Montage Deer Valley: Where Fall Foliage Meets the First Snow
We visited Montage Deer Valley in late October, that in-between season where the mountains can’t decide if they belong to fall or winter. It turned out to be the best of both worlds: we caught the brilliant fall foliage and the first snowstorm of the season in the same weekend. Watching snow dust the golden aspens outside our window was pure magic, a scene straight from a storybook.
From our Peak View Guest Room, we could see the mountains transform in real time. One morning, we even spotted a pack of elk wandering below our balcony, framed by the mix of green pines and newly frosted slopes. The room itself felt like a luxurious mountain hideaway; cozy yet spacious, with a gas fireplace, marble bathroom, and panoramic views of the Wasatch range. These rooms average around 600 square feet, with private balconies or patios and rich, lodge-style furnishings that perfectly suit the alpine setting.
We were also welcomed with a chocolate cake shaped like a mountain to celebrate a birthday, one of those personal touches Montage always does so well, and a complimentary upgrade to a Peak View guest room, which made the stay even sweeter (no pun intended).
How To Get To Deer Valley
Montage Deer Valley is perched atop Empire Pass in Park City, Utah, about 10 minutes from Main Street and 40 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). The drive from the airport is scenic and easy, with well-maintained roads that climb gently into the mountains.
Once on property, you feel worlds away from everything. Yet thanks to Montage’s complimentary local shuttle, it’s easy to explore downtown Park City, and we used it daily to wander Main Street’s shops, galleries, and cozy restaurants.
Exploring Montage Deer Valley
Set high above the valley, Montage Deer Valley feels like a modern mountain lodge brought to life with 174 deluxe guest rooms and suites, plus 81 private residences, all surrounded by alpine trails, ski runs, and endless views. The design pays homage to America’s great lodges of the West, complete with timber beams, stone fireplaces, and warm, inviting interiors.
Over the past year, the private residences have slowly begun receiving thoughtful remodels, and I had the chance to tour a two-bedroom residence during my stay. These spaces are absolutely stunning, a true step above the guest rooms, and ideal for families or longer stays. Each residence includes in-unit laundry, a full kitchen, dining area, and spacious living room with fireplace, making it a perfect setup for multi-generational trips or stays with small children. They combine the comfort of a private mountain home with all the resort amenities and service Montage is known for.
The resort offers true ski-in/ski-out access to Deer Valley’s renowned slopes, along with a 35,000-square-foot Spa Montage, outdoor pool and whirlpools, fire pits, on-site retail, and more than 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space.
What stands out most is how Montage builds community and connection around recreation and wellness. The property is as dynamic in summer as it is in winter; there’s always something to do.
Compass Sports & Seasonal Activities
Montage Deer Valley makes the most of its magical alpine setting with Compass Sports, the resort’s full-service outfitter and adventure hub. Whether you’re skiing, hiking, or biking, the team here ensures you have everything you need for a seamless mountain experience.
In the winter, Compass Sports offers ski rentals, lift tickets, and the latest ski accessories directly on-site, so no need to leave the resort. You can step outside your room, pick up your equipment, and be on the slopes within minutes. They also handle boot warming, ski storage, and tune-ups, so your gear (and your toes) are always ready to go.
If skiing isn’t your thing, Montage offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, ice skating, and even private tubing. Each guest is also paired with a dedicated Mountain Host, whose entire goal is to make your ski experience truly carefree.
In the summer, the resort’s trails transform into a playground for mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, archery, fly fishing, and more. The concierge can arrange guided experiences for any level of adventure, from tranquil riverside picnics to challenging summit treks.
Dining at Montage Deer Valley
For a mountain resort, Montage delivers an impressive culinary range. Each restaurant feels intentional, not an afterthought.
- Apex – The resort’s signature restaurant, serving elevated mountain American cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Think hearty yet refined; the kind of meal that feels earned after a day on the slopes. This is also where your complimentary breakfast is served when booking your stay with us.
- Yama Sushi – The head chef trained in Japan, and the fish is flown in daily. The sushi quality rivals top city restaurants, and the intimate setting overlooking the Empire ski runs makes it a must-visit.
- Daly’s Pub & Rec – a modern take on a classic Park City pub, featuring brick-oven pizzas, hearty mountain fare, and daily specials. Think local microbrews, wines, cocktails, and specialty sodas in its inviting open-kitchen atmosphere.
- Burgers & Bourbon – Casual and cozy, with the best burger in the mountains and a great whiskey list. It’s soon merging with Apex, which should streamline the dining program nicely. Pro Tip: try their famous nachos.
- Buzz – The on-site espresso bar and café, offering excellent coffee, pastries, and grab-and-go snacks for early risers or hikers.
- The Après Lounge – Open only in winter, this ski-in/ski-out Champagne lounge is located behind Montage Deer Valley in Empire Village. It’s the perfect mountain stop for gourmet bites and bubbles between runs on the Ruby, Empire, and Lady Morgan lifts.
- Slope Stream – Casual outdoor dining beside the Empire Lift, ideal for ski-in/ski-out meals or a post-hike lunch. Guests can enjoy mountain views, cozy firepits, and a menu of fresh bites, local beers, and wines. Not open year round.
We dined at several venues during our stay and were consistently impressed by the service, which was attentive yet relaxed. Montage has mastered that blend of genuine warmth and quiet professionalism that makes you feel both cared for and at ease.
Spa Montage & Wellness
After a long day outdoors, Spa Montage Deer Valley is the place to unwind. The spa is massive, 35,000 square feet of alpine serenity, featuring a cold plunge, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and a beautiful indoor mosaic lap pool with mountain views. You do not need to have a treatment scheduled to indulge in all of the amenities.
One of my favorite touches was the adults-only indoor pool, which becomes family-friendly during the final hours before closing. It’s a thoughtful way to maintain tranquility without excluding families entirely.
The fitness center deserves a special mention and it’s the largest I’ve seen at any hotel, equipped with everything from Peloton bikes to free weights and functional training equipment. Whether you’re maintaining your ski conditioning or simply staying active, it’s a standout facility.
What to Pack
The weather in Park City can shift quickly, especially in the shoulder seasons, so layering is key. Bring:
- Warm base layers and waterproof outerwear if visiting in winter or early spring
- A hat, gloves, and sturdy boots (even in fall — snow can appear overnight!)
- Comfortable hiking shoes for summer and fall
- A swimsuit for the spa and pools
- Casual mountain-chic attire for dining — most venues are stylish but relaxed
Montage’s concierge and Compass Sports team are always ready to outfit guests with anything they may have forgotten, from ski gear to sunscreen.
Honest Thoughts & Looking Ahead
Montage Deer Valley remains one of the most established and iconic resorts in Park City, and for good reason. Its location, service, and sense of place are unmatched. That said, it’s starting to show its age slightly. With Four Seasons Deer Valley on the horizon and the new Grand Hyatt Deer Valley now open, a light refresh would help Montage retain its leadership in the market. It’s also down the street from Goldener Hirsh, and you can read our review here. It doesn’t need to lose its character; the Craftsman warmth and rustic grandeur are part of its DNA, but an aesthetic update would bring it back to the forefront of modern luxury.
Virtuoso Benefits
Booking your stay through our Virtuoso partnership means you’ll receive exclusive amenities at no additional cost, including:
- Upgrade at time of booking (for rooms and suites, subject to availability)
- Daily breakfast credit of $90 per bedroom (restaurant or in-room dining)
- $100 resort credit toward dining, spa, or Compass Sports
Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
Virtuoso upgrades are prioritized above other programs, including Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, and can often be combined with Montage’s promotions, such as their Ski Montage offer, which includes a complimentary fourth night and daily Compass Sports credit toward rentals. Contact us to learn more about this promotion.
Final Take
Montage Deer Valley captures the spirit of the mountains like few places can: refined, warm, and deeply connected to its alpine setting. Whether you visit in fall to see the aspens glow, in winter for world-class skiing, or in summer for hiking and fly fishing, this resort offers something meaningful year-round.
While I’d love to see a gentle refresh in the coming years, Montage remains one of Park City’s most timeless escapes, where luxury feels effortless and nature takes center stage.
If you’d like help planning your next stay, we can book your visit at the same rate you’ll find online, but with exclusive Virtuoso amenities and VIP priority.
For more information on current rates or to start planning your next adventure, email us at [email protected] or complete a Travel Request Form. If you’re still exploring your options, we have several resources to help you, including our complimentary booking tool, a Preferred Hotels Map, and detailed blog posts.
Curious about dates and pricing? Email [email protected] or complete our quick Travel Request Form. We also offer tools to help you browse and explore more options across the luxury hotel world.





















































