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The ski vacation has evolved substantially from the no frills mountain adventures most common in the 1970s and 1980s. All resorts across Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming have been in a quiet race to craft the perfect vacation experience.
The last ten years have brought continual expansion to the size of resort facilities, on mountain services, shopping, and dining. While there are many top quality ski destinations; Vail Resort in Vail, Colorado and Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah consistently fill the #1 and #2 spots as rated by Ski Magazine readers. Deer Valley Resort has taken the number one honors in 2001, 2005, 2007, and 2008.
To consistently hold the #1 spot in Ski Magazines survey, Deer Valley Resort focuses on its dining experience, on mountain services, and well manicured ski runs. Deer Valley is widely known to have the best food in the ski business but it does not just stop with lunch. The resort converts its opulent ski lodges into fine dining restaurants each night during the ski season. Each evening the staff redecorates with such skill you can hardly notice that you are dining in the same lodge you ate lunch earlier in the day.
The Mariposa is considered Deer Valley's flagship dining establishment serving European continental fare. The Mariposa is located in Deer Valley Resort's Silver Lake Lodge which overlooks the picturesque Silver Lake area. Fireside Dining offers optional romantic horse drawn sleigh rides before dinner and a unique Swiss alpine menu served alongside stone fireplaces. Fireside dining is located at the secluded Empire Canyon Lodge located in the Empire Pass area of Deer Valley Resort. The Seafood Buffet is a longtime favorite featuring a large selection of seafood as well as hearty items from the grill. The Seafood Buffet is located in Deer Valley's Snow Park Lodge in lower Deer Valley.
The Glitretind restaurant located in the Stein Eriksen Lodge in the Silver Lake area of Deer Valley Resort is another fantastic dining option. Nestled among the aspens at Deer Valley Resort, the Glitretind offers regional American cuisine in a warm and elegant setting. First courses include Utah Lamb Cassoulet, Seared Foie Gras, Diced Sashimi Tuna, and Seared Breast of California Quail. Main Courses include Rocky Mountain Elk Tenderloin, Muscovy Duck à la Orange, Braised Kobe Short Ribs, and Grilled Filet of Colorado Beef.
Park City has also added many fine dining establishments as well as hundreds of new luxury ski accommodations. The modern traveler demands a decidedly more luxurious experience than the traditional ski vacation lodging options and restaurants were able to provide.
As a result of the recent transition towards a more discerning palate, area restaurants have responded by introducing a rich dining experience worthy of top honors. Distinguished rating agencies such as the Michelin Travel Guide, Mobile Travel Guide, and Zagat Restaurant Guide have awarded Deer Valley area restaurants with their highest ratings.
The Goldener Hirsch restaurant located in the famous Goldener Hirsch Inn and the Glitretind restaurant located in the Stein Eriksen Lodge are two such restaurants. My personal favorite is the Goldener Hirsch Restaurant because of the delicious cheese fondue appetizer and the quaint Austrian decor.
No matter what your personal preference, Deer Valley Resort certainly lives up to its reputation as a top ski destination in North America. There are now many unique dining options to compliment the fabulous skiing and scenery. Its definitely worth a closer look.
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