Snow Business

New Idea’s Stephen Downie Hits Utah’s Ski Resorts

As I nervously stand atop a mighty snow-covered mountain in Utah, confidence escapes me. What if I can’t make it down? Perhaps I’ll just stay here and take in the serene views...

Deep breath, and then with a rush of adrenaline I push off and head down the slope, just as a bunch of children zip past me at speed. Ah, to be young and fearless.

I’m at Solitude, one of four fantastic Utah ski resorts I visit on my stay; each of them offering skiers something unique.

DEER VALLEY

What do the Kardashian clan, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and Gwyneth Paltrow all have in common? No, not their Pilates instructor. They all ski Utah’s famously luxurious Deer Valley Resort. And as I arrive at the resort and a ski valet takes my skis, it’s nice to feel like a celeb, if only for a moment.

Deer Valley Resort, in the Wasatch Range, is 58km from Salt Lake City. It was founded in 1981, by Edgar Stern, who wanted to create a world class ski resort, complete with impeccably groomed slopes and tasty food options (I can recommend the chocolate-chip cookies).