Visitor Resources

While some ski resorts strive to be “bigger,” Deer Valley Resort has always sought to be “better.” Opened in 1981 as an intimate affair, the Resort has expanded since then, but has remained focused on retaining its open, inviting and uncrowded environment. Last year’s addition of the new Lady Morgan Express chairlift and nine new ski runs on 200-plus additional acres has been a huge draw to both new and returning ski guests.

“Opening up the Lady Morgan section of the mountain last season has truly rounded out our mountain experience,” says Bob Wheaton, Resort president and general manager. “Although we opened up a new chairlift and nine new runs, we kept our skier cap of 6,500 tickets sold per day. So, we have more room and fewer skiers and our guests love the new area. And the proximity to the Empire Canyon Lodge for lunch makes it really convenient. Some guests are spending their entire day on that side of the mountain, skiing Empire Canyon and Lady Morgan exclusively. There’s that much terrain to explore. Sixty-five of the 200+ acres we added last year in Lady Morgan are gladed. We now have 930 acres of glade skiing and some of the best tree skiing in the world here at Deer Valley®. The powder in the trees ad the quiet is an unforgettable experience.”

It is this commitment to quality and an intimate ski vacation experience that has resulted in Deer Valley again being rated the #1 ski resort in North America by the readers of SKI magazine.  Just 36 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport via mostly interstate highway, getting to Deer Valley’s mountains is a snap. With hundreds of daily flights in and out of Salt Lake City International Airport, skiers can arrive at the airport by late morning, and be on the slopes at Deer Valley by early afternoon. Add in 350 annual inches of famous Utah dry powder, 99 trails, six bowls, 22 chairlifts and a limited number of skiers allowed on the mountain each day; three elegant day lodges glowing warm with firelight and gourmet cuisine; a renowned Ski School and Children’s Center; a Central Reservations department of vacation planning experts to book everything from ski rentals and lodging to restaurant reservations; and unsurpassed services and amenities such as parking lot shuttles and free ski valets…and you have a stress-free, oh-so-satisfying winter ski vacation experience unlike any other. That’s what is commonly referred to as the “Deer Valley Difference.”

Welcome to the Jordanelle State Park, Hailstone Recreation Area. The Visitor Center features interpretive and educational displays, park offices, and a theater. It has a great view of the marina, reservoir and Heber Valley.

Within the Visitor Center is a map of the area with information on recreational opportunities. It also has historical information, including accounts of the area's colorful mining era.

The Heber Ranger District in the Uinta National Forest is home to excellent snoeshoe and cross-country ski trails, among others. Contact the office for maps, advice, snow conditions and more.

The Heber Valley Chamber Visitor Center is a hub of information on recreation, lodging and dining in and around Heber Valley. Conveniently located on Main Street, where US Hwy 40 enters Heber City from the north, this is a worthwhile stop when arriving in town to best plan your stay in the area. This unique structure replicates the original Swiss post-and-beam style of construction built with wooden pegs in lieu of nails, commonly used in Europe during the 17th century. This 1500 square-foot structure was built primarily with donations of both labor and finances.

Open Monday through Friday 8 am-5 pm, Chamber personnel are on hand to answer questions about Heber Valley and nearby recreation opportunities. Numerous free publications and maps are available with local and statewide recreation information. Local historical publications are available for purchase. The Chamber also maintains a list of special events occurring in the area throughout the year.

During your visit to Strawberry Valley, stop in at the Strawberry Visitor Center to gather information about activities in the area. Forest Service personnel can answer questions, provide maps, or maybe even suggest a good fishing hole. Interpretive displays tell the story of Strawberry Valley's history, development of the reservoir, and management of Utah's premiere fishery.

Visit Strawberry in spring or fall to see the spawning runs of Bear Lake cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon. Barrier-free nature trails at the visitor center provide excellent viewpoints to see spawning fish in the Strawberry River. Near the visitor center, the Division of Wildlife Resources operates a fish trap on Strawberry River. During the peak of the spawning runs, visit the trap to see biologists taking eggs from spawning fish that will be raised in hatcheries. The Strawberry River Discovery Trail follows the river downstream from the visitor center.

Bird blinds along the trail provide excellent cover for viewing Strawberry's abundant bird life and signs explain the habitat that draws these birds and other wildlife to Strawberry Valley. There is much to do at the Strawberry Visitor Center; even if it's just a stop for an afternoon picnic by the river. Don't miss it!

Park visitors can get directions, maps, brochures, travel guides and local information at the Visitor Center. A bulletin board listing local events, activities and points of interest is kept current year-round. A picnic area, children's fishing pond and restroom facilities are also available.