Family Ski Trip to Deer Valley
Everything you’ve heard about Deer Valley is true: Powder stashes that last for days after storms, meticulously groomed runs, fine dining, and that “Deer Valley Difference” that everybody seems to talk about. The locals come to Deer Valley for the tree skiing, vast terrain, and because they know they’ll find powder even days after a storm. Deer Valley is one of the last resorts in Utah that doesn’t feel crowded on the weekend. The daily capped ticket sales keeps lift lines short and powder hunters happy. Your crew will love this famously family friendly resort. If you are looking for a ski vacation that caters to kids yet offers plenty of advanced skiing, and a high end service oriented experience, you’ll feel right at home at Deer Valley.
Where to Stay
The resort owned lodging offers several great options for families staying at Deer Valley, offering ski in/ski out properties, condos with full kitchens, heated outdoor pools, and of course frequent shuttles. Our favorite Deer Valley owned resort for families is the Silver Baron Lodge, located at the Snow Park base. Your kids will love the waterslide and all the kid approved apres ski activities, including meeting the ski patrol dogs, decorating cookies, and making s’mores. Families seeking a four or five star hotel with a ski in/ski out experience will love Stein Eriksen’s Lodge, Montage, or St. Regis. Looking for something more budget friendly? Kimball Junction has several economical options. We like the new Hyatt offering free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free shuttles to the resort.
Where to Ski
Deer Valley is the perfect mountain to build confidence and grow your love for skiing. Just over two thirds of Deer Valley’s terrain is for intermediate and beginner skiers. If it’s your little one’s first season on skis, start at the Snow Park base, and explore the progressive series of magic carpets, before graduating to the beginner lifts. Once your little skier is feeling more confident, pick up a copy of the Children Adventure Map. This map will take your kiddo skiing through the trees in the Enchanted Forest and exploring through Oompa Loompa Land. Be sure to keep your eyes open for Deer Valley’s fuzzy mascots, who are rumored to roam the resort on the weekends.
When your little one is able to confidently ski greens, the whole family can go to Lady Morgan and Flagstaff. These parts of the mountain offer runs for beginners, intermediates, and even expert trails. Your kids will love exploring the children’s adventure zones in Flagstaff, and you’ll love exploring the more challenging terrain.
Ski School and Childcare
Do some (or all) of your family need some ski instruction? You’ve come to the right place. Deer Valley offers some of the best instruction in the U.S. The small class sizes, and diverse types of instruction offered, will make sure you get the exact type of instruction and attention needed. The ski school classes for kids are particularly fun. Your little one might not feel like they are in school, but the fun focused learning will have them progressing down the mountain in no time. Do you have little ones who aren’t quite old enough for ski school? Send them to the Deer Valley Academy so mom and dad can enjoy some turns on the mountain on their own.
Family Friendly Apres
You might have heard Stephen Colbert raving about the Deer Valley chili, and for good reason. Deer Valley is known for their delicious food on the mountain. At the end of the day, families can be found gathering at Edgar’s Beer and Spirits Lounge, adjacent to the large outdoor deck on the second story of the Snow Park Lodge. If your family wants to unbuckle their boots and find a bite to eat at the Silver Lake Lodge, go no further than the Royal Street Café.
Family Discounts
Depending on how many days you are planning to ski Deer Valley, your best rate for day passes might actually be by purchasing an IKON pass. If purchased early in the year, you can find particularly good deals on the passes. Another option is to call the resort lodging and see if they are currently running any packages that offer discounts on day passes.
Deer Valley is one of our favorite resorts, and we are looking forward to helping you out this winter. Tell us where you are staying, and we will come to you. Want to read about how we have served others? Here are some reviews! See you on the slopes!
