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

Whenever I’m asked about my favorite place to ski in the U.S., I always have the same response: Deer Valley. The Park City, Utah, resort—neighbor to Park City Mountain—made it easy for me to fall back in love with skiing as an adult. Each winter, I look forward to planning a trip out to the Wasatch Mountains, eager to spend all day on its well-groomed pistes, have a low-key après moment at a slopeside five-star hotel, and get my fill of snow, sun, and shopping in downtown Park City. This year, I’m even more excited to get out on its trails—dozens of which I’ve never skied before. 

That’s because Deer Valley is in the midst of what it’s marketing as “the largest expansion in ski resort history.” And this season, says James “Jamo” O’Reilly, Deer Valley’s mountain host manager, is a “milestone” for the resort. 

“We’ve added 10 new chairlifts and nearly 100 new runs as part of our multi-year expansion. Guests can now start their day in the new Deer Valley East Village, ride the new gondola to Park Peak, and ski the new 4.8-mile Green Monster run,” he tells Travel + Leisure. “I’m especially excited about how connected the mountain feels. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are new routes, new views, and a lot more ways to explore the resort.”

While the weather has slightly delayed the start of the season for several ski resorts in the Western U.S., including Deer Valley, things have now officially kicked off in this corner of Utah. And if you needed one more reason to book a trip—besides the fact that Deer Valley was named one of T+L’s best places to go in 2025—consider the following.

“This season marks the final year that Deer Valley will host the Sundance Film Festival, making it an especially notable time to visit. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the festival alongside world-class skiing, this is the time,” says Jamie Miller, general manager of Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Collection. With that in mind, here’s how to plan a perfect ski trip to Deer Valley. 

When to Go

Typically, Deer Valley opens in early December—but that doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the best time to go. “Every season is a little different, but historically mid-January through February is when you’ll find the most consistent snow conditions. The temperatures stay cold, our snowmaking system is fully online, and storms tend to line up nicely across the Wasatch,” says O’Reilly. “That said, with our advanced automated system, we’re able to open more terrain earlier and maintain excellent conditions throughout the full winter.”

Miller agrees on the February timeline, noting the month usually “delivers the most snowfall and the freshest powder,” but he also shares the case for spring skiing at Deer Valley. “For those who prefer sunnier, more relaxed days on the mountain, April offers warmer, bluebird days for pleasant spring skiing conditions,” he says.

Where to Stay

The St. Regis Deer Valley

Deer Valley is a resort that prides itself on an elevated skiing experience—pristine groomers and curbside ski valets are par for the course here—and you’ll experience every bit of that same luxury and convenience at The St. Regis Deer Valley. The ski-in, ski-out resort, home to the only funicular at a North American ski resort, is equipped with thoughtful amenities for skiers across the property, from a mountain terrace where you can join the daily Champagne sabering tradition and make s’mores to a 14,000-square-foot spa for post-ski day recovery.  Even if you aren’t an overnight guest, you can still make reservations for dinner at RIME, the property’s signature seafood and steak restaurant, and The Vintage Room, the ultimate après-ski destination. 

Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection

Named T+L readers’ favorite resort in Utah in the 2025 World’s Best Awards, Goldener Hirsch balances luxury and alpine charm right by the slopes in Silver Lake Village. It’s been a stalwart in Deer Valley for decades, but the team continues to elevate and evolve to remain at the top of its game. “At Goldener Hirsch, we’re especially excited to debut our new restaurant, The Hirsch,” says Miller, sharing that the dining outlet “offers a seasonally driven menu and Austrian-inspired ambiance to introduce a fresh chapter of alpine dining to the destination.” If you’re looking for a unique après activity, join the resort’s pretzel-making workshop, where you’ll learn how to make Bavarian pretzels with the in-house pastry team. 

Grand Hyatt Deer Valley 

Travelers interested in exploring Deer Valley East Village should book their accommodations at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, a 2025 It List winner. The 436-key property opened in Nov. 2024, making this year its sophomore season and the first ski season where guests can experience Agaci Spa & Wellness. The spa’s menu is alpine-inspired and features all kinds of treatments that will ensure you hit the slopes each day feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The Altitude Adjustment Massage, for example, focuses on “easing respiration, headache relief, hydration, and other symptoms associated with altitude changes.” And with the East Village sitting at 6,530 feet, you’ll likely want to schedule this toward the start of your trip. 

Montage Deer Valley

Montage Deer Valley, a past World’s Best Awards winner, boasts an enviable ski-in, ski-out location atop Empire Pass (plus an impressive lineup of five-star amenities). Expect all of the classic, thoughtful Montage touches—sumptuous linens, attentive service, and an ever-evolving lineup of kid-friendly activities—plus an expansive spa with steam rooms, saunas, cold showers, and whirlpools. Whether it’s your first time in Deer Valley or you’re a repeat visitor, the Montage delivers an exceptional hospitality experience.  

Where to Eat

Yama Sushi

After a full day on the slopes, the sushi menu at Yama Sushi, one of the dining outlets at Montage Deer Valley, will be calling your name. Start the culinary adventure with sansho shishito peppers, followed by Yama fried rice, a Wasatch roll, and a Snowflake roll. Top it all off with the daily chef’s selection of mochi ice cream.

Riverhorse on Main

Elevated, inventive comfort food is the star of the menu at Riverhorse on Main in downtown Park City. Bacon-wrapped shrimp, oysters on the half shell, and buffalo tartare kick things off—but be sure to save room for the rack of lamb (paired with sweet pea risotto and baby zucchini) or the mountain trout with a pistachio crust. 

Base Areas

“The new East Village Lodge brings an entirely new dining experience to that base area, with grab-and-go options and a comfortable space to warm up between laps,” says O’Reilly. “In the coming years, we will launch the permanent East Village Lodge and a new summit lodge on Park Peak that will offer numerous new dining experiences for skiers.” 

Skiers in the Snow Park area will gravitate toward Cast & Cut, Snow Park Restaurant, and The Brass Tag, while those near Empire Canyon can grab lunch at Cushing’s Cabin or Empire Canyon Grill. In Silver Lake, you can’t go wrong with a late lunch and a mid-day drink at The Sticky Wicket. 

Where to Après-ski

The Sticky Wicket at Silver Lake Lodge

The 21-and-over Sticky Wicket bar is designed to take you back to the “golden era of skiing.” The throwback atmosphere is complemented by a menu filled with classics—pretzel sticks, brisket fries, chicken wings, and burgers. It’s open until 6 p.m. each day, giving you plenty of time for a few après cocktails (or a shot ski or two). 

The Vintage Room at The St. Regis Deer Valley 

Reminiscent of European après-ski, The Vintage Room is a vibey scene—après-ski chic attire is requested—on The St. Regis Deer Valley’s upper ski beach. The 1,600-square-foot see-through tent is heated and filled with sofas and luxe lounge chairs where you can cozy up for sushi, cocktails, and Champagne. Pro tip: Snag a Luminary Ticket, new for the 2025/26 season. This will guarantee you entry during peak après-ski hours (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.).

Off-mountain Activities

Explore Main Street.

“Park City’s Main Street is a must-see for any new visitor to the area. It is a historic town with a fun vibe,” says O’Reilly. “Just a short walk, visiting a few shops or grabbing a drink or meal, is worth the effort.” Highlights along the thoroughfare include the Park City Museum, Gorsuch, Dolly’s Bookstore, and Burns Cowboy Shop. 

Enjoy off-slope winter activities, from snowmobiling to dog sledding.

“Off the mountain, Deer Valley offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the magic of winter, including snowmobiling, dog sledding, and picturesque sleigh rides,” says Miller. While most Deer Valley hotels have concierges who can help you book an experience, you can also book directly through outfits like White Pine Touring and All Seasons Adventures.

Visit Utah Olympic Park.

O’Reilly also suggests swinging by Utah Olympic Park to learn more about the “legacy of the games as they return in 2034.” If you’re feeling brave, join a professional pilot on the 2002 Olympic bobsled track. Together, you’ll hit 15 turns and reach speeds up to 60 miles per hour. Just be sure to book the experience in advance. 

How to Ride

Tickets

Deer Valley limits the number of daily lift tickets, so it’s best to grab yours as soon as possible. One adult single-day lift ticket costs between $199 and $339, depending on the day. Ikon Pass skiers receive seven days at Deer Valley (with no blackout dates) plus 12 “friends and family” tickets. 

Rentals

Renting your equipment couldn’t be easier at Deer Valley. Many of the slopeside hotels, like The St. Regis Deer Valley and Montage Deer Valley, have their own sports shops, where you can get fitted and even store your boots and skis when you’re not on the slopes. If you’ll be renting from the resort directly, you have three options for gear: Snow Park Lodge, Silver Lake Lodge, and Valley East Village. While you could pick up everything in person, Deer Valley’s Ski Butler can also bring your rentals right to your accommodations. A full-day package, including skis, poles, and boots, starts at $95. 

Skiing Information

Deer Valley has 31 chairlifts, including the new 10-passenger East Village Express Gondola O’Reilly mentioned above, to access its more than 200 runs across 4,300 skiable acres. Yep, 4,300 acres; that’s more than double the acreage skiers were able to access in the 2024-2025 season. There are also seven bowls and a vertical drop of 3,040 feet. 

Deer Valley is a great place to begin (or restart) your skiing career, as there’s a decent amount of beginner-friendly terrain. “I believe our best beginner run is Ontario, which starts at the top of Flagstaff Mountain. Ontario is a long run with a variety of slope angles, which gives a beginner skier a variety of challenges,” says O’Reilly. “But most of the run is very gradual and skier friendly.”

If you’re an intermediate skier (and you’re ready for some blues), he recommends the runs off of Flagstaff Mountain. “My family’s favorite is Lost Boulder. It is a true north-facing run (which means the sun does not warm the snow significantly). Lost Boulder is wide at the top with a gentle slope angle, then gradually becomes more challenging. The final pitch does not let you off the hook and requires you to truly drive some turns to stay in control,” he says. “And, if you are feeling bold, you can veer off to Boulder Bumps on the left side of Lost Boulder near the bottom, which is a friendly off-piste run to challenge every skier with a short section of skier-sculpted moguls.”

Finally, if you’re more than confident in your skills, you’ll want to navigate to Stein’s Way. “If you are ready for a challenging run first thing in the morning, load Wasatch Express and go straight to Stein’s Way. It gets direct morning sun and has beautiful views looking out over Jordanelle Reservoir and the Uinta Mountains,” O’Reilly shares. “Even though it is groomed nightly, it is definitely a challenging run. Be sure not to go too fast too early in the run; it has some steep pitches.”

Programming

No matter your age or your skill level, a lesson or clinic with Deer Valley’s Ski School will be beneficial to your on-mountain experience. Adults can opt for private or group lessons. For younger skiers, there are various age-regulated skill-focused programs to join: Teen Escape (13 to 17 years old), Adventure Club (7 to 12), Reindeer Club (5 to 6), Bambi Club (4), and the Fawn Special (3).

Alternatively, you can join a ski tour instead of taking a lesson. “Our Mountain Host team offers five complimentary ski tours daily for intermediate and expert skiers,” explains O’Reilly. “Expert tours start at our Host Hut, near the top of Homestake and Carpenter lifts at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. One of our experienced Mountain Hosts will take you on a unique tour of the mountain, picking the best terrain for the conditions of the day.” The intermediate tours—same meeting place, but offered at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.—usually “remain on groomed runs and focus on showing you the vast terrain our mountain offers.”