Deer Valley, Utah

Deer Valley was launched as a ski-resort in 1981 with older skiiers and affluent families as the target market. It's easy to get to, being just under 40 miles from Salt Lake City, with a regular connecting bus service. The resort is known for its high quality of personal service - legions of guides, instructors, ski-valets, and helpers are at hand to offer assistance with ski-hire, guided parties, instructions, ski-school, child-care and directions. The slopes are immaculately groomed, with seemingly every snowflake in place. The mountain restaurants offer valley-standard food, with impressive and expansive menus.

Deer Valley can seem exclusive. Prices are high, which dissuades many folk. Snowboarders are not allowed, period. Further, the number of lift passes issued is limited so slopes never become over-crowded.

Access to the skiing is via two valley areas - from the Jordanelle parking lot on Highway 40, or from the main ski base, Snow Park Lodge. The latter is the home of the Deer Valley ski school, which employs over 500 instructors, making it one of the biggest anywhere.

The ski slopes are spread over 5 mountains. Beginners, and young families will enjoy the easy runs off Bald Eage Mountain (8400') and Little Baldy Peak (7950'). Intermediates will head to Flagstaff Mountain (9100') and Bald Mountain (9400') for some lovely stress-free, beautifully prepared runs. Experts will enjoy the greater challenges of the steeps off Empire Canyon (9570'), favorites being the black diamond runs Solace, Domingo, and Conviction which all start at the mountain's summit.

The main accomodation centers are the mid-mountain village of Silver Lake (8100'), or the lower ski village at Snow Lodge (7200'). Silver Lake is a real ski-in ski-out location, and is a much better option for the keen skiier. Nightlife is more limited than in the valley, though there are still lots of restaurants and bars to pick from. It's also harder to get to the bright lights of nearby Park City.