There is something magical about waking up the mountains. When those mountains are blanketed in pristine Utah snow, and you’re waking in the serenity of Deer Valley, the feeling is beyond surreal. This ski-only resort is not just a resort, it is grandeur and luxury at altitude. Travel & Co director, Rob, spent some time at Deer Valley, and tells the story of his ultimate day on resort.
7:00am Coffee in Bed
As a tradition of St Regis, I started my morning with the Butler Service, a fresh coffee, the morning newspaper and hands drawing the curtains to reveal the snow gently falling. I sipped slowly, already fill of anticipation for this perfect day.
7:45am Getting Ready with the Ski Valet
There is no rushing, chaos or dragging gear in the cold. The ski valet service makes preparation seamless. My boots are warmed, my skis tuned, and everything is waiting for me.
8:00am First Tracks
Right outside the ski valet, my private instructor was waiting. My instructor was an exceptional guide around the mountain. He gave me technical advice and guided me around the mountain with the secrets only a local would know. We skied the best powder stashes, the groomers with perfect corduroy, and ensured we missed any lift-lines. By noon, we skied directly to Silver Lake Restaurant – his recommendation. It was effortless, all I needed to focus was carving turns down the mountain.
12:00pm Lunch at Silver Lake Restaurant
Found mid-mountain, the Silver Lake Restaurant is a warm escape perfect to fuel up for the afternoon. My choice: The Loaded Baked Potato. Rich, cheesy with a hit of protein and a kick of jalapeños. Hearty and satisfying.
12:45pm More Skiing and a Sweet Treat
After lunch I headed back out to my favourite runs of the morning until the legs were fatigued. I could not finish the day before stopping at Snowshoe Tommy’s, at the top of the Sterling Express, for a rich hot chocolate and warm cookie. I looked across the Wasatch Mountain Ranges and savoured the moment. Back to the St Regis, my ski’s were taken care of by the valet.
3:00pm Spa Time
I treated myself to a 60-minute performance massage to reset my muscles for tomorrow. Whether at Spa Montage, the St Regis Remède Spa, Stein Eriksen Lodge, or Le Spa Chateaux, the treatments provide relaxation for all the senses. Every spa has its own elegance, but all were luxurious and deeply restorative.
4:30pm Après at The Vintage Room
The Vintage Room is an après ski dream. With live DJs, flowing Moët & Chandon and fresh sushi, the heated lounge is the perfect place to soak in the last of the sun. Sophistication meets celebrating as I toasted to another day in paradise.
6:30pm Wine Tasting at Stein Erikson
As the night settled in, I headed to the Stein Eriksen Lodge’s iconic wine cellar. The Sommelier led us through the unmarked door to the cellar with floor to ceiling redwood racks holding over 20,000 bottles. In the private tasting room, I embarked on a blind tasting over a charcuterie board. Not only did I try some incredible wines, but the group was also taught how to taste and understand the sensations of the experience.
8:00pm Dinner at Fireside Dining
Dinner was a journey to the Alps, courtesy of Fireside Dining at Empire Canyon Lodge. The highlight was the Warm Swiss Raclette, served directly from the stone fireplace. The evening continued with carved meets, signature cocktails and warm desserts. This was curated comfort food elevated with ambience and quality.
Bonus Activity: I was lucky enough to visit during the Freestyle International Ski World Cup in early February, a spectacle of speed, precision, and grace. The VIP experience with charcuterie tables, fire pits, and Moët & Chandon flowing all night, meant the experience was world-class.
Deer Valley is not a destination; it is an experience.
At Travel & Co we understand that from first light to final toast, every day can be made into a special, unique memory. Connect with one of our Snow Holiday Experts to start your ultimate snow holiday.
