Deer Valley Resort will expand its skiable terrain to 4,500 acres for the upcoming 2026-27 winter season with the introduction of the Hail Peak Express lift, according to a June 29, 2026, announcement from the resort. The new lift will provide access to 200 additional acres and seven new runs, continuing a massive multi-year expansion project that has significantly increased the resort's footprint since December 2024.
New Terrain and Lift Features,
The Hail Peak Express will carry skiers from the Deer Valley East Village to newly accessible terrain on the easternmost edge of the resort. The lift features 8schairs capable of transporting 2,400 guests per hour, with a vertical rise of 1,130 feet and an inclined length of 3,975 feet. One of the seven new runs debuting this season, named "Hill Yeah," is designed to honor Hill Air Force Base in Northern Utah as part of the resort's ongoing Salute to Service initiatives.
Family Features and Snowmaking
In addition to the Hail Peak Express, the resort is introducing a new family-friendly snow feature zone located off the Pioche Express. The zone is tentatively planned for the green run known as Pirate King and will include features such as rollers and berms to provide a mild ski cross experience. Additionally, the Humbug run will be updated with flowy rollers and a dedicated area for families on the McHenry ski run.
Water Infrastructure Upgrades
To support increased snowmaking needs, Deer Valley is constructing a new 10-million-gallon reservoir located in a drainage southwest of Park Peak Lodge. This reservoir will work alongside the existing Summit Pump House to deliver 10,000 gallons of water per minute for enhanced snowmaking efforts. When combined with the Ventana system, the east side of the resort will have a total capacity of 20,000 gallons of water per minute. The resort noted that between 80% and 90% of the water used in this process returns to its original sources, either the Provo River or the Jordanelle Reservoir.
Unprecedented Resort Growth
The resort's expansion continues a period of unprecedented growth. Since December 2024, Deer Valley has added 11 new chairlifts, including the Keetley Express, HooDoo Express, Aurora, Galena Express, Pioche Express, Neptune Express, Vulcan Express, Revelator Express, Pinyon Express, Hail Peak Express, and the Deer Valley East Village Gondola. This development follows a previous phase of expansion that brought the resort to 4,300 acres during the 2025-26 season.
Premium Lift Technology
The resort's expansion includes specialized technology on several of its newer lifts. While the resort operates various Doppelmayr Uni-G lifts, the expansion lifts—including HooDoo, Neptune, Pioche, Galena, Vulcan, and Revelator Express—feature custom premium carriers. These upgraded chairs are unique in North America, providing full-length backs and enhanced suspension systems to create a smoother ride for guests.
Military Support Programs
Deer Valley's commitment to military families remains a central part of its operations. As established in a November 5, 2025, announcement, the resort maintains a Salute to Service program in partnership with Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. This program provides active duty, reserve, and retired U.S. military personnel, along with their dependents, an approximate 25% discount on lift tickets and passes throughout the season.
Grand Hyatt Partnerships
The Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, which serves as the flagship hotel for the East Village, also offers specific benefits through its Salute to Service portal. Eligible guests, including National Guard and Department of Defense civilians, can access lodging discounts of up to 75% off window rates, as well as discounts on food, beverages, and spa services. The resort's president and COO, Todd Bennett, stated that it is a privilege to host military families and provide them with an unforgettable vacation experience.
