The Deer Valley Difference means that a weekend ski trip will be anything but ordinary. Metered lift tickets and industry-leading grooming ensure you’ll have a good time on the slopes, but it goes further than that. The world-class hospitality and elegance turn your ski weekend into a romantic getaway to remember.
Deer Valley Valentines
The busiest time for ski resorts, in general, is President’s Day Weekend and the holiday week between Christmas and New Year. For Deer Valley, there’s an additional rush around the Sundance Film Festival, a two-week spectacular in late January. Sundance is a sneaky good time to ski, but the crowded venues get in the way of romance.
Valentine’s Day falls in the sweet spot between Sundance and President’s Day. You’ll find short lift lines and available reservations at Deer Valley’s distinctive dining experiences. Since Deer Valley is scaled to accommodate guests comfortably during the busiest times, you’ll find it particularly welcoming and romantic during Valentine’s Day week.
Day 1 – Arrival
The base altitude of Deer Valley is 6,570 feet, which means it could be dumping snow on any given winter day. Instead of renting a car and fussing with parking, you can stay in a Deer Valley Property and take advantage of the resort shuttles and complimentary on-demand Deer Valley Direct car service.
If the weather is clear, you can Uber up the mountain or book a 4WD van shuttle if it’s not. However, on the way back to the airport, you should consider utilizing a shuttle service because it’s hard to pick up an Uber at Deer Valley.
Another arrival tip is that Deer Valley has a free ski-valet service on the mountain. You can pick up your rental skis in the afternoon without waiting in line and drop them at the valet for the following day.
Arrival Day Adventures
With gear rental and lift ticket costs, you’ll want to ski on ski days. Planning a half-day adventure on your arrival day is the perfect way to balance costs while enjoying this winter wonderland.
If you get in early enough, All Seasons Adventures, the preferred year-round activity service at Deer Valley Resort, provides many winter experiences. You can choose from snowshoeing, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, and more. If your time is limited, take an adventurous snowshoe trek before dinner at the Empire Lodge
Fireside Dining
You’ll see the lights of Park City twinkling behind you as you climb nearly 2000′ up to the Empire Lodge. Every Wednesday through Sunday, the lodge transforms into the Fireside Dining experience, where you can experience the flavors of the European Alps in the mountains of Deer Valley. The alpine-inspired menu includes four courses served around the lodge’s four stone fireplaces.
You open with raclette cheese melting by the fire and charcuterie and close with chocolate fondue. In between is a feast of flavors with uncompromising quality. If you want even more romance, book a horse-drawn sleigh ride, maybe schedule it mid-meal so you have time for your food to settle. Also, there’s a full-service bar with specially selected wine and imported beer to complement the cuisine, but be careful not to drink too much. Hydration is the best way to adjust to elevation.
First Day of Skiing
Deer Valley is a skier’s paradise. In addition to everything else they do well, their adult group ski lessons are capped at four participants. I taught skiing for 20 years, and I recommend that everybody takes a class at the start of the season. I also suggest that the lesson comes from someone other than your significant other. The “Griswold” situation is real.
After your lessons, it’s time to explore the mountain. Deer Valley has 25 chair lifts, most of which are connected by green and blue runs. That means this is one of the few resorts in the world where an entry-level skiing couple can tour the mountain on greens. Do not let this fact fool you. Deer Valley has some terrain that will appeal to those who like it steep and deep, perhaps with a huck or two on the side. Rest assured, you will find excellent terrain for every skier type.
When it’s time for a break, there are plenty of options, from cozy mid-mountain snack cabins to gourmet made-to-order lunches.
Dinner at The Mariposa
The Mariposa is rated #1 in the Zagat Restaurant Guide. It transforms the rustic charm of mid-mountain Silverlake Lodge with a steakhouse and extensive wine selection. Mariposa showcases Utah’s culinary offerings with dishes featuring locally sourced game meats and fresh, seasonal ingredients.
On extraordinary occasions like Valentine’s Day, Mariposa offers multi-course preset diners that elevate romance to a new height. Reservations are always recommended, and you’ll be well served booking these special nights far in advance.
Second Day of Skiing
Now that your body remembers how to ski, it’s time to explore the mountains. A unique Deer Valley perk is the complimentary mountain host tours. Friendly guides introduce intermediate and expert skiers to their favorite routes, including backcountry routes where you’ll discover caches of off-piste powder.
Day two is also an excellent time to practice those skills you learned during your lessons on immaculately groomed slopes. You should also make it over to the Lady Morgan Express. It’s the most remote lift on the mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with pristine runs, even late into the day.
Apres-Ski
This long weekend getaway assumes two days of skiing, which means you’re ready to celebrate with a romantic après ski experience. You can start with champagne and caviar at the Veuve Clicquot Après Ski Lounge by Montage Deer Valley Hotel. Maybe return your skis and enjoy the views from the Fresh Tracks oversized deck, or take the funicular to St. Regis The Vintage Room with its 30-foot wooden bar. There’s also a new option for 2023. The second level of Royal Street Café transforms into a 21+ apres-ski bar called Royal Street Café + Bar.
Dinner at Cast & Cut | Seafood Dining
Speaking of new things for the 2023/24 season… Deer Valley’s legendary seafood buffet returns to Cast & Cut. Anchor your evening with a bounty catch of sustainably sourced seafood. Dive into an ocean of flavors, from succulent shrimp to paella and pasta. Since your skis are up, this is a perfect night to compliment your catch with the extensive wine and beverage selection.
Final Frivolities
Time is running out on your Deer Valley Romantic getaway. It’s time for one last hurrah. For some, that might be heading into downtown Park City for a celebratory bar crawl,(shout out to complimentary ride share)! For others, it’s a quiet evening back at the lodge with your love, enjoying a soak in the hot tub.
Discerning guests who are looking for curated experience, convenience, guaranteed access, and VIP concierge services might want to try the new Deer Valley Premier program. Or for a fulling pampered paring, add in white glove ski butlers service. As long as you’re still smitten and having fun, there’s no wrong way to cap off a long weekend full of fun, indulgence, sophistication, and romance like you’ll only find at Deer Valley!
Disclosure: A big thank you to Deer Valley Resort and Visit Park City for hosting us, setting up a fantastic itinerary, and usage of some of the images throughout (image credit in hover text).
For more travel inspiration check out Deer Valley Resort’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts; and Visit Park City’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts
As always, the views and opinions expressed are entirely our own, and we only recommend brands and destinations that we 100% stand behind.
Like it? Pin it for later on Pinterest!