Night falls over Park City, Utah, where two mountain icons share the skyline and starkly different reputations. Photo: Park City Chamber/Bureau

Together, the resorts sustain thousands of local jobs, generate significant tax revenue for Summit County, and deliver distinctly different guest experiences.

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City, once a quiet silver mining town turned world-class destination, now holds an unusual distinction. According to the TownLift 2025 Readers’ Choice Poll, Park City is home to both the highest and lowest rated ski resorts in Utah. Deer Valley Resort ranked first overall, while Park City Mountain ranked last among major resorts in the state.

The results, drawn from more than 5,200 votes, reflect how locals and visitors view two of Utah’s most influential ski areas. Both are operated by the largest resort companies in North America. Deer Valley is owned by Alterra Mountain Company, operator of the Ikon Pass, and Park City Mountain is owned by Vail Resorts, which runs the Epic Pass.

How the rankings were determined

The inaugural TownLift Readers’ Choice Poll asked respondents to rate 15 Utah ski resorts across four categories: Snow Quality, Terrain and Layout, Vibe and Experience, and Customer Service. Each resort received a weighted average score converted into a percentage.

Deer Valley leads the state

Deer Valley earned the highest overall ranking and placed first in both Vibe and Experience and Customer Service. It also finished third in Terrain and Layout.

Respondents consistently praised Deer Valley’s service, grooming, and refined skier-only atmosphere. One voter wrote,

“I feel like they really care that people have a good experience and leave thinking about when they can come back next. The little things are often the big things, and they do both very well.”

Another said, “Best service and limited ticket sales make it the preferred weekend and holiday venue.”

Comments highlighted both nostalgia and continued loyalty. “Maybe not quite the same as before Alterra, but it’s still Deer Valley, and it’s still the best resort in Park City, no competition,” one skier said.

Several cited the resort’s staff and management as standout features: “They make it run smoothly from the time you park your car. This is a five-star resort.” Another added, “Best mountain staff you’ll find anywhere, and I’ve been skiing 50 years at dozens of resorts all over the country.”

The resort’s planned east-side terrain expansion drew excitement. “The expansion is going to bring Deer Valley to another level,” one respondent said.

Some feedback noted rising prices and crowding, but most agreed that Deer Valley remains the benchmark for a premium ski experience. As another skier put it, “Plain and simple, they do it right.”

Park City Mountain ranks lowest among major resorts

Once considered the flagship of Park City’s ski scene, Park City Mountain ranked lowest among major Utah resorts in this year’s poll. The resort’s size, accessibility, and variety of terrain still earned positive mentions, but recurring complaints centered on overcrowding, customer service, and corporate management under Vail Resorts.

Several readers described the decline in sharp terms. “Vail is an abomination. Corporate greed has ruined much of the vibe and goodwill, and in the process hurt Park City’s economic well-being,” one wrote. Another said, “Vail Resorts sucked the soul out of this place. Jupiter lift is its saving grace.”

Operational challenges were a common theme. One respondent commented,

“Park City has had a rough couple of years. Great terrain, but broken lifts, long lines, crowds, and lack of crowd management detract from what otherwise would be a great experience.”

Some voters called out staffing and management issues with a rallying cry for the resort to do better. “Need to bring the fun back, pay people a living wage, treat them nice, and watch the service and vibe rise.”

Several long-time locals expressed frustration over what they saw as the loss of a community mountain. “Park City used to be a fun, family resort,” one wrote. “They took out night skiing because it didn’t make enough money. The local kids had a place to go and could call Park City home.”

A handful of respondents found positives in the experience. “The Canyons Village side has an awesome vibe,” one said. “With the new Sunrise Gondola and Pendry Park City, it’s finally a true village.” Others noted, “Great terrain variety, something for every skier,” and, “You can’t beat the access to the mountain and the terrain on a powder day.”

Still, most concluded that improvement is needed. “Keep up the 2024-25 damage control,” one reader wrote. “Firing the CEO was a good start.”

Economic and community impact

The two resorts represent a vital portion of Park City’s tourism economy. Catering to destination travelers, luxury home owners, and Ikon and Epic Pass holders through the massive network of multi pass holders.

Together, the resorts support thousands of local jobs and generate substantial tax revenue for Summit County. However, the contrasting guest experiences highlighted in the poll reflect broader community concerns about the operational impacts on the community from these key resort partners.

Looking ahead

This season could prove pivotal for both resorts and for Park City’s reputation as a ski destination. Deer Valley’s expansion aims to sustain its high-end reputation while accommodating more guests, anchoring most of this growth in neighboring Wasatch County. Park City Mountain’s leadership changes signal an attempt to rebuild trust and improve operations, and executives have broadly said that getting back to putting guests first is a top priority.

With only weeks until the 25/26 ski season begins, the true impact of these shifting resort operations and strategies on the Park City community remains uncertain. For now, the town sits at a crossroads, home to Utah’s top-rated and lowest-rated resorts, each shaping Park City’s identity in its own way.

Source: TownLift 2025 Readers’ Choice Poll – Best Ski Resorts in Utah