Deer Valley does indeed delight for so many reasons. My top reasons for loving Deer Valley besides the obvious variety of fantastic terrain on 400 miles of trails to ski are as follows:
- Flying is simple! Multiple airlines fly into Salt Lake City International Airport and it happens to be a major hub for Delta, especially attractive to SkyTeam loyalists. Deer Valley, Park City, and Sundance are all located well under an hour from the airport.
- Food in Deer Valley is fantastic and I am not just talking about the posh restaurants — there are many great spots on the mountain. Selection and quality are some of the best mountain resort offerings I have had. Of course the resorts and the charming town of Park City have a superb line up of restaurants and bars to keep any foodie busy for a week of holiday!
- The hotel experience – Deer Valley boasts many special hotels with ski on/off access and all the bells and whistles. I don’t believe it when anyone says that they “just need a place to stay.” An alpine vacation is the whole package and a hard day of skiing is only made better when you have the creature comforts of a roaring fire place, a fully staffed ski concierge, nightly s’mores, a great bar, and terrific yet genuine service! Nobody wants a hassle when they are on holiday!
In this blog, I will highlight my two favorite Deer Valley properties – one is an old classic and one is a newer favorite!
Welcome to Stein Eriksen – This classic mid-mountain resort named after Norwegian Olympic Gold Medal skier Stein Eriksen is a European-style getaway where celebrities and nobodies comfortably rub elbows. The condo style accommodations are enormous, most with balconies and many with hot tubs. The food is some of the best alpine cuisine off the alps and the wine list is to die for. The entire feel of the resort is completely unpretentious and relaxed, feeling more like a private lodge. It is not uncommon to see guests cutting through the garage to get to the spa in their robe and slippers!
I worship a bartender who makes a perfect margarita with no coaching required!
Our spacious two-bedroom suite with fireplace, balcony and hot tub. The rustic mountain design gives you a sense of place.
Ski in/ski out access from Stein is perfect, ski right out…..
….and grab the tiny lift right back in.
Stein Ericson was the original game in town and many families have been coming for decades – it is one of those places where they meet up with their same guides year after year and are seen lunching with them at the resort each afternoon. Stein is undergoing some massive enhancements to the resort to include a family pool and enlarged pool deck, an entertainment and movie area, and a new coffee bar. The resort will benefit from this additional public space as besides the fabulous restaurant and bar, there is not really any place outside of the spacious room product to hang out and people watch.
What IS already open and a WOW product are the new ultra luxurious and modern Stein Residences. During my visit, I got to tour several of the distinct homes and residences. For those seeking ultra luxurious multi bedroom units with state of the art living, cooking and entertainments areas plus all the benefits of a luxury hotel – ski concierge, spa, restaurant, Stein Ericson residences is the answer!
Here is a model of the Stein Ericson development (now open for ski seasons 2017-2018!)
Stunning infinity edge pool with a view –
Indoor pool and water areas – 
Game Room
A few pictures of the 39 condominium residences (or ask me about the 15 distinct homes!)
Next stop is up the mountain to the super posh Montage Deer Valley. This is a great resort for those that want a resort full of buzz and activity and spectacular service. The Montage is ideal for families as there is so much to do from tubing, bowling, nightly s’mores by the fire pit to a variety of fantastic restaurants from sushi, to pub food, to glorious burgers, to fine dining.
Ski concierge at Montage suits and boots you daily – warms your boots overnight, takes them off while you lunch, and always has hot chocolate, cookies, waters and other niceties to keep the skiing comfortable! Some of the best ski in/ski out in the West!
Post slopes, Apres gets going at the Veuve Cliquot Apres Lounge at the Montage!
It doesn’t hurt to run into the U.S.A. Ski team at Apres!
The cozy lounge at Montage Deer Valley is a great place for apres or to just order a dinner of sushi instead of a night on the town.
There is always time for spa following a day of tackling the slopes. Montage designates specific times for family swim post ski and then leaves time for adults to unwind unaccompanied.
Adults and kids alike take their turn tubing down the hill at Montage – especially great for families with little ones.
What family does not love a night of Montage bowling pre or post dinner or better yet, send the kiddos to bowl while you linger over dinner!
I think everyone looks forward to the daily S’mores around the fire pits – house made marshmallows, cookies and chocolates make this a truly decadent camp fire affair!
Dalys Pub for fun food, Apex for fine dining, Burgers and Bourbon for out of this world burgers and barbecue, and Yama Sushi are all wonderful. Food options to keep the sophisticated foodie to the picky kiddo absolutely delighted!
Of course the complimentary shuttle into nearby Park City further entices with a fantastic array of restaurants and bars. This is a great town with character and dining to match the skiing! Deer Valley delights, indeed!
Adult approved! Kid approved! The Madrids will be back soon, Deer Valley!
