The Deer Valley resort in Park City, Utah is having some very special deals this winter to help you and your little skiers have fun without going bankrupt. Not only does Deer Valley offer children and teen ski programs, the resort keeps everyone entertained while they're hard at play.

Bucky the deer mascot hangs out to greet children while Silver the eagle teaches them all about ski safety. Parents can drop their kids off at a group lesson or enroll them in a private session (a specialty here), then hit the slopes for the day (or take an adult lesson if they need a refresher). FTF has written about Deer Valley before, so check out other articles on what makes this a top-rated family vacation:

Deer Valley Resort, Park City, Utah
Utah's Sky High Deer Valley Resort.

We're not the only ones who love Deer Valley. This award-winning resort merits prizes for its skiing as well as its cuisine. There are six mountains so you'll never do the same trail twice, and 10 on-mountain restaurants, so everyone is bound to find a favorite dish after a long day of fun. Don't even ask about their chocolate chip cookies.

Ski trips can be expensive so the "Exceptional Value Package" is exactly that, a great value. When you book lodging and lift tickets at Deer Valley for any of the periods between December 6-25, 2008 or January 4-15 and March 22-April 13, 2009, they'll take 25% off the total cost. Bookings between January 25-February 11 as well as February 22-March 1, 2009 will get 15% off as well. Kids don't miss out on savings either; multi-day lift vouchers are discounted, too.

Deer Valley is even offering free lodging for guests who stay in some of their properties on select dates from December to March. The "Stay and Play and Super Ski package" gives a free night of lodging when 4N are purchased and includes four days of skiing for every adult in your group and discounted children's lift vouchers.

There are also two deals when it comes to specific lodges at Deer Valley. The Black Bear Lodge, which has hot tubs and fireplaces in some suites, offers a 5th night of free lodging in January from the 4th to the 31st, but also gives guests who purchase this package exclusive prices on skiing. Now you can save money on sleeping and sport.

There's also and enticing incentive to stay at the Goldener Hirsch Inn, which has rooms with king-size beds and balconies. If guests book 2 nights or more or 4 nights or more in any of their rooms, including lobby rooms, deluxe rooms and suites, they'll receive two or four single-day lift passes for each adult and a free European breakfast buffet every morning. This package is only good for the pre-season 12-18 December period.

Deer Valley has one last deal this winter and it's for movie lovers who also like to ski, or the other way around. The "Sundance Film Festival Stay, Ski & Screen" package allows guests to pair their lodging with either tons of movies and a side of skiing or tons of skiing with a side of movies. The first option is from January 23-25 and includes a day of skiing, admission to a closing night film, screenings for three days and a pass to the Awards Night Party on January 24.

The other package option has two days of skiing, film screenings from January 21-24, but only before 10am or after 10pm (you have to ski sometime!) and a pass to the Awards Night Party. Both packages include van airport transfer.

You don't have to spend your child's college savings to afford a family ski trip this winter, especially if you book early. Deer Valley gives savings (40% or more for teens and 10% for everyone else) if you book 3 non-holiday nights or more at least 7 days in advance. You'll also save 10% on either adult ski lessons or ski rental. All bookings must be made through Deer Valley's Central Reservations at 800/558-3337 to receive the savings. Also keep in mind that Deer Valley isn't snowboard friendly.

For more information visit Deer Valley's site or call their Reservations Agents at 800/424-3337 or 435/645-6522.

by Selina Andersson

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