Anonymous wrote:I can't believe no one mentioned The Canyons! It's a great alternative to Park City. I love Deer Valley but Canyons is a second if you're up in that area (versus at Alta/Snowbird). Lots of terrain - variety for all levels, and snowboarding is permitted, unlike at DV. Saturdays get a little crowded as there are lots of locals and kids' ski teams up there, but during the week, it's wide open, esp once you work your way over to the left where some of the more open terrain is.

Several people mentioned the Canyons. Seems to be a love/hate thing there. It's some peoples favorite and others really don't like it.

I'm a DV booster and a black diamond skier and I find there is enough challenge there, at least for a few days, with the chutes and the trees at Lady Morgan. We mostly ski on the Empire side.

OP how did your weekend go? Where did you end up skiing?

I can't believe no one mentioned The Canyons! It's a great alternative to Park City. I love Deer Valley but Canyons is a second if you're up in that area (versus at Alta/Snowbird). Lots of terrain - variety for all levels, and snowboarding is permitted, unlike at DV. Saturdays get a little crowded as there are lots of locals and kids' ski teams up there, but during the week, it's wide open, esp once you work your way over to the left where some of the more open terrain is.

You may already be out there but I could not resist as we love Utah skiing. I agree that Deer Valley is not that challenging and really a pretty cushy place, though I also know people who enjoy it. Alta is the opposite -- quite hard and old fashioned, many people's favorite place (including some of my friends who are expert skiers) but I have never found it worth the hype, mostly because I now am a blue/black skier. Snowbird is big with lots of terrain -- if you are with a family, Brighton, Solitude can have some awesome deals, and generally work very well for families. Have not been to Canyons in many years but I think it is now the biggest area, and supposed to have lots of varied terrain. It is close to Park City whereas the other areas are farther.

No boarding at DV.

We love DV...great, groomed runs, short lift lines, no snow boarders, great food. I would definitely recommend for at least 1 day.

If you have kids, you should try Solitude. It's beautiful and quiet. Not far from Alta.

We love Utah. I wasn't crazy about Deer Valley, but that's because DV doesn't have the most challenging terrain. (We skip PC and go to Snowbird/Alta instead, but we are double black skiiers) Having said that, if they are having a bad snow year, DV will have the best conditions. I have no idea what they do to baby the snow that they do have but it is nicer than the groomed runs at PC. You have intermediate skiiers so you will have fun at any of the 3 PC resorts. PC & Canyons have the more challenging terrain and more variety for everyone. DV is the most luxurious.

PC is a cute town. I've been going there since 1996 and it now has a more Aspen-like feel than it once did. (Read: much pricer) It also has better restaurants and other amenities, thanks to the Olympics and the increasing popularity of the Sundance Film Festival.

Have fun. You really can't go wrong either way.

Thank you!

We like DV much better than PC. You don't really need to buy your DV tickets today. Even Christmas week they don't sell out until around 10 am. We usually buy them the night before when we know we are going to go.

Also might depend on the weather. DV is a little more protected - PC can be very windy and cold.

I think 2 days at each is a good balance but see how you like PC the first day then decide. You can also do the Canyons, and if you feel like driving you can do a whole range of areas. We usually go to Alta and/or Snowbird, and Snowbasin for a little variety. Snowbasin is a bit of a drive but is an awesome area.

Going to Utah this weekend to ski. Our place is right on the Park City mountain, but we are also considering going to Deer Valley. First two days are definitely at Park City. We have an 8 and a 9 year old intermediate skiers. Any opinions out there? Second 2 days at Deer Valley or just stick with the convenience of Park City? 3 days Park City and 1 day Deer Valley? Have to buy tickets for Deer Valley now because they can sell out. I know it probably doesn't matter what we end up doing, but would love to hear any opinions!
Thanks.