Settling into its third season as part of the Alterra family, Deer Valley Resort is switching up a few things, most notably with a new RFID (radio-frequency identification) system. Passholders—both season and Ikon—proceed directly to the lift and let the chip technology do the work. Daily lift ticket sales, now dictated by dynamic pricing, continue to be capped based on open terrain and lodge capacity. Yes, DV will still sell out.

Real-time digital signage as well as snowmaking improvements and additions to snowcat and transportation fleets round out the $7.6 million tab on 2019–2020 improvements.

As Vail Resorts continues to snap up ski areas around the country, the Epic Pass’s reach is broadening and the mind-boggling pass options keep growing. But the most significant on-hill improvements at Park City Mountain are the new Over and Out downloading chairlift, which links skiers from the bottom of Tombstone Express to the top of Sunrise chairlift, and a revamped learning area at Park City base (First Time Park).

Upgrades to on-mountain eats continue as well. Last year, Mid Mountain got a face-lift. This year, the Tombstone food truck gets the boot, and the smokin’ eatery transforms into a brick-and-mortar BBQ hot spot with seating, deck space, restrooms, and—cheers!—a beer bar.