DEER VALLEY RESORT, PARK CITY, UTAH (Summer, 2004) – Deer Valley Resort has offered chairlift-accessed hiking and mountain biking since 1992, one of the first Utah mountain resorts to do so. This year, for the first time ever, the Resort will be running the Silver Lake Express chairlift from the Snow Park the base area, which will transfer to the Sterling chairlift at the Resort's mid-mountain area, allowing guests the chance to ride from 7,200 to 9,400 feet, all on scenic chairlifts.

Guests can begin or end their day at either the base or Silver Lake mid-mountain area of Deer Valley's mountain; opening up even more terrain, adventure and accessibility for hikers, bikers and scenic chairlift riders. In addition, Deer Valley will now provide provide mountain bike instruction and guide service portion as part their mountain bike operation, so all aspects of mountain biking will be operated by the professional Deer Valley staff, from bike rentals to lift ticket sales, to clinics, guides and the bike safety patrol.

“The advantage of putting all of our mountain bike services under the Deer Valley umbrella is that we'll be able to offer our guests even more,” says John Guay, Director of Skier Services. “Since our own experienced staff will be running our Deer Valley Mountain Bike School, we'll be able to offer new clinics and all sorts of inclusive packages.

We are creating a 3-hour package that will include bike rental, a clinic and a lift ticket for the chair. We're going to run more clinics, as opposed to lessons,” continues Guay. “Many people don't feel they need a lesson, per se, but they'd like to be guided around the mountain, shown where the cool trails are for their abilities and be given a few tips about how to ride better.”

Deer Valley offers over 50 miles of lift-accessed mountain biking and hiking trails, providing adventure for all ages and abilities. Guests can choose a leisurely stroll down a wildflower-lined hiking trail, an adrenaline-producing mountain bike downhill course, or a scenic chairlift ride where they can lightly swing their feet over the sage, mountain grasses and trees.

The same impeccable service and attention to detail offered to skiers during winter are rendered to the Resort's summertime guests. A full-time staff dedicates the summer to trail design, maintenance and improvement. “We put a lot of effort into our trail system,” says Steve Graff, Resort bike patrol manager. “We're always evaluating and reworking turns in the trails. For example, with the advent of suspension in recreational mountain biking, speeds are faster. We'll be working on cleaning up the lower mountain trails this summer, as more people will have access to them with the addition of the Silver Lake Express chairlift running. Our staff are all avid mountain bikers. We're out there every day. We're in touch with what the guests want.”

Deer Valley's mountain bike reputation is world-renowned, consistently placing top-10 in the country as a mountain bike destination and hosting mountain bike events of national and international caliber. More than 30 trails ranging from easy to expert provide winding single-track through the aspens, vast meadows, thrilling downhills and wide dirt roads. In addition to the trails themselves, the Resort offers bike rentals, accessories and repairs on-site, clinics and instruction, races and tours.

Over 40 high-quality, full-suspension mountain bikes are offered for rent at the Bike Corral located outside Silver Lake Lodge at the base of the Sterling lift. The Bike Corral is open Wednesdays through Sundays and holidays, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., June 18 through Labor Day and weekends only through September 19 (weather permitting). Bike rentals for adults are $41 for all day or $29 for a half-day (three hours). Bike rentals for juniors, typically ages 6 – 12 years (tire sizes 20” or 24”) are $31 for all day or $19 for a half-day (three hours). Bike rental includes helmet and a complimentary water bottle. A full line of accessories such as tires, tubes, water bottles, gloves and protective gear are also available for a fee.

For hikers, the Resort offers over 20 miles of pristine trails, including six mountain bike trails that have been designated for multiple use. A _- mile paved walking trail at the top of 9400-foot Bald Mountain, the Scenic Overlook, offers beautiful views of the sparkling Jordanelle Reservoir and Uinta Mountains. The easy walkway makes it possible for visitors of all ages and abilities to access breathtaking mountain views and fresh alpine air. Enjoy a scenic chairlift ride and then this short, easy walk before riding the chair back down.

Access to the top of the Bald Mountain for either hiking or biking is via the Silver Lake Express and Sterling lifts. The Silver Lake Express lift will operate Wednesdays through Sundays and holidays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., June 18 through Labor Day, conditions permitting. The Sterling chairlift will operate the same days and dates, but will close at 5 p.m. All-day, lift-served mountain bike passes are $20 and single-ride passes with bike are $12. Scenic chairlift rides are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (65+), $8 for children ages six to 12, with kids five and under riding free. Purchasing a $250 season pass allows riders unlimited access to both chairlifts all summer long. Please note that any Deer Valley guest with a 2003/2004 season ski pass can ride both lifts free all summer. Bikers are required to sign a liability release prior to boarding the chairlift. Parents or guardians must sign for minor bikers (17 years or younger). Helmets are required for all bikers.

For more information on Deer Valley's lift-served mountain biking, hiking and scenic ride programs, contact Resort Communications Manager Christa Graff at 800-424-DEER (3337), 435-645-6522, or view the Resort Web site at www.deervalley.com.