Park City, Utah — Last ski season was shaping up to be a big one for the ski resorts of Park City, Utah. Then the actual ski season happened, and it sucked. Despite that, Park City saw the largest expansion in North American ski history (Deer Valley), and a new gondola at America’s largest ski resort (Park City Mountain). Regardless of this disappointment, work is underway on various major projects for next ski season.
While I was in Utah for a wedding earlier this month, I stopped by both Deer Valley and Park City Mountain to check out the work on various offseason projects. Here’s what I saw:
Deer Valley
Deer Valley Resort is currently working on the latest phase of its Expanded Excellence plan. The past two seasons have seen 100 new trails, 10 lifts, and a few conveyor lifts added thanks to the new Deer Valley East Village.
I drove to the new parking lots, which are right next to the new Hail Peak terrain pod. This terrain pod will add another ten trails and a new high-speed quad to Deer Valley’s trail network. Based on its proximity, you’d imagine this is going to be where many skiers start and end their day on the slopes. The snowmaking infrastructure has been installed, and concrete pouring for the future lift towers has been completed.
One incredible contrast I found was the growth of construction. Around the roundabout, which is where Deer Valley drops off skiers from the parking lot, you can see how fast they have grown these future buildings since my last visit in July 2025.
Park City Mountain Resort
Over at Park City Mountain, the major projects are the replacement of the Cabriolet lift with an enclosed gondola system and a new parking garage at the Canyons Village. The parking garage is getting close to completion, as the complex now spreads to multiple floors. In terms of the new gondola, the base terminal has been completed, while the mid-point (which will include a new stopover) is kicking into gear. The work at the top terminal was the least noticeable, although it was fenced off.
While in the Canyons Village, I checked out the other recent addition. The Sunrise Gondola, which opened last winter, adds a new option for people to get out of the base area quicker. However, the distance from the Cabriolet top terminal makes it more preferable for guests who parked in the Upper Village Lot or are staying at hotels like the Pendry.
Other projects going on this offseason at PC include sculpting a halfpipe to host future events like the Snow League and the Olympics, and installing their first remote avalanche control towers. Next winter could see new chairlifts, but will have to survive an appeal brought forth by locals.
Image/Video Credits: Ian Wood, Sheila Hall (Deer Valley East Village), Park City Mountain Resort
