Deer Valley targets Dec. 18 opening for expanded terrain and new high-speed lift

Deer Valley East Village terrain expansion. Photo: TownLift

"The targeted date is December 18, but snow, weather, and construction schedules can shift," revealed Susie English, vice president of marketing at Deer Valley, at the 2024 Tourism Fall Forum.

DEER VALLEY, Utah — At the Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau’s Tourism Fall Forum on Nov. 1, Susie English, vice president of marketing at Deer Valley, revealed details about the resort’s improvements, timelines, and commitment to preserving the guest experience amidst its ambitious growth.

In terms of the expanded terrain, Keetley Express, the resort’s first six-seat, high-speed “bubble” lift, will connect Deer Valley East Village to existing Deer Valley terrain, bringing skiers near the bottom of the Sultan Express lift on Bald Mountain. In response to the question, “When can we start skiing the new terrain?” English revealed that the targeted date is Dec. 18, though weather and construction schedules may affect this timeline.

The two additional chairlifts opening this season, Hoodoo Express and Aurora, will service new beginner trails and provide return access to the Deer Valley’s East Village. English added that these upgrades will include 500 new parking spaces to ease congestion during peak times.

Looking further ahead, English outlined Deer Valley’s “Expanded Excellence” initiative, which includes plans to add six new lifts over the next three to five years, culminating in a lift that will transport skiers from the base to higher than Bald Mountain.

As Deer Valley scales, challenges arise in maintaining its renowned guest experience, English acknowledged. “How do we do that when we more than double in size? That’s a challenge,” she admitted, emphasizing the need to instill the resort’s service values across a growing workforce. Aiming to balance growth with environmental and community stewardship, English highlighted Deer Valley’s increased investment in employee housing and transportation, including a new project set to provide 200 additional beds.