In a winter defined by scarce snowfall across Utah, Deer Valley Resort has done something that appears counterintuitive: it opened more ski runs and terrain than at any point in its history.
The milestone comes during what regional snow analysts and local media have described as the least snowy winter along the Wasatch Front since 1977, forcing ski areas across the state to rely heavily on artificial snow to keep operations running. At Deer Valley, however, a newly expanded and fully automated snowmaking system has allowed the resort not only to maintain coverage but to debut record-setting terrain during historically dry conditions.
Resort officials attribute this achievement to years of planning, investment in automation, and a sustainability strategy that balances water use, energy efficiency, and operational scale.
A Record Season in a Low Snow Year
Despite limited natural snowfall, Deer Valley reports a record number of open ski runs this season. The achievement aligns with the resort’s Expanded Excellence initiative, a multi-year redevelopment that more than doubled its skiable terrain.
The resort now encompasses 4,300 acres with 202 ski runs served by 31 lifts, including 100 runs and 10 new lifts introduced since December 2024. Seven new chairlifts are scheduled to debut for the 2025–26 season, further reshaping skier access across the mountain.
For longtime skiers, the scale of the expansion is notable not only for its size, but for how seamlessly it integrates with existing terrain. Former professional ski instructor and longtime Deer Valley skier Jenn Coleman said the transition between the original mountain and the newly opened East Village terrain is nearly imperceptible.
The cohesion is especially striking given the below-average snowpack across northern Utah, which has fueled broader discussion about climate variability and the future of ski operations in the region.
Automation Changes the Snowmaking Equation
Deer Valley’s ability to operate at capacity relies on a snowmaking system that requires minimal manual intervention. The resort operates four fully automated snowmaking pumphouses that can distribute up to 15,000 gallons of water and 32,000 cubic feet of compressed air per minute.
The system supplies over 80 miles of snowmaking pipe and powers nearly 1,200 automated snow guns, including low-energy air-water models and high-efficiency fan guns. Unlike traditional snowmaking, which requires manual repositioning of equipment, Deer Valley’s system allows snowmakers to activate, adjust, and monitor coverage remotely, often using mobile devices.
Resort officials state that this technology enables crews to respond more precisely to temperature changes, reducing water and energy waste while improving snow consistency across a larger area.
Water Use and Sustainability Considerations
Water management is a key concern as snowmaking becomes more important for ski operations in the West. Deer Valley sources snowmaking water from the Jordanelle Reservoir under a regulated allotment.
Resort officials report that, even at full capacity, snowmaking for the new east side uses about 1% of the reservoir’s volume, with approximately 80% of that water returning to the watershed through spring runoff. The classic terrain continues to utilize legacy catch ponds.
The automated system increases efficiency by producing snow only when weather conditions are optimal, reducing unnecessary output during marginal temperatures. “These systems are designed to do more with less,” resort representatives said, noting that automation has enabled the mountain to expand operations without a proportional increase in water or labor demands.
Expansion Reshapes Access and Terrain
The snowmaking system supports new terrain served by major lift installations, including the nearly three-mile East Village Gondola, one of the largest and fastest in the United States.
The gondola operates at speeds up to 1,400 feet per minute, significantly faster than conventional lifts, and transports skiers from the East Village base area to Park Peak in about 15 minutes. Additional high-speed lifts, including the Pinyon Express, connect beginner and intermediate terrain across the expanded area.
These infrastructure improvements have increased uphill capacity, redistributed skier traffic, and enabled snowmaking crews to maintain consistent coverage across newly opened areas.
A Test Case for the Industry
As climate variability challenges ski operations across the West, Deer Valley’s season is seen as a test case for how large resorts can adapt.
While automation and expansion require significant investment, industry observers note that maintaining operations during dry winters is becoming a baseline requirement rather than a luxury.
For Deer Valley, this winter highlights a shift in the ski industry: success now depends not only on snowfall, but also on how effectively technology, infrastructure, and resource management can bridge the gap when nature falls short.
Ed and his partner Jenn, are the creative force behind the website Coleman Concierge. Ed is a nationally syndicated travel writer who has garnered numerous awards for his travel writing and featured in Business Insider, HuffPost UK, and numerous state tourism boards. Ed deeply believes in the transformational power of travel, and their website encourages everyone to step outside their comfort zone and seek adventure.
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