From the ski-in, ski-out lodging to the fine-dining options, here are the very best experiences to be found in Deer Valley
Deer Valley is known for its exclusivity, and has a history of luxe. Since its inception in the 1980s, it’s been a skiers-only resort, with founder Edgar Stern envisioning a top-notch resort full of skier amenities that were the best of the best.
It was the first resort in the US to start offering little touches such as ski valets, limited daily ticket sales and those all-too-comfortable chairlift foot rests. And these days, it continues the luxury trend; it consistently ranks as number one in Guest Services amongst the ski resorts in North America.
And that’s before you even get to enjoy the 300 inches of snow that fall every year across the six different mountains. Or the 103 runs serviced by 21 chair lifts, with plenty of powder and meticulously maintained groomers.
From the ski-in, ski-out lodging to the fine-dining options, here are the very best experiences to be found in Deer Valley.
1. Fireside dining with sleigh rides
There’s a hint of European luxe to be found throughout Deer Valley with the Fireside Dining experience, paired with a horse-drawn sleigh ride for the ultimate memory-making activity.
From the sleigh, take in sunsets from the Empire Peak as you cuddle up under blankets. Once you arrive to dinner, enjoy a four-course menu, including Swiss favourite - raclette cheese, served from stone fireplaces.
Specialty cocktails and a full bar are available, as well as specially selected wine and imported beer to complement the cuisine.
2. Build your own s’mores at the Montage
It’s not a trip to an American resort with a s’more. But a s’more at Deer Valley goes way beyond the classic chocolate, cracker and marshmallow combination.
The Montage serves up free homemade marshmallows every evening, from 4.30pm through to 5.30pm in the winter. There’s an entire build-your-own bite bar, which features a variety of marshmallow flavours that rotate daily - like cinnamon, mocha, peppermint, caramel and classic vanilla.
And while the Montage is secretive about the recipes, you can even take a roasting kit home to enjoy over your own fire and recreate the experience.
Give Monty a pat while you’re at the hotel, too - he is the Montage’s resident Bernese Mountain Dog, and hangs out in the lobby daily at 11am and 3pm.
3. Burgers on the deck at Steins
The most luxurious experience of them all is the five-star Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley, ranked within the top 10% of all properties on Tripadvisor.
Even if you’re not planning on staying at the Stein Eriksen, you can still enjoy a delicious meal on the wrap-around deck. Peruse the seasonally-inspired menus offering everything from Norwegian cuisine to the American classics.
We guarantee the burger is one of the best you’ll ever taste, as it’s carefully curated by a culinary team… just like everything else in Deer Valley.
4. Ski in for a Bloody Mary at St Regis
You know it; St Regis Deer Valley is yet another luxury accommodation option on the mountain (they have a butler service - just saying).
They also serve up the best Bloody Mary you’ll ever have, with a recipe perfected back in 1934 by barman Fernand Petiot at the St Regis in New York City.
It remains the signature cocktail of the hotel chain, and they even have their own name for it; the “Red Snapper”, which was named all those years ago so as not to offend the hotel’s refined clientele.
While you’re there, it’s fun to ride the Funicular, which ascends 537 linear feet and 500 vertical feet in under 90 seconds from the Lower Resort building to the Upper Resort building.
It’s essentially a luxury elevator on rails, with the cars made by cable-car specialists Gangloff of Berne, Switzerland. With leather seating, panoramic windows and heated cars, it’s a must-do experience.
5. The Complimentary Ski Testing
As a skier-only mountain, Deer Valley know that a good pair of skis makes all the difference on those slopes, and especially on those stunning groomers.
The mountain offers a complimentary service in the form of the Rossignol High Performance Test Centre, located at the top of the racecourse on Bald Mountain.
It allows you to demo the latest in Rossignol ski technology, maybe even finding a brand new pair to take home with you.
6. Ski with an Olympian
Deer Valley has seen many Olympic skiers grace the slopes, and you can even opt to ski with one for an exclusive half-day or all-day experience.
There are a number of Olympic snowsport athletes available to ski with at the resort each winter. They’ll ski with an individual, a family or with a group, and offer priority ski school lane access.
It’s the best way to get inspiration from the very best of the best, and if you’re lucky, they might just show you all their favourite secret spots on the mountain.
