Deer Valley Resort entered uncharted territory last year when it leased 3,700 acres of new ski terrain overlooking the Jordanelle Reservoir. On Thursday, it gave skiers a map.
In addition to the resort’s traditional terrain, the new map depicts the named runs and lifts included in Phase 1 of the Deer Valley East Village expansion. That phase is expected to open in December. However, the map hints at where it plans to place many of the lifts and runs for Phase 2, which is expected to open during the 2025-26 season.
Once completed, the expansion is slated to include 16 new lifts and at least 120 new runs.
“Deer Valley’s new trail map is more than just a guide to our expanded terrain,” Susie English, vice president of marketing, said in a media statement, “it’s a work of art that captures the essence and intricacies of our mountain landscape.”
English said Deer Valley tried and failed to bring renowned ski map artist James Niehues out of retirement to draw the map. Instead, illustrator Rad Smith, Niehues‘ his protege, created the new trail map.
The illustration brings to life just how much bigger Deer Valley will be once the expansion is completed. In total, it will span 5,726 acres — nearly triple the resort’s current footprint. The map will likely change again in coming years, however, as Deer Valley pursues an extensive overhaul of its Snow Park base area and as the resort’s East Village develops.
Three lifts and 20 runs have been added for the 2024-25 season. The lifts include Keetley Express, a high-speed six-person bubble lift; Hoodoo Express, a high-speed quad; and Aurora, a quad chair. Hoodoo and Aurora will serve mostly beginner terrain near the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley hotel, which is scheduled to open later this month. Keetley Express connects skiers to the mostly intermediate terrain on the east side and provides a link to the runs and amenities in traditional Deer Valley.
Deer Valley has set Dec. 7 as its season-opening date.
Deer Valley Resort Deer Valley Resort unveiled its new trail map, which includes the first lifts and runs in its expanded terrain, on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. The map was drawn by Rad Smith.
