We are going to Deer Valley for a few days of skiing and have only skied in Vermont and New Hampshire, mostly blue squares. Does anyone have suggestions on getting around? We are renting a car and staying at Deer Valley Lodge Courchevel. Any tips on flying with skis and boots? Good restaurants? We are returning on Monday on the red-eye. What could we do after skiing on Monday? We are both 60 years old.

We always carry our boots on the plane because we don't want to take a chance on their not arriving. We can rent skis and even clothes, but if we're not wearing boots that fit, we're cranky.

We have a Ski Tube that holds two pair of skis, is hard so it protects the skis, and has wheels, which makes it easier to drag around.

Hi Carol,

Normally, I would say don't bother renting a car since the free shuttles take you everywhere, but since you will have some free time late Monday, it might be nice to have one for that day. For your other days, you will probably not even use the car because getting around is easier by shuttle. Parking here is limited and difficult.

There are enough excellent restaurants here to keep you busy for years of ski trips. Do a search using the text box above for "Deer Valley" or "Park City restaurants".

I also highly recommend taking your ski boots as carry on. I'm so difficult to fit, that if I don't have my own boots, I can't ski - period. If you fly with a soft ski bag, pack your soft stuff (socks, T necks, fleece, gloves) around the skis and poles. It helps.

As for after Monday skiing, how about a massage at one of the spas? Or, more fun, a visit to the Utah Olympic Park if you finish early. Very impressive facility!

If you wanted to stop in SLC enroute to the airport, Temple Square is very interesting and beautiful. There are many great restaurants downtown too.

Have fun!

Thanks. What about the trails? Are they clearly marked? Does everything open at 9 and close at 4 as it does here in the East? And should we purchase the lift tickets ahead of time? I purchased a Transpack bag for my boots, but am not sure that there will be enough room. Is there anything to do ahead of time to compensate for the altitude? Again, thanks for your help. -Carol

Hi again Carol,

Yes the ski runs are clearly marked. It helps if you carry a trail map with you. Trail maps are available righ tin the lift line on the posts.

Also, Deer Valley and Park city Mtn Resort have free mountain tours in the mornings and afternoons. Ask at the ticket window what time to meet and where. You shouldn't need to purchase tickets ahead. There are "human" and "machine" ticket lines.

Utah lifts usually open at 8:30 am. The higher lifts on the mountains will close before the lower ones. Upper lifts usually run till 3:30 pm.

For altitude: no alcohol on the flight, drink lots of water, eat a healthy meal upon arrival, and hopefully be in good physical shape overall. Take an asprin before landing and at bed time. It helps.