Utah ski resort makes the best even better….

Deer Valley

By Paul E. Kandarian

Want to know how to make the best better? Check out Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah.

The posh ski resort was not only chosen as SKI magazine’s very first “Dream House” location – the mag is creating a $15-million, 14,000-square-foot dream home at Deer Valley scheduled for completion by this winter – but has been rated the number one ski area in all of North America by SKI in 2001 and 2005.

How to do better? How about a $7-million upgrade to get the resort ready for this winter that included replacing an older chairlift with a high-speed detachable quad, freshening up amenities at Snow Park Lodge and expanding the resort’s unsurpassed glade skiing.

“Since opening in 1981, we have been committed to providing a level of care rarely found at a resort,” says Deer Valley President and General Manager Bob Wheaton. “We deliver classic, consistent and quality service on and off the mountain.”

From the get-go in 1981, the Deer Valley concept has been to combine the most user-friendly skiing terrain with the best elements found at the world’s finest hotels – impeccable service and delectable cuisine. Since it opened, Deer Valley’s every-day routine has included polling guest and employees as to their needs and desires for the perfect winter ski vacation experience.

“Without question, what makes us such an upscale resort is service,” says Erin Grady, Deer Valley’s communications manager. “From valet parking to food and beverage, everything is high-end.”

That comes from the commitment and experience of the owners: Edgar and Polly Stern, who built the resort from the ground up and who prior to that had owned the Five-Star hotel, Stanford Court, in San Francisco’s legendary and posh Nob Hill neighborhood.

Getting to Deer Valley is a snap, just 36 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport. Jet in by morning and you’re slope side by afternoon, taking advantage of the annual 300 inches of dry and fluffy Utah white gold – powder snow.

There’s a little bit of history here, too: Deer Valley is nestled in the heart of a vibrant ski town, Park City, which hosted many events at the 2002 Winter Olympics. And director of skiing is the legendary Olympic Gold Medalist Stein Eriksen, whom the Utah Senate has proclaimed Father of the Utah Ski Industry.  Skiing at Deer Valley means availing yourself of a terrific layout of mostly north-facing slopes, spread out over nearly 2,000 acres and comprising some 91 trails.

Hate long lift lines? So does Deer Valley. Limited lift ticket sales ensure room in line and on the slopes amid the gorgeous Wasatch Mountains. And once done, skiers can relax in one of three elegant day lodges boasting leather couches and oriental carpets in an atmosphere of natural stone, warm wood and glass.

Skiing all day works up a powerful hunger that can be satisfied at one of Deer Valley’s 10 on-mountain restaurants offering casual to fine dining, with fare such as Deer Valley turkey chili, tuna tartare and a variety of wild-game dishes.

“Although all of our 10 restaurants fit various guests’ needs, the Fireside Dining at Empire Canyon Lodge might be the quintessential skiers’ feast,” says Julie Wilson, food and beverage director. “The grace of the lodge, nestled amid groves of aspen, four fireplaces roaring away with white-toqued chefs preparing fresh fare at each one…it all makes for a truly memorable and comforting après-ski meal.”

Chefs at Deer Valley restaurants know their stuff: Many have been invited to cook at New York’s famed James Beard House, and the restaurants at Deer Valley have won countless awards, including Zagat Survey designations and Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence.

SKI magazine’s Dream House slated for completion by winter 2007 will be a much sought-after destination for those seeking to rent the massive space for the ultimate ski vacation experience, Deer Valley officials predict. Park City-based Resorts West is managing the project (for updates, see www.skinet.com) and will be property manager of the finished mega-home. One amenity in the works: A full-time concierge available 24 hours a day by phone to provide anything from car seats to concert tickets to groceries.

The $15-million ski-in/ski-out slope-side manse with stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains, Deer Valley ski runs and the Jordanelle Reservoir will boast three floors, six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, elevator, wine cellar, DJ booth and dance floor, in addition to a golf simulator, theater room with surround-sound, sauna, spa and home gym.

“Deer Valley already offers the finest in service, amenities and beautiful natural surroundings for the Dream Home,” says Resorts West CEO Joe Ballstaedt. “The home will physically offer the greatest ski vacation amenities in the world.”