I find it funny what single moms prioritize vs what single dads prioritize. I’ll save it for my (second) TedTalk.

I prioritize safety. I prioritize creating situations with the least chance for ME having a meltdown. My Wall Street days may have been a lifetime ago, but I worked hard for the money I can now invest in experiences, and, as my mom used to say, “Ashleigh’s idea of camping is a hotel without room service.”

I grew up in northern New Jersey and my much-sportier-than-I-am mom would get me skiing mid-week every chance she could. We shared Bergen County with Campgaw, the state with Mountain Creek, and long-weekend ski destinations all over Vermont. Thanks to Palms, Stratton Mountain has been the one I have visited most. Après anyone?

Fast forward to my days residing in the Pacific Northwest. I first skied Whistler, on Canada’s beautiful west coast, just north of Vancouver, in 2007. I skied one of the local Seattle mountains, Snoqualmie, also that winter, and it should’ve been an early warning sign my ex husband and I were not a good match.

After having my Littles and thinking I wouldn’t downhill ski anymore, I thank Banff, British Columbia, and an adventurous ex-turned-friend, for getting me back out there.

I am fortunate my children like my company, but entrusting me to teach them to ski is nothing any of us want (see above, let’s set ourselves up to succeed, shall we?).

So with the Littles’ “just say no” approach to ski school, what is a single mom to do?

Enter Deer Valley.

Seattle to Salt Lake City is about two hours and ten minutes, wheels up to wheels down. Yes please.

About 35 miles east of Salt Lake, or a 45 minute car ride, you will find my winter wonderland happy place.

Deer Valley resort is ski-only, meticulously groomed all night long, and limits the amount of tickets sold each day. The people watching is simply an added bonus.

Oh hi, Gwyneth. Quietly luxurious, as always.

The base elevation is 6,570 feet above sea level and with 3,000 feet of vertical elevation across 103 runs, there is something for everyone.

Beginner runs: 27%

Intermediate runs: 41%

Expert runs: 32%

Gwynnie’s now-famous collision took place on a narrow stretch, just uphill from the “Judge” chair lift. Take caution.

On average, Deer Valley clocks 300 inches of snowfall each year. Per the St. Regis team, this ‘22-‘23 season was an unprecedented one, with over 800 inches of accumulation from November to March.

There are 40+ lodging options, but the three premier properties are The Montage, The Stein-Erichsen Lodge, and the St. Regis. The latter is my venue of choice, thank you Marriott Bonvoy!

These three properties are ski-in/ski-out and that’s just the beginning of my loving reference to this being “fake skiing.”

Within these luxurious properties lies ski rental shops (Jans is my St. Regis go-to)

On the lower level of the St. Regis, the Deer Valley ticketing, St. Regis concierge, and Jans ski shop teams all work in harmony to provide an unparalleled guest experience. Abundant waters, suntan lotion, and sanitizer packets? But, of course. Ski boots dried and warmed for you between sessions and skis and poles awaiting those warm boots clicking in to bindings? At your service.

If ski-in ski-out isn’t your scene, the St. Regis also has a funicular that runs from the third floor of the hotel down to the base of Deer Valley.

One of the best parts of this ski vacation is the resort’s close proximity to a larger downtown area, specifically Park City.

The Deer Valley resorts have a free shuttle service that will pick you up and drop off anywhere within a 4-mile radius. Junior having a post-turkey chili meltdown and refusing to ski back to the hotel? Call guest services, they really will come collect you, your skis, and your bundle of joy, anywhere on the mountain.

Downtown Park City is a short shuttle ride from the resort. On Main Street you will find art galleries, bistros and bars, and a Bravo Housewife boutique, thrown in for good measure.

A really fun family winter wonderland activity is doing a dog sled adventure. Channel your Iditarod dreams and book with All Seasons Adventures, they come highly recommended by my St. Regis concierge friends too.