go in 2025—contemplate the next.

“This season marks the ultimate yr that Deer Valley will host the Sundance Movie Pageant, making it an particularly notable time to go to. In case you’ve ever needed to expertise the pageant alongside world-class snowboarding, that is the time,” says Jamie Miller, basic supervisor of Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Assortment. With that in thoughts, right here’s methods to plan an ideal ski journey to Deer Valley. 

When to Go

Sometimes, Deer Valley opens in early December—however that doesn’t essentially imply that’s the most effective time to go. “Each season is slightly totally different, however traditionally mid-January by February is once you’ll discover essentially the most constant snow circumstances. The temperatures keep chilly, our snowmaking system is absolutely on-line, and storms are likely to line up properly throughout the Wasatch,” says O’Reilly. “That mentioned, with our superior automated system, we’re capable of open extra terrain earlier and preserve wonderful circumstances all through the total winter.”

Miller agrees on the February timeline, noting the month often “delivers essentially the most snowfall and the freshest powder,” however he additionally shares the case for spring snowboarding at Deer Valley. “For many who desire sunnier, extra relaxed days on the mountain, April gives hotter, bluebird days for nice spring snowboarding circumstances,” he says.

The place to Keep

The St. Regis Deer Valley

Deer Valley is a resort that prides itself on an elevated snowboarding expertise—pristine groomers and curbside ski valets are par for the course right here—and also you’ll expertise each little bit of that very same luxurious and comfort at The St. Regis Deer Valley. The ski-in, ski-out resort, house to the one funicular at a North American ski resort, is provided with considerate facilities for skiers throughout the property, from a mountain terrace the place you may be a part of the day by day Champagne sabering custom and make s’mores to a 14,000-square-foot spa for post-ski day restoration.  Even in case you aren’t an in a single day visitor, you may nonetheless make reservations for dinner at RIME, the property’s signature seafood and steak restaurant, and The Classic Room, the last word après-ski vacation spot. 

Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Assortment

Named T+L readers’ favourite resort in Utah within the 2025 World’s Greatest Awards, Goldener Hirsch balances luxurious and alpine attraction proper by the slopes in Silver Lake Village. It’s been a stalwart in Deer Valley for many years, however the workforce continues to raise and evolve to stay on the high of its recreation. “At Goldener Hirsch, we’re particularly excited to debut our new restaurant, The Hirsch,” says Miller, sharing that the eating outlet “gives a seasonally pushed menu and Austrian-inspired ambiance to introduce a recent chapter of alpine eating to the vacation spot.” In case you’re in search of a novel après exercise, be a part of the resort’s pretzel-making workshop, the place you’ll discover ways to make Bavarian pretzels with the in-house pastry workforce. 

Grand Hyatt Deer Valley 

Vacationers taken with exploring Deer Valley East Village ought to guide their lodging at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, a 2025 It Checklist winner. The 436-key property opened in Nov. 2024, making this yr its sophomore season and the primary ski season the place company can expertise Agaci Spa & Wellness. The spa’s menu is alpine-inspired and options every kind of remedies that may make sure you hit the slopes every day feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The Altitude Adjustment Therapeutic massage, for instance, focuses on “easing respiration, headache aid, hydration, and different signs related to altitude modifications.” And with the East Village sitting at 6,530 ft, you’ll probably need to schedule this towards the beginning of your journey. 

Montage Deer Valley

Montage Deer Valley, a previous World’s Greatest Awards winner, boasts an enviable ski-in, ski-out location atop Empire Cross (plus a formidable lineup of five-star facilities). Anticipate all the traditional, considerate Montage touches—luxurious linens, attentive service, and an ever-evolving lineup of kid-friendly actions—plus an expansive spa with steam rooms, saunas, chilly showers, and whirlpools. Whether or not it’s your first time in Deer Valley otherwise you’re a repeat customer, the Montage delivers an distinctive hospitality expertise.  

The place to Eat

Yama Sushi

After a full day on the slopes, the sushi menu at Yama Sushi, one of many eating shops at Montage Deer Valley, will probably be calling your identify. Begin the culinary journey with sansho shishito peppers, adopted by Yama fried rice, a Wasatch roll, and a Snowflake roll. Prime all of it off with the day by day chef’s collection of mochi ice cream.

Riverhorse on Fundamental

Elevated, creative consolation meals is the star of the menu at Riverhorse on Fundamental in downtown Park Metropolis. Bacon-wrapped shrimp, oysters on the half shell, and buffalo tartare kick issues off—however remember to save room for the rack of lamb (paired with candy pea risotto and child zucchini) or the mountain trout with a pistachio crust. 

Base Areas

“The brand new East Village Lodge brings a wholly new eating expertise to that base space, with grab-and-go choices and a snug area to heat up between laps,” says O’Reilly. “Within the coming years, we’ll launch the everlasting East Village Lodge and a brand new summit lodge on Park Peak that may provide quite a few new eating experiences for skiers.” 

Skiers within the Snow Park space will gravitate towards Solid & Minimize, Snow Park Restaurant, and The Brass Tag, whereas these close to Empire Canyon can seize lunch at Cushing’s Cabin or Empire Canyon Grill. In Silver Lake, you may’t go incorrect with a late lunch and a mid-day drink at The Sticky Wicket. 

The place to Après-ski

The Sticky Wicket at Silver Lake Lodge

The 21-and-over Sticky Wicket bar is designed to take you again to the “golden period of snowboarding.” The throwback ambiance is complemented by a menu full of classics—pretzel sticks, brisket fries, rooster wings, and burgers. It’s open till 6 p.m. every day, supplying you with loads of time for just a few après cocktails (or a shot ski or two). 

The Classic Room at The St. Regis Deer Valley 

Harking back to European après-ski, The Classic Room is a vibey scene—après-ski stylish apparel is requested—on The St. Regis Deer Valley’s higher ski seashore. The 1,600-square-foot see-through tent is heated and full of sofas and luxe lounge chairs the place you may cozy up for sushi, cocktails, and Champagne. Professional tip: Snag a Luminary Ticket, new for the 2025/26 season. It will assure you entry throughout peak après-ski hours (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.).

Off-mountain Actions

Discover Fundamental Road.

“Park Metropolis’s Fundamental Road is a must-see for any new customer to the world. It’s a historic city with a enjoyable vibe,” says O’Reilly. “Only a brief stroll, visiting just a few outlets or grabbing a drink or meal, is definitely worth the effort.” Highlights alongside the thoroughfare embody the Park Metropolis Museum, Gorsuch, Dolly’s Bookstore, and Burns Cowboy Store. 

Take pleasure in off-slope winter actions, from snowmobiling to canine sledding.

“Off the mountain, Deer Valley gives loads of alternatives to benefit from the magic of winter, together with snowmobiling, canine sledding, and picturesque sleigh rides,” says Miller. Whereas most Deer Valley lodges have concierges who might help you guide an expertise, you too can guide immediately by outfits like White Pine Touring and All Seasons Adventures.

Go to Utah Olympic Park.

O’Reilly additionally suggests swinging by Utah Olympic Park to study extra in regards to the “legacy of the video games as they return in 2034.” In case you’re feeling courageous, be a part of knowledgeable pilot on the 2002 Olympic bobsled monitor. Collectively, you’ll hit 15 turns and attain speeds as much as 60 miles per hour. Simply remember to guide the expertise upfront. 

The way to Journey

Tickets

Deer Valley limits the variety of day by day carry tickets, so it’s greatest to seize yours as quickly as potential. One grownup single-day carry ticket prices between $199 and $339, relying on the day. Ikon Cross skiers obtain seven days at Deer Valley (with no blackout dates) plus 12 “family and friends” tickets. 

Leases

Renting your tools couldn’t be simpler at Deer Valley. Lots of the slopeside lodges, like The St. Regis Deer Valley and Montage Deer Valley, have their very own sports activities outlets, the place you may get fitted and even retailer your boots and skis once you’re not on the slopes. In case you’ll be renting from the resort immediately, you’ve gotten three choices for gear: Snow Park Lodge, Silver Lake Lodge, and Valley East Village. When you might choose up every thing in individual, Deer Valley’s Ski Butler may also carry your leases proper to your lodging. A full-day bundle, together with skis, poles, and boots, begins at $95. 

Snowboarding Info

Deer Valley has 31 chairlifts, together with the brand new 10-passenger East Village Categorical Gondola O’Reilly talked about above, to entry its greater than 200 runs throughout 4,300 skiable acres. Yep, 4,300 acres; that’s greater than double the acreage skiers had been capable of entry within the 2024-2025 season. There are additionally seven bowls and a vertical drop of three,040 ft. 

Deer Valley is a superb place to start (or restart) your snowboarding profession, as there’s an honest quantity of beginner-friendly terrain. “I imagine our greatest newbie run is Ontario, which begins on the high of Flagstaff Mountain. Ontario is a future with a wide range of slope angles, which supplies a newbie skier a wide range of challenges,” says O’Reilly. “However a lot of the run could be very gradual and skier pleasant.”

In case you’re an intermediate skier (and also you’re prepared for some blues), he recommends the runs off of Flagstaff Mountain. “My household’s favourite is Misplaced Boulder. It’s a true north-facing run (which suggests the solar doesn’t heat the snow considerably). Misplaced Boulder is broad on the high with a delicate slope angle, then step by step turns into tougher. The ultimate pitch doesn’t allow you to off the hook and requires you to really drive some turns to remain in management,” he says. “And, in case you are feeling daring, you may veer off to Boulder Bumps on the left aspect of Misplaced Boulder close to the underside, which is a pleasant off-piste run to problem each skier with a brief part of skier-sculpted moguls.”

Lastly, in case you’re greater than assured in your expertise, you’ll need to navigate to Stein’s Approach. “In case you are prepared for a difficult run very first thing within the morning, load Wasatch Categorical and go straight to Stein’s Approach. It will get direct morning solar and has lovely views looking over Jordanelle Reservoir and the Uinta Mountains,” O’Reilly shares. “Though it’s groomed nightly, it’s undoubtedly a difficult run. Make sure to not go too quick too early within the run; it has some steep pitches.”

Programming

Regardless of your age or your ability degree, a lesson or clinic with Deer Valley’s Ski Faculty will probably be helpful to your on-mountain expertise. Adults can go for non-public or group classes. For youthful skiers, there are numerous age-regulated skill-focused packages to hitch: Teen Escape (13 to 17 years outdated), Journey Membership (7 to 12), Reindeer Membership (5 to six), Bambi Membership (4), and the Fawn Particular (3).

Alternatively, you may be a part of a ski tour as a substitute of taking a lesson. “Our Mountain Host workforce gives 5 complimentary ski excursions day by day for intermediate and professional skiers,” explains O’Reilly. “Professional excursions begin at our Host Hut, close to the highest of Homestake and Carpenter lifts at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Considered one of our skilled Mountain Hosts will take you on a novel tour of the mountain, choosing the most effective terrain for the circumstances of the day.” The intermediate excursions—identical assembly place, however supplied at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.—often “stay on groomed runs and concentrate on exhibiting you the huge terrain our mountain gives.”