Why go in January:
The ski-only resort of Deer Valley in Park City is always a good idea when it comes to wintry destinations, especially if you love skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding (snowboarding is prohibited). But off the slopes, there’s plenty to enjoy as well, après-ski vibes notwithstanding: For decades, it has been known for the celebrity-studded scene that blows into Park City annually with the Sundance Film Festival, one of the most prestigious stops on the international film circuit. However, 2026 will be the last year the festival will be held in Utah, from January 22 to February 1; come 2027, it will have a new home in Boulder, Colorado. The winter sports season in Deer Valley will also mark a new chapter with expanded skiable terrain and new chairlifts, as well as an expanded community concept called East Village.
How to plan it:
Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), then drive 45 minutes to Deer Valley. Go in January for the Sundance-and-ski experience, but the ski season lasts until April. For Sundance, grab tickets as soon as possible, if you can. Same thing for skiing—book your lift tickets early because Deer Valley caps daily skier numbers to preserve its uncrowded experience.
Where to stay:
There’s the newly opened Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, a luxury hotel where you can waltz through the lobby in your long johns; and the St. Regis Deer Valley, a ski-in, ski-out hotel with a “ski beach,” a 3,000-square-foot terrace perfect for an après-ski moment on its chaise lounges and by fire pits.
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