Deer Valley Resort is aiming for a Dec. 5 opening date. Photo: Deer Valley Resort

PARK CITY, Utah — Deer Valley Resort is targeting Dec. 5 for the start of its 2026-27 ski season, a decision in line with the resort’s tradition of opening the first weekend of December.

Deer Valley Communications Manager Riley Elliot said the resort could open earlier if conditions allow, while a lack of sufficient snow could push the opening later.

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The resort has attempted earlier opening dates, including a Nov. 29 target last season, but ultimately delayed its opening into December because of poor snow conditions.

Deer Valley has invested in top-of-the-line snowmaking equipment to help manage unpredictable snowfall. Their snowmaking window typically begins in late October, when temperatures are cold enough to make snow.

The resort now has up to 932 acres of snowmaking coverage, which Elliot said will allow crews to begin building the mountain’s base as conditions permit.

Deer Valley expects to use a phased opening strategy, initially offering terrain around Snow Park and Silver Lake before expanding into additional areas as conditions allow.

That strategy is designed to establish a strong base early in the season that can support skiing through the remainder of winter and into April.

Expanded terrain for skiers this winter

The biggest change awaiting skiers this winter is the continued rollout of Deer Valley East Village.

The new Hail Peak Express chairlift will serve an additional 200 skiable acres and seven new runs, including green, blue, and black routes. The lift brings Deer Valley to 209 runs and approximately 4,500 skiable acres. With this addition, Deer Valley will operate 32 chairlifts this winter.

Elliot said the resort is particularly eager to see skiers experience terrain that wasn’t fully accessible during last year’s difficult snow season.

“Last year was unfortunate and kind of an anomaly in terms of the snow,” Elliot said. “I’m really looking forward to hopefully a great snow year and really showcasing what this expansion is capable of and the skiing that it has.”

The resort also plans to introduce new family snow-feature zones throughout the mountain this winter.

And what about the Super El-Niño that has the ski community buzzing?

“We’ll believe it when we see it,” Elliot said.

While a favorable winter forecast would be welcome, Elliot said Deer Valley’s expanded snowmaking infrastructure provides another tool for preparing the mountain when temperatures cooperate.

“It’s just fingers crossed,” he said, “and I don’t want to get my hopes up too much.”