Terrain, lifts and facilities are upgraded

DEER VALLEY — More than $9 million was spent over the summer in improvements, which included the new Lady Morgan Express high-speed, detachable chairlift. Since 1990, the resort has spent more than $115 million in improvements, which is one reason it is constantly at the top of the "favorite resort" list for skiers.

Along with the lift, located in the Empire Canyon area, the resort also opened nine new runs, which added more than 200 acres of new skiable terrain. Roughly 65 of those acres have been left open to gladed or tree skiing.

The resort also installed a GPS system that will allow staff to determine snow depth on any part of the mountain to aid grooming and snowmaking.

And it purchased 51 new snow guns to expand its already large snowmaking system.

PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT — The resort invested more than $5 million this past summer in upgrades, which include new terrain, a new redesigned trail map, expanded snowmaking and environmental initiatives.

Skiers will notice dramatic chances in the landscape between Single Jack and Sunnyside runs. The new area will be called Motherlode Meadows. Staff also created a new run off McConkey's lift for intermediate skiers.

It also acquired 26 new low-energy tower guns and fan guns to increase snowmaking capabilities. And it purchased a new winch cat, a high-end snowcat, that will enable staff to groom more of the resort's signature runs.

POWDER MOUNTAIN — Those skiers who enjoy terrain parks will find something new — the Lumberjack Terrain Park. Along with the regular terrain park, this one will be located nearby and will feature trees, tree stumps and branches for skiers and snowboarders to conquer. The resort also expanded its lodge services, including its kitchen area. In the past, about the only line skiers ever had to stand it was the lunch line, and hopefully the expansion will now eliminate that line.

SNOWBASIN — Hungry and thirsty skiers will be pleased to know that the resort has built a coffee bar at the base of the Strawberry Gondola, which will serve hot drinks, pastries and snacks. In the past, skiers have had to ski a distance to one of the two lodges for refreshments. Last year, because of snow conditions, it was not able to put as much emphasis on its new backcountry program, which involved guided ski experiences in controlled out-of-bounds areas, as it would have liked. If conditions allow this year, it will expand that program.