DETAILS

Deer Valley, Utah

GETTING THERE: Delta and Southwest offer nonstop flights from BWI to Salt Lake City for about $219 round trip. Delta also flies nonstop from Washington Dulles and Reagan National, but prices are about $360 round trip. American, United, Continental, JetBlue, America West and other airlines offer connecting service, with round-trip fares in the $250 range.

Deer Valley and a host of other resorts in the Park City area are roughly 40 minutes by car from the airport, where all major rentals are available. At least a dozen transport services offer shared rides, usually in a van, directly to your lodging starting at about $35 per person, one way. More information is available from the Park City Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau (see below).

GETTING AROUND: If you're staying at a Deer Valley property, complimentary shuttles to the base of the mountain are available. If you're in Park City, consider using the free Park City Transit System, which runs every 30 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., then every hour after that till 10:45 p.m., and takes you to Deer Valley in under 10 minutes. Since Park City's lodging is generally cheaper, and since Deer Valley offers overnight lockup for skis and boots, many vacationers choose to commute.

SKIING: Adult day lift ticket is $77 during regular season; holiday rate is $79. Vacation packages usually include lift tickets. Chair lifts run from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Full-day equipment rentals range from $45 to $55, depending on standard or performance gear.

The Mahre brothers hosted their first clinic of the 2006-07 season at Deer Valley this weekend and start another one tomorrow. Still on the schedule are two three-day clinics (Jan. 5-7 and Feb. 2-4, $620) and a five-day clinic (Jan. 8-12, $945). Both prices include lift tickets. Details: 888-754-8477, http://www.mahretrainingcenter.com/.

WHERE TO STAY: Deer Valley officials recommend booking through the resort's central reservations service (800-558-3337), which represents multiple properties -- mainly condos and homes, and some hotels. Hotels with shuttle access to where the skiing begins start around $360 a night during regular season (Silver Baron Lodge, the Lodges at Deer Valley and Red Stag Lodge). Depending on how much luxury you're looking for, prices can easily reach into the thousands per night. Deer Valley's central reservations service (see below) also offers various package deals.

In Park City, consider the Washington School Inn (543 Park Ave., 800-824-1672 http://www./washingtonschoolinn.com), an appealing B&B with rooms starting at about $275 a night. The Hampton Inn and Suites (6609 N. Landmark Dr., 435-645-0900, http://www. http://hampton-inn.com/hi/parkcity) has rooms starting at $179 a night. On a tight budget? Chateau Apres (800-357-3556, http://www.chateauapres.com/) offers rooms starting at $90 a night and dorm accommodations for $35 a night, breakfast included. Park City's version of luxury is available at Hotel Park City (2001 Park Ave., 435-200-2000, http://www.parkcityinfo.com/), with rooms and apartments starting at $399 a night.

WHERE TO EAT: Deer Valley features 10 on-mountain eateries, mostly upscale and generally respected. Budget lunchers might consider Snowshoe Tommy's (on Bald Mountain) and Cushing's Cabin (on Flagstaff Mountain), which offer primarily snack foods, though a local favorite, Deer Valley turkey chili, is available at each place; $15 ought to cover your tab. Generally, though, "inexpensive" isn't associated with Deer Valley restaurants, which offer some exquisite food, wine and service. For instance, the Mariposa, also on Bald Mountain, offers wild boar sausage, venison, cassoulet and lamb as well as tuna and sablefish; expect to pay $50 to $80 per person, depending on wine.

Park City is no slouch on high-end eats. Wahso (577 Main St., 435-615-0300) specializes in Asian delicacies served in a setting reminiscent of 1930s Shanghai; try the Malaysian-style pot stickers ($11) and the Tea Leaf Smoked Duck ($29). Or settle into Grappa (151 Main St., 435-645-0636) for Italian dishes, including casseruola of shrimp ($13) and Wellington of veal loin and foie gras ($39). Simpler and less expensive fare abounds as well, at places such as Bandits' Grill and Bar (440 Main St., 435-649-7337), featuring ribs, burgers, sandwiches and salads, all ranging from about $8 to $12. In the same price range is the Wasatch Brew Pub (250 Main St., 435-649-0900), which serves a variety of fish and chicken dishes along with steaks and ribs, as well as microbrews such as Polygamy Porter and Evolution Amber Ale.

INFORMATION: Deer Valley Resort, 800-424-3337, http://www.deervalley.com/. Park City Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, 800-453-1360, http://www.parkcityinfo.com/.

-- William Triplett