With the first big dump already behind us in Utah, this weekend is shaping up to be a promising one as Deer Valley Resort opens for the season. Once again, the resort is launching their inaugural weekend with the annual Celebrity SkiFest, which this marks its 25-year anniversary. In addition to creating a perfect atmosphere for a whole lot of celebrity antics on and off the hill, the SkiFest brings people together to raise money for Waterkeeper Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to ensuring access to clean water around the globe. "Hosting the Celebrity Skifest has provided us with amazing and consistent network television coverage for our opening weekend for the last 25 years while also supporting a great cause," says Coleen Reardon, Deer Valley's Marketing Director, "We are so grateful that Juma Entertainment has chosen Deer Valley as the home of this event year after year." This is your chance to join Deer Valley and the visiting stars from film, television, and the Olympics as they pair up for an unforgettable weekend of winter fun. 

Skiing For a Cause

With a growing network of more than 295 grassroots organizations, the Waterkeeper Alliance is dedicated to protecting rivers, lakes, and coastal waterways on six continents. Cofounded by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., one of the event's celebrities, the organization's campaigns reflect its mission of ensuring clean water for the entire planet by promoting clean energy, defending waters, and changing laws to prevent destructive farming and meat production practices. 

Celebrity Races + Entertainment

Before Deer Valley's lifts start turning on Saturday, the Skifest kicks off on Friday night at 9 p.m. with the Waterkeeper Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Empire Canyon Lodge. Think you have the poker face to win? Buy-ins start at $500 for the Water Lovers' tables and $1,500 for the high roller table. Proceeds from the tournament benefit Waterkeeper, of course,  but guests still have the chance to snag some incredible prizes. If you wish to compete, you must register ahead of time by contacting [email protected]

The bulk of the action takes place on the Birdseye ski run on Saturday, Dec. 3rd and Sunday, Dec. 4th at noon on both days. On Saturday Olympians, sponsors, and celebrities pair up for the Pro-Am giant slalom race while Sunday features the Celebrity Challenge. In addition to stars like Cheryl Hines, Pierce Brosnan, "Papa John" Schnatter, Larry David, and many others, some of U.S. skiing's biggest legends will also be participating in the races, including Steve Mahre, Jonny Moseley, Tommy Moe, and Deer Valley’s Ambassador of Skiing, Heidi Voelker. 

The public is welcome to spectate at no charge from the Silver Lake area at mid-mountain (anyone wishing to ski in, however, must buy a Deer Valley lift ticket). If you want to catch the action, but can't give up getting in your own turns for the day, you can relive the event on CBS Sports Network on Sunday, December 11 at 5 p.m., EST.

Saturday's events end in Kamas at the DeJoria Center with a Waterkeeper Alliance gala dinner and benefit auction at 7 p.m., followed by a concert with multi-platinum entertainer, Dierks Bentley. You can join the celebrities for an unforgettable evening, grab a ticket for $1,250 or reserve at table for $10,000 by sending your RSVP to [email protected] There's also a limited number of tickets available for $150 that include just the concert portion of the evening and access to the Patron Spirits cocktail bar from 9:30-11 p.m. For details, visit the Waterkeeper website.  

Looks like it's going to be another weekend of snow-filled fun and resort openings. See you there!