SeniorsSkiing Guide: Deer Valley Sets The Gold Standard
It’s the Deer Valley Difference.
Deer Valley at the top with a view of Jordanelle Reservoir.
Credit: Harriet Wallis
When Deer Valley opened 35 years ago, it was a novel concept to commit to top notch service in skiing, dining and lodging. Today it’s the gold standard.
The resort is known for its impeccable grooming, incredible dining and attention to every detail. Senior skiers really like that.
How to start your day right. Uniformed valets will unload your equipment at slope side. No need to schlep it.
Ride the open air shuttle to the day lodge. Save your energy for the slopes.
Enjoy secure basket checking with unlimited access so you can change layers throughout the day.
You’ve been pampered, and you haven’t even reached the slopes yet. Little things really do mean a lot.
“We’re committed to excellence in everything we do,” says Bob Wheaton, resort president and general manager.
Where should I start? It’s a big resort with four peaks and 101 trails. If you’re an intermediate or advanced skier, you can take a complimentary ski tour with a Mountain Host and find new runs and learn about the resort’s history. You’ll discover powder stashes that you’d never find on your own.
Outdoor patio dining in high altitude sunshine at one of 12 DR restaurants.
Credit: Harriet Wallis
Lunch time. Deer Valley has 12 restaurants, including outdoor dining patios, plus five evening restaurants right at the resort. A lunch favorite is the signature Deer Valley turkey chili. I especially love the Natural Buffet with its exotic salads and hearty breads.
Terrain. Deer Valley’s manicures more than 60 trails nightly from gentle slopes to its long steep runs. But it also has gnarly mogul fields, glades and ungroomed powder. Take your pick.
When your legs fall off, check your skis at a complimentary ski check station. Then relax in a beach chair on McHenry’s sunny “beach”.
Don’t miss this. When you’re ready to wind down the day, take the Last Chance beginner trail to the base and enjoy the trailside sculptures at homes along the way. They’re absolute must-sees.
One of the many raccoon sculptures along the trail side houses near the base run out.
Credit: Harriet Wallis
One home is plagued by mischievous raccoons. They ski off the roof, snooze on the railing and look uphill through binoculars. My favorite skiing raccoon is the one that went splat when he hit the house.
A family of life-size bronze elk stand trailside at another home. There’s also a bear house, a totem pole house and a mountain goat house. The charming critters add a bonus to a great day on Deer Valley’s slopes.
Just the facts
- Easy access. Just 40 minutes from Salt Lake International Airport.
- Skiers only. Deer Valley is for skiers only. It does not allow snowboards.
- Dining: 12 restaurants including five evening restaurants right at the resort. My favorite is the Seafood Buffet.
- Limited lift tickets. To enhance your experience, Deer Valley caps lift ticket sales to limit lift lines and lodge lunch lines ,and it opens up lunch seating.
- Grooming. The resort has 101 runs from four mountain peaks. Over 60 runs are groomed nightly.
2015-16 Bottom Line
A day ticket is $85 for those 65+, but on holidays it’s $92. A season pass is $1,195 for those 65-71, and it’s $1,085 for those 72+. However, mid week season passes are $1,085 for all who are 65+. There’s a pre-season discount for those who buy season passes early. And locals are eligible for reduced prices. Click here for more Deer Valley information.
McHenry’s sunny “beach”, absorbing the bennies and waiting for the surf to come up.
Credit: Harriet Wallis