Just hoping to get some thoughts here...we have booked a family ski trip with another family for a few days before and a few days after New Years.We are staying at Hotel Park City and skiing Deer Valley.The prices are astronomical. Its not that I mind spending the money..its just that Im starting to wonder if its really worth it.Wouldnt two 7 year-olds be just as happy at a nice but not super luxe hotel??Is this place and area really worth theses prices??Having not been to this area(Im a big Jackson Hole fan)..Im not sure I can justify this kind of money without being SURE Im gonna love it.Please advise!!

Hmm, Deer Valley, the intermediate mountain with expert food.

You picked the most expensive resort in the Salt Lake City area. The slopes will be magnifently groomed, and the Kleenex boxes at each lift will always be full. The mountain won't be overly crowded, as they limit ticket sales. While I had no negative experiences the time I was there, and really enjoyed their lunch buffet, the crowd really was a little too 'upscale' and 'self-important' for my tastes. You are paying for the 'luxury', not for a 'better' ski mountain.

If you are a Jackson Hole fan based on the terrain, Deer Valley may be a disappointment. Oh, there is some challenging terrain, but that is not what the place is known for. If you still want to stay in Park City, Park City Mountain Resort and The Canyons will offer more diverse skiing. Either of these 2 resorts will offer packages for their own base lodging; you might want to comparison shop that against what you have now; I have seen The Canyons have interesting deals at various times.

Of course, you have probably also picked one of the most expensive times to ski anywhere....I doubt you'll find many bargains anywhere in Park City at that time. If you are concerned about sampling Utah on the cheap, stay in SLC or one of the suburbs (Sandy, Midvale).
I personally wouldn't worry about 7 year old's opinions of your accomodations - pick that out based on the adults' needs. If the adults want upscale, fine, but I can't see doing that for kids, who in all likelihood have not developed an appreciation for that sort of thing yet.

I'm sure you'll have fun if you go at the Deer Valley thing as sort of a luxury/pampering ski type vacation - it's worth it for that. But, if you are looking for a hardcore skiing experience, there are better Utah resorts...Alta, Snowbird, and Snowbasin for example.

Also, you might consider the 2 resorts in Big Cottonwood Canyon - Solitude and Brighton, maybe even staying at some of the lodging at the base of Solitude. Still might be pricey staying right at the resort, but better snow & a better variety of terrain...plus Solitude has some unique ticketing options for those that don't want to ski as much (per lift ride pricing).

Have fun whatever you decide - there are a lot of choices in Utah skiing, and you can make the vacation whatever you want it to be....

We had a timeshare in Park City and did not set foot on the mountain. Alta Snowbird, Briton, and Solitude all have better snow and better prices. Last year we returnred, stayed in Sandy and paid $64 day each for our lodging AND lift tickets with a choice of the 4 places I mentioned. The only catch is you need a rental car to avoid riding the mountain shuttle.

As much as I enjoyed the pampering, I've got to say DV was my least favorite hill in the SLC area.

If you like the terrain and scenery of JH, DV will be a big change and probable letdown.

I like the Solitude idea, but if you like big terrain and great vistas, I'd say Snowbird would work. (Although Snowbird has a higher percetage of black terrain, but then so does JH.)

Thanks for your replies...when I said I liked Jackson Hole..it wasnt for the skiing...Im not quite that good..lol.I meant the atmosphere,etc.Overall, we are beginner/intermediate skiers and the kids are just learning...one of the reasons for Deer Valley ..their ski school.I love luxe..just not uppity self-important attitude.I voted for Telluride ..but lost.Any other thoughts??

ttt

Personally, I love DV and Park City Mountain. I am also a beginning to intermediate skiier. We usually ski with a large crowd whose abilities range from mine at the low end to those who enjoy the black diamond slopes. The nice thing about the DV/Park City area is that there is lots for all of us to ski. DV does limit ticket sales and prohibits snow boarders, so it is nice for beginners. Also, I learned to ski at the DV ski school, so I can vouch that it is pretty good. Pay up for the private or small group lessons for your kids -- it will take a lot less time and they will learn a lot.

DV and Park City have lots of groomed blue trails so they are perfect for intermediate skiiers. I didn't find the people to be pretentious or self-important. In fact, I wear a Columbia jacket and whatever pants fit and have never felt out of place.

What you will like about this area is the easy access to the airport at Salt Lake City (unlike a lot of CO resorts); the cute town of Park City with lots of restaurants and quaint shops; the delicious on-mountain food at DV; and the ease of getting from one resort to another (free city bus from the Park City area to the mountain to DV). The only one you'll need alternate transportation to is the Canyons, which I didn't ski, but my group didn't like as well.

HTH.

Hey capri767 -

For the beginner/intermediate crowd looking for groomed trails and a good ski school, Deer Valley probably will deliver what you're looking for....your liking JH really threw me off a bit there on giving advice. (JH has a reputation as a very bad beginner/intermediate mountain.) But at Deer Valley/Park City, you may be even happier - you get a mountain town vibe, plus more appropriate skiing for your level and lots of it!

I still don't like the upscale Deer Valley vibe, but that's just me, and like I said, no one was ever rude or anything, I just found it weird, like I had nothing in common with anyone else there. But, then, I am a very hard-core skier; I'm one of those going up the tram at JH! Your mileage may vary (lisettemac was obviously perfectly happy there, and she seems to ski at about the level of your group)

By the way, don't feel bad about being outvoted on T-Ride. The Park City area is much easier to get to, and you'll have a ton of terrain to your liking.

Im really looking forward to it..Im hoping Hotel Park City isnt too far from Deer Valley...it doesnt seem to be.Any cool places to eat that anyone can recommend.....

Don't know where the Hotel Park City is, but if it is on the bus line, you will be fine. All you have to do is schlep your stuff to the nearest bus stop and catch the free city bus to DV.

As for restaurants, it's been about 2 years (the age of my kids!) since I've been, so I don't know what's still open. There are lots of good restaurants, though, some fancier than others. We enjoyed a brew pub near the top of the hill and an Italian place at the top of the hill (Grappa maybe?) for a nice birthday dinner.

I ski Deer Valley nearly every winter. Its expensive but the slopes are Never crowded and always well groomed. I believe the Hotel Park City is on the end of Park City that Deer Valley is. I could be wrong. "Park City Ski Area" is much cheaper and in the heart of the city (town). Park City is very old and is a former mining town. Deer Valley started out as 'Dear' Valley because it was around the corner where all the cat houses were! You could also ski at the nearby Canyons resort. Lots of price options and hotel choices in Park City. Try it out once.

Thanks..I think we will.Hearing everyone's suggestions really helps...Im looking sooooooo forward to skiing in the west.Hope the ski school can help us!!!