TIME MAGAZINE: The World’s Best Places 2026
Amid the constellations of legendary ski resorts that stretch across northern Utah’s Wasatch Mountains—most within an hour’s drive of Salt Lake City—none are as cruisy or bougie as the ski-only Deer Valley. Now add “extra roomy” following the recent unveiling of 2,900 acres of fresh ski terrain with nearly 100 new ski runs, nine chairlifts, and a 10-passenger gondola spanning three miles. The resort’s Expanded Excellence Initiative has more than doubled the size of Deer Valley, now at 4,300 acres, making it the largest single ski resort expansion in North American history. Head straight for the rare high-alpine beginner’s area atop 9,350-ft. Park Peak, serving up a slew of gentle runs wrapped in Wasatch panoramas. Or, drop into clouds on advanced groomers on Redemption Ridge and the 4.8-mile Green Monster, one of the longest runs in the country. All of it funnels into a new East Village base area, opening up an access point to Deer Valley that skirts the busy inroads to Park City. Other conveniences include a 1,200-spot parking lot and stays at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, opened in 2024 with a spa and a 7,000-sq.-ft. outdoor pool deck. But arguably the best way to experience Deer Valley is from the mid-mountain Stein Erickson Lodge, positioned between the new terrain to the east and the resort’s iconic runs to the west—including the famed mogul and aerial venue slated for the 2034 Winter Olympics. For aprés, lock in a reservation at the ski-in-ski-out Vintage Room at St. Regis Deer Valley, the spot for ginger margaritas, sushi made from seafood flown in daily and the most hopping dance party in town.
