The Many Benefits of Working at Deer Valley and Why Staff Keep Coming Back

Find job openings and learn more about career opportunities with Deer Valley at deervalley.com/jobs.

Oftentimes, people think of ski resort jobs as seasonal, temporary positions, made for skiers looking for a laid-back lifestyle. However, Deer Valley has cultivated a community of staff that feels more like a family. Last year, over 51% of the 2,800 staff members celebrated five or more years with the resort. 141 of those have been with Deer Valley for 25 or more years, and, 6 staff members have worked for Deer Valley since it first started spinning its lifts in 1981.

How does this happen? There is an emphasis on guest service, which includes staff as well, and this translates into seasonal positions that often evolve into careers. So why do people keep coming back? When you join the Deer Valley family, you receive an array of amazing perks and benefits that include: 

New Benefits  

For the 2021-22 ski season, new benefits include a $15 per hour minimum starting wage for all non-tipped positions, financial wellness resources available for staff, and tuition discount programs at University of Arizona Global Campus and Colorado State University Global.

Ski Passes 

The inclusion of a ski pass in a benefit package is an enticing allure for any ski resort, but Deer Valley has taken things even further. Not only do staff members receive a pass for themselves, but they also receive discounted lift tickets for their family and friends. Staff members can ski up to seven days a week during non-holiday periods, take a free ski lesson and get discounts on rentals. Like to snowboard? Deer Valley, staff members get free lift tickets to ride or ski at other resorts owned by Alterra Mountain Company, and there are reciprocal benefits between other local resorts, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. 

Sense of Community 

The Three Circle Model (take care of the guest, take care of the resort and take care of each other) is central to the business of Deer Valley, which is built on guest service. With this model, it is not only possible to offer world-class guest experiences, but also create a more enjoyable and productive working environment for the staff. This three circle approach has helped Deer Valley create a supportive, family-like environment where employees can do their jobs more easily. 

Affordable Housing  

The emphasis at Deer Valley is on cultivating a family environment, and nothing says family more than a home. Nearly 300 employees can live in Deer Valley’s affordable housing and have access to options in Park City as well as nearby Heber City. For employees in Heber City and in the Salt Lake Valley, free shuttle services are provided, opening up more housing options for staff. 

Park City, Utah  

Deer Valley doesn’t hide the fact that one of its benefits is that it is located in Park City, Utah, and just 38 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport. The historic mining town offers so much to do for its citizens and visitors alike. Several local businesses offer discounts to Deer Valley staff members, allowing them to enjoy the town and have fun. As such, the ability for staff to recommend the best attractions nearby is a big plus to out-of-town guests.  

Celebrate Staff 

When you are praised for a job well done, it feels good. Deer Valley offers numerous staff appreciation events and parties throughout the year. The mid-season and end-of-season parties are staff favorites as well as monthly drawings with prizes ranging from Utah Jazz tickets to restaurant vouchers and even new skis. Every year, the resort hosts a “Years of Service” dinner to honor staff members of five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of service.  

 The Deer Valley staff consists of locals, transplants and seasonal workers from all 50 states as well as international students from around the globe. We are a diverse workforce where everyone feels welcome, appreciated and valued. No matter if you are 14 or 84 years, there is a place for you in the Deer Valley family!

Find job openings and learn more about career opportunities with Deer Valley at deervalley.com/jobs.

One Response

  1. rori says:

    Wow, I worked there in 1981. Which 6 people are left? I wish I had stayed. I worked in the mid-mountain lodge. We named the employee lounge the Grotto. Franklin was the Chef. Lessing Stern was a cool guy!

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