Deer Valley

Nestled in the Wasatch Mountain range, Deer Valley Resort consistently tops lists for its customer service. In skiing parlance, that translates to on-site ski valets to help you unload your gear, immaculately groomed slopes, and well-appointed lodges. (Stop for lunch at Royal Street Café at Silver Lake Lodge—it's far cry from the cafeteria-style dining you're used to mid-mountain.) What's nice about Deer Valley is there's a little something for everyone, making it a great mountain for families—there are easy cruisers like Bluebell and Lucky Jack, plus some solid steeps like Daly Bowl and Lady Morgan. Deer Valley is one of the last skiers-only holdouts, so like neighboring Alta, no snowboarders are permitted. Photos courtesy of Deer Valley Resort

With wraparound views of the Empire Express chairlift at the base of Deer Valley Mountain, Burgers & Bourbon is the kind of place that hits the spot after a day on the slopes. Burgers are obviously the thing to order; there are thirteen types on the menu, ranging from a wild turkey burger served with green goddess dressing to blackened ahi tuna with Asian slaw. (Since you’re going for it, you might as well order the trio of fries.) They deliver on the bourbon as well: There are over 200 types of bourbons and whiskeys, or you can opt for the local flight, three kinds of whiskey from local favorite High West Distillery.

Sure, snowmobiling is kind of an athletic cop-out—but if you’re going to do it while you’re in Park City, this is the place. Summit Meadows Adventures offers guided tours (for groups, or just you) in Browns Canyon where you can explore 7,000 acres with spectacular views of the the Wasatch Mountains. They also offer complimentary transportation from Park City (it’s just ten minutes from Main Street), plus helmets. Photos courtesy of Deer Valley Resort

Upper mountain's Empire Canyon Lodge serves dinner Wednesday through Saturday until early April. It's a hearty, four-course, set-price menu—cheese, cured meats, stews, roasted leg of lamb, Swiss dishes like rösti potatoes—served from their stone fireplaces. You also have the option of adding some outdoor adventure to your dinner: with a snowshoe trek before, or you can arrange for a horse-drawn sleigh ride there.

This ski-in-ski-out lodge is named for the famous Norwegian skier, who made his home in Park City for most of his life and served as a host here for many years. One of the most luxurious places to stay in town, it's known for excellent service—ski valets will whisk away your skis and serve hot apple cider at the end of a ski day, and there's a concierge on-hand to light the fireplace in your bedroom. We love the multi-room suites here for longer stays with a family, as they're outfitted with small kitchens for easy dinners and washer/dryers that come in handy for drying out frozen ski socks or long johns. Even if you're staying elsewhere, it's worth checking out the spa, which has a heated outdoor pool with stunning views of the Wasatch range.

While we couldn’t be bigger fans of the Montage Deer Valley, the St. Regis is a great option too, with tons of bells and whistles—from their signature butler service to a funicular that brings guests from the valet to the main lobby. Kids love the big swimming pool, and the fire pits on the terrace, where you can roast s’mores under the astonishingly starry sky. For parents, their impeccable service makes planning activities and getting around the town incredibly easy.

The spa at the Montage is hands-down our favorite spot in the city—the design takes its cues from the surrounding mountains, so you’ll find a pool with spectacular views, and individual soaking tubs nestled next to the fire, plus the requisite sauna and treatment rooms.

Nestled at the base of the mountain, Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater at Deer Valley Resort is the Utah Symphony’s summer home, offering a range of chamber music, classical and pops shows that run the gamut from Rogers and Hammerstein singalongs to the Symphony’s ode to David Bowie to DreamWorks Animation in concert. While the Deer Valley Music Festival also books shows at St. Mary’s Church and nearby private homes, you won’t regret listening to music in a large crowd outdoors—it’s a lot like the Hollywood Bowl, without LA’s light pollution. (Note: all concerts start at 7:30pm—it’s especially convenient if you’re staying at the St. Regis).

This casual go-to does cozy food with mid-mountain views. Part of Silver Lake Lodge, it's below Bald Mountain—in the winter, you can watch skiers coming down the slope for lunch; in summer, it's mountain bikers. On a warm day, you'll find people sprawled out picnic-style on the field in front of the restaurant, or playing some lawn games (cornhole, anyone?). There's usually a bit of a wait for a table, but the superb people-watching is an easy way to pass the time.

In true Montage form, there is nothing understated about this palatial resort nestled in the Utah mountains. While the main event is obviously on the slopes, there's plenty for those who aren't inclined to strap on skis (or who want to recover from a yard sale on the mountain). The spa is great (if you do anything book in for the Tata Harper Floral Facial), there's a kid's club for little ones who are cold-averse, and there's snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice skating on the roster of activities. The hotel has a variety of dining options too, meaning you don't have to leave the property if you don't want to: Apex serves a hearty skier's brunch buffet daily (try the gluten-free banana bread), while Yama Suhi, overlooking the Empire lift, serves a solid mix of rolls and sashimi as well as sake flights. Downstairs, Daly's Pub has a rec-room feel with a dartboard, vintage arcade games, and even a bowling alley, plus a menu of shareable brick-oven pizzas that are sure to please. Plus, from 4pm to 5pm in the winter months, and 8pm to 9pm in the summer, the…