Lead Photo Credit: Deer Valley Resort
Nestled in the heart of Utah's majestic Wasatch Mountains, Deer Valley stands as a haven for winter sports enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable skiing experience. Renowned for its exceptional customer service, impeccably groomed slopes and a range of luxurious amenities, Deer Valley has earned its reputation as a truly special place to ski. From limited lift ticket sales and world-class dining to extensive terrain you can really ski the difference (as they like to say) at Deer Valley.
Having been to Deer Valley on multiple occasions year-round I can attest to the fact that its exceptional experience extends beyond the winter months. One such endeavor is their Mountain Beer Festival which my wife and I attended this past weekend. There we saw the Deer Valley difference in full effect. Now in its second year, the Mountain Beer Festival is more than just your average beer festival. With a vibrant yet intimate atmosphere, the festival gives patrons the opportunity to sample excellent craft beer from across Utah while maintaining the Deer Valley difference.
Creating an Unmatched Experience
Deer Valley has always prided itself on its dedication to creating an unmatched experience for its visitors. From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted by warm smiles and a genuine commitment to their satisfaction. Take for example this last winter when my daughters and I visited. I had a question about our passes and where to meet our resort host. Within minutes of asking a resort representative, he had our passes to us and he was on the phone connecting us with the resort host that we were skiing with that day. The resort has built a reputation for its exceptional customer service such as this. It ultimately ensures that every aspect of a guest's stay is tailored to meet their desires.
Impeccable Attention to Detail
Photo Credit: Deer Valley Resort
Another component that sets Deer Valley apart is its unwavering attention to detail. Whether it's the perfectly groomed slopes, the cozy fireplaces in the lodges or the mouthwatering cuisine at their award-winning restaurants, every element is meticulously curated to provide the ultimate experience. It's the raclette cheese melting onto plates in front of a massive fireplace in full view of guests walking through the door at Fireside Dining. Or, the transport service that picks you up in brand new Range Rovers within minutes of calling for them. These are just two examples of how Deer Valley's commitment to excellence is evident in the smallest details, ultimately creating an atmosphere of luxury and comfort.
The Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival
Photo Credit: Deer Valley Resort
As previously mentioned, Deer Valley's pursuit of excellence extends beyond the ski season and throughout the year. Last year, in an effort to further elevate the guest experience, they introduced the Mountain Beer Festival. Now an annual event, it celebrates the artistry of craft beer while showcasing the finest breweries from across the state. Held against the backdrop of the magnificent mountains, the festival offers guests the opportunity to indulge in a variety of unique and flavorful brews.
However, Deer Valley's Mountain Beer Festival is more than just a multitude of beer tastings. It is a celebration of community, bringing together beer enthusiasts, vendors and live music to create a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Visitors can explore the diverse range of craft beers, savor delicious BBQ food pairings and enjoy live entertainment, all while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Deer Valley.
Sounds great, right? It ABSOLUTELY is. Sounds like every other mountain beer festival? It ABSOLUTELY is not.
Not Your Average Beer Festival
Photo Credit: Deer Valley Resort
What sets the Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival apart is how they have managed to make it feel crowded yet intimate at the same time. There is simply nothing worse than going to a beer festival and feeling cramped. What is even worse is having to wait in long lines to get what you came for...great beer.
That kind of defeats the point. Don't you think?
This happens more often than you think however, it was far from my experience this past weekend at the Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival. Ultimately this comes down to Deer Valley's three circle model which includes taking care of the guest, the company and each other.
Josh Hockman, Director of Beverage elaborates saying, "We want to provide our attendees with a memorable experience, with Deer Valley's attention to details at the forefront. Our goal is to think through every detail that affects our attendees, to alleviate any potential oversights prior to the event, so the guest experience is seamless. We like to be proactive, instead of reactive."
As previously mentioned, Deer Valley prides itself on providing an excellent experience for thitsuests, no matter what the occasion. Just like other aspects of the resort, the attention is in the details at their Mountain Beer Festival. Throughout my two days at the event I never once waited in line for a beer. Not only was this nice from the perspective of getting to taste copious amounts of beer, but it also allowed me to have conversations with the brewery representatives themselves.
Again, I am proud of the hard work and dedication that the Utah breweries showcase, says Hockman. For this, when building the DVMBF I didn't want it to be just a "fill my beer and walk away" style event. I wanted a setting that was intimate enough that the breweries get to speak about their beers and their brands, and the guests get the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the craft. Limiting numbers falls into line with originally Deer Valley lift ticket mentality, which creates an uncrowded mountain experience."
Future Growth of the Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival
Photo Credit: Deer Valley Resort
With two successful seasons under their belt, the idea of expansion has crossed the minds of resort representatives and patrons alike. However, it begs the question, how do you expand while keeping the Deer Valley difference in mind? Again, what makes their Mountain Beer Festival special is the crowded but intimate feeling of the event.
"Our intention is to grow the event incrementally each year so that we don't lose sight of the aspects that our guests have told us that they love about the event already," says Hockman.
This includes the potential expansion of the current footprint around the Silver Lake Lawn area thereby allowing them to grow the numbers without going over the intended density. There is also talk of expanding the event to other areas of the resort like the Bald Eagle and/or Bald Mountain peaks.
An Exceptional Experience at Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival
Deer Valley's commitment to providing its guests with an exceptional experience is exemplified through the Mountain Beer Festival. By combining their renowned attention to detail with the celebration of craft beer, the resort creates an atmosphere of luxury, adventure and community. Throughout the course of the weekend, I never once waited in line for a beer. Furthermore, I had countless opportunities to speak with the representatives from the breweries and learn more about the beers and their brands. This is truly the Deer Valley difference at its finest which clearly extends beyond the winter months and spills over into every little thing they do.
Are you visiting a different mountain beer festival this fall? You should. But when you do, just remember to wear your Brews with a View T-shirt. This shirt just screams Mountain Beer Festival. And, that is exactly why I wore mine at Deer Valley this past weekend (pictured above). Cheers!
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