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DEER VALLEY — Located less than 40 miles east of Salt Lake City is a winter wonderland. Deer Valley Resort played host to the world during the 2002 Winter Olympics.
"To really have the world's focus right here at Deer Valley was something so special," said Ben Wheaton, president and manager of Deer Valley Resort.
But that's only part of the reasons this paradise is so special.
"The accessibility, how easy it is to get here," Wheaton added. "The resources that we have."
The first chair lift started in the late 1940's right here on this mountain. Since then, the resort has added 21 different chair lifts, 101 different runs and 2000 acres of fresh white powder. Now it's a gathering place for people from all over the United States and the world as people taste the exhilarating powder and see the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Playing host to the Olympics was monumental for Deer Valley. During the games, Deer Valley was home to the freestyle moguls, aerials, and the alpine men's and women's slalom events.
"It truly showed off our state, showed off the people here, what we have to offer," said Wheaton.
Nearly 100,000 people came to the resort to witness history during the games.
"Was it worth it? Absolutely. Would we do it again...in a heartbeat," said Wheaton.
Deer Valley Resort is equipped with 101 runs, but they're not just for the experts. Anyone can come and partake of the majestic powder — nearly 300 inches of new snow every year — to be able to shred right through.
Moving forward, the resort says they'll continually try to put resources back into the area.
"We're working with Wasatch County right now on a pretty good size expansion over on the Highway 40 side," said Wheaton.
That expansion includes a military hotel in coordination with the Military Installation Development Agency. The development includes land in Mayflower, between Jordanelle Reservoir and Deer Valley.
