Business of the Month December 2008

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.”