Deer Valley’s expansive ski experience just got even bigger (and better)

A long time ago my husband and his buddies were heading to Park City Utah for what I ve unfailingly called their annual ski Mancation All hard core skiers who love getting off piste I had what felt to them like a wacky suggestion Try Deer Valley Deer Valley Like with the impeccable snowmaking and grooming and system that feels totally white mitten Nah they declared they needed more hardcore skiing I sent them off with then-DV Ambassador Heidi Volker asking her to open their eyes to the truth They saw it and they skied it and realized what I already knew DV offers near perfection to every level skier Which brings us to currently pre season of the year Deer Valley https www deervalley com officially opens their massive expansion that includes thousands of acres of terrain doubling its size an additional base area a huge gondola and more than a dozen new lifts So the question is this How much can a top quality ski resort expand and still maintain that superior level of utility Having pre-skied it all late last season I m here to summary in The answer to quote that sage philosopher Cady Heron is this The limit does not exist I ascertained the new terrain and lifts to be elegant yet approachable as fun to cruise as it is to jump into trees and as easy to settle into as Deer Valley has ever been You ll want to visit now The expansion announced to come in at more than million once done funded by owner Alterra Mountain Company https www alterramtn co en boosts the resort s skiable acreage from about acres to more than Eventually as the project wraps in coming years that total will soar to acres That makes it one of the nation s largest and yet it all feels seamlessly accessible Right now the new East Village is in its infancy It s anchored by the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley an elegant yet relaxed spot with great dining choices and easy access to the new terrain A second hotel Canopy By Hilton will debut next summer and the base will expand from there And what about skiing The new terrain is a blend of everything you could want including a fun for everyone beginner trail named the Green Monster It s a perfect intro to the new terrain winding nearly five miles through it and never demanding you skate or pole officially the longest trail in Utah A Boston gal I craved to claim the name as ours but it s not As most of of Deer Valley does it s a nod to the history of the region It s named after a historic local mine that featured a distinctive green streak of malachite Off and on it along the new terrain you ll find a few steep groomers spots perfect for powder stashes plenty of trees to dip into and views that feel endless It s magnificent All the new trails are serviced by excellent snowmaking They added snowguns and a new million gallon pond ensuring great surfaces but also looking to help nature This new system powered by renewable potency will use a fully automated configuration of pipes and guns allowing for faster snow production and better long-term water conservation efforts Ski it now in its infancy so you can return perhaps when they host parts of the Olympics and tell tales of the early years Food as it has invariably been will be a focus of the expansion While I love a classic burger cooked on an old seasoned griddle in a small area base lodge I also make no apologies for loving chosen posh food on a ski trip Like Chute as of now housed in a beautifully appointed yurt next to the long-time favorite Empire Canyon lodge There a sunny spring skiing afternoon we dug into a slopeside seafood tower and sipped champagne Cushy Yes But also the kind of extravagance that builds a lifetime happy memory I m all in to see what other amazing food options they add as they grow There s more to come including an eventual rebuild of the Snow Park base area including new hotels services and dining options underground parking and more Various things remain unchanged the resort is still ski only no snowboards The ski school and ambassador ski activity are still among the best anywhere do splurge on their Ski With A Champion venture https www deervalley com things-to-do sessions ski-with-a-champion I ve had specific of the best ski days of my life with folks like Jillian Vogtli and Kaylin Richardson They still limit skiers each day to keep crowds down and yes it s still expensive But if you re looking for an experience that s just plain ski trip perfection make the venture Just like those guys on that long-ago mancation you ll see what I mean Deer Valley s fun has a limit that does not exist The new Grand Hyatt Deer Valley anchors the new East Village Photo courtesy Grand Hyatt Deer Valley You ll find plenty of trees and great off piste choices across all Deer Valley s terrain Photo Moira McCarthy While the expansion at Deer Valley is huge it s the little touches that make it special like this resting spot that make you feel like mountain royalty Photo by Moira McCarthy