Deer Valley Resort has launched a children's coloring book and introduced a new mascot, Eddie the moose, as part of its expansion efforts. The initiative aims to connect young visitors with the resort's legacy through storytelling and exploration.
PARK CITY, Utah — As Deer Valley Resort embarks on an ambitious expansion project, a new initiative aimed at children has emerged, created to foster engagement with the resort’s rich heritage. This initiative includes the introduction of a new character, Eddie the moose, alongside a new adventure story and coloring book titled "Meeting of the Mascots."
Dan Gregory, the resort's director of organizational design and expansion, highlighted the importance of addressing how the ongoing development, known as the Expanded Excellence Project, resonates with the younger demographic. “We are expanding our terrain, but we want to ensure we’re also reaching out to children and creating a connection for them to our heritage,” Gregory said.
In his quest to maintain the resort’s identity during this growth, Gregory consulted Deer Valley's historical archives and discovered an old coloring book that detailed the backstory of the resort’s original mascots. This book illustrated how various animals worked together to support the mining community, which played a significant role in the development of skiing in the area.
To tie this theme into the new expansion, the resort team proposed the introduction of a new character to accompany the existing mascots. This led to the development of Eddie the moose, who symbolizes exploration and adventure—core values that Deer Valley wishes to impart to its younger visitors. Gregory stated, “Eddie encourages children to explore new areas, aligning perfectly with our resort's expansion.”
The story of Eddie was conceptualized by Gregory during a trek to Everest Base Camp, where he had time to reflect and draft ideas. The project quickly evolved into a collaborative effort, involving various teams within the resort, including marketing and external partners. This teamwork culminated in the launch event for the coloring book, which took place in Park City, Utah.
The introduction of Eddie not only honors the legacy of the resort but also opens the door to various future projects, from merchandise to seasonal activities designed for families. Gregory acknowledged the challenge of balancing this smaller venture with a large-scale expansion but expressed optimism regarding the potential growth opportunities that can arise from Eddie’s introduction.
The focus remains on creating a shared experience that families can enjoy while also honoring the Deer Valley legacy. With this new story and mascot, the resort aims to encourage children to engage with the mountain and the community, laying the groundwork for future adventures within this expanding destination.