I've skied almost everywhere in the US and Deer Valley really is the best. I used to think that it was a retirement mountain until I really learned the terrain and understood their mission. That is 80% of the mountain is not skied much, so the 20% or so green/blue groomers that most tourist are on seem easy, maybe even slightly busy. The rest of the mountain is all yours! Also there are many other blues that are not busy and are a lot of fun. The lift system is just awesome, never far from the car or home. The real hidden gem is all the expert terrain, powder that lasts for several days, fast cruisers, and great weather. You know all about the food, town, lodging being great, but this is a mountain that all the local skiers favor including the pro racers. The critics just don't spend enough time there.