Park City Skiing Peaks with New Terrain and Luxury Getaways

by

Due to recent snowfall and expanded areas for skiing, the ski season continues to thrive in Park City, Utah. As spring vacation planning gets underway, this renowned mountain resort is attracting sophisticated travelers from the entertainment industry who are excited about skiing on powdery slopes and enjoying the town’s atmosphere reminiscent of Europe.

For many years, the Sundance Film Festival has been headquartered (based) in Park City, a picturesque mountain town where film industry leaders mingle along Main Street. In the last decade, the city has expanded significantly, yet despite an influx of new residents since COVID, it maintains a welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere.

Tiffany Layne, founder of Lavon Private Luxury, praises Park City’s convenience as a ski town, being just a short drive from Salt Lake City. She particularly appreciates Deer Valley’s unique advantage where skiers can enjoy the slopes sans snowboarders – a dream come true for dedicated skiers.

Many executives and famous individuals who prefer convenience are choosing to fly with Aero instead of the bustling LAX or Burbank Airport. The starting price for a one-way ticket is $725, and there’s no need to deal with long lines. This premium service offers a semi-private flying experience, boasting luxurious amenities. Recently, Aero has introduced a direct route to Park City, alongside established destinations like Aspen, Sun Valley, Napa, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, and Cabo. Additionally, Aero provides a dedicated 24-hour concierge service, and chartered flights are available for up to 13 passengers in executive seating.

With a luxurious private terminal and comfortable lounge hidden at Van Nuys Airport, Aero provides Erewhon meals for the flight, a variety of nutritious snacks, fine wine choices for connoisseurs, and Starlink for seamless communication while in the air. As a result, more knowledgeable individuals are quietly choosing Aero for both business and leisure travel.

Travelers can quickly check-in at least twenty minutes before takeoff, finding comfort in one of sixteen Italian leather seats aboard a streamlined Embraer plane. The usual hassles associated with regular air travel are bypassed due to entry into the tranquil private jet terminal at Salt Lake City International Airport.

Deer Valley’s Terrain Expansion 

As a devoted skier, I’m thrilled about the recent expansion of my beloved skiing haven, Deer Valley. Known for its pristine, skiers-only terrain, it’s no secret that celebrities like Taylor Swift, Larry David, and Demi Moore have graced its slopes. Now, an impressive 316 acres have been added, expanding the total skiable area to a massive 2,342 acres!

Exciting additions include the debut of Deer Valley East Village (originally intended as a standalone resort, previously known as Mayflower), the introduction of Keetley Express – our first six-person chairlift featuring a bubble that seamlessly links to the existing Deer Valley footprint, and Aurora, a speedy fixed grip quad lift equipped with a convenient loading carpet. This expansion is undoubtedly going to enhance my winter adventures!

As a powder enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the expansion that includes an impressive 20 new runs, including the mammoth Green Monster with a staggering 2,820-foot vertical drop and average ski duration of 20 to 30 minutes. This exciting extension is also home to the expansive Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, the latest luxury hotel gracing this exclusive enclave. Perched strategically overlooking the Jordanelle Reservoir, this property offers a delightful stay for all travelers while offering generous lodging discounts to active, reserve, and retired service members. The upcoming season will bring even more reasons to adore this place as additional enhancements are underway. Six new chairlifts, including a 10-person gondola, nearly 100 new ski runs, and ample parking spaces are set to debut in the 2025-26 ski season. Deer Valley is poised to expand significantly and take its place among the largest ski resorts in North America.

Luxury Stays + Après

Through the years, countless luxurious hotels have sprung up, but none compare to the Stein Eriksen Lodge (starting from $580 during summer and $1,600 during winter), nestled in the heart of Deer Valley and named after the esteemed Norwegian Olympic gold medalist alpine ski racer. This mountain retreat is still the pinnacle of the industry, as evidenced by a recent gathering of AMC executives on its grounds. As a devoted fan, I can’t wait to experience its unparalleled charm and hospitality.

According to Layne, Stein stands as a pioneer in Deer Valley and exudes a refined, classic European alpine charm. What particularly appeals to him about this property is its impressive selection of contemporary residences that significantly enhance a chalet experience. Moreover, it’s the exceptional service that truly sets it apart – the ski valets, for instance, make one ponder how one ever skied without such assistance – and the fact that it boasts the only Forbes Five-Star spa in Utah, which is nothing short of a heavenly luxury after a tiring day on the slopes.

As a gamer enthusiast skiing East Deer Valley terrain, I can’t help but appreciate the strategic location of this hotel. The Sterling chairlift is just a swift run away from Stein’s renowned ski concierge, offering direct access to the slopes – it’s pure convenience! Not only that, but the rooms and suites have been recently refurbished, each boasting unique layouts tailored to individual tastes.

When it comes to dining, Glitretind, our local eatery, takes the cake with the most delectable buffet breakfast and lunch offerings in town. And let’s not forget the cozy lobby lounge that exudes classic Alpine charm – whether you’re taking a break from skiing with an afternoon hot chocolate or unwinding with après cocktails, it’s the perfect gathering spot for skiers like me.

After hitting the slopes, I’d recommend checking out some hotspots like The St. Regis Bar and The Vintage Room, both located at St. Regis Deer Valley. Here, you can indulge in an array of raw bar delicacies, sushi, and festive cocktails. If you’re looking for something extra special, don’t miss out on Chute Eleven, situated next to Empire Lodge. It’s the newest luxurious après yurt experience, offering lavish seafood towers loaded with lobster and a caviar selection.

Hollywood Hideaway

Although a hotel with direct access to ski slopes (ski-in/ski-out) offers unmatched convenience, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection (starting from $1,869), provides an experience that is just as captivating as skiing on the slope. Nestled on over 3,000 acres in the Wasatch Mountain range, approximately 20 minutes from Park City, this secluded retreat is a haven for any adventure-seeking luxury lover.

A hotel without direct access to ski slopes can still offer an experience as good as being right on them. The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection costs around $1,869 and it’s located in the Wasatch Mountain range, not far from Park City. This exclusive hideaway is perfect for anyone who loves luxury and adventure.

According to Layne, this property is a secluded jewel that’s popular among high-profile individuals who appreciate its remote setting. It feels like a personal wilderness sanctuary, and I adore how engaging the whole experience is – you can spend your morning exploring pristine backwoods landscapes, your afternoon on horseback rides, and end your day with a whiskey tasting at High West Distillery.

Transforming the traditional image of a dude ranch, The Lodge at Blue Sky presents a contemporary, family-oriented retreat. Imagine stylish architecture and spacious, high-end accommodations blending harmoniously with the landscape, expansive glass walls showcasing breathtaking mountain vistas, and an infinity pool.

When it’s time to ski at Park City, hotel guests are treated to a special experience at Blue Sky’s exclusive ski lounge, complete with a hot chocolate bar and tasty snacks. Layne remarks, “This is a fantastic ski benefit just for our guests!” Strategically located in a tranquil area right at the mountain base, the lounge is virtually next door to a hidden chairlift, offering an experience akin to a private lift.

Following a day of thrilling skiing, visitors can return to Blue Sky for various indulgent activities such as a relaxing High West Whiskey massage (the distillery is conveniently located on site), or participating in a cacao ceremony at Edge Spa, learning about salve-making at Gracie’s Farm, snowshoeing or enjoying an exclusive wine tasting session at one of the mountaintop yurts. Horseback riding is another must-do activity, either exploring the beautiful countryside dotted with sage or in The Remuda, the expansive 36,000-square-foot indoor riding arena. A heartwarming experience is spending time with the horses at Saving Gracie Equine Healing Foundation, an animal rescue founded by one of the property’s co-owners, Barbara Phillips.

Read More

2025-02-24 20:55