Chasing Icons : Après at Deer Valley Means Sleigh Rides and Raclette

At most ski resorts, a sleigh ride might feel out of place. Not here at Deer Valley, considering the resort’s history and dedication for providing a luxury experience for its guests.

Making some furry new friends out here in Deer Valley, Engerbretson is smitten after a magical sleigh ride. -TGR Photo

Located in Park City, Utah, the resort was founded 37 years ago when Edgar Stern had a unique concept: creating a ski resort intertwined with an exceptional hospitality experience. Resulting in a space that not only is committed to skiing, but is coupled with first-class guest service, luxury accommodations, and gourmet food.

 200 total employees from the first season to 2,800 today—many of whom have been with the company 20 years or more—Deer Valley prides itself on its excellent customer service. 

“The fundamental philosophy at Deer Valley since its inception in 1981 has been a commitment to excellence in everything we do," says Bob Wheaton, resort president and general manager. "Every employee at the resort, whether seasonal or full time, is educated in this dedication to service and it is the key to Deer Valley's great success in a relatively short lifetime.”

From the Ski valets—who carry guests' ski gear from their cars to the slopes—to complimentary tissues in the lift line: no detail goes unnoticed here at Deer Valley.

Jillian Vogtil—the 13 year member of the US Freestyle Ski Team—was the perfect guide for exploring Deer Valley.

The skiing out here is only heightened by the exorbitant accommodations. Beloved by many Olympians, the resort was the Olympic venue for the freestyle mogul, aerial, alpine slalom back in 2002 for the Salt Lake City games. 

Using that same mogul venue—which is one of the steepest and longest in the world cup circuit—Deer Valley now hosts the World Cup each year. The three nights of competition are so popular, that it usually draws in a crowd of 5000 to 8000 spectators.

The tree skiing was by far our favorite—930 acres of the 2026 skiable acreage is comprised of tree skiing—with the best spots being xfiles, sunset trees, centennial and triangle trees. 

Now, they honor their Olympic history with a popular “Ski with a Champion” program, that brings together the guests with the local olympians.

We had such the experience by linking up with local two-time Olympian, Jillian Vogtil. 

In competition Vogtil crushes it on the moguls, and is infamous for being the only woman to perform a cork 720 at the Olympic games. 

Her positivity and passion for the mountain was contagious. “It’s always great to get the opportunity to ski with a storied and accomplished past, its inspiring.” Engerbretson said after hitting Deer Valley classic lines with Vogtil.

Nothing but powdery daydreams out here in DV

The groomers, however, are what people come to DV for. With the most iconic being Stein’s Way, a long blue/black level trail that gets the early morning sun and overlooks the Jordanelle Reservoir.

Sleigh rides, champagne, and powder. It feels like we're in a fairytale. -TGR Photo

Picking from the incredible dining selections was the hardest part of our day. We were tempted by the Veuve Clicquot Yurt at Montage, because the lobster chili and champagne sounded extraordinary after all the powder skiing. We ultimately opted for the fireside dining at Empire Canyon Lodge, because of their selection of perfectly curated European foods. Rocklettes by the fire might just be our favorite new way to Apres.