8 of the best Deer Valley secrets, according to the locals
Utah’s Deer Valley is a world-class skier’s-only resort, with over 2000 acres of terrain, six bowls and 103 runs accessed by 21 chairlifts.
Loved by both locals and visitors alike for the extra little touches – including the ski valets, slopeside champagne and complimentary s’mores and hot chocolates - there are plenty of reasons to visit and lap up the luxury. And it’s all even better when you know exactly where to eat, sleep and ski.
We’ve consulted those in the know for Deer Valley’s best-kept secrets for your next visit, from the secret powder stashes to a legendary turkey chili recipe (if you know, you know)…
1. Where to ski
With limited lift tickets on sale each day, you won’t need to worry about lengthy lift lines or overcrowded slopes. So where to go first when there’s so much to choose from?
If you’re lucky, locals will point you to the Lady Morgan Bowl. Tucked away in the Empire Canyon area, the wind often blows extra powder into this hidden gem through snow storms, leaving more fun to be had through the slopes and glades.
2. Where to après
The Bloody Mary was born in 1934 at The St. Regis Hotel in New York. Every St. Regis Hotel has been serving up its own version ever since, and the ultra-luxe St. Regis Deer Valley is no exception. You can ski right in to try their version – the 7452 Mary, named after the altitude of the resort, and the most legendary way to kick off your aprèsin Deer Valley.
The 7452 features the hotel’s signature Bloody Mary mix along with High West Vodka 7000 from a distillery in Park City. From there, the glass is rimmed with black lava salt and topped with a wasabi-celery foam, then served with a pipette filled with equal parts Worcester and tabasco. Drink up and enjoy.
3. Where to take the kids
Also at the Montage Deer Valley, you’ll find complimentary s’mores by the fire pits every afternoon. Think homemade marshmallow flavours that rotate daily, like cinnamon, mocha, peppermint, caramel and classic vanilla, all at a build-your-own bite bar. They also serve up spiked s’mores milkshakes for the grown-ups, along with take-home roasting kits for up to four people.
4. The best dining experience
There’s nothing like a side of sleigh ride with your four-course dinner. That’s exactly what’s on offer at Fireside Dining in Empire Canyon Lodge, which offers the best of the European Alps right in the heart of Deer Valley.
The four-course menu includes raclette cheese from stone fireplaces, hearty stews, fire-roasted lamb and tartiflette. Only available Wednesdays through to Sundays, you can also opt for a 15-minute horse-drawn sleigh ride with your reservation, which is a real highlight right before the chocolate fondue dessert.
5. Where to brunch
Stein Eriksen was the Director of Skiing at Deer Valley for 35 years, with many World Cup and Olympic medals to his name. These days, he not only has a run to his name - Stein’s Way - but an entire lodge, which hosts the Sunday Skier’s Buffet at Glitretind Restaurant every week.
Available from 11am, this is the most extravagant brunch to be found in Utah. Beyond traditional breakfast items, you’ll find a carving station, a huge variety of seafood, ready-made crêpes and omelets, and desserts in the dozens.
6. The best souvenir to take home
Deer Valley's Turkey Chili has achieved legendary status within the report, and is available as an on-mountain lunch option at any of the lodges. It’s so popular that stores Deer Valley Etc. and Signatures sell the turkey chili mix for guests to take back with them and prepare at home - all you need are a few extras to add in.
The fan club for this dish is so extreme, you can even buy a turkey chili ornament to hang on your Christmas tree.
7. Where to get the best coffee
There’s no going past the mid-mountain Silver Lake Lodge for convenient coffee stop whenever you need to warm up or amp up those energy levels.
A handy ski-in, ski-out location offering fresh croissants, Deer Valley cookies (the snickerdoodle, anyone?) and a range of specialty drinks, it comes with bonus views from the deck over the resort. You can even order one of their famous blueberry mojitos or local draft beers along with your coffee.
8. The best off-slopes experience to be had
There’s dog-sledding, snowmobiling and plenty more to be found beyond the slopes at Deer Valley - but the real treat to be found is at one of the local spas.
The St Regis. Spa is a top pick and has to be seen to be believed. Pure luxury set over two levels, you can choose between outdoor areas and hot tubs tucked into the rocks to indoor relaxation pools accompanied by lounges serving up warm drinks and light bites.
With everything from oxygen infusions to a ‘Deep Sleep Journey’, it’s the type of experience that brings an all-new meaning to decadence.
Ready to experience the luxe for yourself? Find our latest package offerings for Deer Valley by clicking here.
