Sundance May Depart, But Park City Skiing Has Never Been Better
Thanks to fresh snowfall and newly expanded terrain, ski season remains in full swing in Park City, Utah. And with spring vacation planning underway, the Hollywood-adored mountain resort is luring discerning industry travelers eager to carve the powder-packed slopes and soak up the town’s European-style ambiance.
Serving as home base (at least up until this year) for the Sundance Film Festival, where studio titans hobnob(bed) up and down Main Street, Park City has grown exponentially over the past 10 years. But even with the sharp rise in new residents especially since COVID, this idyllic mountain town manages to feel down-to-earth.
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“The allure of Park City is how accessible it is as a ski town and only a short drive from Salt Lake City,” says Tiffany Layne, founder of Lavon Private Luxury, a bespoke travel curator catering to Hollywood executives who seek the ultimate in fine-tuned experiences. “One of the best perks of Deer Valley for skiers is that they don’t allow snowboarders — heaven for straight ski enthusiasts.”
Heaps of convenience-seeking executives and celebrities are avoiding the crowds of LAX (and even the more desirable and boutique Burbank Airport) by flying Aero. With one-way flights start at $725 and nary a headache-inducing line, this luxury-laden, book-by-the-seat “semi-private” aviation service provides a newly launched direct route to Park City, in addition to Aspen, Sun Valley, Napa, Vegas, Palm Springs, and Cabo. Aero also provides a 24-hour dedicated concierge and charter flights are available with executive-style seating for up to 13 passengers.
With a decked-out private terminal and plush lounge at the discreet Van Nuys Airport, Erewhon in-flight meal offerings, an array of healthy snacks, oenophile-worthy wine selections and Starlink for stress-free, mile-high communications, Aero is increasingly how those in the know are stealthily jetting off for business and pleasure.
Travelers simply check in just 20 minutes prior to departure and nestle into one of the 16 Italian leather seats on a sleek Embraer aircraft. Other typical air travel glitches are also avoided thanks to arriving in the more serene private jet terminal of Salt Lake City International Airport.
Deer Valley’s Terrain Expansion
The biggest news in Park City is the expansion of prized Deer Valley, the pristine skiers-only paradise where Taylor Swift, Larry David and Demi Moore have been spotted. A whopping 316 acres have been added, creating a total of 2,342 acres of skiable terrain. Other highlights are the opening of Deer Valley East Village (originally planned as a separate resort, formerly known as Mayflower), Keetley Express — the resort’s first six-person chairlift with a bubble that connects to the existing Deer Valley footprint — and Aurora, a fixed grip quad with a zippy loading carpet.
Powder hounds are also reveling in the addition of 20 new runs, like the voluminous Green Monster with a 2,820-foot vertical and average ski time of 20-30 minutes. This novel extension is also home to the sprawling Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, the latest hotel to debut in the tony enclave. With its prime perch overlooking the Jordanelle Reservoir and facilitated by Utah’s Military Installation Development Association, the property caters to all travelers while also providing substantial lodging discounts to active duty, reserve and retired service members.
There will be even more to love with further enhancements underway. Six new chairlifts, including a 10-person gondola, close to 100 new ski runs and tons of parking will debut in the 2025-26 ski season. Deer Valley will more than double in size and reign as one of the largest ski resorts in North America.
Luxury Stays + Après
While many shiny hotels have popped up over the years, Stein Eriksen Lodge (from $580/summer and $1,600/winter), perched mid-mountain in Deer Valley and named in honor of the Norwegian Olympic gold medalist alpine ski racer, remains the industry mecca; AMC executives recently held court on property.
“Stein is the OG in Deer Valley and has a very European alpine classic elegance,” says Layne. “What I really love about this property is their large variety of modern residences that truly elevate a chalet stay. And what sets it apart is the service — the ski valets alone make you wonder how you ever skied without one — plus the only Forbes Five-Star spa in Utah, which is a dream after a day on the mountain.”
The hotel’s location is a gem for guests who want to ski the East Deer Valley terrain given Sterling chairlift, situated just one quick swoosh from Stein’s legendary ski concierge, provides direct access. The guest rooms and suites, each with their own individual layouts, also underwent a recent renovation. Glitretind, the resident eatery serves up the best buffet breakfast and lunch in town. And the cozy lobby lounge, oozing classic Alpine authenticity, remains the gathering spot for skiers indulging in an afternoon slope side hot chocolate break or après cocktails.
Other spots for post-ski merriment are The St. Regis Bar and The Vintage Room, both at St. Regis Deer Valley where raw bar delicacies, sushi and festive cocktails are flowing. And Chute Eleven, nestled adjacent to Empire Lodge, is the latest swanky après yurt experience complete with lobster-studded seafood towers and caviar.
Hollywood Hideaway
While a ski-in/ski-out hotel is the height of convenience, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection (from $1,869) has crafted an experience that easily rivals slope side skiing. Located on more than 3,000 acres in the Wasatch Mountain range about 20 minutes from Park City, the Hollywood-adored hideaway is a refuge for any exploit seeking sybarite.
“This property is a hidden gem frequented by many A-listers who like its off-the-beaten-path location,” says Layne. “You feel like its your own wilderness retreat, and I love how immersive the experience is — you can spend the morning on untouched backcountry terrain, the afternoon on horseback and finish with a whiskey tasting at High West Distillery.”
Redefining the classic dude ranch aesthetic, The Lodge at Blue Sky is a family-friendly modern playground — think sleek structures and luxurious guest rooms seamlessly built into the land, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the surrounding mountains and an infinity pool.
When it’s time to hit Park City’s slopes, guests are whisked off to Blue Sky’s private ski lounge, decked out with a hot chocolate bar and plenty of nibbles. “This is an amazing ski perk just for hotel guests,” adds Layne. Ideally situated in a peaceful section at the base of the mountain, the lounge is about 20 steps from an all-but-secret chairlift, as close to a private lift as it gets.
After a day of shredding, guests are transported back to Blue Sky for any number of indulgences — a High West Whiskey massage (the distillery happens to be located on the property) or cacao ceremony at Edge Spa, salve-making classes at Gracie’s Farm, snow shoeing or an intimate wine tasting at one of the mountaintop yurts. Horseback riding is also essential, whether venturing through the sage-dotted countryside or in The Remuda, the 36,000-square-foot indoor riding arena. A meaningful highlight is spending time with the horses at Saving Gracie Equine Healing Foundation, the animal rescue founded by property co-owner Barbara Phillips.
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