We spent New Years Eve this year at Deer Valley resort as a family for the first time. I am here to give you the ends and outs of our trip and our thoughts on Deer Valley.
Deer Valley Resort is a dream destination for those seeking world-class skiing, luxurious accommodations, and fine dining—all with a touch of exclusivity. Known for its impeccable service, perfectly groomed slopes (although we had a few issues with this on our trip!), and skiers-only policy, Deer Valley is the epitome of a high-end winter getaway. But this mountain paradise isn’t just for winter—summer visitors will find hiking, mountain biking, and breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’re planning a ski vacation or a summer retreat, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Deer Valley.
HOW TO GET TO DEER VALLEY
Deer Valley is conveniently located just 38 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), making it one of the most accessible ski resorts in the U.S. You can rent a car, book a private shuttle, or take a luxury car service to your accommodations. Once you arrive, Park City’s free transit system makes it easy to get around without a car.
We took a private taxi from the airport to our hotel, The Montage. From there, we used the free transportation at the hotel and through the city for the rest of the trip. We were very thankful that we didn’t try to rent a car as we saw some pretty treacherous driving during our stay. For airport transportation, call Gilbert (801)-558-5131.
WHERE TO STAY IN DEER VALLEY
Deer Valley is home to some of the most luxurious ski-in, ski-out accommodations in the country. Here are some top choices:
Luxury Resorts & Lodges
Montage Deer Valley – A true luxury mountain retreat with a massive spa, excellent dining, and ski concierge services. This is where we stayed this trip.
Stein Eriksen Lodge – A five-star, European-style lodge with ski-in/ski-out access, world-class dining, and a full-service spa.
The St. Regis Deer Valley – Known for its funicular access, the St. Regis offers upscale dining, a stunning infinity pool, and breathtaking views.
Vacation Rentals & Condos
For families or groups, renting a private home or condo can provide more space and flexibility. Consider Silver Baron Lodge or the Lodges at Deer Valley for high-end, family-friendly options.
WHERE WE STAYED AT MONTAGE
Luxury in the Mountains: Our Stay at the Montage Deer Valley
Nestled in the breathtaking Wasatch Mountains, the Montage Deer Valley was the perfect retreat for our family getaway. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality, stunning alpine views, and an atmosphere of pure relaxation. Whether we were hitting the slopes, indulging in world-class dining, or simply unwinding by the fire, every moment felt like a dream.
A Warm Welcome
As we pulled up to the grand entrance, we were instantly struck by the lodge’s classic mountain charm. The valet and concierge team greeted us, making check-in seamless and stress-free. At the front desk, the children are brought over to choose a new stuffed animal and learn all about the Merits. Our room—a beautifully appointed suite—featured rustic yet elegant décor, a cozy fireplace, and a private balcony overlooking the snow-covered peaks. The little details, from the plush robes to the welcome treats for the kids, made us feel right at home.
Ski-In, Ski-Out Convenience
One of the biggest perks of staying at the Montage Deer Valley is its prime ski-in, ski-out location. With Deer Valley’s legendary powder right outside our door, we wasted no time hitting the slopes. The on-site Compass Sports shop (this was a gamechanger!) made renting gear a breeze, and the staff went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed. After a morning of skiing, we could ski straight back to the resort for a warm drink and a midday break—an absolute game-changer when traveling with kids!
I will note that there is only one green run (the rest are blue or blacks) that will get you down to the Montage hotel and it was a little more difficult green run in my opinion. I wouldn’t plan for super young kids to be able to get down if they are beginners. My six year old was able to do it by the end of the trip after a couple of days of lessons, but I wouldn’t have felt comfortable with her going down it before that.
Kids Club – The Paintbox
One of my favorite parts of the trip was a special service they offered through the kids club. For a price, you could bring your children down to the Paintbox club in the morning before ski school and the staff would escort your kids down to ski school for you as well as pick them up and take them back to the hotel at the end of the day. This was super helpful because it allowed the rest of us to be able to utilize the ski-in, ski-out convenience of the hotel since the ski school is located about a 10-15 minute drive down mountain.
Dining Delights
Food is always a highlight of our travels, and the Montage did not disappoint. Apex, the resort’s signature restaurant, served up delicious mountain-inspired cuisine with impeccable service. Breakfast was a feast of fluffy pancakes and farm-fresh eggs, while dinner featured hearty yet refined dishes like bison ribeye and truffle mac and cheese. For a more casual vibe, we loved Daly’s Pub & Rec, where we enjoyed wood-fired pizzas and a few friendly rounds of bowling. And, of course, no visit would be complete without stopping by Buzz for a hot chocolate (or two).
Relaxation & Family Fun
After a long day on the slopes, we found plenty of ways to unwind. The Spa Montage was a slice of heaven, offering indulgent treatments and a serene atmosphere. While I snuck away for a massage, the kids had a blast at Paintbox, the resort’s fantastic children’s program filled with crafts and games. In the evenings, we gathered around the outdoor fire pits, roasting s’mores and sharing laughs under the stars. The bar area is beautiful with one of the biggest fireplaces I have ever seen to sit and enjoy apres ski. They also offer late afternoon snow tubing right on property that the kids rode over and over again.
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN DEER VALLEY
Skiing & Snowboarding
Why Ski Deer Valley?
Skiers Only – Sorry, snowboarders! Deer Valley is one of the few resorts in the U.S. that only allows skiers, ensuring a unique and controlled experience.
Immaculate Grooming – The resort is famous for its meticulously groomed runs, making it a paradise for intermediate and advanced skiers. We did have a little issue during our stay with some of the runs not being groomed well and I am hoping that was just because it was a super busy time of year (NYE) and they had some employee strikes going on down in Park City.
Smaller Crowds – Deer Valley limits daily lift ticket sales, meaning fewer people on the slopes and a more enjoyable experience.
Best Ski Runs
Bald Mountain: Great for advanced skiers, with stunning views and challenging terrain.
Success: A long, winding green run perfect for beginners.
Stein’s Way: Named after Olympic legend Stein Eriksen, this run offers breathtaking vistas and expert-level terrain.
Ski Lessons & Rentals
If you’re new to skiing or just want to improve your technique, Deer Valley’s ski school is one of the best in the country. You can also rent high-end gear right at the resort. For ski school, you will have to take a shuttle from the hotel down to the ski school location which took about 15 minutes or so.
Beyond the Slopes: Winter Activities
Not a skier? No problem! Deer Valley and the surrounding Park City area offer plenty of winter activities:
Snowmobiling – We did this with a company called Adventourage. It was fun to do something different, but all my kids said they would have preferred to have just skied instead of doing the snowmobiles.
Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing at the Solitude Nordic Center.
Dog Sledding with experienced mushers through scenic mountain trails. This was all booked up while we were there, but if you catch it at the right time of year; I think this is a great experience.
Après-Ski & Spa – Enjoy fireside drinks at The St. Regis Bar or unwind at the Montage’s massive spa.
THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN DEER VALLEY
Dining in Deer Valley
Deer Valley is home to some of Utah’s best fine dining experiences. Here are a few must-try spots:
River Horse on Main – This was my favorite meal and I loved the ambiance of this spot. You can expect local musicians that come to entertain and an eclectic American style cuisine. Don’t miss out on the lobster bisque, I still dream about it.
Pine Cone Ridge – overlooking Main St., Pine Cone Ridge serves a contemporary American cuisine that focuses on fresh ingredients for a thoughtfully curated menu and a delicious craft cocktail menu as well as an extensive wine list.
Courchevel Bistro – A French-European inspired cuisine meets the freshest local ingredients.
Fireside Dining – A unique experience with alpine-style raclette, fondue, and open-hearth cooking. They also offer a carriage ride for an additional fee that looks like fun.
Daly’s Pub – The apres ski or casual restaurant at the Montage that we all loved. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas, a game room for the kids and a bowling alley.
Burgers and Bourbon – Another great spot at the Montage that had great food with an upscale, casual vibe.
Apex – Montage’s signature restaurant, served up delicious mountain-inspired cuisine and great service.
Alpen Globes at Apex – Part of the Apex restaurant listed above and it does come at an additional cost, but I loved the experience.
Brasserie 7452 at St. Regis – This lunch spot came highly recommended by my friend and unfortunately we didn’t make it this trip but I would definitely add it to your list of spots to hit if you can make it for lunch.
Chimayo – elevated Mexican restaurant with anything from quest and tacos to ceviche and fresh snapper or surf and turf. I look forward to trying this next time we are out there.
RIME at The St. Regis – A high-end steakhouse with stunning views. Another one we missed this trip but hope to try next time.
WHAT TO PACK FOR DEER VALLEY
I wrote a whole separate post on everything to pack for a trip to Deer Valley and you can read it here.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DEER VALLEY
Visiting in the Summer
Deer Valley isn’t just a winter wonderland. Summer brings hiking, mountain biking, and concerts under the stars. Popular activities include:
Scenic Chairlift Rides – Take in the breathtaking views.
Hiking & Mountain Biking – Over 70 miles of trails for all skill levels.
Deer Valley Concert Series – Enjoy live music at Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater.
FINAL THOUGHTS FOR OUR STAY IN DEER VALLEY
Tips for Visiting Deer Valley
Book Early – Lift tickets, accommodations, and dining reservations sell out fast, especially during peak ski season.
Dress in Layers – Weather can change quickly, so be prepared.
Don’t Miss Park City – Just a few minutes away, Park City offers even more dining, shopping, and nightlife.
Final Thoughts
Deer Valley is a one-of-a-kind mountain destination that blends luxury with adventure. Whether you’re carving down pristine slopes, relaxing at a five-star resort, or enjoying a summer mountain escape, this resort is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Our stay at the Montage Deer Valley was everything we could have hoped for and more. The perfect mix of adventure, luxury, and family-friendly touches made it a trip to remember. Whether you’re an avid skier, a foodie, or just looking for a peaceful mountain escape, this resort is truly a gem. We can’t wait to return!
Have you stayed at the Montage Deer Valley? Would you visit Deer Valley in winter or summer? Let us know in the comments!
