Updated October 2026 with the latest on Deer Valley’s expansion and women’s ski clinics for the 2026–27 season.
At Deer Valley Resort, where pristine powder meets five-star service, the story has long centred on world-class skiing. But this iconic Utah resort has carved out a bold new chapter. It has more than doubled in size, launched a year-round program of alpine adventure, and leaned into one of travel’s biggest trends: wellness and women-focused travel.
My own skiing adventure began in Utah in 1979, when our brave parents took all five of us children skiing, first in Park City, now home to Deer Valley, and then at Snowbird, high in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Before then, we had never even seen snow. Snowbird had opened less than a decade earlier, in December 1971, and its famous aerial tram felt thrillingly modern as it whisked skiers up to the steep, challenging terrain beside neighbouring Alta. By the end of that trip, every one of us was in love with skiing. Back then, the idea of a women-only ski program simply wasn’t a thing. How that has changed.
Just 61 kilometres from Salt Lake City International Airport in the historic town of Park City, Deer Valley has long been the go-to for discerning skiers seeking corduroy perfection, uniformed valets and five-star on-mountain dining. Emily Summers, Communications Director for Deer Valley Resort, shares “three things you may not know about Deer Valley Resort.”
1. Women’s ski clinics led by an Olympian
The first is a growing focus on women’s wellness, which the resort has woven into its programming through specially curated clinics. “We have amazing women’s wellness clinics led by former Olympians right there on the mountain,” Summers says. “A whole wellness package, bringing mindfulness to the mountain, helping you approach the sport in a holistic way and bump your skill level to the next level. Whether it’s knowing how to ski groomers to getting into the bumps or the trees, you’re with a group of experienced, like-minded women to push you to that next step.”
It’s part of a broader movement towards meaningful travel, especially for women seeking both connection and challenge. “It’s really all about bonding. Bonding with yourself on the mountain in those magical vistas, doing solo travel, whether you’re joining group tours or clinics, or really bringing in that holistic wellness experience,” she says.
The clinics are led by Jillian Vogtli, an American mogul skier who competed at the 2002 Salt Lake City and 2006 Turin Winter Olympics and is now a holistic wellness coach. Her Empowerment Ski Clinic blends expert instruction with mindfulness and personal growth.
Jillian Vogtli Empowerment Ski Clinic dates for 2026–27
- 19 December 2026 (women only, one day)
- 13 January 2027 (co-ed, one day)
- 27–28 February 2027 (women only, two days)
- 8 March 2027 (women only, one day)
Clinics run from 9am to 4pm with a maximum of six skiers per group. They cost US$875 for one day and US$1,750 for two days, excluding lift tickets and equipment hire, and are for intermediate to advanced skiers aged 18 and over. Bookings are non-refundable, so check the details with the resort before you book.
Women’s Three-Day Ski Clinic
For a longer program, Deer Valley’s Women’s Three-Day Ski Clinic is led by the resort’s professional female ski instructors and is designed for women from advanced beginner to advanced level. You help shape the focus of each day, and the clinic includes stance, balance and alignment analysis, video review and the chance to test-ski the latest equipment.
- 2026–27 dates: 15–17 December 2026, 29–31 January 2027 and 3–5 March 2027
- Times: 9am to 4pm each day, meeting at Snow Park Lodge
- Group size: four to six skiers per instructor
- Who it’s for: women aged 18 and over, advanced beginner to advanced
- Price: US$1,100, excluding lift tickets and equipment hire
Booking tip: the clinics often reach capacity, so reserve early and join the waitlist if your dates are full. Full refunds are only available if you cancel more than two days before the clinic, and changes due to weather or snow conditions aren’t accepted. Allow 45 to 60 minutes on the first morning to collect hire equipment.
2. A ski-only resort with limited numbers
“We are a ski-only resort with limited skier capacities,” says Summers. “We focus on that sport of skiing and we sell out to have skiers have the most space and enjoyment on the mountain each day.”
Snowboarding isn’t permitted, and daily visitor numbers are capped. Together with exceptional guest service, this forms what Deer Valley calls “The Deer Valley Difference”. In an industry that often prioritises scale, Deer Valley’s approach has always been about intimacy, even as it grows.
3. Deer Valley has doubled in size
“We are expanding,” Summers says. “Deer Valley Resort will be double in size. And what that also means is a whole new network of beginner terrain, including one of the longest green runs in skiing, called Green Monster.”
That promise has now been delivered. The Expanded Excellence project opened for the 2025–26 season with the new Deer Valley East Village, 1,200 day-skier parking spaces, the 10-passenger East Village Express gondola and seven new chairlifts, taking the resort to more than 4,300 skiable acres (about 1,740 hectares). The Green Monster now runs 4.8 miles (about 7.7 kilometres) from the top of Park Peak down to East Village, a dream for beginner and cruising skiers alike.
What’s new at Deer Valley for 2026–27
- Opening day: the resort is targeting 5 December 2026, conditions permitting.
- Hail Peak: the new Hail Peak Express opens 200 acres of new terrain and seven new runs, bringing Deer Valley to about 4,500 skiable acres (around 1,820 hectares) and 32 lifts.
- More terrain at Pioche and Neptune: new terrain served by the Pioche and Neptune lifts is expected to open for the first time after low snow kept it closed last season.
- Family zones: new terrain features with rollers and berms are planned for families and kids.
- Coming in 2027–28: the Deer Valley East Village Lodge and Park Peak Lodge, with a ski school, rentals, a food hall, restaurants and a bar.
Après-ski and dining
Mid-mountain, the après offering is as polished as the grooming. Sticky Wicket has a vintage ski vibe, while Chute Eleven, a champagne yurt, pairs lobster and caviar grilled cheese with DJ sets and caviar tastings. Royal Street Cafe and The Brass Tag serve dishes as elevated as the views.
Deer Valley in summer
When winter turns to summer, the mountain transforms again. Deer Valley’s warm-weather season features more than 100 kilometres of lift-served mountain bike and hiking trails, scenic lift rides, a concert series at the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater, guided historical tours and a summer adventure camp for kids. Mountain bikers can explore flow trails designed by Gravity Logic, including Regulator and Ripple, built for beginner and intermediate riders.
Plan your Deer Valley ski holiday
- Getting there: fly to Salt Lake City, then it’s about 61 kilometres (roughly 45 minutes by car or shuttle) to Park City.
- When to go: the season usually runs from early December to mid-April. January and February bring the most reliable powder, while March offers longer, sunnier days.
- Where to stay: choose from ski-in, ski-out luxury hotels at Silver Lake and Empire Pass, or stay in Park City’s historic Main Street for restaurants and nightlife.
- Lift passes: Deer Valley is included on the Ikon Pass, which covers dozens of ski resorts worldwide, so it can be great value if you’re planning to ski several mountains in one trip. Check the pass details for access days and any blackout dates before you book.
- Book ahead: because daily skier numbers are capped, buy lift tickets and clinics well in advance, especially for holiday periods.
Frequently asked questions
Can you snowboard at Deer Valley?
No. Deer Valley is one of only a few ski-only resorts in the United States.
Does Deer Valley have women’s ski clinics?
Yes. Olympian Jillian Vogtli leads one- and two-day Empowerment Ski Clinics, most of them women only, and the resort’s female instructors run a Women’s Three-Day Ski Clinic for advanced beginners to advanced skiers.
How big is Deer Valley now?
After the Expanded Excellence project, Deer Valley has about 4,500 skiable acres for the 2026–27 season, more than double its size before the expansion.
As Summers says, it’s not just about skiing more, but skiing and travelling better. For more snow inspiration, explore our Skiing section.
