Deer Valley, Utah
Courtesy of Deer Valley Resort
Utah’s legendary powder, which lures skiers to the slopes well into spring, may be Deer Valley’s biggest draw. But once the snow melts and the temperature starts to rise, the Wasatch Range emerges as a wonderland of outdoor pursuits, offering visitors an opportunity to explore this charming mountain town minus the winter crowds.
Deer Valley Resort
The mountains of Deer Valley transform in the summer months as the resort becomes a mecca of summer activities, with lift-served mountain biking, hiking and scenic chairlift rides, Summer Adventure Camp for children, award-winning dining, standup paddleboarding, horseback riding, fly fishing, and music-filled evenings at the renowned Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater.
From June 17 to Labor Day, mountain bikers can ride over 70 miles of trails, spread over six mountains that are serviced by three chairlifts. Those new to the sport (ages nine and up), or who want to master steeper terrain, can sign up for private or group lessons. Once everyone’s up to speed, a Twilight Ride Series from 4 to 8 p.m. is a must.
Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley rarely gets terribly hot, even during the peak of summer, so those 70- to 80-degree days with clear blue skies make water activities a pleasure throughout the season. Pebble Beach at Deer Valley Resort in the heart of Park City offers a boat-and-wave free paddleboarding experience for all ages and abilities. If fishing is more your speed, Deer Creek Reservoir is the perfect place to cast your line with a solid chance of landing a largemouth bass, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, or walleye.
Whether hiking with a guide or solo (taking a scenic chairlift to the top to access the trails or back down so you can rest your legs at the end of the journey), the Wasatch and Uinita Mountains are showing off this time of year with an array of green that punctuates your climb. Guided horseback rides that meander through sure-footed trails offer another way to take in the spectacular summer views, and meals can also be arranged in advance to complement the day’s ride.
Deer Valley Resort
For kids who aren’t ready to take on full days of non-stop action (and parents who may just want a little break), Deer Valley’s Summer Adventure Camp answers the call with a state-licensed, creative program where children ages two months to 12 years can work on craft projects, play games, and take part in age-appropriate outdoor activities throughout the day. Scoop the little ones up in the evening and head over to Deer Valley Resort’s Snow Park, a 5,000-seat outdoor amphitheater that presents world-renowned artists, headlining musicians, and local bands. The general admission section works well for families and couples alike, who want to set up on the hillside, breathe in the alpine air, and take in a show complemented by a picnic.
Deer Valley Resort
As the day comes to an end, The St. Regis Deer Valley offers a place to rest your head in unparalleled luxury. The full-service spa and split-ledge infinity pool encourage rest and relaxation, and three on-site restaurants, including the upscale J&G Grill conceived by the famed Jean-Georges Vongerichten, mean you’d be happy never leaving the grounds. But the resort is located just minutes away from Park City’s Historic Main Street, where all the unique boutiques and shops, galleries, restaurants, and lively bars that line the streets should definitely be enjoyed while crowds are at a minimum.
Getting there: Delta offers direct flights from Nashville to Salt Lake City, and Deer Valley Resort is an easy 40 minute drive from the airport via rental car or shuttle.