Spending Valentine’s away from the Mrs in Las Vegas (of all places) is going to cost you. Accepting that from the outset will make the inevitable more bearable. The major Fall/Winter 2011 buying season began their trade show this year on the 14th.
Instead of the usual panic, I managed to get ahead of the curve and suggested a quick getaway to Deer Valley. Eyes lit up in the room, so I knew I was on the road to absolution. The Mrs., being a world-class journalist and even better planner, got right to working the phones. There wasn’t much time, and it looked like the great idea was going to force us into bankruptcy. Skiing’s never cheap and Deer Valley’s swank hotels don’t help.
That said, we finagled a great rate to the new MONTAGE-DEER VALLEY. I’m not a reviewer of travel, but we travel enough to know the good from the bad. You don’t have to write for Bon Apetit to know that an UMAMI burger is the best burger in the world. I digress…
The service was outstanding all weekend. From room service to the concierge, we tossed them curve balls left and right.Example- My back was spasming (they call me gramps) and the concierge got me right off the hill into the Snow Creek Clinic for a patching up. Other amenities include personalized service regarding the boots. I hope you are sitting down for this one. They put your boots in a locker room all night with heat. When you arrive in the morning, they put your boots on you, just like a 2 year old. When you get off the mountain, guess what? They take the boots off.
Now that's a craftsman
As far as the rooms go, all the great usual items you’d expect from a hotel with this kind of ranking…fantastic sheets/pillows, views to kill for, and a great SKIER’s Lunch at the Apex Restaurant. It should be call Quitter, as it’s not likely you’ll get much in after the Veal Ravioli and Flintstone size beef cuts as part of the buffet. the price was $40for all you can eat. It sounds steep, but I feel I came out ahead on the deal, as I almost passed out in my plate of assorted deserts.
There’s also ton to do for the kids, including a massive video game room with 1986 prices and games, pool tables and even a 4 lane bowling alley in the basement rec room also known as Daily’s grill.
But what about the skiing? Ski in, ski out, what’s not to love? The conditions were stellar- packed powder and 35-40 degrees on the hill. There is plenty of challenging skiing, as well as fantastic woods for the adventuresome. That said, the hills are also family friendly with greens and blues all over the place. The hills aren’t Rocky size so the runs are a bit short, as are the rides on the lift. It’s always a trade off in that world, so it didn’t bother me.
But the sign that the Montage and Deer Valley plan worked? I was laid up on Sunday with the back and the Mrs. couldn’t wait to get back and carve some freshies. Her flying solo on a mountain is a new level for us.
From Vegas, I was able to make sure the flower arrived on the 14th, but the 3 days in UTAH really did the trick. We’ll be going back for sure, and that’s the biggest endorsement one can give.
Feel free to write with any specific questions, or post below….paco@franklinandgower.com
