Deer Valley Ski Resort is a relatively new resort. It opened in 1981 on the site of an old resort, Snow Park, which closed in 1969. Deer Valley's recent heritage is reflected in its sleek, modern facilities and impeccably well-kept slopes. The facilities and trails at Deer Park Ski Resort impressed the International Olympic Committee - the freestyle moguls and aerial and the alpine slalom events were held here during the 2002 Winter Olympics at Salt Lake City.

Deer Valley Ski Area came on the scene with a very clear vision of what it wanted to provide skiers: an upscale skiing experience. You can have your car parked by valets, stay in a palatial slopeside condominium, and eat a gourmet meal in a gleaming cafeteria. Teams of groomers keep the snow delightfully smooth and there are no snowboarders to tear up the mountain - like nearby Alta Ski Area, Deer Valley is a skiers-only resort.

The meticulous attention that Deer Valley Ski Area pays to its slopes means that the resort is ideal for lower to upper mid-level skiers. Riding down a cruising trail at Deer Valley is sure to make anyone feel like a better skier.

Five interlinked peaks comprise Deer Valley Ski Resort: Little Baldy, Bald Eagle, Bald Mountain, Flagstaff, and Empire Canyon. Over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain with a vertical drop over 2,000 feet. Most skiers will find the blue and black trails on Bald Mountain and Bald Eagle Mountain are especially fun. If these get crowded head to Flagstaff Mountain and ski the cruising trails along the Northside Express lift.

The runs at Empire Canyon are even further from the base area. This more secluded peak has terrain suitable for intermediates and experts alike. Intermediates will like Orion and Solace trails, experts should head to one of the three bowls: Daly Bowl, Empire Bowl, or Lady Morgan Bowl. Daly Bowl and the chutes skiers' right of this are the most challenging at Deer Valley Ski Resort.

At the other end of the resort are some of the best mogul runs in Utah: Morning Star, Narrow Chute, and the other trails off the Mayflower lift on Bald Mountain. There are also some nice glades for tree skiing surrounding these runs. For easier bump and tree skiing, try the Ontario Bowl on Flagstaff Mountain.

Beginners may be challenged by some of the runs at Deer Park Ski Resort and will find more easygoing novice terrain at nearby Park City Mountain Resort. The greens at Deer Park are more challenging than at most resorts, but the incredibly smooth snow increases their manageability. The best green runs are at the side of Flagstaff Mountain and Sunset, a long gentle trail on Bald Mountain.

Accommodation at Deer Valley Ski Resort is limited to luxury condominiums. These are a great choice if you want to be close to the slopes and enjoy the superb restaurants and aprÈs ski bars in the base area. For more variety of hotels and nightlife, try something in nearby Park City, a lively ski town just 30 minutes from Salt Lake City. Park City is also home to Park City Mountain Resort and the Canyons Ski Resort. Multi-day tickets are available that give access to all three top-class mountains.