I travelled to Deer Valley in early January, after the madness of Christmas and New Year. It was the best time of the year to be there — stunning weather, sunshine, plenty of snow and no queues.
My family and I stayed for seven nights which allowed us six days of amazing skiing, apres ski, spa, fitness, amazing food and wine. If I’d had the time, 10 nights would have been brilliant. Travelling to Deer Valley is an easy flight into Salt Lake City from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas. Stein Eriksen Lodge arranged a luxury SUV to meet us at the airport and we travelled for about one hour through stunning winter scenery to Deer Valley.
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We were welcomed by a chef in the room preparing arrival canapes and wine. Our room was really a luxury mountain home, and was possibly bigger than our own home as far as living space, with a full hostess kitchen, laundry, two huge bedrooms, a dining room, lounge with stunning stone fireplace, two balconies and a private Jacuzzi on the deck, which comfortably accommodated everyone.
Walking to the fine dining restaurant in your ski gear for breakfast was a comfortable start to the day, then the ski valet fits your heated boots, hands you your skis and it’s onto the slopes.
Lunch at the lodge dining room offered an amazing array of winter food and fine wine served on the deck in the sunshine with gas firepits in the middle of the table or inside by the roaring fire. Some afternoons it was touch and go as to whether to continue skiing or sample another wine from the 10,000 on offer in the lodge’s wine cellar.
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We enjoyed apres ski most afternoons in the beautifully appointed gym and health club before sundowner drinks on the deck or in the Jacuzzi. Some nights we dressed for dinner in the restaurant, others we cooked in the suite and put our feet up in front of the fire while the kids relaxed in the Jacuzzi.
Deer Valley and Stein Eriksen partner with Cadillac, so you can take a luxury new Cadillac SUV and drive to the market to get supplies at no extra charge. Deer Valley is a fairly exclusive resort and the service was world class, with zero pretence and total comfort.
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The staff were incredible from the ski valet to the housemaids and dining room staff. The backdrop is stunning, with no advertising anywhere except the classic Deer Valley branding and at times their partner Cadillac, it was so refreshing to the eye to be greeted only by the classic dark green logo at every point, understated and quality touches are everywhere.
An absolute must is a horse drawn sleigh ride on the ski runs at night when no one is around. The tranquillity was deafening!
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The ski terrain suits everyone, from beginners to the super experienced. Given the varying ability of our family, there was challenge and enjoyment at every turn.
Deer Valley is one of only two resorts in North America where snowboarding is banned. While this may not be for everyone, it does allow you to focus on your skiing... not who may come in front or behind you on a board! Stein Eriksen Lodge has been described as the “ultimate ski hotel with old-world charm” and I’d have to agree, it is a true Europeanstyle ski lodge, fitted out with every luxury, understated mountain chic, casual and friendly service and no crowds.
