by Two Sisters Collective
Deer Valley has another No. 1 to add to its increasingly full trophy shelf.
Readers of Condé Nast Traveller named Deer Valley the top ski resort in North America in the publication’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. The resort received a score of 97.78, placing it ahead of Sun Valley, Vail, Whistler Blackcomb and other well known mountain destinations.
Nearly 799,000 readers participated across the publication’s 2026 awards, which recognize favorite destinations, hotels, resorts and travel experiences around the world.
The No. 1 recognition comes from Condé Nast Traveller’s North American ranking. In the publication’s separate United States ranking, Deer Valley placed No. 2 among American ski resorts.
For those of us who live, ski and work in Park City, the recognition feels especially timely. Deer Valley is heading into another significant winter with a new title, more terrain, another lift and a resort footprint that continues to reshape the eastern side of the Wasatch Back.
What the No. 1 ranking represents
Deer Valley has long built its reputation around more than terrain alone. Grooming, guest service, dining, lodging and the resort’s skier only experience all contribute to what has become a very recognizable destination brand.
The Condé Nast ranking was determined by readers rather than a judging panel, making it a reflection of guests’ overall experiences and impressions.
Deer Valley earned a score of 97.78 in the North American category, followed by Sun Valley at No. 2 and Vail at No. 3.
View Condé Nast Traveller’s complete North American ski resort rankings
Another 200 acres and a new lift for the 2026 to 2027 season
The award arrives as Deer Valley prepares to continue its Expanded Excellence initiative during the upcoming winter season.
The new Hail Peak Express will carry skiers from Deer Valley East Village to newly accessible terrain on Hail Peak. The lift will open access to 200 additional skiable acres and seven new runs on the easternmost portion of the resort.
When this next phase opens, Deer Valley will offer 4,500 skiable acres, 209 ski runs, 32 chairlifts, 10 mountain peaks, 3,120 feet of vertical, a longest run of 4.8 miles and 932 acres of snowmaking coverage.
Hail Peak Express is designed to move as many as 2,400 skiers per hour. It will include 86 chairs and provide a vertical rise of 1,130 feet.
The expansion more than doubles Deer Valley’s skiable terrain while maintaining its ski only policy and limited daily skier capacity.
Learn more about Hail Peak Express and the upcoming expansion
What this means beyond the mountain
Recognition of this kind brings additional attention not only to Deer Valley, but also to Park City and the greater Wasatch Back.
For homeowners and prospective buyers, the appeal of Deer Valley has never been based solely on the number of ski runs. It is the complete experience, including the mountain, service, restaurants, lodging, accessibility and surrounding communities, that shapes the decision to own here.
The continued expansion also creates a broader range of ownership experiences. Established areas such as Snow Park, Silver Lake and Empire Pass retain their distinctive character, while Deer Valley East Village introduces a new point of access and an entirely new chapter of resort development.
An award does not automatically translate into higher real estate values. Continued growth will also bring conversations about infrastructure, traffic and preserving the guest and community experience. However, international recognition reinforces Deer Valley’s visibility and its place among the world’s best known mountain destinations.
A big winter ahead
Deer Valley is scheduled to open for the 2026 to 2027 ski season on December 5, conditions permitting.
Between the No. 1 ranking, the arrival of Hail Peak Express and a resort footprint expanding to 4,500 acres, this will be another fascinating winter to watch and ski.
What are you most excited to experience at Deer Valley this season: the new terrain, Hail Peak Express or a return to your longtime favorite runs?
Eye on Park City is the local lifestyle and real estate platform from sisters Alison Barbaro and Amy Nalewaik of Two Sisters Collective at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties.
