Deer Valley Ski Resort Ramps Up for Winter Season

Ski Resorts: Although Deer Valley Ski Resort in Park City, Utah, was rated by readers of SKI magazine as this year's "#1 Ski Resort in North America," major upgrades are forthcoming again for 2008-09 season. Those same readers ranked Deer Valley first three times and in the top three North American ski resorts for seven consecutive years. The only descent ever observed at this winter wonderland is seen from its beloved ski slopes. For those familiar with DV since it opened in 1981, it is business as usual as DV has invested more than $120 million on upgrades and improvements since 1990. So, it comes as no surprise that $8 million is being put to good use this year as well.

"Even though we've just begun to enjoy our summer season here at Deer Valley, we're already thinking ahead to our next ski season, and striving to improve our guests' winter vacation experience," says Bob Wheaton, DV's president and general manager.

Remaining at the summit is no easy feat in the area many skiers view as the U.S. capital of winter sports and recreation. So, Deer Valley is replacing a guests' cabin atop Flagstaff Mountain and remodeling and expanding its lodge. The new cabin will seat up to 45 guests, and the revitalized lodge will increase seating capacity and improve upon service to lodgers. Additionally, 44 snowmobiles will be replaced, and five new trail groomers (snowcats) will be added to help with the building of the World Cup Skier Cross course and the Tric 'N Turn terrain park.

"Last summer, we installed the new high-speed detachable quad chairlift, the Lady Morgan Express, and created eight new ski runs in the Empire Canyon area. Our improvements this summer are more subtle, but just as important to providing a top-notch guest experience," Wheaton said.

Since dining is truly one of the most enjoyed aspects of our guests' time at Deer Valley, our two biggest projects this summer will be replacing the existing Cushing's Cabin with a larger and updated model and also remodeling Empire Canyon Lodge."

However, there is hot fun in the summertime too at Deer Valley! It is a year-round Utopia for lovers of nature and active vacations. During the summer travelers can experience scenic hiking expeditions and challenging bike trails. Other summertime activities in the Park City area include golf and horseback riding, boating, rafting, and fly-fishing. Additionally, there are hot-balloon-ride tours, art galleries, museums, and various community festivities throughout the summer.

Along with the kudos related to its winter season, the resort was rated by Mountain Bike Action magazine as one of the 10 best mountain bike destinations. Bicyclists, along with their bikes, are taken up the mountains on chairlifts to select from a variety of cycling ventures, which includes 55 miles of trails.

For many reasons, Deer Valley Ski Resort is a fabulous destination for all seasons! Read more about Park City, Utah, in the City Guide section of JustLuxe.com.

For LxM James Rothaar