The ski vacation has evolved substantially from the no frills mountain adventures most common in the 1970s and 80s. All resorts across Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming have been in a quiet race to craft the perfect vacation experience.

Ski resorts have expanded the overall size and quality of their facilities, increased levels of service, and focused on the quality of their restaurants and shopping. Ski Magazine readers consistently rate Vail in Vail, Colorado and Deer Valley in Park City, Utah as the #1 and #2 resorts in the U.S.A. and Canada. Vail Resort held the #1 spot in 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2006. Deer Valley Resort won the honors in 2008, 2007, 2005, and 2001.

To earn the #1 spot Deer Valley Resort has focused not only on the quality of its skiing, but also on mountain services and the Deer Valley dining experience. Deer Valley Resort does not just serve skiers lunch during the day. At night they convert their lodges into fine restaurants which are arguably some of the best restaurants in Deer Valley and Park City Utah.

Deer Valley Fireside Dining is held in the Empire Canyon Lodge and features a Swiss menu of alpine delights served fireside. The Seafood Buffet located in the Snow Park Lodge offers all types of seafood delicacies including sushi, prawns, shrimp, crab legs, and even duck and prime rib. The flagship Mariposa Restaurant serves continental cuisine and is located in the Silver Lake Lodge at mid-mountain.

The town of Park City Utah has followed suit by increasing the number of luxury accommodations, fine dining, and shopping options. The expansion over the last 10 years has been very dramatic with literally hundreds of new luxury lodging options gradually replacing the more traditional ski vacation accommodations.

As a result of the transition to a more discerning traveler, area restaurants have responded by providing sophisticated dining experiences worthy of the most distinguished palate. There are several restaurants in close proximity to Deer Valley Resort that receive top rankings though distinguished rating agencies such as Mobile, Michelin, Zagat, and AAA.

Although there are many fantastic Deer Valley restaurants, my favorite choice is the Goldener Hirsch Restaurant which is tucked away in the Austrian inspired Goldener Hirsch Inn. The Stein Eriksen Lodge has arguably one of the finest restaurants in the county with its Glitretind Restaurant. The Glitretind is also famous for its daily Skiers Lunch Buffet during the winter season.

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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