CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?  ONLY DAYS OLD—YET MONTAGE DEER VALLEY IS ALREADY MAKING WAVES, EVEN BEFORE ITS OFFICIAL JANUARY GRAND OPENING!

MONTAGE DEER VALLEY MAKES THE BEST U.S. SKI HOTEL LIST by Cigar Aficionado.

“…The new Montage at Deer Valley, UT may well be the most heralded luxury hotel opening of 2010.”

~ Cigar Aficionado

The signs are everywhere. It's a perfect time to SKI!

Deer Valley Resort/Park City, Utah–Breaking News…Current weather conditions… Snow Shower and 36°F  (Feels like 26°).

In the past 24-hours, 5.7 inches of snow has fallen.  This is fantastic news for skiers and other fans of the white stuff just like me…or as I like to refer to us, “members of the snow-cial network”—keeping each other in the know as to the best place to go for that unforgettable, ultimate ski escape! For one, the Cigar Aficionado highly respected panel of travel experts who picks the most luxurious, most outstanding, most exciting range of destinations in the world handpicked Montage Deer Valley before it even opened!  Yes, it made the Magazine’s 2010 List of THE WORLD’S BEST HOTELS AND RESORTS.  So of course, our ESCAPESEEKER team had to find out for ourselves the reasons why.

At this very moment, as I pen this evening report sitting by the fire watching these glorious specs of champagne powder falling from the sky, I’m thinking, “The best thing that can happen to me and my ESCAPESEEKER research team is we get snowed in at MONTAGE DEER VALLEY resort for the next 5 days!”  We arrived last week on December 15^th, and we still haven’t even begun to scratch the surface—the activities seem endless, and 5 more glorious days at Montage Deer Valley would be exactly that–GLORIOUS!  Well, we’re keeping our fingers crossed.  The weatherman is predicting 5 straight days of more snow.  Hallelujah!

Well, realistically, in this modern day of high-tech snow plows (trust me, Deer Valley Resort has perfected the art of keeping everything groomed and accessible), the likelihood of guests not getting in or out of the resort for that matter is almost nil!  And, as you might have guessed—word that Montage Deer Valley is fully operational now has spread across the country—thanks to some degree to members of my snow-cial network and featured articles like those in Cigar Aficionado singing its praises, even before Montage opened its doors.  This phenomenal resort is now totally booked throughout the holidays!  What does that tell you about the power of the MONTAGE brand?  Its leagues of loyal fans–travel enthusiasts from around the world are eager to be amongst the first to experience the brand new MONTAGE luxury offering:  A family SKI RETREAT like no other!

For example, I met a couple yesterday from New Haven, Connecticut, who regularly book at Montage Laguna Beach, at least four times a year, who declared, “We just had to experience this unbelievable ski resort for ourselves—and we weren’t about to wait.  We booked as soon as we learned of their opening date.  With Montage, we knew we could continue to expect the same impeccable service we had grown accustomed to at Montage Laguna!”

What a stellar reputation MONTAGE has built?  You may ask, what’s in a name?  Everything!

What's in a name? EVERYTHING!

Let is snow, let it snow, let it snow!

I’m starting to believe that  I’m not the only one who wouldn’t mind getting snowed in?  But can you blame me?  I’ll get to improve my skiing abilities, receive plenty of après-ski Spa pampering, and sample cuisine so exquisite it’s even making the other  long-standing dining establishments on this mountain very nervous!

ONE MILLION SQUARE FEET OF SHEER SIGNATURE MONTAGE ARCHITECTURALLY-CRAFTED SPACE—WITHOUT THE STUFFINESS

No worries about stuffiness…to quote MONTAGE Founder and CEO, Alan Fuerstman, who explains his philosophy, “I wanted to build a luxury resort that offered all the incredible amenities, world-class dining, and impeccable service that luxury travelers expect to find…but without the pretentious stuffiness.”  Fuerstman added, “We want our resorts to be places where families and friends can gather and build lasting traditions—a remarkable place to celebrate life’s unforgettable moments.”

Well, Mr. Fuerstman, from what I observed today at APEX restaurant—which already had a line of hungry skiers eager to land a coveted table—you’re well on your way of reaching your goal.  I met a distinguished looking Grandfather who had arrived with his two young grandsons, ages 7 and 9, fresh off the ski runs who proceeded to peel away their layers of clothing as they settled into their long table, next to a giant cozy fire.  It was clear that there were more than three dining with this still robust and active Grandfather.

We began conversing for several minutes, sharing our respective exciting skiing experiences, not to mention his latest battery-operated ski fashions!  Yes, batteries attached to gloves, vest, etc. to guarantee you stay toasty warm on the slopes! (www.harrington.com is this Grandfather’s battery heated ski fashion source just in case you’re interested.) You know, there’s nothing like a family sports activity to bring people together.  I’ve made more friends on chairlifts, ski-top lodges conversing over hot cocoa, or at the Spa Jacuzzi—après-ski, comparing newly-used muscle aches, while exclaiming, “Isn’t that powder run worth every nano second of après-ski discomfort?”  Absolutely!

It didn’t take long for my body to adjust to the instant ski immersion! (I’ll soon have several wonderful pics to prove it!)  After all, Montage is definitely a full-service luxury resort with ski in/ski out access, so guests can step out the back door and swish right out onto the slopes, with over 100 alpine trails and 20 lifts within easy access.  And, if you need a little help like I did, Richard from their exclusive Compass Ski Shop is ready and waiting to assist snowside (as in curbside).  Richard will help you walk right onto your skis, hand you your poll, and off you go.  If you’re thinking, I’m a bit too high maintenance, let’s not forget that Montage Deer Valley sits atop Empire Pass, at 8300 feet, so if you’ve originated from sea level like I did, it’s best to listen to your body, and yes, let the Montage Compass Ski staff do what they do so well:  ensuring that you and your skis function at their optimum so that you can enjoy carving these beautifully groomed runs at Deer Valley Resort.

By the way, the panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains will literally take your breath away.  Gratitude filled my soul as I quickly realized, “I’m on top of the world, so blessed to feel and be so alive!”  Simply awe-inspiring.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

The sprawling resort is an upscale blend of Craftsman architecture and mountainside charm—but without the typical overkill of rough sewn logs and river rock you typically associate with mountain retreats.  The first thing you’re likely to notice as you drive up is its dry immaculate curved driveway.  Yes, it’s heated, so no snow is even given a chance to accumulate.

Montage has 154 deluxe guestrooms and over 66 suites (the final number will depend on how many of the 81 private residences will be available for hotel guests), which range from one to four bedrooms. Even the standard rooms start at a spacious 600 square feet, but suites range from 1,000 to a whopping 3,200 square feet, so there’s plenty of room for large families like ours to roam.

All the accommodations feature fireplaces, sitting areas, luxury, albeit ski-friendly furnishings, hand-picked artwork by local artists, signature Montage bedding and linens, massive walk-in closets (deserving an extra “Thank you!” from guests like me who like a multitude of wardrobe options), master baths with soaking tubs and separate glassed-in showers and radiant heating (cozy for your toes on these cold winter nights), and of course, sliding glass doors/windows to view your winter wonderland.  Many also have private patios, which I will probably appreciate more in the summer months!  The rooms also come equipped with LCD televisions, and high-speed internet access.  And, if you’re like me and prefer to spend more time enjoying all that the resort has to offer, versus monitoring the condition of your giant suite—no worries!  The rooms are fully serviced twice-daily as per your desired specifications.  There’s truly nothing like walking in to your suite after a day of skiing to find everything in order.

DON’T WORRY, THERE IS LIFE IN THE ROCKIES FOR THE NON-SKIER TOO

So you’re not an avid fan of combining snow-capped slopes with speed?  Not a skier huh? That’s totally okay! Montage Deer Valley resort caters to travelers of every interest, with seasonal and year-round activities, and can arrange group activities like snowshoeing, yoga, sleigh rides and outdoor concerts. In the spring and summer, there’s mountain-biking, fly-fishing, hiking, horseback riding, river rafting, sailing, canoeing, hot air ballooning, and the sport of golf—which for many I’ve come to realize is a religion! Montage Deer Valley also has a host of family-friendly activities, including the Paintbox program for kids ages 5-12.

Less I forget, Montage has it’s own 4-lane bowling alley, and a host of video arcade games to choose from at Daly’s (basement bistro)…or as Mr. Fuerstman shared, “The basement has everything I ever wanted in my basement and dreamed of as a young kid!”

FOR THE SPA CONNOISSEUR

Spa Montage measures up at a nice respectable 35,000 square feet of pampering indulgence, with 29 treatment rooms, his and hers relaxation rooms, a sunning deck, sauna steam rooms, an indoor lap pool, and three indoor-outdoor mosaic pools and spa tubs. It also encompasses a movement studio, complete with a ballet bar, fitness center, and full-service salon.  I highly recommend you begin with the Signature Mountain Massage, soon after arrival.  It will ease you beautifully into your high-altitude environment, and cure any signs of jet lag.

FOR THE DINING EXPERT—“HOME CULTIVATED” HONEY TO AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN ITALIAN BRICK-OVEN PIZZA TO THE FRESHEST FARM-TO-TABLE FARE—MONTAGE DEER VALLEY HAS SOMETHING TO SATISFY EVERY PALATE

Montage Deer Valley provides several dining options: If you’re looking for just a quick pick-me up, and on-the-go fare—coffee, tea, incredible gelato—I suggest a café called Buzz—named after the young local gentleman who cultivates the best honey west of the Mississippi!

You must ask for a Honey Tasting Sampler—simply one of life’s sweetest pleasures.

Daly’s Pub & Rec room as I briefly described before is a gastro style pub with a menu of upscale comfort classics and brick-oven pizzas—Think authentic Southern Italy Pizza—because it’s the only kind Chef Michael makes!  Everything is made from scratch—including the dough—and as Chef Michael will tell you…it was no easy feat to get the dough just perfect at this high altitude!  And, if you’re really nice, he may even agree to give you a lesson on Italian Pizza making!  I cannot wait to capture the entire process on film.  I had an absolute blast.  Chef Michael is oh so camera-friendly!  Take a look at these fun “Making of” pics taken by our photographer, Desarae Lee:  Hand-crafted Italian Pizza anyone?

THE OPERATIVE WORD AT APEX IS FRESH…

APEX is the hotel’s signature restaurant, focusing on farm-to-table fare by sourcing straight from the local farmers, cheese makers–and just in case you’re not aware of this–Utah’s own Cache Valley is world-renowned for its incredible cheese!

A slope-side bar will serve a small menu of shareable items, hand-crafted cocktails and premium wines, while offering local entertainment. By day Apex offers savory breakfasts and lunches as well as a skier’s buffet featuring live action stations. A word of warning:  Don’t plan on getting back on the slopes right away.  Feasting on this scrumptious buffet is meant to be savored–my personal favorite…you begin at the dessert station first…after all, as they say, “Life is short.  Eat dessert first!”  In case you’re inspired to tackle some of these delicacies at home, guests may also requests cooking classes with the Apex Executive Chef Matt.  You’ll love Chef Matt with his towering stature and constant sunny disposition!

Before or after your meal cozy up to the large fire pit while taking in the views from the expansive Alpine Terrace. Sociable and interactive, Apex, a true gathering place,  lives up to its name.

If you enjoy basking in long apres-ski opportunities, the Vista Lounge and Terrace is more of a casual place to gather, complete with handcrafted cocktails.   And, if you like what you’re eating or drinking–don’t hesitate to take in a cooking class or enjoy a wine tasting with the resort’s chefs and sommeliers.  They’re all so deeply passionate about their work, and are more than eager to share their knowledge with others.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY WHILE OFFERING THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURY?  YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!

One of the most commendable features of the MONTAGE resorts is its commitment to sustainability-after all, its long range raison d’être (as the French would say), depends on the pristine quality of its surrounding natural environment.  That’s why the resort is pursuing initiatives like LEED certification by minimizing its carbon footprint, and commissioning architecture that incorporates as much natural lighting as possible and uses indigenous materials. I understand plans are also underway to set aside 2,800 acres of land aside as a conservation easement.  Good to know…after all, don’t we all recognize when we’re enjoying such a magnificent slice of Mother Nature’s gift, that we truly are on “borrowed space”…it’s grand to support luxury brands with a global conscience!

One last note, if you’re hoping to experience Montage Deer Valley anytime soon, I highly recommend you get right on it.   The rest of December is already totally booked…and with January comes the highly acclaimed Sundance Film Festival, so you might beat out the Hollywood crowd if you act fast.  Otherwise, why not come for the ultimate Spring Skiing in March?  That’s when our ESCAPESEEKER team is returning to capture all of this mountain bliss on film!  We’d love to have you join us.

And, while we’re at it, we’d love to introduce you to Montage Deer Valley’s super friendly “Canine Ambassador”–MONTY!

May you all have a Love-filled, Joyous Holiday Season, and the Dreamiest Christmas and New Years ever!

Here’s to Endless, Blissful ESCAPES,

Mel and the ESCAPESEEKER TEAM

*****

For more info on MONTAGE DEER VALLEY, go to:

www.montagedeervalley.com

9100 Marsac Avenue

Park City, UT 84060

1 (435) 604-1300