Taking time off work and simply sleeping until you wake up or reading a book at a coffee shop can sometimes feel like a fabulous vacation, but to achieve the kind of getaway that truly alters your state of mind, it is necessary to head to higher ground. Come winter time, nothing is more exhilarating, heartwarming, and ultimately relaxing than a ski excursion with the ones you love, and for the best of the best, try Deer Valley as the focus of your transcendent trip.

Deer Valley, Utah is considered by the ski community to be top-notch and even winter sports neophytes will recognize greatness when they set foot in this privileged cluster of mountains that are liberally dusted with a dry, powdery snow from December to April. Since the 1980’s this has been a dominant destination due to its natural wonders, fine facilities, and extra special touches. From the peak of Empire Canyon to the cozy cabin of an old-fashioned sleigh, there’s a vantage point here that everyone will find appealing.

Four mountains make up the profile of Deer Valley, each offering an engaging experience fit for any number of skiers. Experts will be challenged, beginners will be helped along, and adrenaline seekers will be revved up by the rougher trails and untouched snow. If these slopes are good enough to host Olympic events, they should be good enough for weekend warriors too, so hop aboard a lift and rise above the level of your usual vacations.

In addition to do-your-own-thing skiing, the mountains offer a number of specialized itineraries for your heart pounding pleasure. Adventurous snowmobile tours, group races, and the “Tricks and Turns" terrain park, which boasts of jumps, rails, and other fun features, are all worth a look. Deer Valley is also the home of NASTAR, an expansive and inclusive racing program that lets skiers compare themselves to one another no matter when or where they make their trip down the mountain. Ignite your competitive spirit or just have some fun, Deer Valley will encourage you either way.

If you’d like to give your downhill skis a rest yet still crave the feeling of breathing in the fresh, crisp air, be assured that there’s plenty more going on here. Snowshoeing in the backcountry, hot air ballooning, or taking a cross-country trek will delight and exhaust you in that wonderful, it’s-good-to-be-alive way. At the end of the day, ease your muscles in a warm bath and enjoy a spirited après-ski that will prepare you for another round in just a few hours.

Your evenings can also be spent attending a show, dining on a fabulous meal, shopping at an art gallery, or picking up a few souvenirs for your poor pals back home who certainly aren’t having nearly as much fun as you. Deer Valley has several bars and clubs that will continue the spirit of release that you discovered on the mountaintop, and you’ll probably discover that nothing is better than sinking into a warm bed after exerting yourself and then topping it all off with a bit of fun and laughter.

Of course, summer in Deer Valley is also a jam-packed jamboree of fun and frivolity. The snow will melt to reveal a network of hike and bike trails, the wildflowers will bloom, and outdoor festivals and special events will fill the calendar. Make this the first time you visit or return after a winter session, either way it’s worth seeing the mountains in a greener time of year.

Catapult this trip into the stratosphere by ensuring that your lodging situation is tailor-made to fit your needs. Settle your family into a comfortable space that will allow you to feel happy and well-taken care of rather than overly-cramped or in danger of wearing on each other’s nerves. Any space feels small after a few hours in the great outdoors, so pick a cabin with high ceilings, lots of bedrooms, and picture windows on each wall. You won’t want to miss a bit of the majestic scenery as you eat, sleep and cozy up to your special someone in front of the fireplace.

If the idea of kicking back in a Deer Valley Vacation Rental, skiing your heart out, and spending quality time with your family this winter appeal to you in any way, then don’t waste another day thinking about how you should start planning a trip. Do it now, do it well, and do it knowing that you deserve the best.