Deer Valley Resort, a premier ski destination in Utah, officially opened two new lifts—the East Village Gondola and the Pinyon Express—on December 31, 2024, just in time for the bustling holiday season. This expansion comes as the resort manages a sold-out crowd, with lift tickets and Ikon Pass reservations fully booked through January 2, 2025, ensuring that visitor numbers are controlled to enhance the skiing experience. The new lifts not only modernize Deer Valley’s infrastructure but also introduce over 300 acres of previously untouched terrain, bolstering the resort’s offerings. Among the new runs is Clipper, a green run that reaches an impressive elevation of nearly 9,350 feet, providing skiers with access to high-altitude terrain serviced by the Pinyon Express. This six-pack detachable chairlift is designed with individual seat heating, making it particularly appealing for beginner skiers who are looking to enjoy longer runs at higher elevations. The Pinyon Express also plays a crucial role in connecting various mountain areas, including Bald Mountain, Flagstaff Mountain, and Park Peak. The East Village Gondola, a state-of-the-art 10-passenger, two-stage gondola, offers flexibility as its lower and upper sections can operate independently based on weather conditions. Currently, skiers are using the gondola for downloading to the East Village while ski access to upper runs is not yet available. The gondola's design is aimed at improving the skier experience during varying weather, a necessary feature given the unpredictable conditions that have characterized this ski season. The construction and opening of these two lifts were made possible by months of meticulous planning and real-time adjustments. Emily Summers, Deer Valley’s communications director, emphasized the significance of flexibility in operations, stating, "Getting the first two of our brand new lifts open was the result of months of planning paired with real-time adaptation. Our teams plan well in advance for multiple weather scenarios, but the variability we’ve seen this season required constant reassessment." The lifts were installed in July during a public helicopter fly-day, where over 1,000 spectators watched as a Chinook helicopter transported more than 30 towers for the gondola and all 11 towers for the Pinyon Express lift. This striking visual of infrastructure development highlights the resort's commitment to enhancing its facilities and skier experience. Despite facing challenges such as warm weather and limited snowfall earlier in the season, Deer Valley has prioritized the safety and quality of its skiing terrain. The resort has focused on opening new runs only when conditions are optimal, ensuring that newly opened areas can withstand traffic. As of January 1, 2025, Deer Valley had 16 out of 31 lifts operational, allowing access to 41 trails, with plans for additional openings as conditions improve. "We’re prioritizing terrain that helps disperse guests, reduces pressure on core areas, and improves circulation between lift pods," Summers explained. "That means openings won’t always be linear or intuitive from a guest perspective, but they are intentional, based on safety, snow quality, and operational efficiency." The management team at Deer Valley is constantly evaluating snow conditions, wind, and temperatures each morning to make informed decisions about which terrains can be safely opened. This involves extensive communication among the mountain operations team to ensure that all staff members are aligned in their approach, particularly during high-demand periods like the holiday season. The recent snowfall has contributed positively, but consistent cold temperatures remain crucial for maintaining snow quality. Cold weather allows the snowmaking team to build depth and ensures that groomed surfaces remain intact, particularly on high-traffic runs. Summers noted, "Durability is still an important consideration, but this season looks a little different. Right now, we’re opening terrain as natural conditions allow and being very intentional about how we manage it." With skier numbers capped during this peak period, each new lift and terrain opening serves a vital role in managing crowding and enhancing the overall guest experience. "Expanding access allows us to better distribute guests across the mountain, easing congestion in core areas and improving the overall experience," Summers stated. In addition to these two new lifts, Deer Valley plans to unveil five more this winter, which will collectively provide access to 80 new ski runs. By the completion of this expansion project, the resort is set to more than double its skiable terrain, adding an impressive 3,700 acres and solidifying its status as a premier ski destination in the United States. As Deer Valley continues to adapt and grow, the resort remains dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for all its guests, ensuring that skiing enthusiasts can enjoy the beauty and thrill of Utah's mountainous landscapes.