At the age of twenty-two I had never been off a chair lift. I don’t know how it happened. I’d been to the snow multiple times. I always considered myself a rather sporty, outdoorsy kind of girl, but I just never joined the skiing bandwagon.

I was terrified. I was also mortified—the idea of going to ski school with a bunch of toddlers, was not the mark of a good time in my book.

But then it happened.

Deer Valley Resort is one of the most remarkable places to ski, whether you’re a newbie or a pro. They offer luxurious amenities, such as ski valets, groomed-to-perfection slopes, on-site child care, lift ticket, lesson and rental packages and an award-winning ski school (that’s where I went and rode the Magic Carpet with the kiddies).

You’ll need to refuel mid-day, and the chili at the Silverlake Lodge is the place to do it.

And unlike the lift that comes right off Main Street, Deer Valley is skiers only, so you don’t have to worry about getting steamrolled by a snowboarder.

While you’re in Park City you should also spend some time on Main Street. Plus it looks like its torn out of a storybook page from your childhood.

Grab some eggs and bacon and fuel up for your day at Main Street Deli.

When you’re done for the day and your spaghetti legs can’t ski any more, swing by No Name Saloon for a wind down drink. They’ve been around since 1903.

And the best time to Ski Deer Valley? During the Sundance Film Festival in January. The locals have cleared out, and everyone is so busy watching movies and partying that the slopes are empty and the powder is a fresh blanket of white.

-Arianna Schioldager