The Vintage Room at St. Regis Deer Valley has officially reopened its doors for the winter season, marking the start of its fifth year as a premier après ski destination. Nestled at the base of Deer Hollow Run, this unique venue has evolved significantly over the years, placing an increasing emphasis on guest feedback and the changing dynamics of après ski culture. The tent, which is heated and transparent, offers a breathtaking view of the slopes, allowing guests to enjoy a cozy atmosphere while taking in the winter landscape. Parker Teske, the director of food and beverage at The St. Regis Deer Valley, stated that the venue has undergone substantial renovations each season, both physically and conceptually, to cater to the growing and changing preferences of patrons. "Every year we’re building a deck and a tent and sound systems, and we’re adding more and more to that," Teske explained. This year, the design has focused on improving circulation and sight lines to enhance the overall guest experience. The interior features lounge seating with dark leather couches and light wood tables, available by reservation. The dance floor, a central focus this season, has been strategically placed between the DJ booth and the bar to encourage a free flow of movement. Teske shared that he sketches the layout by hand at the beginning of each season, taking guest and staff feedback into account to optimize the space. "We switched the space this year to put the dance floor directly in the center. It creates a free flow between the bar and the DJ booth, so you can grab another drink, go dance a little and keep that moving," he remarked. In an effort to foster inclusivity, the VIP seating areas have been integrated more seamlessly into the overall layout. Unlike previous seasons where VIP sections felt gated off from general admission, this year’s design encourages an atmosphere where all guests can mingle. "We wanted to change that," Teske said, highlighting the importance of creating a welcoming environment. Music has also taken on a more central role in the experience at The Vintage Room. Initially, DJs served primarily as background entertainment, but as the venue’s popularity grew, the emphasis shifted to making music a focal point of the experience. Teske noted, "By year three, we noticed that people wanted to be right in front of the booth. Music became the draw." The changes at The Vintage Room reflect broader shifts in the après ski culture at Deer Valley. What was once a quick stop for skiers has transformed into a planned destination, with guests foregoing their ski boots and bibs to arrive in stylish winter attire. "Now people are quitting skiing by noon, going home to change and coming back at 3. There’s no dress code; the skier is more than welcome, but it’s taken on a life of its own," Teske elaborated. Open Tuesday through Sunday, The Vintage Room serves lunch from noon to 2:30 PM without the need for reservations, while après service runs from 3 to 7 PM, requiring reservations on most days. Guests have the convenience of skiing directly to the venue, walking from the main resort, or using the St. Regis funicular. The menu has seen a notable expansion in recent years, driven by feedback indicating a desire for more culinary variety. Notably, sushi has been added to the offerings, filling what Teske identified as a gap in the resort’s après scene. Executive Chef Matthew Fradera collaborated with local sushi chefs to create a menu designed for easy consumption in a standing-room environment, featuring small portions ideal for mingling. "There are only a handful of sushi restaurants in town," Fradera noted. "Being able to come off the mountain from skiing and have sushi available on this side of the mountain is a big deal." The menu also includes caviar service, chef rolls, and a selection of nigiri, with seafood flown in daily for optimal freshness. In response to guest feedback, hot food items have recently been introduced. While the kitchen doesn’t have a full-scale fryer, a fryer has been added to facilitate the preparation of crispy rice topped with fish, pork and leek gyozas, and vegetarian spring rolls. Behind the bar, St. Regis mixologists craft a variety of cocktails, beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages, with signature offerings such as the Papa’s Paloma and the 7452 Bloody Mary, named for the resort’s elevation. For guests reserving tables, tiered options are available, each offering unique perks, including caviar service and complimentary sushi platters upon arrival. This season, The Vintage Room has also introduced a new “Luminary” ticket, priced at $40, which guarantees entry before 5 PM on busy days, addressing concerns from locals about long wait times during peak hours. "We kept hearing from locals that they didn’t want to wait in line with no guarantee of entry," Teske explained, highlighting the venue’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience. With its unique offerings and emphasis on guest feedback, The Vintage Room continues to set itself apart as a leader in the evolving après ski culture at Deer Valley, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination this winter season.