Can anyone give me a comparison of these two ski areas? Ambience, skiing (for low-level intermediates), lodging (both quality and cost), low-key nightlife, cost, etc.

It seems the pros so far with Deer Valley are - direct flight and shorter distance to the resort from the airport (we are coming from the East Coast), and no snowboarders.

Cons for Deer Valley, (and pros for Beaver Creek) appear to be more low-level intermediate and beginner trails (maybe I am wrong about this?), lower cost for lodging, village at Beaver Creek, no village at Deer Valley.

I realize that we can stay in Park City and find more moderate lodging. We had just hoped that we could stay where we will ski and then shuttle into town at night for some restaurants, etc. Looks like instead we will have to shuttle to the ski area unless anyone knows of some reasonable condo accomodations at Deer Valley (Beaver Creek had several right in the village at $250/night - I can't find anything comparable at Deer Valley).

p.s. Will we be any better off with the lower altitude in Utah if altitude sickness gets us?

Debbie: I just got back from a week in Park City so let me see if I can answer some of your questions.

I think that Deer Valley is a great resort for intermediate skiiers. It has lots of blue trails and they groom most of them every night. Don't forget that within 5 miles are two other resorts -- Park City and the Canyons (which my friends described as more difficult than the other two -- I didn't ski the Canyons). So, if you get tired of Deer Valley there are always the others.

Plus, no snowboarders and a limited number of lift tickets per day (less crowded). The on-mountain food is GREAT.

While you cite "no village" at Deer Valley, you must remember that it is right by Park City (less than 5 mi). You can drive into Park City or you can take the free city shuttle from the Deer Valley resort. Park City is a cute little mining town with lots of restaurants, bars, spas, shopping.

Can't compare the lodging prices for the two resorts, but I can tell you that we rented a condo at Park City Resort (again, free shuttle to Deer Valley) and it came out to way less than $200 per night. The condos we stayed at are 3 Kings. Try this website for lodging info: www.skithewest.com.

I can't emphasize enough the ease of the shuttle system. Be sure to ask any lodging you consider if they are on the shuttle route. The last time we were there, we stayed at the Park Station (at the foot of Main Street) and didn't use our car once!

The other great advantage you mentioned is the ease of travel from the East Coast. You can easily ski the afternoon when you get there.

We have skied at both. We are advanced skiers but the previous poster is correct. You have much more skiing variety at Park City than Vail/Beaver Creek. I would recommend that you stay in Park City and shuttle or drive to the 2 local ski areas. Deer Valley has wonderful grooming as do the other 2. If you're not a confident skier, the lack of snowboarders would be helpful. PC also has some good easier trails and is cheaper than DV. What isn't?! PC is a cute town - lots of restaurants, etc. If you want to splurge, go to the seafood buffet at DV. It's expensive but can't be beat. If you have children, take them on a mine tour just outside of town.

In terms of access, PC is a 45 min. drive from Salt Lake. If you choose Beaver Creek, you can fly into Vail/Eagle which is also a 45 min. drive.

I don't think the altitude difference between the 2 areas is significant. If you were going to Summit County (Breckenridge), then you would notice a huge difference. Enjoy.

Either location will give you a good choice of intermideiate runs. Deer Valley has nicer amenities ( for example- you can check your skis there for no charge and save lugging them back and forth to your hotel or condo. The runs are very well groomed. The homes are beautiful. The food is very good at the lodge, and not much actually a little less expensive than Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek is going to be a little more affordable for ski in- ski out. It's a toss up with the neighboring mountains. Vail is a huge,wonderful mountain. Park City, though smaller has some great runs.
Finally- for night life, shopping, ground transportation, I think Park City/Beaver Creek is more convenient.

Add in the convenience of a quick 30 minute shuttle from Salt Lake City and more direct air travel, I vote for Beaver Creek (but stay in town and ride the buses) We like the Yarrow Hotel because all the buses stop there and its right next to the supermarket.

Steve -- I'm thinking you meant in your last paragraph to stay in Park City??? Especially since you mentioned the Yarrow?

Just wanted to point out that someone mentioned that Park City is "cheaper" than Deer Valley. When we were there 2 weeks ago, I think the difference in lift tickets was $3 a day. I don't consider that much of a difference. All of the lift tickets in the area will run you around $60-65 for a full day, adult ticket.